Abstract: Various mechanisms are disclosed for a service domain charging system that can interact with underlying networks. A service domain charging architecture is defined with several logical functions. Service-based charging types may be and applied to existing event, session, online, and offline charging mechanisms. Service domain charging messages may be exchanged over the X, Y, Z reference points. An E reference point may be used for interfacing with a service domain billing system, and a B reference point may be used between a service domain billing system and underlying network's billing system.

Abstract: A device and method are described for a universal analytical data mart and data structure for same. The analytical data mart (ADM) associated data structure is designed to allow data from disparate sources to be integrated, enabling streamlined business intelligence, reporting and ad hoc analysis. Conceptually, the ADM enables analytics and business intelligence from multiple frames of reference including people, such as parties and actors including individuals and organizations, places, such as addresses with geographic information at various levels of view, objects, such as insured properties, automobiles and machinery, and events, milestones which happen at points in time and provide analytical/business value.

Abstract: A server computer receives an indication of an interaction between a first user device of a first user and a second user device of a second user, where the interaction includes a message for transmission from the first user to the second user. The server computer performs a verification process on the message, including performing one or more binary checks on the message. The server computer then generates a response indicating whether the message is a legitimate message based on the verification process. When the response indicates that the message is a legitimate message, the server computer transmits the message to the second user device of the second user for display.

Abstract: A device may generate a call plan for a set of testing calls. The device may initiate a testing call to a communication device associated with a target, of the set of targets, using a user profile of the set of user profiles. The device may initiate monitoring for the testing call to identify information associated with the target during the testing call. The device may generate one or more responses to one or more queries based on the user profile. The device may transmit the one or more responses to the one or more queries based on generating the one or more responses to the one or more queries. The device may process stored data regarding testing calls to generate a recommendation relating to the set of targets for the set of testing calls. The device may communicate with one or more other devices to implement the recommendation.

Abstract: The present device aggregates all kinds of contactless services such as credit card, loyalty card, micro-payment, discount card, transport card, access control, e-ticket, parking, etc. An NFC (Near Field Communication) device comprises a host CPU, a memory, a GPRS modem controlled by the CPU to access Internet, a SIM holder, an antenna and a battery. The NFC device is shaped as a credit card and it also includes a touch-screen, able to implement technical functionalities to operate contactless services, visualize his ticket/coupon and consult the latest transaction, a secure element to store and execute the contactless applications, and a ST controller connected to Host CPU and to the SE.

Abstract: Techniques for storing and processing graph data in a database system are provided. Graph data (or a portion thereof) that is stored in persistent storage is loaded into memory to generate an instance of a particular graph. The instance is consistent as of a particular point in time. Graph analysis operations are performed on the instance. The instance may be used by multiple users to perform graph analysis operations. Subsequent changes to the graph are stored separate from the instance. Later, the changes may be applied to the instance (or a copy thereof) to refresh the instance.

Abstract: A server computer receives an indication of an interaction between a first user device of a first user and a second user device of a second user, where the interaction includes a message for transmission from the first user to the second user. The server computer performs a verification process on the message, including performing one or more binary checks on the message. The server computer then generates a response indicating whether the message is a legitimate message based on the verification process. When the response indicates that the message is a legitimate message, the server computer transmits the message to the second user device of the second user for display.

Abstract: A method, a corresponding apparatus, and a computer program product for dynamic charging over multiple network nodes. The method comprises collecting, at a first network node which has a first connection with a user equipment, charging information with respect to a second connection established between the user equipment and a second network node, wherein the second network node is connected with the first network node. The method also comprises combining charging information with respect to the first connection and the charging information with respect to the second connection. The method additionally comprises sending the combined charging information from the first network node to a core network entity for charging the user equipment. With the claimed inventions, the core network and wireless operators could be able to bill the services based on specific offloaded bearers considering associated QoS information, regarding to the case of multi-PLMN scenarios under network sharing.

Abstract: Aspects are directed towards methods including creating multiple states from at least two call center data sources; and combining at least two of the multiple states to obtain a data model, where the data model comprises an attribute related to the call center, and methods including collecting a set of call data from multiple sources, where the multiple sources comprise a management module source and at least one source not controlled by the management module, and analyzing the set of call data.

Abstract: A customer service system for providing enhanced guidance and resources to service agents and providing an enhance ability to select service agents that are best suited to address specific customers and specific customer needs, and methods for manufacturing and using same. The customer service system includes a system server with a semantic engine configured to analyze customer contact events and customize service agent interfaces based on determined customer needs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of providing rate tiers in a wireless communication system. Embodiments of the method include forming, at a network element in the wireless communication system, a statistical representation of resource usage for a user in the wireless communication system as a function of location and/or time using measurements of the user's resource usage at a plurality of locations. Embodiments of the method also include defining, at the network element, a plurality of rate tiers based on the statistical representation. Each rate tier indicates a rate for a different level of resource usage offered to the user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing automated processing of a switched voice alarm on a switched and/or Internet Protocol (IP) network are disclosed. For example, the method receives an alarm associated with a switched voice service, and retrieves a Local Routing Number (LRN) or Primary Inter-exchange Carrier (PIC) information from a switch serving a call associated with a caller's telephone number. The method determines if the alarm is due to one or more service degradations, and notifies a work center responsible for one or more of the service degradations if the alarm is due to the one or more service degradations.

Abstract: A signal field is generated to include (i) a field to indicate that a physical layer (PHY) data unit is a control frame, and (ii) one or more of a frame control field, a receiver address (RA) field, and a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) field. A PHY data payload (i) that includes one or more of a service field, a transmitter address (TA) field, a network ID field, and a CRC field, and (ii) that omits an RA field is generated. The PHY data unit is generated to include (i) a preamble, (ii) a PHY header having the SIG field, and (iii) the PHY data payload. The PHY data unit is transmitted.

Abstract: A charging system (26) for a telecommunications service comprises an interface (48) and a tariff controller (50). The interface (48) is configured to receive tariff information (6-4) regarding a telecommunications service for a geographical area (64). The tariff controller (50) is configured to utilize the tariff information in conjunction with charging for use of the telecommunications service by a customer in the geographical area (64) only after confirmation has been received (6-11) that notification regarding the tariff information has been received by a node (60) of a radio access network (32) which serves the geographical area (64). As such, the tariff controller (50) provides notification-synchronized charging implementation.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer-readable storage medium for outsourcing telecom billing are disclosed for issuing one or more first billing statements and one or more second billing statements from a first telecom network; and transmitting at least the one or more first billing statements to a second telecom network. The one or more first billing statements may reflect one or more charges from the first telecom network to the second telecom network, and the one or more second billing statements may reflect one or more charges from the second telecom network to one or more customers thereof. The one or more charges of the first and second billing statements may reflect the same service(s).

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are provided for detecting duplicated telecommunications events in a consumer telecommunications network. In use, a first telecommunications event and associated first event data are received. One or more fields of data are extracted from the first event data. Additionally, a single data string is generated from the extracted one or more fields of data. Further, a hash function is utilized to create a first event signature corresponding to the single data string from the extracted one or more fields of data. In addition, a first event signature hint is extracted from the first event signature, the first event signature hint including a portion of the first event signature. Furthermore, it is determined whether the first event signature hint exists in a signature hint hash table.

Abstract: The present invention enables a method for following the state of a call and generating defects as function of call completion success as opposed to discrete events that happen at individual network elements during the call. In one embodiment, the invention uses Call Detail Records (CDR) to analyze the end-to-end completion status to measure per call basis defects instead of using defect codes generated by network elements on a per equipment basis. CDR is data associated with a telephone call, including the calling and the called numbers, the date and timestamp, the duration, the call setup delay, and the final handling code of the telephone call.

Abstract: A communication system providing telephony communication across combined circuit switched and packet switched networks, such as a telephone network and the Internet, which are connectable to terminals, such as telephones and computers, for selective communication therebetween. The communication system includes an authorization and account control object in the packet switched network, multiple gateways between the circuit switched and packet switched networks providing controlled connectivity between those networks, and an information retrieval object in the packet switched network.

Abstract: A system and method for transmitting data in a communication system. First encapsulated data is received at a first node, and second encapsulated data associated with the first encapsulated data is generated at the first node. The first encapsulated data and the second encapsulated data are transmitted independently to one or more further nodes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a highly flexible system that can receive SMDR messages in many different formats and process these messages to produce useful reports and control information. The system can collect data via a LAN/WAN connection from PBX systems with internal data storage, PBX systems without internal data storage and legacy PBX systems that are connected to a buffer for storage of SMDR records.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP)-enabled device having a unique identifier and including a receiver. The receiver is configured to receive data associated with a current geographic position of the VOIP-enabled device. The VOIP-enabled device is configured to transmit a signal including the unique identifier and the data associated with the position to a network each time a call is initiated. In other embodiments, a method includes determining a current position of a VOIP-enabled device associated with a unique identifier, and transmitting a signal including data associated with the current position to an IP gateway either before or after a call is initiated from the VOIP-enabled device.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable media for automatic, repetitive enforcement of a policy rule according to a schedule are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method for automatic, recurrent enforcement of a policy rule includes providing, to a node for enforcing policy rules in a telecommunications network, an automatically recurrent policy rule, the policy rule defining an enforcement activation condition and including an enforcement recurrence attribute; and using, at the node, the enforcement activation condition and the enforcement recurrence attribute to recurrently activate the enforcement of the policy rule according to the enforcement recurrence attribute.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a system, method, or computer program product for aggregating phone numbers for contact. Embodiments retrieve the contact record corresponding to the customer; determine any phone numbers associated with the contact record; determine any financial accounts owned or otherwise associated with the customer; determine any phone numbers associated with the financial accounts; determine whether any of the phone numbers associated with the financial accounts are not included in the phone numbers associated with the contact record; and, in response to determining that at least one phone number associated with the financial accounts is not included in the phone numbers associated with the contact record, update the contact record to indicate the at least one phone number associated with the financial accounts.

Abstract: A method, non-transitory computer readable medium, and a service management computing device comprises obtaining one or more call detail records associated with one or more customers from one or more data sources. Each of the obtained call detail records is scanned to determine presence of a call drop in each of the obtained call detail records. Next, a customer experience index and an impact value is determined for the one or more call detail records for which the call drop is determined to be present. Based on the determined experience index, one or more actions are performed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating, maintaining, and making available Communication Detail Records (CDRs) containing media for communications in controlled-environment facilities are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method may include enabling, at least in part via one or more communication systems, a communication between two or more parties, where at least one of the two or more parties is a resident of a controlled-environment facility, and where the resident operates a communication device disposed within the controlled-environment facility. The method may also include creating, at least in part via the one or more communication systems, a CDR associated with the communication, where the CDR includes or references a digital media file.

Abstract: Communication networks and associated methods are disclosed that provide charging for long duration sessions. A charging data system of the communication network receives interim accounting request messages from a network element that is serving a session. The charging data system identifies interim timestamps for the interim accounting request messages, and stores the interim timestamps. After a time period during the long duration session, the charging data system generates a partial CDR. The charging data system then inserts duration information for the long duration session in the partial CDR based on the stored interim timestamps, and transmits the partial CDR to a correlation system. The correlation system may then calculate a total duration for the session based on the duration information in the partial CDR. Even if a start/stop timestamp is not available, the correlation system may estimate the total duration of the session based on the interim timestamps.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a method for reporting fixed network access information, in which an Evolved Packet Data Gateway (ePDG) reports fixed network access information to a Policy and Charging Enforcement Function (PCEF), and the PCEF notifies a Policy and Charging Rule Function (PCRF) of the fixed network access information. The disclosure also provides a system for reporting fixed network access information, in which a reporting unit is configured to allow an Evolved Packet Data Gateway (ePDG) to report fixed network access information to a Policy and Charging Enforcement Function (PCEF), which notifies a Policy and Charging Rule Function (PCRF) of the fixed network access information. According to the disclosure, the fixed network access information can be reported, so that an S9* session still can be established even if the BPCF cannot be aware of access of the UE to the WLAN.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for managing a Voice over IP (VoIP) network includes collecting a first set of data from a first source of network performance management data, each data item in the first set of data corresponding to a call made using the VoIP network; collecting a second set of data from a second source of network performance management data, each data item in the second set of data corresponding to a call made using the VoIP network and being of a different type than the first set of data; correlating the first set of data and the second set of data such that a data item from the first set of data is matched with a data item from the second set of data that corresponds to a common call made over the VoIP network; and outputting a performance report based on the correlating.

Abstract: A system and method for the real-time management of a device, and more particularly to the establishment and enforcement of policies or rules associated with the feature or functions that may be performed with the device, such as making and receiving calls, exchanging data, playing games and music, sending and receiving email, accessing web sites, and paying for goods and services. If a child or employee is using the device, there may be a need to regulate how that device can be used and to determine who will pay for what goods or services. In addition to providing all of the features associated with a device, service providers need to be able to establish and enforce rules (policies) regulating how and when that device can be used and who will pay for a good or service requested by the user of the device.

Abstract: An IMS charging collection function node for processing incoming accounting requests (ACRs) is provided.

Abstract: A calling type identification system selects a calling type. The system selects NPA-NXX telephone number blocks for the calling type based on NPA-NXX block categories related to the calling type. The system develops number data for the selected NPA-NXX telephone number blocks. The system receives a telephone number for a call. The system processes the telephone number and the number data to identify and indicate if the telephone call is of the selected calling type.

Abstract: Call detail records (CDRs) that are generated by different elements of an IP telephony system in connection with the same communication can be matched to one another using timing information contained in the CDRs. Other information in addition to timing information, and which is present in two CDRs relating to the same communication may be used in conjunction with timing information to match CDRs from the same communication.

Abstract: Information associated with a communication is gathered at a switching point during the routing process to determine subscriber metric information associated with an active service identifier. The information relates to the originator of the communication and the target. The information is compared to a provider database to determine a carrier originally associated with the active service identifier. The information is then compared to a porting database to determine if the active service identifier was ported, and if so, to which carrier the active service identifier was ported. A determination can then be made regarding which carrier is associated with the active service identifier. The data may be aggregated for a large amount of switched communications, representing a large amount of active service identifiers for a given market. Thus, a number of subscribers for a given carrier in a given market may be determined.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and storage media provide for receiving a message pertaining to setting up a telephone call; inserting in the message a branch identifier that indicates a branch office of an enterprise from which the message originated; transmitting the message including the branch identifier to a private branch exchange device; and generating billing information for the telephone call based on the branch identifier.

Abstract: A system manages subscribers' data of mobile telephones in a wireless network. Data servers are located according to geographic service areas, and each of the data servers may store subscribers' data of mobile telephones based on the respective geographic area. Location of subscribers' data is determined depending upon subscribers' ID, to which two or more Mobile telephone Numbers (MTNs) are assigned. Two or more MTNs may have different area codes for which subscribers' data are stored in at least two or more of the data servers. A terminal, for example, receives a user request calling for subscriber's data of a first MTN, retrieves a subscriber's ID corresponding to the first MTN from an Electronic Telephone Number Inventory (eTNI) database and sends a request containing the subscriber's ID. A router determines a first data server corresponding to the retrieved subscriber's ID and routes the request to the first data server.

Abstract: A method for communication includes recording, at a gateway to a network, a generic definition of a service provided to clients of the gateway. The generic definition specifies a first Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) on the network that is associated with the service. At least a first communication between a client and the network is processed at the gateway in order to identify at least a second URI that is referenced from the first URI in a context of the service. Responsively to at least the first communication, an extended definition of the service for the client is automatically created by adding at least the second URI to the generic definition. Use of the service is monitored by applying the extended definition to second communications conveyed by the gateway between the client and the network.

Abstract: A method of electronic communication is provided. The method comprises receiving a first call detail record (CDR), where the first call detail record comprises usage information associated with a portable wireless communication device, and the usage information comprises at least a first parameter. Based on the value of the first parameter, a copy of the first call detail record is transmitted to a computer, where the computer does not perform billing functionality. The computer then changes a subscriber account associated with the portable wireless communication device or changes a provisioning associated with the portable wireless communication device.

Abstract: 1.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that employ the use of CDRs to effectively monitor and proactively respond to network or service events that impact performance within a network are disclosed. For example, the method receives a plurality of call detail records (CDRs), wherein each of the plurality of call detail records comprises a plurality of fields. The method determines a n-field rule signature from each of the call detail records (CDRs), and analyzes the n-field rule signatures from the plurality of call detail records (CDRs) for detecting at least one network performance problem.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for charging control of service usage in an electronic communications system. An invocation of charging control is received from a service client for service usage by a user. Charging related data and rules checked for the user and it is determined whether the session should be charging controlled. In case of a non charging controlled session, a response message is returned to the charging client, indicating that the session is not charging controlled and that the service usage is to be reported at the end-of-session. A report of usage is received—from the client—including information of the usage consumed during the session at the end-of-session.

Abstract: A system and method for tracking a person at a facility to enable communications. A presence of the person is detected at a location at the facility. Communications intended for the person are associated with the location. The communications are routed to the person at that location.

Abstract: An arrangement compensates for the fact that multiple entities may generate distinct call data records for the same call. In the arrangement a consolidated call data records database receives multiple call data records and analyzes them to determine which, if any, are related to the same call. Where multiple call data records are discovered to be associated with the same call the consolidated database links those call data records.

Abstract: A network management system (100) has a communications interface (110), a memory (104), and a controller (102). The controller is programmed to retrieve (202) a plurality of call detail records (CDRs), reconstruct (208) call paths from attributes in the plurality of CDRs, and generate (210) extended CDRs from reconstructed call paths.

Abstract: A method and system of processing call detail records (CDRs) of multiple network elements in a communication network are disclosed. The method includes identifying at least one final attempt CDR out a plurality of CDRs from the multiple network elements by at least one type of network element. At least one master CDR is built from the identified at least one final attempt CDR. Further, at least one CDR from the plurality of CDRs is correlated to the at least one master CDR according to a correlation rule. Also, the at least one master CDR is then augmented with CDR data from the at least one correlated CDR.

Abstract: A system and method to enable a transfer of multimedia content between mobile telecommunication devices while maintaining the multimedia traffic within a wireless local network. Multimedia content may be sent from one of the mobile telecommunication devices and delivered to another one or more of the mobile telecommunication devices. The multimedia transfer is facilitated and monitored by a secure agent located within the local network. The secure agent maintains a record of the multimedia content sessions and transmits such information to a billing component. The billing component utilizes the record of content transfer to assess a fee or other charge on the sending device, the receiving device(s), or both sending and receiving devices. In some embodiments, such a charge may include a credit or other reward that is provided to sending devices or receiving devices for implementing a local transfer of multimedia content.

Abstract: Presenting data received from service providers includes receiving billing data from each of the service providers and formatting, by at least one processor, the billing data in a standardized format. A single bill that consolidates the billing data in the standardized format for each of the service providers, and displays the billing data in the standardized format according to a user-defined organizational relationship for a billed entity, is outputted.

Abstract: Prepaid services include associating a plurality of users with a prepaid services account. The account is configured to track a prepaid balance associated with the account as well as to allow at least a subset of the plurality of users associated with the account to draw down the prepaid balance at least generally at the same time. Drawing down the prepaid balance includes allocating a portion of the prepaid balance to each respective user, monitoring a provision of service, and repeating, selectively, the allocating and monitoring.

Abstract: The present invention enables a method for following the state of a call and generating defects as function of call completion success as opposed to discrete events that happen at individual network elements during the call. In one embodiment, the invention uses Call Detail Records (CDR) to analyze the end-to-end completion status to measure per call basis defects instead of using defect codes generated by network elements on a per equipment basis. CDR is data associated with a telephone call, including the calling and the called numbers, the date and timestamp, the duration, the call setup delay, and the final handling code of the telephone call.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and a device for generating a phone bill, which is applied to a charging system in the communication field, wherein the method comprises a preprocessing process and a process of combining phone bills, wherein in the preprocessing process, the charging system uses multiple threads for preprocessing a plurality of service logs simultaneously, and each service log is preprocessed to generate one or more intermediate phone bills, wherein information in the service log is converted into information required for the intermediate phone bills when performing preprocessing, and a single thread is used for processing in the process of combining phone bills to generate required phone bills one by one, and during each process of generating a phone bill, the charging system collects and combines the intermediate phone bills required for generating present phone bill, accomplishes encoding record serial numbers and file serial numbers, and generates one phone bill.

Abstract: A security method and system. The method includes receiving by a computing system, a telephone call from a user. The computing system comprises an existing password/passphrase and a pre-recorded voice sample associated with the user. The computing system prompts the user to enter a password/passphrase using speech. The computing system receives speech data comprising a first password/passphrase from the user. The computing system converts the speech data to text data. The computing system first compares the text data to the first password/passphrase and determines a match. The computing system compares the speech data to the pre-recorded voice sample to determine a result indicating whether a frequency spectrum associated with the speech data matches a frequency spectrum associated with the pre-recorded voice sample. The computing system transmits the result to the user.