Abstract: A method of identifying work at home users of a telecommunications network based on call detail records. The phone numbers of the work at home users are identified from call detail records that exhibit characteristics of work at home users. In one embodiment this involves selecting records describing calls to phone numbers of known Internet Service Providers; excluding records describing calls less than a predetermined length of time; excluding records containing originating numbers with records describing calls to an ISP that occur on weekends; and excluding records containing originating numbers with records describing calls to an ISP that occur outside normal business hours.

Abstract: A system and method for using location data to monitor wireless network events are described. One exemplary method includes establishing a plurality of location history records for mobile terminals, establishing a plurality of network operation records for the plurality of mobile stations, and combining the location history records with the network operation records to determine locations of predetermined network events, such as a dropped call event or a blocked call event, in the wireless network.

Abstract: Apparatus, and an associated method, for detecting and facilitating amelioration of mass call event in a telephonic network. A detector monitors call attempts to form call connections during operation of the telephonic network. When more than a selected level of call attempts are made to a particular one, or more than one, called station within a selected period, a mass call event is considered to have occurred and detection thereof is made. A notifier initiates notification of other network elements in the telephonic network, and the rate at which call connections are permitted with the called stations is limited during the duration of the mass call event.

Abstract: Methods and systems for intelligent signaling-router-based surveillance are disclosed. A surveillance and signaling router receives call signaling messages, identifies call signaling messages associated with users under surveillance and determines a surveillance type for the call signaling messages. If the surveillance type is content-related, the surveillance and signaling router forwards the message to a call server. The call server replaces parameters in the message and in subsequent messages so that the call is transparently set up through a media proxy server. The media proxy server copies the media stream to a delivery function. If the surveillance type is non-content-related, the surveillance and signaling router sends a copy of the message or information extracted from the message to an external device.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting cut-off of calls in a switching system records data corresponding to connection of a call in a first memory, records the call connection data in a second memory, and then at a later time and, for example, in response to a call release request compares the data in the two memories corresponding to the call. If the data does match, it is determined that the call has been cut-off. The first memory may be located in a switching unit and the second memory may be located in a processor which controls the switching unit. The switching unit may be a time switch or a space switch. Once a call cut-off is detected, the processor transmits information notifying an operator of the cut-off. The system and method represents an improvement over existing systems in terms of increased reliability and ease of repair and maintenance of system components.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for arranging, reporting, and delivering call record information to customers. The communication records of each customer includes call transaction data corresponding to call transaction activity of the customer. The call transaction data is received and matched to a customer. The call transaction data is appropriately formatted, and electronically transmitting the formatted call transaction data to the subscriber, such as via e-mail.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing inmate security threat group information includes correlating inmate identification records from a plurality of correctional facilities in a central database with call detail records from inmate telephone activities together with security threat group data comprising inmate affiliations and telephone numbers associated with security threats and security threat groups.

Abstract: A traffic and capacity modeling process for a telephone network includes accessing one or more call processing platforms, copying call detail records to a database, aggregating selected sets of call parameters from the records for each dialed number by hour, date, and platform, storing the aggregated sets of call parameters in tables, and analyzing the data in the tables. The analysis of the data includes plotting the data to detect peaks of usage of the dialed numbers to thereby assess the adequacy of available telephone lines and staffing of the lines by the network customers.

Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a method, comprising automatically obtaining real-time measurement data for a telephone network between a transit carrier and a predetermined terminating carrier; and automatically providing the real-time measurement data via the Internet to an originating carrier associated with the transit carrier. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. This abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for estimating the grade of service (52) and offered traffic (51) for voice over internet protocol calls at a gateway (2) bridging calls between a public switched telephone network (3) and an internet protocol network (4), the gateway (2) having a dial-control management information base. The method comprises the steps of periodically polling the dial-control management information base for dial peer traffic statistics (44), storing the polled data, estimating the carried traffic using the polled data (501), estimating the grade of service (52) by utilizing the Erlang-B formula in an inverse manner (502), operating on the estimated carried traffic obtained in the first estimating step (501), and estimating the offered traffic (51) using the estimated values for the carried traffic and the grade of service (52) obtained in the previous estimation steps (503). In a second embodiment of the invention, a system (FIG.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for discovery of inmate-employee fraternization includes correlating inmate identification records and employee information data from a plurality of correctional facilities in a central database with call detail records from inmate telephone activities.

Abstract: A system and method for integrating call detail records for a multiple network environment includes an operations support system having call detail record control logic configured to combine wireless and wireline call detail records that correspond to the same customer into an integrated call record. Access manager control logic connected to the wireless network and switching control logic connected to the wireline network generate wireless and wireline call detail records that are received at the operations support system. Advantageously, combining the wireless and wireline call detail records forms an integrated call record.

Abstract: In a public switched telephone network, real time monitors on SS7 links will collect interoffice signaling messages. A site processor compiles data from the signaling messages relating to individual calls, to form call detail records (CDRs) for all interoffice call attempts. The site servers upload the CDRs to a central server. Automatic Message Accounting (AMA) records also are accumulated for at least selected central office switching systems and uploaded to a server. Programs running on the servers enable network operations personal to analyze a variety of network traffic patterns, for example to study the number of calls to particular numbers during various times periods and the hold time of the calls in order to identify the numbers of Internet Service Providers (ISPs).

Abstract: Each communication is classified into any one of a plurality of communication types in advance. A plurality of threshold values used for determining whether or not the resources are to be allocated are set up in advance. The plurality of threshold values differ from each other according to the communication types and a predetermined number of divided traffic amount ranges such that a difference in ease of resource allocation between the communication types increases as a traffic value increases. When a communication connection request is made, the traffic of communication being executed is measured. A threshold value is selected according to the communication type of a communication associated with the connection request and the measured traffic. Whether or not resources maybe allocated to the communication associated with the connection request is determined based on the selected threshold value and the measured traffic.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for reporting calls. The system first receives call transaction data from a telephone company. The system verifies the validity of the data before proceeding with processing the data. Next the data is geocoded so that the calls can be traced to a given location. The resultant call detail data is then transmitted to parties who have subscribed to the service. A report generator uses the call detail data to generate tables, graphs, and maps which are useful to the subscriber. When generating maps, the report generator uses the geocoded information to geographically locate given calls on a map.

Abstract: A network includes a space chattering mechanism for maximizing server throughput under overload conditions. The server provides control messages to various network traffic sources, which can require differing control instructions.

Abstract: A method and system for forecasting telephony traffic trends on a network of a given service provider includes storing local number portability (LNP) record portions in a LNP database. Each LNP record portion contains information regarding a corresponding telephone number having been ported between service providers. First and second images of the LNP database are obtained at first and second times. The first and second images are indicative of all the LNP record portions stored in the LNP database at the first and second times. The images are compared to determine migration of the ported telephone numbers between the service providers over a time period between the first and second times. Movement of telephone traffic on the network of the given service provider after the second time is then forecasted as a function of the determined migration of the ported telephone numbers between the service providers.

Abstract: The invention is directed to assessing the viability of a business entity based on statistics concerning information assistance calls requesting the listing of the same. The invention is premised upon a perceived correlation between the number of calls requesting a business entity's listing and the callers' interest in its products or services, which in turn correlates to sales of the business entity. In accordance with the invention, data is collected and analyzed which concerns information assistance calls requesting listings of different business entities which may belong to the same industry or company to measure their comparative performance. In an illustrative embodiment, the performance measure of the business entity (department) may be compared with those of other business entities (departments) in the same geographic area belonging to the same industry to gain insights into the competitiveness of the business entity in that area.

Abstract: A monitoring tool for use with one or more automatic call distributors (ACD) which automatically and continuously polls or queries the ACDs to monitor not only alarm conditions but other conditions, such as agent staffing levels, call answering time, call routing and traffic conditions. Such continuous and automatic monitoring and querying of the ACD in accordance with the present invention is thus able to improve the overall efficiency of such ACDs by improving the service response time of such ACDs. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the status records of the ACDs may be directed to a website, for example, on an enterprise Intranet website to enable any of the company representatives with access rights to access the performance of the ACD network from any location. Other data, such as the trunk inventory record keeping system (TIRKS) may also be displayed on the website to facilitate troubleshooting of alarm conditions.

Abstract: A system and method for detection of invalid and undesirable conditions associated with a telephone network. The invalid and undesirable conditions can include, for example, call looping, misrouting, mass calling, and excessive redialing. Initial Address Messages associated with SS7 protocols are captured, parsed, and analyzed for detection of these conditions. A system in accordance with the present invention can be a device external to a switch that generate the messages. Alternatively, a microprocessor of the switch can be adapted to execute instruction sets disclosed in the present invention.

Abstract: A method employs call detail records for developing a report on the usage of VoIP calling along a network path or through a network location. By utilizing, for example, a call-beginning record and a call-ending record for each connection, a report is created of the number of concurrent VoIP calls that a specified equipment or network path carries at any given instance by retrieving batches of stored call detail records, culling the records that are relevant to the specified equipment or network path, considering the culled records in a time sorted manner, and incrementing or decrementing a counter based on whether a considered record is a call-beginning record or a call-ending record, respectively. The state of the counter is reported, illustratively, as a line entry each time the counter's state is modified.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring sound from a remote location. A monitor box is connected to an outside telephone line and to a device that provides sound to the monitoring box. In one implementation, the device is a telephone coupled to its own telephone line, and the monitor box is connected to the telephone through the use of a splitter located between the handset and base of the telephone. Thus, a supervisor or other individual may contact the monitor box from a remote location by calling into the outside telephone line connected to the monitor box and monitor a conversation that occurs on one of the telephone line corresponding to the telephone.

Abstract: Resources of a contact center are allocated by electronically monitoring at least one operational parameter of the contact center and performing a comparison between the operational parameter and a threshold value for the operational parameter. An indication of an action to be taken to affect allocation of resources of the contact center is then developed based on the comparison. This allocation also may be performed using an apparatus having a processing unit coupled with a memory, and instructions that are storable in the memory and executable by the processing unit. The instructions could be for monitoring at least one operational parameter of the contact center, performing a comparison between the operational parameter and a threshold value for the operational parameter, and developing an indication of an action to be taken to affect allocation of resources of the contact center.

Abstract: Methods to correlate call data records in a telephone or other communication system. A combination of parameter values in the data records and timestamps associated with some of the parameters can be used for such correlation. The information available within a single call record has limitations due to the fact that critical routing information may be (a) missing or (b) incorrect. Correlation of call detail records obtained from various communication segments provides the ability to mutually enrich the records so as to increase billing accuracy, as well as to enhance the detection of call mis-routing and perform traffic analysis.

Abstract: A system (10) for cataloging and detecting network faults, includes a communication interface (12) for receiving a fault message from a network. A parser (14) is connected to the communication interface (12). The parser (14) parses the fault message for an event type. An associative database (16) is connected to the parser (14) and stores a tally for the fault message.

Abstract: A call detail record (CDR) management tool is used to calculate statistics using data in one or more CDRs, view data in one or more CDRs and extract one or more CDRs. The CDRs are generated by a switch and stored in a raw binary format. The raw CDRs are converted from a raw format to a generic format to facilitate the management tool's operations. Statistics include any statistic that can be calculated from telephone call data stored in the CDRs. The viewer allows viewing and storage of one or more fields of CDR data. The extraction tool can store extracted CDRs in raw format or generic format.

Abstract: Traffic measurement should make it possible to obtain the spatial flow of traffic through the domain, i.e., the paths or trajectories followed by packets between any ingress and egress point of the domain. A method of sampling packet trajectories in a packet switching network allows the direct inference of traffic flows through a measurement domain by observing the trajectories of a subset of all packets traversing the network. A method which assumes that the measurement domain does not change comprises the steps of selecting packets for sampling in accordance with a sampling function of the packet content and generating a practically unique label for each sampled packet. The method does not rely on routing state, its implementation cost is small, and the measurement reporting traffic is modest and can be controlled precisely. Using the same hash function will yield the same sample set of packets in the entire domain, and enables us to reconstruct packet trajectories.

Abstract: A gathering apparatus gathers CDRs from a CDR accumulating apparatus at the start time of a cycle operation, and transmits them to a processing apparatus. If the gathering of CDRs is not finished within a predetermined period of the cycle operation, a job starting function in a next and all following cycle operations is disengaged. Then, after the gathering in the present cycle operation is finished, the gathering in the next and all following cycles of manipulation is performed.

Abstract: A method for backing up call charge data, stored in a disk storage, of a telephone switching office, in which individual data blocks are read by the disk storage and transmitted, with write orders, to two sequential mass storages, for example magnetic tape storages, which are independent of one another. In this process, in each case a data block read by the disk storage is transmitted, together with a write order, both to the first and to the second or a further mass storage, and after an acknowledgment is received both by the first mass storage and by the second mass storage, the next data block read by the disk storage is transmitted, together with write orders, to both mass storages.

Abstract: A network includes a space chattering mechanism for maximizing server throughput under overload conditions. The server provides control messages to various network traffic sources, which can require differing control instructions.

Abstract: A system (102) for monitoring call processing failures in a radiotelephone network (100) includes a server (140) coupled with the radiotelephone network and configured to receive call processing failure data. The system further includes a plurality (142) of clients configured to be coupled to the server on a network (144) for display and analysis of the call processing failure data. The clients may include a portable client (152, 154) for remote or wireless access to call processing failure data at the server, permitting troubleshooting and failure analysis in the field. The client computers are preferably Windows-based and provides both analog (AMPS) and digital call processing failure counts.

Abstract: A method of suppressing overload in a telecommunications network involves the second node (1) receiving a signal that calls it has sent to a target node are being rejected and (2) reducing the rate of calls it sends to the target node in response. The network could be a UMTS or other third generation (36) network.

Abstract: A system and method for processing traffic study requests in a communications network. The system provides a log-in window for a user identification validation. If a user is an authorized user of the system, the system provides a window for displaying a CPNI disclaimer. The system provides a new order request window for receiving customer information and input parameters. The system provides a new study request window for receiving a telephone number to be studied. Once the traffic study is completed, the system receives a report of the traffic study. The system then forwards the report to the user.

Abstract: A method for generating and distributing telephonic traffic. The method includes receiving a call profile from a user interface, generating a traffic distribution from the call profile. The method then creates a traffic profile from the traffic distributions and receives at least one call hold time from a user interface, and then transmits the traffic profile and the at least one call hold time to a call generator. Also included is a traffic distribution generator. The traffic distribution generator includes a traffic graphical user interface, user input controls on the traffic graphical user interface and a processor to generate traffic distributions and the distribution and create a traffic profile from the distributions, and a port operable to transmit the traffic profile to a bulk call generator.

Abstract: A method and system that processes voice and non-voice data is configured to insure that the processing of the voice data is given priority over the processing of the non-voice data, to ensure that callers experience smooth, uninterrupted conversations. An estimate of processing load dedicated to processing only non-voice data is calculated. A plurality of quota data objects are established to monitor and control the allocation of the processing load dedicated to processing only the non-voice data during a current quota period.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture of the present invention may assist in planning, execution, and evaluation of advertising campaigns on the Internet. Particularly, methods, systems, and articles of manufacture of the present invention may help evaluate and/or predict traffic volume on the Internet. An exemplary method for predicting traffic may comprise receiving historical traffic data for a location, and computing a prediction of traffic volume for a particular time at the location based on a linear relationship in the historical traffic data.

Abstract: A traffic control method for intelligent network services is disclosed. When an overload state is detected, a service control point (SCP) requests a call gapping operation by transmitting a call gapping message containing a gapping information to a service switching point (SSP), the SSP executing the call gapping operation for controlling an intelligent network call to arrive only at the SCP that has requested the call gapping message by distinguishing between different physical nodes of each SCP.

Abstract: A telephone call control system includes a database containing user identifiers and call control limitations assigned to the user identifiers. Call control limitations may include budgetary, time, geographic (e.g., area code or city and/or country codes), and other limitations to a call. A telephone line is subscribed to the system, and users of the line are provided user identifiers which may have one or more of the call control limitations. When making an outgoing call, the telephone network queries the database and determine whether the telephone line is subscribed. If the telephone is subscribed, the telephone network communicates with a server which requests the user to enter the user's identifier, e.g., a dialing code or voice print. It is then determined which, if any, call control limitations, are placed upon the user and whether and for how long the call can be connected.

Abstract: A method of designing an interface system that allows users to map the representation of their task directly to the interface. There are three major phases to the Customer-Centric Approach to Interface Design (C-CAID). End-users' tasks are categorized to determine the frequency of reasons or tasks of why users interact with a particular system. These reasons and their relative frequencies are used to design interface options that emphasize the user's task categories. Finally, the customer-centric interface designs are evaluated and compared with existing system interfaces using usability tests with actual users performing the tasks. The results from usability tests are used to pinpoint the task-option combinations that do not work well and which should be revised. Benefits of this customer-centric design are improved systems performance and increased user satisfaction.

Abstract: Database-driven methods and systems for database driven real time call tracing are disclosed. Signaling messages are copied from signaling link interface modules. The copied messages are sent to a database. A server located remotely from the database sends a query to the database for a real time call trace. The database is searched for messages that match the search criteria. If no messages are located in the historical data stored in the database, data entering the database is analyzed in real time.

Abstract: Described is a method for controlling nodes in a network including the steps of sending a proposed maximum working rate to a plurality of nodes, computing the number of responses received from the nodes by a central controller in a set period and adjusting the maximum working rate sent to the nodes based on the number of responses received.

Abstract: The system and method for dialing in a telephony system using a common channel signaling protocol, such as ISDN, maximizes the use of bearer or voice channels. The telephony system includes a dialing switch connected to a central office switch that supports the common channel signaling protocol. In one example, the connection is made using an ISDN primary rate interface (PRI) connection providing 23 bearer channels and one data channel. The dialing switch automatically dials to establish telephone connections between calling parties, such as agents in a call center, and called parties, such as existing or potential customers. The system also includes a telephony system control/manager that controls the dialing and manages telephony resources. The system determines predictive dialing factors, such as an anticipated connect ratio (ACR) of dialed numbers to connections with called parties, average talk time, a number of idle agents, and hold time.

Abstract: A packet data network call has both a call signaling path 230 and a bearer path 220. The call signaling path 230 handles call control data necessary to setup, connect and process a call. The bearer path 220 is the actual voice data connection over which a conversation may take place. For many services the call signaling path 230 must be able to tap into the bearer path 220 in order to detect specific events. However, the bearer path 220 may only be accessed at specific points by specific nodes. In some cases MGC 210B has no control over the call other than as a signaling bridge between MGC 210A and MGC 210C. The present invention provides the intermediate MGC 210B with H.248 control reach through capability to a media gateway in the bearer path 220. One implementation is H.248 based in which messaging is modified so that a call control message requests an H.248 link to a specific gateway. Another implementation is ISUP based in which H.248 capabilities are added to ISUP based call control messages.

Abstract: Methods and systems for defining and distributing network data collection rule sets and for filtering messages using the rule sets are disclosed. Message-based filter criteria are automatically deduced from CDR-based filter criteria and downloaded to site collectors. The site collectors implement rule changes on-the-fly using a table-driven system. The message-based rule sets downloaded to the site collectors are supersets of the messages required by multiple different network monitoring applications. As a result, non-redundant, multi-application data streams are sent across the service provider's internal network, resulting in efficient bandwidth utilization.

Abstract: In a method of transmission for radio monitoring via digital mobile communication network, a digital cellular mobile phone with keypad, display and buzzer removed therefrom is used as an apparatus to achieve the radio monitoring. A high-sensitivity audio amplification circuit is added to a microphone in the digital cellular mobile phone and a DTMF decoding IC is added to an incoming call loop of the phone, so that the phone is able to automatically receive an incoming call and send a warning sound to prompt the caller to input a password via keys on the calling phone. The digital cellular mobile phone uses the DTMF decoding IC to verify the input password within a preset time period and enables the high-sensitivity audio amplification circuit to pick up sounds in surrounding field when the input password is verified as correct. Sounds picked up are then transmitted to the caller via the currently available digital cellular mobile phone system to achieve a field monitoring.

Abstract: A monitoring system captures and processes messages from SS7 links, to compile call detail records (CDRs) for all interoffice call attempts. The CDRs are uploaded into a relational database. Automatic Message Accounting (AMA) records also are accumulated and uploaded to a another relational database. A data preparation operation utilizes external information to enhance the records for further processing, for example, to translate information codes in the records to textual names of originating and terminating offices. The enhanced records are loaded into a multi-dimensional database. The multi-dimensional database software facilitates analysis of the records to identify a variety of network traffic patterns. The user can automatically set up and customize studies for particular applications, for example to study traffic patterns for calls through a particular office.

Abstract: A preferred method for billing for utilization of a communications network includes receiving routing information corresponding to routing of data via the communications network. Thereafter, the routing information may be correlated with a transaction model and billing information may be generated based upon the correlated information. Systems and computer readable media also are provided.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for a PBX-based observation and supervisory system to be used by a facility for monitoring, reporting, and notification of certain telephone calls. The system comprises a PBX system having a plurality of telephone sets operatively connected thereto, and a computer platform interconnected with, and operating as an interface to, the PBX system, wherein the computer platform includes preprogrammed software to record, trace, monitor, supplement or acknowledge call placed thereon. The system further includes software and processes for monitoring status and diagnosing problems therein.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conserving Communications Content Channels between a serving switching system and a Law Enforcement Agency premises. After a connection has been established between the serving switch and the Law Enforcement Agency premises using one of the Communications Content Channels, an Agent can transmit an indication that the communication is no-longer of interest; in response to receipt of that indication, the switch disconnects the call from the Communications Content Channel. Advantageously, this arrangement can reduce the number of Communications Content Channels required to monitor a particular target customer, and can overcome arrangements for flooding the Communications Content Channels with non-significant messages.

Abstract: A network information management system includes, among other elements, a traffic reporting system, a switch shell, and a scheduling mechanism. The traffic reporting includes a database which holds traffic-related data collected from a network switch. The switch shell facilitates communication between the traffic reporting system and multiple digital telecommunications switch types. More specifically, the switch shell translates between a high layer generic interface protocol which defines a common set of switch interaction functions to unique portions of code uniquely compatible with the various switch types. The high layer generic interface protocol may comprise a set of query and response subsets, including a query and response subset for submitting an inventory request and for receiving in response to the submitted request, inventory information from the switch.