Abstract: Antennas of broadband and multi-band operation are presented. A broadband planar antenna includes two inverted-L antennas (ILAs) facing each other across a gap. One of the ILAs is input fed, and the other is electromagnetically coupled. The positioning of the gap affects the bandwidth. A dual-band planar antenna includes two ILAs facing each other across a gap with one of the ILAs being input fed, and the other being coupled. This dual-band planar antenna also includes a monopole antenna disposed between the two ILAs. A triple-band planar antenna includes two ILAs facing each other across a gap with one of the ILAs being input fed and the other IPA being coupled. This triple-band antenna also includes a monopole antenna disposed between the two ILAs, and a conductor extending horizontally from the monopole antenna towards, but not reaching the coupled ILA. Another dual-band antenna includes an inner cut loop antenna encompassed by an outer cut loop antenna.

Abstract: Methods and systems in a messaging system to identify a messaging platform for use in delivery of a message addressed to a mailbox address served by the messaging platform. The messaging system includes a network element and a plurality of directories. Using at least the NPA of the mailbox address, the network element determines which directory includes the indicator for the messaging platform for delivery of the message. Using at least the NPA-NXX of the mailbox address, the directory obtains and provides the indicator of the messaging platform for delivery of the message.

Abstract: A system and method downloads data and reconfigures the data into a database. A telephone user purchases a specific number of lines and specific services (i.e., call waiting) from a telephone company. The telephony company then programs a switch associated with that user so that the user receives the services purchased. The telephone company also inserts the user's purchases into a database used for generating the user's bills. Discrepancies can occur between the data in the switch and the data in the billing database. Billing correction is performed by downloading all of the data within a switch, reconfiguring the data into a database and then comparing the switch database against the billing database to detect billing errors. To facilitate ease of this billing correction process, the switch database is transmitted to the billing correction center via a network instead of the traditional method of using direct tape copies of the switch being physically transported to the billing correction center.

Abstract: A method and system for minimizing database overhead associated with AIN services includes a cascaded database structure having at least two databases. The first database is a seed database containing basic information about the subscriber and his available services. The second database is a real-time database containing additional information that will be used by the appropriate service application. When the subscriber initially requests the service, the service management system creates an entry in the seed database for the subscriber. The entry contains an identifier for the subscriber and an identifier for the service. Until the subscriber actually uses the service, the seed database remains the only entry for the subscriber. When the subscriber actually uses the service, the service application reads the seed database to determine the privileges for the subscriber and creates a larger entry in the real-time database. The service application may not write to the seed database.

Abstract: Methods and systems for enabling a subscriber to reply to a voice mail message that has been made available for the subscriber at a voice mail system (VMS). In response to an indication, the VMS transmits a release message with respect to the subscriber's communication to the VMS, which communication then is terminated to an intelligent network element (INE). The INE originates a call to the party to whom the subscriber desires to reply. The subscriber's communication and the INE's call are bridged to form the reply call from the subscriber to the party. The VMS is not included in the call path. After the reply call is concluded, the bridge is dismantled, the IP is released, and the subscriber's communication is returned to interaction with the VMS without the subscriber having to make a separate call into the VMS.

Abstract: Methods and systems to provide a home system with information about a wireless unit roaming in a visited system based on information the wireless unit provides to the visited system. A mobile switching center (MSC-V) of the visited system receives the information from the wireless unit and routes a message to an international gateway. In response, the international gateway creates a new message or alters the original message, and transmits the new or altered message to a mobile switching center (MSC-H) of the home system. In response to receipt of the new or altered message, the MSC-H validates the wireless unit (if valid), creates a response to the new or altered message, and routes the response to the international gateway. The response may include an authorization period for the wireless unit and/or OCOS/TCOS information. In response, the international gateway creates a new response or alters the response, and transmits the new or altered response to the MSC-V.

Abstract: Methods and systems to send a message from a sending party to a recipient without the message revealing an identity of the sending party. The identity may be the name of the sending party, a calling line number associated with a calling line of the sending party, or an e-mail address of the sending party. The message may be a reply to a previous message or a forwarding message of an earlier message. In response to a message being received, a check is made to determine whether an anonymity feature is enabled for all messages received from the sending party, or whether the anonymity feature is enabled for the message. In response to finding the anonymity feature enabled for all messages or for the message, an anonymity indicator is included with the message. The presence of the anonymity indicator has the effect of withholding the identity of the sending party when the message is made available to or retrieved by the recipient.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for identifying defective communications lines. The method generally involves passively detecting signals symptomatic of and generated by a defective communications line rather than by a user accessing a communication network via the line. One alternative involves monitoring calls to a selected number having low digit and set values. Analysis of the pattern of calls to the selected number, or directly monitoring the frequencies upon the communications line, identify calls that are effectively generated by defects in a communications line rather than legitimate calls generated by network users. Spurious calls are associated with the originating communications line. The line can then be automatically tested or service dispatched. More automated alternatives are also disclosed that make use of switch reconfigurations. Central office switches may be programmed to detect a variety of events that indicate a spurious pulse or seizure is being generated by a communication line.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to provide for a unit that is locked against use for communications until the unit is unlocked and that may be activated on a selected network in conjunction with the unit being unlocked. A unit includes a memory for storing an unlock code specific to the unit. The unlock code is used to unlock the unit and is unbreakable without knowledge of a secret code and an algorithm. The unlock code is generated by using the algorithm with the secret code and an identifier unique to the unit. The unit also includes a control for receipt of an input code and a system identification number with the input code and the system identification number having originated from the selected network.

Abstract: A system for processing wireless calls allows subscribers to port from one wireless service provider to another. Each mobile switching center stores a table containing a list of office codes for various directory numbers. Each office code in the table has a corresponding entry that indicates the portability of the office code. In addition, each office code has a corresponding entry that indicates whether the office code was originally assigned to the mobile switching center. When a call made to a directory number is routed to the mobile switching center, the switch accesses the table and references the office code of the directory number. If the office code is not portable and not originally assigned to the switch, the switch routes the call to the switch servicing the call. If the office code is not portable but originally assigned to the switch, the switch accesses a Home Location Register to determine the current status of the subscriber.

Abstract: System and method for providing a customer with the ability to obtain temporary advanced telecommunication services in the Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) for the customer's calling line by dialing a call to special access code, without the intervention of a service representative. The call is recognized as a request for an initiation of a temporary advanced telecommunication service with respect to the customer's calling line. On the basis of the recognition, an association may be retained between the calling line number and the service switching point serving the calling line number. This retained association may be used later in the activation of the temporary advanced telecommunication service for the calling line number. The call is routed to a rental service interface through which rental information from the caller may be collected.

Abstract: System and method for providing a customer with the ability to obtain temporary advanced telecommunication services in the Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) for the customer's calling line by dialing a call to special access code, without the intervention of a service representative. The call is recognized as a request for an initiation of a temporary advanced telecommunication service with respect to the customer's calling line. On the basis of the recognition, an association may be retained between the calling line number and the service switching point serving the calling line number. This retained association may be used later in the activation of the temporary advanced telecommunication service for the calling line number. The call is routed to a rental service interface through which rental information from the caller may be collected.

Abstract: System and method providing a customer with the ability to obtain temporary notification service in the Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) for the customer's calling line by dialing a call to feature access code, without thc intervention of a service representative. The call is recognized as a request for an initiation of a temporary notification service with respect to the customer's calling line. On the basis of the recognition, an association may be retained between the calling line number and the service switching point serving the calling line number. This retained association may be used later in the activation of the temporary notification service for the calling line number. The call is routed to a rental service interface through which rental information from the caller may be collected. This rental information may be compiled into a rental agreement that is used for activation of the temporary notification service with respect to the caller's calling line number.

Abstract: The disclosed system and method provide a customer with the ability to obtain temporary caller identification services in an Advanced Intelligent Network. The customer initiates the service by dialing a call to a feature access code and does not require the intervention of a service representative. The call by the customer is recognized as a request for caller identification service. On the basis of the recognition, an association is retained between the line number and the Service Switching Point serving the line number. This retained association may be used later in the activation of the temporary caller identification service for the requested line number. The call is routed to a rental service interface through which rental information from the caller may be collected. This rental information may be compiled into a rental agreement that is used as the basis for activation of the temporary caller identification services with respect to the requested line number.

Abstract: System and method for providing a customer with the ability to obtain temporary voicemail service in the Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) for the customer's calling line by dialing a call to special access code, without the intervention of a service representative. The call is recognized as a request for an initiation of a temporary voicemail service with respect to the customer's calling line. On the basis of the recognition, an association may be retained between the calling line number and the service switching point serving the calling line number. This retained association may be used later in the activation of the temporary voicemail service for the calling line number. The call is routed to a rental service interface through which rental information from the caller may be collected. This rental information may be compiled into a rental agreement that is used as the basis for activation of the temporary voicemail service with respect to the caller's calling line number.

Abstract: A system and method for activation of an enhanced telecommunication service without a turn-on call by a subscriber. The present invention is described in the AIN environment, where an enhanced telecommunication service is set up for a directory number. The enhanced telecommunication service has an active state wherein the enhanced telecommunication service is applied to calls received for the directory number. The enhanced telecommunication service also has an inactive state wherein the enhanced telecommunication service is not applied to calls received for the directory number. The first call is directed to the directory number, where the enhanced telecommunication service is in the inactive state. A no answer condition from the directory number is detected with respect to the first call. In response to the detection of the no answer condition, the enhanced telecommunication service changes to the active state.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for locking and unlocking mobile telecommunications handsets or other devices is disclosed. Each handset is unactivated at the time of purchase. Other than emergency calls, or account activation, no calls can be made using the handset unless it has been unlocked. The handset is capable of receiving a readable subscriber identity module (SIM) having a network (or other) ID and a codeword, and its operation is to be locked and unlocked with respect to the entity corresponding to the ID on the SIM. Furthermore, the handset includes a processor programmed with a unique equipment identification number and a key. All handsets manufactured as part of a particular batch may include the key, which is burned or otherwise written into a memory area of the handset so that it may not be read without its being destroyed. The handset processor is also programmed to produce a handset-specific key as a function of the equipment identification number and the batch-specific key.

Abstract: A system and method for activation of an enhanced telecommunication service without a turn-on call by a subscriber. The present invention is described in the AIN environment, where an enhanced telecommunication service is set up for a directory number. The enhanced telecommunication service has an active state wherein the enhanced telecommunication service is applied to calls received for the directory number. The enhanced telecommunication service also has an inactive state wherein the enhanced telecommunication service is not applied to calls received for the directory number. The first call is directed to the directory number, where the enhanced telecommunication service is in the inactive state. A no answer condition from the directory number is detected with respect to the first call. In response to the detection of the no answer condition, the enhanced telecommunication service changes to the active state.