Abstract: A tool for automating management of software development and deployment processes. The tool is made up of a series of lists or databases tracking various information related to the software releases and individual software components making up the releases. The tool includes a user interface for receiving build requests from users. When a build request is received from a user, the tool checks a user list to verify that the user's role allows the request, and the tool executes the build script associated with the component, and updates a status associated with the build request. Builds are automatically sent to target nodes in pre-determined environments for testing or for operational deployment. The tool stores the code in the correct directory locations and install the code for use. The tool further allows tester to grade software and provide feedback and test results to the developers and configuration managers for further development.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and method for marking telephone calls from a subscriber to an Internet Service Provider (“ISP”) with a class of service marker. Using this system and method, subscribers can obtain enhanced connections to their ISPs based on their class of service. An ISP can designate several different levels, or classes of service which their subscribers may choose. Generally, with higher the classes of service, the subscriber will have a greater opportunity for a successful dial-up connection to the ISP. The telephone service provider uses a class of service scheme provided by the ISP to determine the best route for the call. Additionally, the class of service marker is made available to the ISP in a manner such that the ISP can determine the caller's class of service without actually answering the call. Thus, two levels of enhanced ISP connections are provided. First, the telephone service provider (“telco”) can use the COS to determine the best route for each individual call.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for monitoring and intercepting messages to a voicemail system connected to an AIN or WIN network for screening calls incoming to a landline or wireless telephone. After a call is forwarded to voicemail system, the called party is provided an opportunity to monitor a message as it is spoken into a voicemail system. The called party may intercept the message at any time during delivery of the message to answer the telephone call.

Abstract: A hand-held remote control unit for controlling the operation of a television and other electronic audio/video components, such as a VCR, DVD player, or home stereo, operates in a different mode for use as a video game controller. The location and position of the push buttons on the remote controller unit are arranged such that a subset of the buttons that are used for the television remote control are operable in a different mode as a video game controller. A user rotates the remote control unit from a vertically upright position to a horizontal position to use the remote control unit for operating a video gaming system. When used as a video game controller, the controller indicates which of the subset of buttons on the remote control are to be used for operating the video game.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for providing hands-free operation of a device. A hands-free adapter is provided that communicates with a device and a headset. The hands-free adapter allows a user to use voice commands so that the user does not have to handle the device. The hands-free adapter receives voice commands from the headset and translates the voice commands to commands recognized by the device. The hands-free adapter also monitors the device to detect device events and provides notice of the events to the user via the headset.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for providing privacy screening service during telephone calls. One method monitors a telephone call for a call screening request. The telephone call is from a calling telephone number to a called telephone number. An action is taken in response to the call screening request. The action could be playing an announcement, terminating the connection, forwarding to voice mail, storing the calling telephone number in a database, adding the calling telephone number to a Do Not Call list, updating a subscriber's profile with the calling telephone number, and/or storing the calling telephone number in a subscriber's blocked call list. The call screening request may comprise a Dual-Tone Multi-Frequency, a softkey entry, and/or a data message.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing information about a user's communications. The inventions allow a user to obtain information correlated or corresponding to a communication. In addition, the inventions allow a user to take action based on the information about a communication or the correlated or corresponding information. An exemplary system includes a telecommunications (telecom) manager connected to a telecommunications network; a gateway connected to a data network; and a communications manager that may communicate with the telecom manager and the gateway. In addition, the communications manager may store information about a user's communication preferences. The preferences may include a preference for presentation of information correlated or corresponding to a communication. The communications manager obtains information correlated or corresponding to a communication from its own resources, from the telecom manager, or from the gateway.

Abstract: Web based clients using embodiments of the disclosed invention may efficiently access stored manipulation functions in order to perform manipulation functions on data via Internet applications. The disclosed system allows web based applications to receive manipulation services on data using dynamically maintained, centrally stored, manipulation functions.

Abstract: A method for notifying an internet browser user of an incoming telephone call is performed by internet call notification software residing on the user's computer and software residing within a telephone network. A user selects the location of the internet notification software as a home page for the browser. The home page prompts the user for activation of internet call notification. If the user requests internet call notification, the software transmits an internet protocol address to the telephone network. The network then stores the internet protocol address for the user. When a call is made to the user, the telephone network accesses a database to retrieve the stored internet protocol address. The network then transmits a message to the user's software to notify the user of the incoming call. The software displays a window containing information about the telephone call. If the user chooses to accept the call, the software closes the browser and connects the telephone call to the user.

Abstract: A system and method for providing customized announcements to callers based on the called party telephone number and the calling party telephone number. The system comprises a server system and a messaging system. The server system detects that a customized announcement is to be delivered and the messaging system delivers the announcement to the caller. The customized announcements may be provided in conjunction with voicemail systems or other services for processing calls when a called party is not available. In a preferred embodiment the customized announcements are provided via a service node in an advanced intelligent network.

Abstract: An interactive media delivery system enables interactive media programming to a multimedia device and also tracks a subscriber's use of the multimedia device. For example, the device tracks events, such as a change in programming, a change in channel selection, and/or the subscriber's interaction with a particular interactive services application. Each event may be stored as an event record in a database, and one or more of the event records may be merged with content data to form event timelines of programming or other activity to the multimedia device over a selected time period. Further, timelines may be analyzed to generate ratings and other information about programming and may also be correlated with demographics data for marketing analysis.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for locating trouble in a telecommunications network. One method communicates signals from a central office along a local loop. The local loop comprises a ring wire and a tip wire. Voltage polarity between the ring wire and the tip wire is reversed, causing a customer's wiring to be isolated from the local loop. A test of the local loop may then be remotely performed to determine whether trouble exists in the local loop.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods provide an adjustable aerial terminal that is capable of being pole-mounted or wall-mounted. In an embodiment, this invention includes an aerial terminal having the means to rotationally adjust positions about a curved surface. In another embodiment, this invention includes an aerial terminal having the means to longitudinally adjust positions along a planar surface. In further embodiments, this invention includes a kit-of-parts capable of being assembled with conventional aerial terminals and also includes a method of adjusting aerial terminals located at an elevated position.

Abstract: A system for monitoring air pressure in a telecommunications network comprises a plurality of monitoring units, at least one device server, a computer network, and a terminal. Each monitoring unit is connected to a device server. A user at the terminal receives air pressure data from the monitoring units over the computer network.

Abstract: A torso harness reduces injury from a fall from a utility pole. The torso harness has a safety belt for wrapping around the waist of a person. A single strap forms a left and a right leg loop. The single strap has a first end secured to the safety belt and a second end secured to the safety belt. The single strap also has a clasp sliding along the single strap. The single strap pulls between the legs of the person and up through the groin area. When the clasp is secured to the safety belt, the single strap thus forms the left and the right leg loop.

Abstract: A system and method for a monitor process is disclosed. The monitor process manages, directs, and retains a record of the output from software applications and the tasks associated with such output. The monitor process does so by determining which notification messages output by the software applications do not match notification messages stored within a system monitor's message database. The monitor process then analyzes the non-matching notification messages using a rule set to determine an appropriate severity and contact list for each message. The monitor process then relays the non-matching notification messages to members of the contact list along with the message's appropriate severity. The monitor process may also be used to assist and encourage members of the contact list to update the system monitor's message database with the non-matching notification messages.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling customers of communication services to subscribe or modify pre-provisioned communication services and allowing the customers to retrieve in real-time the status of the pre-provisioned services and the parameters of their subscribed services. Once a request is received from an Internet interface device of a customer, a service provider server (“SPS”) formulates an appropriate message in an Internet protocol (“IP”) and forwards the message to a Service Control Point (“SCP”). The SCP formulates an advanced intelligence network (“AIN”) protocol message from the IP message and forwards the AIN message to a switch. The switch takes appropriate action in response to the AIN message and returns a response to the SCP. The SCP formulates an IP message and transfers the IP response to the SPS. The SPS delivers information from the IP response to the Internet interface of the customer.

Abstract: Set top boxes are provided with access to full EIT data streams without having to off-tune from one transport to another. If off-tuning is required, however, a locking mechanism substantially reduces or eliminates service interruption. Data in the additional EIT data streams in the non-home transports is reorganized to be sent by time rather than by service. EIT data is stored in the set top box in an architecture which significantly reduces the redundancy inherent in EIT data, allowing a full 7 days of EIT data to be stored in the set top box memory. The set top box of the present invention is backward compatible with conventional set top boxes.

Abstract: A torso harness for reducing injury from a fall from a utility pole. The torso harness has a segment of elastic cordage having a first end and a second end. The torso harness also has means for securing the first end to a support device in the utility pole and means for securing the second end to a technician's safety belt. The segment of elastic cordage stretches to decelerate the technician during a fall from the utility pole.

Abstract: An auger has an outer blade and a center bit. The outer blade includes an outer ring and an inner hub, and the center bit inserts into the inner hub. The outer ring has an array of circumferentially-spaced teeth, and the inner hub is inwardly spaced from the outer ring by an array of inner spokes. Each spoke in the array of inner spokes also has a bladed portion for removing material. The center bit has a drill bit-shaped tip, a toothed cone, and a shaft all concentrically aligned with the outer ring and with the inner hub. The toothed cone includes at least one blade outwardly protruding from the toothed cone, and the shaft inserts into the inner hub to center the center bit with the outer ring and with the inner hub. The drill bit-shaped tip centers the auger bit, and the array of circumferentially-spaced teeth moves soil and cuts roots. The at least one blade outwardly protruding from the toothed cone also moves soil and cuts roots.