Abstract: Notifying users of mobile communication devices, which may include providing options for response to notifications. A component of a communication service provider system receives an indication of a notification for a user of a mobile communication device. The notification may be received from a source internal or external to the communication service provider system. A component of the mobile communication service provider formats the notification so that it is compatible with the mobile communication device of the user and sends the notification to the mobile communication device of the user. The notification may include one or more options to respond to the notification using the mobile communication device. The notification may, for example, pertain to minutes-of-use in a mobile communication service plan, or to other information, including notifications from outside service providers such as airlines, banks, restaurants, hotels, libraries, credit card companies, etc.

Abstract: A method and system automatically activates a mobile station in a wireless communications network. The system includes an over the air activation function (OTAF) processor in the network that initiates an activation process in response to receiving a registration message from a mobile switching center serving the mobile station requesting the activation. Each mobile station has a unit of information stored into it at the time of its manufacture to enable it to request over the air activation. That unit of information is either the network routing address of the OTAF processor, or alternately, it is a value that is translatable into that address, either an OTAF ID number that is the same value for every mobile station or it is a sequentially serialized dummy value for the mobile identification number (a dummy MIN).

Abstract: Sharing content among users of mobile devices is facilitated and controlled by a system and method that employs a content sharing application to receive and process requests to share content among users of devices such as mobile devices and personal computers. Recipients receive share content messages from the content sharing application indicating that they have been selected to access shared content. Such messages may provide direct or indirect access to the shared content via the recipient mobile device. Recipients can specify privacy management schemes to limit or control the receipt of such messages. The content sharing application may also provide various spam filtering techniques that prevent users from abusing the system, including restricting the number or type of requests to share content that may be effectuated over time.

Abstract: The present invention is a “floating” intrusion detection system that can use any computer on the network as an intrusion detection platform. A software agent program called a “socket” is installed on each computer that is to be available to be an intrusion detection platform. A central server contains intrusion detection software as well as a database containing knowledge based rules and profiles for detecting intrusions. The central server can contact any computer that has a socket installed and direct that computer to become an intrusion detection platform. The selected computer then downloads, installs, and runs the intrusion detection software thus becoming an intrusion detection platform. Once the need has passed the central server can direct some of the platforms to stop running the software and return to their normal state.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include a method for synchronizing a cryptosystem. In one embodiment, the method uses existing control data that is transmitted as part of a connection establishment process in a wireless communication system. In one embodiment, messages that are normally sent between a base station and a remote unit during the setup of both originating and terminating calls are parsed to detect a particular control message that indicates the start of telephony data transmission. Detection of this message indicates a point at which encryption/decryption can begin, and is used to synchronize the cryptosystem. Synchronizing a cryptosystem involves generating an RC4 state space in a keyed-autokey (“KEK”) encryption system. In one embodiment, Lower Medium Access Channel (“LMAC”) messages are used according to a wireless communication protocol. This is convenient because the LMAC messages are passed through the same Associated Control Channel (“ACC”) processing that encrypts and decrypts the telephony data.

Abstract: A device and method wherein, using a keypad such as a standard alphanumeric telephone-style keypad, text entry is improved by employing a key-press combination which indicates which of the multiple characters associated with a key is chosen. The user will push-and-hold a first key, then press a second key; the position within the keypad, such the row number, of the first key indicates which of the characters represented by the second key are chosen. In this way, any standard character can be selected with a two-key combination.

Abstract: In a method of purchasing online, a client device of a customer communicates a purchase selection which is received by a vendor computer system. The vendor computer system, in response, communicates a cost of the purchase selection and fund confirmation address to the client device. The client device communicates a payment authorization for the cost that is received by a fund guardian. The client device also communicates biometric information. The fund guardian confirms the availability of sufficient funds to pay the cost. The biometric information is applied along with a stored biometric print to authenticate the customer. The vendor computer system communicates a fund confirmation address which is received by the fund guardian. When sufficient funds are available to pay the cost, and when the customer is authenticated, the fund guardian communicates a fund confirmation to the vendor computer system at the fund confirmation address.

Abstract: A variety of methods and systems can be used to achieve electronic surveillance when a call is directed to a destination as a result of service processing. For example, in a system involving a redirecting switch and a service platform switch, correlation between calling party identities for outgoing and incoming call legs can be done to identify a hairpin loop scenario. Upon detection of such a scenario, an appropriate electronic surveillance message can be sent to a monitoring device indicating the call's destination. Correlation information can be collected from available call setup signaling parameters. The methods and systems can be applied, for example, to systems involving directory assistance call completion, voice-activated dialing, voicemail callback, and prepaid services.

Abstract: Architecture that facilitates initiation of a user feedback signal during a telephone call when perceiving reduced voice quality. In response to receiving the feedback signal, the telephone network performs a number of measurements on the system and related to the user device that can be analyzed to determine the problem, and potentially resolve the problem. The feedback signal can be initiated by any number of user input means, including selection of a key or combination of keys on a cell phone keypad that generate signals which can be interpreted by the telephone network as the feedback signal, e.g., a DTMF signal.

Abstract: In a method of purchasing online, a client device of a customer communicates a purchase selection which is received by a vendor computer system. The vendor computer system, in response, communicates a cost of the purchase selection and fund confirmation address to the client device. The client device communicating a payment authorization for the cost that is received by a fund guardian. The fund guardian confirms the availability of sufficient funds to pay the cost. The vendor computer system communicates a fund confirmation address which is received by the fund guardian. When sufficient funds are available to pay the cost, the fund guardian communicates a fund confirmation to the fund confirmation address.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method that enable private network providers to offer public network voicemail service. In the private network, a status indicator indicates the subscriber's availability to receive calls, and a controller outdials and/or issues signaling commands to the public network. A status register in the public network, being controllable by signaling commands, determines whether incoming calls are processed normally or routed to voicemail. When a call to the private network goes unanswered, the controller sets the public status register to route calls to the subscriber's public mailbox, and then establishes a link between the incoming call and the public voicemail. The public status register is reset either immediately after establishing the link or after call termination. When the private network subscriber desires to retrieve voicemail, the controller also sets the public status register to effects re-routing of incoming calls to public voicemail system during message retrieval.

Abstract: A business model that is dedicated to supporting a wireless messaging device. The model offers unlimited services on a dependent device, including mixed limited/unlimited usage models, pre-and post-pay models, and models not found in a conventional monthly recurring charge system. The model further includes components that address service selection, suspension, resumption, service add-ons, account limitations and restrictions, detect device compatibility with support services, account analysis, charging cycles, billing methods, third-party add-ons and interfacing, and troubleshooting support.

Abstract: A system is provided for receiving prepayment of telecommunication services is provided. The system comprises a wireless communication network, a wireline communication network, and a pre-payment server communicating with both the wireless communication network and the wireless communication network. The prepayment server stores a monetary amount associated with the telecommunication time paid for by a subscriber. A measuring module operating on the prepayment server monitors the amount of time the subscriber uses both the wireless communication network and the wireless communication network and decreasing the monetary amount accordingly. The system enables a subscriber to make a single prepayment for telecommunication services, and the amount applies to both the subscriber's wireline or wireless telecommunications devices.

Abstract: A messaging-centric wireless device that communicates messages in the form of e-mail, SMS, and instant messaging. One of the core capabilities of the device is to support always-on mobile instant messaging, including reasonably accurate IM status information. The device/service includes some or all of the following features: IM community aggregation; intelligent IM status; a dedicated network environment (PDP/APN); an always-on connection either through a sustained wireless data connection or through buffered/mediated services that use out-of-band signaling to initiate a PDP context; an IM gateway to aggregate IM and/or e-mail connectivity; self-provisioning; the capability to compose messages without having to indicate dependent aspects of the message such as delivery bearer; a messaging oriented physical design; the capability to add on voice service; and, the capability to add on other data services.

Abstract: Architecture that facilitates the broadcast of a custom signature message to one or more portable wireless devices that enter an associated area of coverage. A subscriber to the service pays a premium to have the rights to broadcast the custom message to all users who enter and/or leave the cell. The rights can be exclusive for a coverage area over an extended period of time. For example, a company can subscribe to broadcast a single message to all wireless users who enter a cell for a period of one year. Subscriber account information includes quality-of-service (QoS) data that indicates the highest level of service such that when a wireless device is detected as entering the cell, only the subscriber's message will be broadcast to all users for a brief time.

Abstract: An apparatus and method provide for synchronized operation of encryption processes at two remote communication terminals. A first one of the terminals detects information associated with a current time during the establishment of a connection between the two terminals. The current time information is then utilized to create a start encryption time. That start encryption time information is transmitted from the first terminal to the second terminal. Both terminals then monitor the passage of time and begin encryption in a synchronous manner when the current time matches the start encryption time.

Abstract: A user device (e.g., a mobile telephone) communicates with an access node in a manner that causes the access node to provide call control and service options available through the access node. The capability and cost information is presented to a user device subscriber. The user device communicates to the access node a selection of call control and service options to use with the device.

Abstract: In a mobile communications network, a delivery acknowledgement receipt can be sent to indicate a SMS message is delivered. A system can be based on currently-existing protocols, such as described in the IS-136 standard. Existing network signals that acknowledge receipt of a message can be captured and utilized to notify the originator when the SMS message is delivered. A variety of other scenarios (e.g., unsuccessful delivery) can also be supported.

Abstract: A method and system automatically activates a mobile station in a wireless communications network. The system includes an over the air activation function (OTAF) processor in the network that initiates an activation process in response to receiving a registration message from a mobile switching center serving the mobile station requesting the activation. Each mobile station has a unit of information stored into it at the time of its manufacture to enable it to request over the air activation. That unit of information is either the network routing address of the OTAF processor, or alternately, it is a value that is translatable into that address, either an OTAF ID number that is the same value for every mobile station or it is a sequentially serialized dummy value for the mobile identification number (a dummy MIN). When the mobile station is turned on for the first time in the network, it requests activation over the air by transmitting to the local mobile switching center a registration order.

Abstract: A mobile terminal device that facilitates location services (LCS) in a cellular network. The system, as embodied in a mobile terminal device, comprises a mobile communications component that communicates wireless signals, and a location services component embodied in the mobile communication component to provide positioning information. A location request is received by the mobile terminal device and processed using the LCS server to activate trigger events. A location-tracking report is autonomously generated for each event and transmitted to the requesting client via MLP or the wireless network signaling protocol.