Abstract: In a short message service (SMS) wireline/wireless message system, a separate SMS exchange subsystem implements value-added service capability. The value addition service may range, for example, from simple data insertion in the SMS message to the more complex initiation of a teleconference call using inter-exchanged SMS messages.

Abstract: A technique for determining an arbitrary delay in a source code word propagated over a channel that introduces the arbitrary delay in the source code word to produce a received code word. The technique is based upon a multiple-shift algorithm to determine the delay by a coarse synchronization process to locate synchronization as contained within a composite code pattern, and a fine synchronization process to pinpoint the delay by examining shifts in the source code word used to form the composite code pattern.

Abstract: In a short message service (SMS) wireline/wireless message system, a separate SMS exchange server linked to a multi-party concurrence server implements a value-added service capability to achieve multi-party concurrence. The basic function of the multi-party concurrence operation is that of changing the contents of a data structure in the server based on the responses received from two or more members. The concurrence operation has many applications, such as, the transfer of money to an account only if two or more persons agree to the transaction.

Abstract: A technique for processing optical input signals to produce optical output signals using only a single hologram for a plurality of circularly shifted code words used to encode the input signals. A spatial light modulator coupled to the each of the optical input signals encodes a corresponding one of the input optical signals, and the optical signals are linear combined for further processing. A matched filter composed of the single hologram receives the linear combination, and a two-dimensional microlens arrangement coupled to the matched filter emits each of the optical output signals from a corresponding microlens in the arrangement. Switching is engendered by controlling each spatial light modulator to thereby direct each input signal to the desired one of the microlens in the arrangement.

Abstract: A stored value commerce system and method enabling the anonymous creation and usage of stored value accounts for purchase of goods and/or services, including the anonymous redemption of a value up to a maximum of the balance value associated with a stored value account.

Abstract: A global prepaid roaming services method and apparatus is described in which a roaming phone located in a first region places an outgoing call to a destination party in a second region, and responsive to placing the call, a service processing node (SPN) establishes a first call connection between the roaming phone and the SPN, a second call connection between the SPN and the destination party is established and the SPN bridges the first and second call connections to establish a call connection between the roaming phone and the destination party.

Abstract: Broadband switching including the implementation of and control over a massive sub-microsecond switching fabric. To effect the attributes of the switching fabric, conditionally nonblocking components are used a building-blocks in an interconnection network which is recursively constructed. The properties of the interconnection network are preserved during each recursion to thereby configure the massive switching fabric from scalable circuitry.

Abstract: A method for the direct reconstruction of an object from measurements, called scattering data, of scattered waves due to probing waves as emitted by a source. The scattering data is related to a scattering kernel by an integral operator. The image is directly reconstructed by executing a prescribed mathematical algorithm, as determined with reference to the integral operator, on the scattering data.

Abstract: A technique for physically implementing a running sum adder network and configuring the concomitant adder network of elements. A 2k+1×2k+1 adder network has the size 2k+2−k−3 and depth 2k+1; thus the adder network achieves a very good balance between the measures of size. The adder network utilizes a systematic design method based upon a recursive construction algorithm.

Abstract: Techniques for implementing a computer-implemented, multi-party merchandizing service. This service engenders a buying experience that parallels the best aspects of an “in-store” buying experience, but engenders other aspects which can be advantageously provided by a computer system, such as the shopper being able to prepare a list of multiple third parties for whom the shopper desires to purchase selected items. In effect, this list “tags along” with the shopper as the shopper completes an automated search for items to purchase. Then, the shopper can associate a selected item located during the search with individual names on the list, and then initiate an order-fulfillment activity to complete the shopping experience.

Abstract: Techniques whereby a transmitter/receiver pair are cooperatively arranged to buffer incoming data to both the transmitter and the receiver. The transmitter and receiver of the pair are coupled, generically, by pre-existing channel which has a known, fixed capacity. The transmitter/receiver pair exploits whatever delay is permissible, as determined by end-users of the data, for the data stream or streams that are using the channel for the purpose of accommodating periods of excessive instantaneous aggregate data transfer demands. The matched transmitter/receiver pair thereby permits (i) the transmission of a variable rate stream over a channel with capacity less than the peak rate of the stream, or (ii) the multiplexing of variable and/or fixed rate data streams.

Abstract: A transceiving methodology and concomitant transceiving system wherein high speed, bursty channels are combined with uniform data rate services into a single, interleaved data stream. A system for communicating both a uniform data stream and a bursty data stream over a communication medium includes: (i) a transmitter for combining the uniform data stream and the bursty data stream into a single, interleaved stream, and for propagating the interleaved stream over the medium; and (ii) a receiver for processing the single interleaved stream to separate the uniform data stream and the bursty data stream.

Abstract: An arrangement to provide personalized services to customers, such as hotel guests or hospital patients, wherein the personalized services are based upon a personal preference profile collected for each individual. The services are displayed to the guest or patient via an in-room monitor. Moreover, the personal preferences are modified during the guest's or patient's present stay, and saved after the stay for later visits. In addition, a personal presence of host personnel, such as personnel at a front desk or an admission desk, may be integrated into the display on the in-room monitor.

Abstract: A canonical programming method for integrating intelligence into a communications service at a switching node. The communications service is implemented with a program stored in a processing unit which receives and transmits messages from and to ports, respectively. Each incoming message, which includes a control part and a payload part, is parsed to determine if a modification is required. If no modification is required, a message corresponding to the incoming message is transmitted to one or more of the ports. If modification is required, then the message is further processed with the stored program to produce program-generated events and subsequent actions which thereby engender the intelligent communications service.

Abstract: A distribution element composed of a crossbar-type switch with four independent ports and direct multicast transfer capability which effects a direct interface to applications with an instruction sets for the distribution element, the sets providing for global memory sharing, synchronization, and lossless flow control.

Abstract: The states of a distributed finite state machine composed of a plurality of devices are coordinated by a sequence of operations to effect a self-timed cycle. Each device is arranged to apply a voltage over one or more leads and measure the current on the corresponding leads. With the methodology, while engendering self-timed cycles, the number of leads interconnecting the devices is also minimized.

Abstract: A method for the direct, mathematical reconstruction of the image of an object from measurements of the transmitted intensity of the scattered radiation effected by irradiating the object. The transmitted coefficient is related to the image by an integral operator. The image is directly, mathematical reconstructed by executing a prescribed mathematical algorithm, as determined with reference to the integral operator, on the transmitted coefficient, the algorithm further relating the absorption coefficient, the diffusion coefficient, or both to the transmitted coefficient by a different integral operator.

Abstract: A method for the direct reconstruction of an object from measurements of the transmitted intensity of diffusively scattered radiation effected by irradiating the object with a source of continuous wave radiation. The transmitted intensity is related to the diffusion coefficient by an integral operator. The image is directly reconstructed by executing a prescribed mathematical algorithm, as determined with reference to an integral operator, on the transmitted intensity of the diffusively scattered radiation.

Abstract: A method for the direct reconstruction of an object from measurements of the transmitted intensity of diffusively scattered radiation effected by irradiating the object with a source of continuous wave radiation. The transmitted intensity is related to the absorption coefficient by an integral operator. The image is directly reconstructed by executing a prescribed mathematical algorithm, as determined with reference to an integral operator, on the transmitted intensity of the diffusively scattered radiation.

Abstract: A method for the direct reconstruction of an object from measurements of the quantum efficiency determined from both a diffusing wave and a reradiated diffusing wave effected by irradiating the object with a source of radiation. The quantum efficiency is related to the number density of the fluorescent source distribution defining the image to be reconstructed by an integral operator. The image of the object is directly reconstructed by executing a prescribed mathematical algorithm, as determined with reference to the integral operator, on the quantum efficiency.