Abstract: Some embodiments, among others, include a search for sensitive information. Once a result of the search has been obtained, a score is assigned to the obtained result in accordance with a predefined criterion.

Abstract: A directory advertising system includes a user interface module, a database, and a control module. The user interface module displays a special telephone number for an advertiser in a directory advertisement. The database stores the directory advertisement, the special telephone number, and a maximum amount to be charged to the advertiser. The control module decrements the amount stored in the database when the special telephone number is dialed and deactivates the special telephone number when the amount reaches a predetermined level.

Abstract: Systems and methods of detecting lost packets are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method is disclosed that includes receiving a first request to retransmit a first packet. The method also includes selectively retransmitting the first packet based on a first list that identifies packets to retransmit and based on a second list that identifies packets that have been retransmitted.

Abstract: A method of providing video content commentary is disclosed that includes sending video content to a first set-top box device at a first time, where the first set-top box device is associated with a first subscriber. The method also includes receiving data corresponding to a comment submitted by the first subscriber. The comment relates to a particular portion of the video content. Further, the method includes sending the video content to a second set-top box device at a second time, where the second set-top box device is associated with a second subscriber. The video content sent to the second set-top box device includes a graphical representation of the comment.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a trigger module and a tuning module. The trigger module presents a notification on a display device in connection with an occurrence of a predetermined condition in a real time event, such that the notification is added to a decoded video signal representing a video presentation other than the real time event before the decoded video signal is output to the display device. The tuning module displays the real time event when the notification is selected. A method for presenting a notification for an occurrence of a predetermined condition in a real time event and for displaying the real time event is also disclosed.

Abstract: A technique for scheduling conferences includes receiving a conference request, which includes an invitee list, a prioritized list of preferred media types, and one or more times for a conference associated with the conference request. The conference is requested with respective invitees associated with the invitee list (via respective subscriber terminals) and it is determined whether the respective invitees can be scheduled for the conference. The conference is scheduled between a conference requester (associated with the conference request) and available ones of the respective invitees, when mandatory attendees, included within the respective invitees, are available.

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: An optical fiber connection system detects when proper connection is made between a fiber-optic cable and a bulkhead. A conductive strip on the fiber-optic cable contacts a first and second conductor on the bulkhead upon proper positioning of the bulkhead relative to the fiber-optic cable. The system includes indicators for displaying which of a plurality of termination points is properly terminated. In addition, the system includes alternative embodiments for turning off an energy source feeding the fiber-optic cable, in the event the fiber-optic cable becomes disconnected from the bulkhead.

Abstract: A system for automating the life cycle of a software application is provided. The software application utilizes computing resources distributed over a network. A representative system includes creating logic operable to create a task list which describes how at least one stage in the application life cycle is to be performed, and processing logic responsive to the creating logic, operable to process the task list to perform at least one stage in the application life cycle. The processing logic is integrated with a development environment, and the development environment is used to develop the software application.

Abstract: Speech recognition models are dynamically re-configurable based on user information, application information, background information such as background noise and transducer information such as transducer response characteristics to provide users with alternate input modes to keyboard text entry. Word recognition lattices are generated for each data field of an application and dynamically concatenated into a single word recognition lattice. A language model is applied to the concatenated word recognition lattice to determine the relationships between the word recognition lattices and repeated until the generated word recognition lattices are acceptable or differ from a predetermined value only by a threshold amount. These techniques of dynamic re-configurable speech recognition provide for deployment of speech recognition on small devices such as mobile phones and personal digital assistants as well environments such as office, home or vehicle while maintaining the accuracy of the speech recognition.

Abstract: Systems and methods for collaborative searching are described. In an embodiment of the present invention, a database stores previously executed queries and corresponding results. An application server compares an entered query with the previously executed queries. If the application server finds a query that is substantially similar to the entered query, the application server returns the results corresponding to the previously executed query. If no substantially similar result is found, the query is executed against one or more data sources. When results are returned, an embodiment provides the user with the ability to rate them. The ratings are used to determine the similarity of various queries.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiments describe methods and systems for managing the communications and information resources of a user. When a request for data is received, a message log is queried for the data. The message log tracks both wireline communications and electronic communications sent to and received by the user. A result of the query is then communicated.

Abstract: This invention concerns a method and system for monitoring an automated dialog system for the automatic recognition of language understanding errors based on a user's input communications in a dialog with the user. The probability of conducting a successful dialog with the user is determined based, at least in part, on understanding data from at least one prior dialog exchange of the dialog.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for administering a personal interactive voice response service. A personalized greeting is retrieved that is associated with a calling party and with a called party. The calling party's response to the greeting is received, and stored information is retrieved that is associated with the calling party's response and with the called party. The stored information is presented to the calling party.

Abstract: Methods of providing messages for a user can include accepting entry of a message for the user, and accepting entry of a location criteria associated with the message. Physical location information for a wireless communications device associated with the user can be obtained, and the message for the user can be transmitted when the physical location information for the wireless communications device matches the location criteria associated with the message. Related systems are also discussed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for assuring H.323 alias address portability to an H.323 user in real-time H.323 multimedia communications where the H.323 user is registered with a home gatekeeper for the home zone of the H.323 user. Alias address portability may be obtained using a central database that is known to the administrative zones and is used for alias address mapping, or alternatively, may be obtained by using a distributed database. The method may be implemented by: sending, by the H.323 user, a message with a called H.323 entity's alias address, to the home gatekeeper to originate a call to the called H.323 entity; confirming that the alias address, services, and service providers are portable; converting the alias address to a called routable alias address for the called H.323 entity and sending the alias address to the H.323 user; and placing the call to the called H.323 entity.

Abstract: A method of monitoring network performance is disclosed and includes receiving a session initiation protocol (SIP) response message from one of a plurality of serving-call session control function (S-CSCF) systems at a centralized error monitoring server of an Internet Protocol (IP) Multimedia Subsystem (IMS). The SIP response message includes at least one error code that matches an error monitoring initial filter criterion included in a subscriber profile. The method also includes sending an alert message to a fault management system of the IMS when at least one threshold related to SIP error codes is met or exceeded based on the at least one error code.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer program product for implementing remote control processes is provided. The method includes receiving a request to execute an operation on a target device via selection of a function key on a remote control device. The function key is associated with the operation and the target device that performs the operation for remotely controlling operation of the target device via a signal transmitted from the remote control device to the target device when the function key is selected. The method also includes approving the request to execute the operation when authorization has been secured, and transmitting the signal from the remote control device to the target device in response to the approval.

Abstract: A system for deploying Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services is provided. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a Call Session Control Function (CSCF) having a controller element to receive a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP)message from an originating communication device requesting communications with a terminating communication device, and establish an Internet Protocol (IP) connection between the originating communication device and an advertisement media system to present at the originating communication device an advertisement message that replaces a ringback tone associated with the terminating communication device. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A dialog manager and spoken dialog service having a dialog manager generated according to a method comprising selecting a top level flow controller based on application type, selecting available reusable subdialogs for each application part, developing a subdialog for each application part not having an available subdialog and testing and deploying the spoken dialog service using the selected top level flow controller, selected reusable subdialogs and developed subdialogs. The dialog manager capable of handling context shifts in a spoken dialog with a user. Application dependencies are established in the top level flow controller thus enabling the subdialogs to be reusable and to be capable of managing context shifts and mixed initiative dialogs.