Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting a status of at least one of a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs), is disclosed in embodiments of the invention. The apparatus includes a first node, a second node, a voltage generator, a current source and a first comparator. The voltage generator generates an output voltage to the first external circuit via the second node. The current source provides a current to the first external circuit via the first node to generate a first node voltage. The first comparator generates a first comparison result according to the first node voltage and a reference voltage, wherein the first comparison result indicates whether the status of at least one of the LEDs is short or not.

Abstract: A computer-implemented artificial lift detection system, method, and software are provided for failure detection for artificial lift systems, such as sucker rod pump systems. The method includes providing artificial lift system data from an artificial lift system. Attributes are extracted from the artificial lift system data. Data mining techniques are applied to the attributes to determine whether the artificial lift system is detected to fail within a given time period. An alert is output indicative of impending artificial lift system failures.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are disclosed for analysis of artificial lift systems. An Artificial Lift Analysis Solution (ALAS) is also provided to view and analyze artificial lift well data trends, prediction and detection event alerts, and to diagnose system conditions to facilitate production optimization. Production well information is provided for a plurality of the production wells each being associated with an artificial lift system. Artificial lift system failure alerts for the plurality of production wells are received and processed on a computer. A relevance measure for each of the artificial lift system failure alerts is determined responsive to the production well information. A summary of the artificial lift system failure alerts is displayed in an ordering based on the relevance measure.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products provide communications services. A communication is received from an address, and a database of text messages is queried for the address. A text message associated with the address is retrieved and sent in response to the communication.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for providing communications services. One method receives a communication from an originating party, with the communication intended for a receiving party. A database of pre-created messages is accessed, with the database storing a pre-created message having a common association between the receiving party and the originating party. The pre-created message is then communicated.

Abstract: A method, system, and medium are provided for processing customer orders associated with providing telephony services via a telecommunications network and with services provided via a cable network. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a service-order-entry (SOE) system associated with a set of legacy components, the SOE system being operable to receive a first type of customer order that is associated with providing services via a telecommunications network, the telecommunications network not including a cable television (CATV) network; supplementing the SOE system with a secondary order-reception system operable to receive a second type of customer order that is associated with providing telephony services over a CATV network and further operable to receive the second type of customer order without substantially modifying the legacy components; receiving the second type of customer order; and fulfilling the second type of customer order without substantially modifying the legacy components.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product for providing additional information to an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system user is presented. A call from a user is received at the IVR system, and a session is provided for the user. Additionally, a page is generated for the session. The page is communicated to the user; and is dynamically updated for the user as the user traverses menus of the IVR system.

Abstract: The present invention manages media gateway control (megaco) protocols according to changes of lower layer network protocol by implementing the megaco package in the network adaptor. A method for managing the megaco protocols by using a network adaptor includes steps of: a) requesting an installation of a megaco protocol package to a network adaptor; b) determining whether the megaco protocol exists in a network protocol table; c) adding a new protocol in the network protocol table; d) searching a specific megaco protocol package in the megaco protocol package list by using the specific package ID and connecting the specific megaco protocol package; and e) installing the megaco protocol packages and the specific megaco protocols, and managing the megaco protocols.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for avoiding demand forecast errors in a network topology model having a plurality of nodes, by monitoring and controlling the quantity of a selected port type at a node. The method comprises determining the actual quantity of a selected port type at a node, setting a forecast of the quantity of the port required, setting a forecast period for the ports, wherein the forecast period is a function of the time required to change the quantity of the ports, and setting a threshold value to generate alerts, wherein the threshold value is a function of the forecast period; monitoring the node for a forecast change, if a forecast change is found then computing the difference between the actual quantity and the forecast quantity, wherein if the difference is greater than the threshold value, then generating an alert and forwarding the alert to a user.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system for testing subscriber lines and method thereof. The system includes a broadband line testing control module and a remote terminal subscriber access control module located at a subscriber line that is located between the broadband line testing control module and a remote terminal unit. The broadband line testing control module sends a signal of disconnecting the subscriber line to the remote terminal subscriber access control module, and tests the subscriber line. The remote terminal subscriber access control module receives said signal from the broadband line testing control module, and controls the remote terminal unit to disconnect from or connect to the subscriber line based on said signal. With the system and method according to the present invention, not only the precision of subscriber line testing is guaranteed, but also the subscriber lines can be periodically tested without manual operation.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a system and method for blocking leakage signals and uncoupling connections in a communication system. A leakage signal (LS) blocking splitter employs a high-pass filter which effectively blocks the lower frequency leakage signal. The high-pass filter (an LS filter) has a cut-off frequency selected to fall between the upper range of the leakage signal (which is approximately 4 KHz in the preferred embodiment) and the low-end frequency of a data signal. A detect and terminate function detects service on the communication connection to which each one of the leakage signal (LS) filters are coupled to. The detect and terminate function detects service on the communication connection to ensure that each LS blocking splitter is coupled to an in-service communication connection.

Abstract: The eavesdropping prevention system and method of the present invention provides a controllable line selection unit which couples a receiver and a transmitter to a selected one of a plurality of subscriber loops according to the current channel of a time-multiplexed communication signal. The controllable line selection unit prevents meaningful detection and amplification of the leakage signal by physically isolating communication connections from each other. In the preferred embodiment, the controllable line selection unit actuates a plurality of switches coupled to a plurality of communication connections. Alternative embodiments of a controllable line selection unit are described.

Abstract: A method and system of offering wireless telecommunication services in a visited telecommunication network for a terminal device which does not have a first identifier accepted by the network. In the method, the visited network gives the terminal device a right to a temporary use of a telecommunication connection and establishes a connection with a third party in order to obtain a confirmation of paid services, for example. The third party checks a second identifier transmitted by the terminal device and transmits the confirmation to the visited network, which offers telecommunication services for the terminal device.

Abstract: A method for checking a switching center is explained, whereby reference data are checked in the memory of the switching center. On the basis of status data, a processor determines the operational status of programs, which utilize the reference data (step 408). The corresponding reference datum is read for this purpose (steps 410, 416). If the reference datum has a value that is not admissible for the determined operational status, an error treatment is performed (steps 412, 414).

Abstract: A subscriber circuit allowing a reliable and proper subscriber line test is disclosed. The subscriber circuit includes a splitter and a feeder for feeding a current to subscriber equipment through a subscriber line. A path selector is provided to select one of a first path and a second path between the subscriber line and the feeder. The first path has the splitter inserted therein and the second path has no splitter inserted therein. The path selector normally selects the first path. When the subscriber line test instruction is received, the path selector selects the second path.

Abstract: A fault is located along a telecommunications line between the network terminating equipment and the local exchange by measuring a change in the capacitance of the line when compared with the capacitance under normal operating conditions. A geographical information system is used to plot all possible routes for the line between the terminating equipment and the exchange, and the most probable route is selected based on the known positions of nodes along the line, such as pole mounted distribution points and streetside cabinets. The distance of the fault along the line is then plotted along the most probable route to determine an accurate fault location, which is given to a field technician as the location of the nearest premises or a grid reference.

Abstract: A system in accordance with the invention dynamically establishes test connections upon initiation of a test sequence and does not need to maintain permanently “nailed up” test connections. To do so, each node in the system, e.g., COT, RT, maintains a logical bypass pair terminator (“BT”). The BT includes facilities which reserve the requisite channels that will be needed to establish a test connection. When a test sequence is initiated for testing a drop from an RT, a BT facility at the RT will establish a connection to an RT bypass card and a BT facility at the COT will establish a connection to a COT bypass card, thereby completing the test connection.

Abstract: A method employs simple procedures to speedily carry out loopback tests on devices that form a channel system of an exchange. The method is capable of quickly locating a fault in the exchange and allowing speedy maintenance work of the exchange. Also provided is an apparatus for achieving the method. The apparatus has a path setter (1-4), a loopback controller (1-3), and a tester (1-1), to test the devices of the channel system (1-2) of the exchange. The devices to be tested are arranged in replaceable units (1-21, 1-22). The path setter (1-4) simultaneously sets paths to sequentially connect the devices to be tested. The loopback controller (1-3) activates and releases loopback parts arranged in the devices to be tested. The tester (1-1) sends a test signal to the devices through the paths, receives the test signal looped back by the loopback parts, analyzes the received signal, and determines whether or not the devices are sound.

Abstract: Communications system (10) that includes a network hub system (12), (14) and (16) connectable to external voice messaging systems (24), (26), (28), (30), (32), (34), (36), (40), (42) and (44). The network hub system (12), (14) and (16) includes a database storage (68) operable to store a telephone-based address and a globally unique address for the users of the communications system (10). The database storage (68) is also operable to store an address type for the external voice messaging systems (24), (26), (28), (30), (32), (34), (36), (40), (42) and (44).

Abstract: A test interface adapter allows a line-conditioning or test device, such as a direct access test unit (DATU), that is normally interfaced with a standard central office switch via a no-test trunk, to be coupled to and communicate with the respective ports of a test interface of a non-standard central office switch that is not equipped with a no test trunk, so that conditioning and/or testing of subscriber telephone lines served by such non-standard central office switch may be carried out. When so installed, the interface adapter of the present invention is operative to map signals at first interface ports, to which the non-standard central office switch is connected, to second interface ports to which the line conditioning/test device (e.g DATU) is connected, and vice versa.

Abstract: A communication box which operates as a testing and complaint accepting communication unit and which is connected with a workstation which can communicate with a call processor for controlling a digital switch module includes a subscriber line interface connected with a subscriber line from a subscriber line circuit for transmitting/receiving speech signals to/from another telephone connected with one exchange, an inter-office interface connected with an inter-office communication line from an inter-office communication trunk unit for transmitting/receiving speech signals to/from another exchange, and a telephone circuit which connects a head set for talking to allow to select a line of either interface and to call and communicate with either interface under control from the workstation and to communicate or to test a speech condition defined by speech signals monitored at the head set.

Abstract: A switch sentry device (22) having a digital telephony switch (SCX, 16), a device (24) for processing information, a device (24, 34) for simulating a call from the processing device (24) to the switch (SCX, 16), a device (SCX, 16) responsive to the call simulating device (24, 34) for simulating a primary ringing line (36) from the switch (SCX, 16) to the processing device (24), a device (SCX, 16) responsive to the call simulating device (24, 34) for simulation an alternate ringing line (38) from the switch (SCX, 16) to the processing device (24), and a device (24) for determining an inoperative condition of the switch (SCX, 16).

Abstract: An operating system is provided for an analog switching machine having switch fabric formed by multiple line and trunk link networks having interconnected switch stages with each switch stage having multiple grid connections and makes post-connection continuity checks. Error messages are generated for connection faults and sent to a monitor and analyzer computer. The error messages are automatically processed to identify the root causes of connection faults, i.e. to detect open and stuck crosspoints, faulty interstage links and faulty pulse path devices. The analyzer computer further generates command signals that provide for removal of faulty crosspoints and other failed elements from analog switching machine operation.

Abstract: A remotely controlled telephone system terminal box provides non-blocking connectivity between any selected unassigned pair of a plurality X of distribution pairs of lines and any selected plurality Y of drop pairs of lines and employs a plurality X of multiple-position rotary stepper switch blocks each driven by a stepper motor, the stepper switch blocks being selectively actuated by commands from a remotely located central office controller. A continuity test circuit within each of the terminal boxes is responsive to commands from the central office controller for verifying that electrical contact is made between an associated one of the plurality X of distribution pairs of lines and a selected one of the plurality Y of drop pairs of lines. A control pair contention circuit within each of the terminal boxes allows a plurality of the terminal boxes forming a distribution network to be controlled by a single control pair of lines coupling all of the terminal boxes to the central office controller.

Abstract: The operating system control device in a telecommunications switch is capable of operating under the control of software instructions associated with a new switch feature for executing a series of actions used to integrate the new switch feature with the operating system. The operating system control device further provides the capability operating under the control of software instructions for testing the operability of the new switch feature. This minimizes the costs associated with the installation of new features and the amount of skilled craft personnel time required.

Abstract: In an automatic terminal start/stop verification system, a terminal start/stop simulation unit which simulates a task module of a call processing program for an exchange. The exchange has call processors which process and control calls, terminals, line processors controlled by the call processors to control the terminals, and a terminal management data file which has data on the busy/idle states of the terminals, a start/stop write macro name holding unit which holds the names of macros for the writing of start or stopping to the terminal management data file, and a start/stop order name holding unit which holds the names of orders for start or stop of the line processors. The terminal start/stop simulation unit automatically detects errors in the task module by referring to the start/stop write macro name holding unit and the start/stop order name holding unit.

Abstract: In a matrix switch apparatus with a diagnosis circuit, a switch unit is positioned between a group of input line interface circuits and a group of output line interface circuits. The switch unit includes front switches and back switches, respectively, equal in number to the input and output line interface circuits, and middle switches of 2M in number. The number M is the number of interface elements included in each of the input and output line interface circuits. Each of the front and back switches is provided with input and output ports having a ratio, respectively, determined by (M+1) and 2M, and each of the middle switches is provided with input and output ports, respectively, equal in number to 2M. In accordance with the above structure, the diagnosis of a stand-by port connected to a stand-by interface element included in each of the input and output line interface circuits can be carried out, even if all working input and output ports connected to the interface elements are occupied for operation.

Abstract: Switches of telephone grids are tested for delayed action subsequent to, but within a number of milliseconds after, actuating the opening or closing of the switches. Excessive delay indicates approaching failure.

Abstract: Multiple electrical path assembly as in a telephone grid, is rapidly and accurately checked by grounding one end of all but one of the path conductors, applying a test signal to that one end, detecting the presence or absence of signal on both ends of all conductors, and repeating the procedure for all the conductors, as with a computer containing a microprocessor. Where the conductors are individually switched, they can all be switched on beforehand. Detectors can also be connected to the conductors during the testing, to detect unusually high voltages, and testing can be interrupted when such voltages are detected. Switch actuation can be separately tested by detecting the passage of current that is used to actuate them.