Abstract: Systems and methods described herein include receiving, at a network device and from a session management device, a first message that includes a first identifier associated with a subscriber and a second identifier associated with a first service that is charged using an online charging system. The network device transmits a second message that indicates a first time period in which to report data usage associated with the first service and a second time period in which to report data usage associated with one or more second services that are charged using an offline charging system. The network device receives first data usage information associated with the first service after the first time period and second data usage information associated with the one or more second services after the second time period. The network device processes the data usage information.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method comprises receiving, via a mobile station, contextual information or geographic location data relating to a plurality of members of the population within the geographic region, identifying a common element in the received contextual information relating to at least two members of the population as a basis for defining a geofence to include the at least two members, wherein the common element is identified upon a comparison of the first and second contextual information, and defining the boundary of the geofence.

Abstract: Disclosures herein provide methods and servers for releasing mission critical data (MCData) communication in a wireless communication system. The release of MCData communication is initiated by MCData UE by using the hyper text transfer protocol (HTTP) or the release of MCData communication is initiated by a MCData server with or without prior notification to the MCData UE.

Abstract: Techniques include securely maintaining data associated with a plurality of authentication credentials; generating, as a function of the data associated with a selected group of the plurality of authentication credentials, a secret data element; making available, the secret data element, to be embedded in a first authentication credential; identifying an attempt to change the first authentication credential, the attempt including new authentication credential data to replace data in the first authentication credential; validating, conditional on whether the new authentication credential data includes the secret data element, the new authentication credential data; and determining, based on the validating, whether to perform a control action based on the new authentication credential data.

Abstract: A telecommunications network for playing an enhanced announcement in the same format as that of an enhanced call is described herein. An enhanced call is a call via real time text or video. The telecommunications network includes a node or subsystem, such as an IP multimedia subsystem core (IMS or IMS core), programmed to receive an enhanced call in a text or video format, detect the format of the enhanced call, and return an enhanced announcement—an announcement provided in the same format as the enhanced call. The IMS core can include one or more sub-nodes or sub-components, including a telephony application server (TAS), a media resource function (MRF), or both.

Abstract: Pre-authorized communication services and/or transactions are provided via a plurality of networks in response to a request received from a user to provide at least one of a communication service, a transaction and user account information via a plurality of networks of different types. Prior to processing the request, there is verification of the user's authorization to receive the at least one of the communication service, the transaction, and the user account information, and that an account associated with the user has a sufficient amount currently available for payment of the at least one of the communication service and the transaction. After verification, an authorized account associated with the user is charged in real time as the at least one of the communication service and the transaction is provided.

Abstract: A digital identity system comprises an enrolment module configured to receive a data item captured from an identity document, and create in persistent electronic storage a digital identity comprising the data item, a credential creation module configured to issue to a user device a credential bound to the digital identity, and a validation service. The validation service is configured to receive an electronic message comprising the credential and identifying a target device, validate the credential, and if the credential is valid, use the credential to transmit an electronic message to the target device, so as to render the data item of the digital identity available to the target device.

Abstract: A system for facilitating automated response to an event notifying signal, the system including a network monitoring module, an assessment module, a resource monitoring module, and a resource response module. The network monitoring module is configured for monitoring signals received over a data network for a presence of one or more event notifying signals indicative of a relevant incident. The assessment module is configured for assessing a response of the one or more event notifying signals and a resource tasked to the response. The resource monitoring module is configured for monitoring a status of a resource tasked to the response of the event notifying signal. The resource response module is configured for communicating the response to the resource tasked to the response.

Abstract: A method of a digital identity system generating a sharing token for authenticating a bearer to a validator, wherein a data store of the digital identity system holds a plurality of attributes of the bearer, the method comprising implementing by the digital identity system the following steps: receiving at the digital identity system from a bearer an electronic sharing token request, wherein the token request identifies at least one of the bearer's attributes in the data store selected for sharing with a validator; in response to the electronic token request, generating a sharing token, which is unique to that request, for presentation by the bearer to a validator; associating with the unique sharing token at the digital identity system the identified at least one bearer attribute; and issuing to the bearer the unique sharing token; and wherein later presentation of the unique sharing token to the digital identify system by a validator causes the at least one bearer attribute associated with the sharing token

Abstract: A wireless device transmits, to a second wireless device via an internet protocol multimedia subsystem (IMS) network entity, a session initiation protocol (SIP) invitation. The SIP invitation may comprise a session description protocol (SDP). The SDP may comprise a media type and one or more attributes. The media type may identify a protocol for controlling operational orders. The controlling operational orders may comprise at least: mechanical operational orders; and electrical operational orders. The one or more attributes may identify a format of the protocol to establish a SIP session. The wireless device may receive, from the second wireless device via the IMS network entity, a SIP confirmation for the SIP session. The wireless device may control the second wireless device employing the controlling operational orders identified by the media type.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a secured password and authentication mechanism for programming and updating software and firmware are provided. Some methods can include a control panel device or a server device generating a onetime password or security token, the control panel device or the server device identifying an authorized user and a phone number of a mobile device associated with the authorized user, the control panel device or the server device using the phone number to transmit the onetime password or security token to the mobile device, the control panel device receiving user input including the onetime password or security token and instructions to program or update the software or firmware of the control panel device or to power off or restart the control panel device, and the control panel device executing the instructions when the onetime password or security token is valid.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and a device for accessing a smart camera. The method includes detecting access media for accessing the smart camera. The method also includes generating an access request corresponding to the access media when detecting that the access media is a local area network. The access request carries an access password. The method further includes sending the access request to the smart camera, such that the smart camera allows access after successfully verifying the access password in the access request.

Abstract: A payment reader and a merchant device may communicate over a wireless connection. Reliable and unreliable packets may be transmitted over a single messaging path. Each of a plurality of unreliable packet may include a data payload and a packet identifier. The unreliable packets and a reliable packet may be transmitted over the single messaging path during a first connection event. A response to the reliable packet may be received during the second event and may include a received packet listing. If the received packet listing indicates that any of the unreliable packets were not received, any unreliable packet that was not received may be retransmitted.

Abstract: A system for adding, authorizing, or activating pre-paid wireless service includes a sticker, and a server. The sticker has an authorization code. The sticker is configured to be affixed to a surface of a product. The server is configured to receive the authorization code. The server is further configured to verify that the received authorization code is authentic. The server is further configured to at least one of add, authorize, and activate wireless service in response to receiving and verifying the received authorization code.

Abstract: The invention is an authentication framework that enables a user to log in to a website using an Internet-connected device, such as smartphone, smart watch, smart glasses, or tablet, while browsing on a computer. The framework makes it easier for people with certain disabilities to log in to a website, such as by removing the mandatory step of entering usernames and passwords while giving users multiple options through which they are establish their identity using Internet-connected devices. For example, gyroscope, camera, microphone, or the accelerometer can be used to provide credentials. This approach of the framework greatly reduces the number of barriers that a user with disability encounters when trying to use password-based authentication on the Internet.

Abstract: Pre-authorized communication services and/or transactions are provided via a plurality of networks in response to a request received from a user to provide at least one of a communication service, a transaction and user account information via a plurality of networks of different types. Prior to processing the request, there is verification of the user's authorization to receive the at least one of the communication service, the transaction, and the user account information, and that an account associated with the user has a sufficient amount currently available for payment of the at least one of the communication service and the transaction. After verification, an authorized account associated with the user is charged in real time as the at least one of the communication service and the transaction is provided.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a digital identity system including an enrolment module executing on a processor configured to receive a data item from an enrolling device and to create in persistent electronic storage a digital profile comprising the data item. The system also includes a credential creation module executing on a processor configured to generate a credential from a random sequence, to associate the credential with the digital profile in a database, and to transmit the credential to the enrolling device. The system further includes a publication module executing on a processor configured, in response to later presentation of the credential to the digital identity system, to publish the digital profile by storing a version of the digital profile in a memory location accessible to a device presenting the credential.

Abstract: A privacy management system that is configured to process one or more data subject access requests and further configured to: (1) enable a data protection officer to submit an audit request; (2) perform an audit based on one or more parameters provided as part of the request (e.g., one or more parameters such as how long an average request takes to fulfill, one or more parameters related to logging and/or tracking data subject access requests and/or complaints from one or more particular customer advocacy groups, individuals, NGOs, etc.); and (3) provide one or more audit results to the officer (e.g., by displaying the results on a suitable display screen).

Abstract: In a method for verifying statements made during a call, while the call is in progress, data of a portion of the call is received from a telecommunication device used in the call, at a system over a data network. The portion is related to a statement made during the call. A textual content of the data is subjected to NLP to locate a part of the statement that is asserted as true. The part is extracted from the data. Information is obtained from a data source to determine whether the part of the statement is validated by the information. When the part is invalidated, the part is indicated as false in a result. The result is transmitted to the telecommunication device, while the call is in progress at the telecommunication device, the result. The transmitting causes a change to occur in the call at the telecommunication device.

Abstract: Aspects and examples are disclosed for facilitating mobile commerce. In one example, a processing device receives a data network identifier or other identifier from a commerce application. The data network identifier or other identifier can be associated with a mobile device conducting a transaction with the commerce application. The processing device can also obtain a credential associated with the mobile device using the data network identifier. The processing device can additionally retrieve identification information from a credit file associated with the credential. The identification information can be useable for completing the transaction. The processing device can further transmit the identification information to a computing device executing the commerce application.

Abstract: A method is provided which relates to online charging within an IP Multimedia Subsystem, IMS. The method comprises at an IMS charging node (30): (a) receiving (S-C) a credit control request message from an IMS service network node (20) over a service charging interface (22) provided between the IMS service node (20) and the IMS charging node (30); (b) determining (S-A; S-D) with reference to one or more triggering conditions that an announcement is to be provided to a user associated with the credit control request message and/or another user; and (c) following such a determination, initiating an announcement service in the IMS service node (20) by sending (S-E) an announcement request in a credit control answer message over the service charging interface (22) to the IMS service node (20), the credit control answer message being in response to the credit control request message, and the announcement request comprising announcement information relating to the announcement to be provided.

Abstract: Adaptive ambient services are provided via a proxy. The proxy allows a wireless device to access, through the proxy, a set of Internet access destinations associated with a wireless data service. During such access, the proxy measures data traffic exchanged with the wireless device and classifies such traffic as associated with a one of the Internet access destinations that was accessed. According to adaptive rules, such classification continues until the traffic is no longer associated with that Internet access destination.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods, and systems pertaining to the verification of portable consumer devices are disclosed. In one implementation, a verification token is coupled to a computer by a USB connection so as to use the computer's networking facilities. The verification token reads identification information from a user's portable consumer device (e.g., credit card) and sends the information to a validation entry over a communications network using the computer's networking facilities. The validation entity applies one or more validation tests to the information that it receives from the verification token. If a selected number of tests are passed, the validation entity sends a device verification value to the verification token, and optionally to a payment processing network. The verification token may enter the device verification value into a CVV field of a web page appearing on the computer's display, or may display the value to the user using the computer's display.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a digital identity system including an enrolment module executing on a processor configured to receive a data item from an enrolling device and to create in persistent electronic storage a digital profile comprising the data item. The system also includes a credential creation module executing on a processor configured to generate a credential from a random sequence, to associate the credential with the digital profile in a database, and to transmit the credential to the enrolling device. The system further includes a publication module executing on a processor configured, in response to later presentation of the credential to the digital identity system, to publish the digital profile by storing a version of the digital profile in a memory location accessible to a device presenting the credential.

Abstract: A portable apparatus is removably and communicatively connectable to a network device to communicate authentication or authorization credentials of a user in connection with the user logging into or entering into a transaction with a network site. The apparatus includes a communications port to connect and disconnect the apparatus to and from the network device and to establish a communication link with the network device when connected thereto. A processor receives a secure message from the network security server via the port. The message has a PIN for authenticating the user to the network site, and is readable only by the apparatus. The processor either transfers, via the port, the received PIN to an application associated with the network site that is executing on the network device or causes the apparatus to display the received PIN for manual transfer to the application associated with the network site.

Abstract: A web services-based communication system and technique uses an information server to facilitate the communication of process control data and analysis results between a plurality of web services coupled to a communication network. A graphical user interface coupled to the network enables users to store user profile information and configuration information in a database within the information server. The information server uses the configuration information and the profile information to control the operations of a scheduler and a router within the information server to enable users to selectively view process control information via the graphical user interface and to route process control information to appropriate ones of the web services.

Abstract: An approach is provided for presenting an activation indicator to a user. A connection with a mobile device is detected. Retrieval is caused, at least in part, of a unique hardware identifier associated with the mobile device. It is determined that the mobile device is eligible for a service based on the unique hardware identifier. Presentation is caused, at least in part, of a visual indicator of the eligibility for the service based on the determination.

Abstract: A method of receiving a one-click activation request from a user, including searching and reserving toll-free numbers in a “One-Click” manner and providing users with the ability to create a standard toll-free service in the interim with number forwarding.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for protecting security credentials (e.g., username/password combinations) and/or other sensitive data in a “password vault.” A password vault device may be or may be incorporated into a portable (or even wearable) electronic device, such as a smart phone, smart watch, smart glasses, etc. When a security credential is requested during a user's operation of the password vault device or some other computing/communication device, such as when the user is accessing an online site or service via a browser program, the request is passed to the password vault, and the appropriate security credential is retrieved, delivered, and entered into the requesting interface.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing obligated network resources may include establishing network resources obligated to serve a user for use of a networked electronic device on a communications network. Network usage data of the networked electronic device of the user operating on the communications network over a time period may be collected in a data repository. A determination may be made by the computing device as to whether the network usage data exceeds a minimum usage threshold level over the time period. In response to the computing device determining that the network usage data exceeds the usage threshold level over the time period, the network resources obligated to serve the user may be maintained. Otherwise, the network resources obligated to serve the user may be caused to be released, thereby reducing obligated network resources.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for wireless data clearing and settlement. The disclosed systems and methods relate towards near real-time ratings for purposes of wireless rating for data clearing and financial settlement. The present disclosure reconciles differing rating attribute formats using flexible matching. The disclosed systems and methods apply known negotiated rates for Home Service Provider (HSP) users roaming onto a VNP hotspot, and apply a standardized set of attributes of the contract with the applicable HSP, and other attributes applying a different set of rates to another HSP. The present disclosure provides systems and methods that enable traffic to be offloaded more easily from the Wide Area Networks (WAN) or macro networks.

Abstract: Methods in a charging system (20), in a charging node or charging server comprise associating plural telecommunications services (S) with a product (P) and creating a product instance, the product instance being available to a subscriber entity and having a product instance lifecycle. The methods further comprise, upon receiving a service reservation, checking whether the service reservation is for a first reserved service of the plural telecommunication services associated with the product instance and, if so, reserving a fee for the product instance against a payor account. The methods further comprise, upon receiving a first notification of use by the subscriber entity of any of the plural services associated with the product instance, posting the fee to the payor account.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus are presented for enabling unlimited roaming service on a roaming partner switch. In one aspect, a method includes configuring a billing system corresponding to a home wireless service provider to authorize a subscriber device to receive unlimited roaming service on a roaming partner switch; receiving, by the home wireless service provider, a registration request from the roaming partner switch identifying the subscriber device; registering the subscriber device in the billing system as an unlimited roaming service subscriber device; and providing unlimited roaming service to the subscriber device. Further, a call request associated with the subscriber device can be received from the roaming partner switch and billing associated with the call request can be suspended.

Abstract: A buddy list is used to provide a service to a user if the service is blocked. A user may store multiple profiles in a user device, and each profile identifies a different buddy list. If the user's service is blocked, the user device is configured to retrieve a profile and send a request to use a buddy list from the profile to utilize the service. If a request is rejected, another profile is tried until the request is approved or until all the profiles have been exhausted.

Abstract: A system, method and a computer program product for automatically provisioning an abbreviated dialing code are disclosed. The system includes a provisioning manager designed to process a request to provision an abbreviated dialing code. The provisioning manager includes a provisioning server that receives the request and a database of rules, communicatively coupled to the provisioning server, that stores one or more rules associated with the abbreviated dialing code. The system also includes a registry manager, communicatively coupled to the provisioning manager, that determines whether an abbreviated dialing code is registered.

Abstract: A pre-paid mobile phone cash wallet system. The system comprises a processor, a memory, and an application stored in the memory. When executed by the processor, the application receives an initiation message of a pre-paid mobile phone cash wallet, wherein the initiation message identifies a pre-paid wireless communication account, an amount of money presented, and a wallet initiation agent, creates the wallet, where a funds balance of the wallet initially comprises at least a portion of the amount of money presented, persists an association between the wallet and the wallet initiation agent in a memory, and determines a monetary reward for the wallet initiation agent.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved revenue call management system for use with a telecommunication system. The revenue management system preferably includes a remote server, a user database, and a plurality of databases. When a call is placed, the revenue management system queries the user database based on the telephone number dialed to bill the appropriate account. If no account exists for the dialed telephone number, the revenue system queries a multitude of internal and external databases to determine if the dialed telephone number is billable. If the telephone number is un-billable, the collect call attempt is terminated. The revenue management system is capable of establishing accounts in real time while the caller and called party are on the line.

Abstract: A system and method for providing prepaid billing for users of an instant messaging system. A method includes determining whether a prepaid account balance associated with an IM client request satisfies a pre-determined criteria, establishing a regular IM session if the prepaid account satisfies the criteria, and establishing a limited IM session if the prepaid account does not satisfy the criteria. The system includes a prepaid account screener operable to determine whether a prepaid account balance satisfies the criteria, establish a regular IM session if the prepaid account satisfies the criteria, and establish a limited IM session if the prepaid account does not satisfy the criteria.

Abstract: A computing network, including: a plurality of peer computing devices including code, which when executed by a peer computing device causes the executing peer computing device to cooperate with at least one other of the peer computing devices; at least one server including code, which when executed by the at least one server locates at least one of the peer computing devices; and at least one mediator including code, which when executed by the at least on mediator collects charging information from at least some of the peer computing devices; wherein, the peer computing devices, at least one sever and at least one mediator are communicatively coupled via an at least carrier-grade telecommunications network being suitable for enhancing cooperation among the cooperating ones of the peer computing devices relative to best-efforts communications among the cooperating ones of the peer computing devices.

Abstract: Pre-authorized communication services and/or transactions are provided via a plurality of networks in response to a request received from a user to provide at least one of a communication service, a transaction and user account information via a plurality of networks of different types. Prior to processing the request, there is verification of the user's authorization to receive the at least one of the communication service, the transaction, and the user account information, and that an account associated with the user has a sufficient amount currently available for payment of the at least one of the communication service and the transaction. After verification, an authorized account associated with the user is charged in real time as the at least one of the communication service and the transaction is provided.

Abstract: A charging monitoring method includes triggering a quota monitoring procedure for a consumption amount of an international roaming subscriber when it is determined that a service request is specific to the international roaming subscriber. The quota monitoring procedure is performed in a charging network element of an intelligent network system. The method also includes monitoring the consumption amount of the international roaming subscriber through the quota monitoring procedure to determine whether the consumption amount reaches a preset quota. If the consumption amount reaches the preset quota, the method includes rejecting the service request according to a rejection instruction returned by the charging network element. If the consumption amount does not reach the preset quota, the method includes approving the service request according to an approval instruction returned by the charging network element.

Abstract: A system for billing communications between a subscriber and a verified professional comprising a verified professional repository and a central tracking system. The central tracking system is configured to receive a communication request targeting the registered device ID, determine an applied billing rate using a value set by the verified professional, and transmit the applied billing rate to the subscriber. The central tracking system is further configured to track the connection, generate a communication data file comprising the registered device ID, the subscriber ID, the applied billing rate, the communication duration, and the billing signal. The central tracking system is further configured to obtain a billable duration by parsing the communication data file using the billing signal and the communication duration, calculate a communication charge using the applied billing rate and billable duration, and pay the verified professional a portion of the communication charge.

Abstract: A method for re-rating a prepaid user is proposed in the present invention. Compared with prior prepaid systems, the present invention introduces new functional entities, i.e. a re-rating management apparatus and an offline charging apparatus, and enhances the existing functional-entity, i.e. the online charging apparatus.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable media for facilitating a remote deposit to a prepaid card account are disclosed. In one example, the method includes receiving, via an application programming interface (API) supported by a central switch node, a web based service message containing a load request from an acquiring entity. The method further includes utilizing, at the central switch node, the load request to identify an issuing entity that hosts a prepaid card account associated with the load request from among a plurality of issuing entities and communicating the load request from the central switch node to the issuing entity.

Abstract: A telecommunications method for call forwarding including storing information regarding a called party in at least one local database, where the information regarding the called party is stored in a user account and making a telephone call by dialing a telephone number with a telephone, where the telephone is contained in a telephone management system. The method also includes determining whether the telephone number is associated with the user account and transferring, via the switchboard, the call to the called party if the telephone number is associated with the user account, where the telephone management system is in communication with a revenue management system, and also where the revenue management system contains at least one local database.

Abstract: Methods for adding minutes to a calling plan having a calling plan period. The methods including determining whether a threshold number of minutes have been reached during the calling plan period; and incrementally adding minutes to the calling plan when the threshold number of minutes has been reached. The cost per minute of the added minutes is less than the high-cost per minute rate normally associated with exceeding the threshold number of minutes during the calling plan period.

Abstract: A method for assigning an alias telephone number to a long distance telephone number in connection with a pre-paid account, comprising obtaining from a user an account number, a long distance number and an originating call number; comparing said account number and long distance number against an alias number database to confirm that no local alias number has been assigned to said long distance number and account number combination; identifying from a pool of available local alias numbers a local alias number having the same area code, or an area code from the same calling area, as said originating telephone number; associating said available local alias number with said long distance number, said account number, and said originating telephone number; and sending a message to said user advising of the association of said local alias number with said long distance number, said call's originating telephone number, and said account number.

Abstract: Systems and methods for obtaining a personal identification number (PIN) from a client terminal are disclosed. A method includes storing, at the client terminal, PINs for plural prepaid services. The method also includes receiving, at the client terminal, a request for a PIN associated with a desired prepaid service corresponding to one of the plural prepaid services. A PIN request is then sent, from the client terminal, to a server when less than a predefined number of PINs associated with the desired prepaid service are stored at the client terminal. In response, one or more PINs associated with the desired prepaid service are received at the client terminal. The method further includes dispensing at least one PIN corresponding to the desired prepaid service from the client terminal.

Abstract: A method and a system for the management of telecommunication services provided by an operator to users (4) and (6) of telecommunication services, the method comprising: assigning a subscriber network identifier (IS) to each subscribed user (6); monitoring inbound communications toward the subscriber network identifiers (IS) assigned to subscribed users; creating, by virtue of means (8) for creating and managing virtual accounts, a virtual account (CV) registered to each network identifier originating communications (IC); informing, by virtue of information means (14), at least the user (4) or (6) of telecommunication services who originates the communication toward the subscriber network identifier (IS) and/or the registrant of the network identifier originating communications (IC) of the existence and/or balance of the virtual account (CV). The telecommunication service management system comprises means for implementing the method.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for providing variable rate prepaid telecommunication services utilizing a weighting function are disclosed. The method includes intercepting a signaling message that includes an available credit value associated with a prepaid communications session. A credit adjustment factor based on at least one call parameter associated with the prepaid communications session is determined. The method also includes applying the credit adjustment factor to the available credit value to generate an adjusted available credit value. The signaling message is modified to include the adjusted available credit value.