Abstract: A system for communicating with an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network is provided. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, an intermediate node having a controller element to receive from a non IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) compliant node a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) message having a calling party number and a called party number, and insert in the SIP message a request that instructs a receiving IMS-compliant node to bypass validation of the calling party number. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A mobile communication device scans a barcode of a product and comprises a scanner, a processing module, and a receiving module. The scanner scans the barcode. The processing module is in communication with the scanner, and sends a coded information received from the scanner to an information provider. The receiving module is in communication with the processing module, and receives a product information from the information provider as a voice message and sends the product information to the processing module.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for switching contexts within a spoken dialog between a user and a spoken dialog system. The spoken dialog system utilizes modular subdialogs that are invoked by at least one flow controller that is a finite state model and that associated with a dialog manager. The spoken dialog system includes a dialog manager with a flow controller and a reusable subdialog module. The method includes, while the spoken dialog is being controlled by the subdialog module that was invoked by the flow controller, receiving context-changing input associated with speech from a user that changes a dialog context and comparing the context-changing input to at least one context shift. And, if any of the context shifts are activated by the comparing step, then passing control of the spoken dialog to the flow controller with context shift message and destination state.

Abstract: A system and method for registration of network units is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, an optical network unit (ONU) in a passive optical network (PON) that can have a controller element to receive a registration code, send the registration code and a serial number of the ONU to an optical line terminal (OLT) that configures the ONU for temporary connectivity with the PON, and upon an expiration of the registration code or a termination of the temporary connectivity, re-send the serial number to the OLT to re-configure the connectivity with the PON. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A system for managing a scope of communications of a communication device is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, communication device having a controller element to receive one or more entries in a contact book of a second communication device, and limit a scope of communications with other communication devices according to the one or more contact book entries received. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A system for managing one or more service level agreements associated with a switched metro Ethernet network is disclosed and manages one or more service level agreements associated with a switched metro Ethernet network. The system also includes a service level agreement (SLA) management reporting system (MRS) and a performance engine (PE) data filter coupled to the SLA-MRS. Further, the system includes one or more network elements connected to the PE data filter, wherein the SLA-MRS is configured to receive performance data from the PE data filter and at least partially based on the performance data validate one or more customer claims regarding an SLA violation.

Abstract: A system and method for augmenting wireless coverage for communication devices is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a set-top box (STB) having a multimedia subsystem, a cellular transceiver, and a controller element. The controller element can be used to manage the operation of the multimedia subsystem and the cellular transceiver, wirelessly detect a cellular communication device in a vicinity of the cellular transceiver, and provide the cellular communication device access to one or more cellular networks using the cellular transceiver and an exterior antenna coupled to the STB. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A new type of data transport service which uses a frame relay layer 2 data link connection identifier (DLCI) to select among various service types, feature sets, and/or closed user groups (CUGs). A layer 3 address may be extracted from a layer 2 frame, and the layer 3 address information may be used to route a data packet over a packet-switched network according to the service classes, feature sets, and/or CUGs selected. At the destination, the layer 3 data packet may again be enclosed in a layer 2 frame with a DLCI indicating the service classes, features sets, and/or CUGs. Because the use of conventional permanent virtual circuits (PVCs) is not required in aspects of the invention, new methods of measuring and managing network traffic are presented.

Abstract: A method is provided for decoding a bit stream representing an image that has been encoded The method includes the steps of: performing an entropy decoding of the bit stream to form a plurality of transform coefficents and a plurality of motion vectors; performing an inverse transformation on the plurality of transform coefficients to form a plurality of error blocks; determining a plurality of predicted blocks based on bidirectional motion estimation that employs the motion vectors, wherein the bidirectional motion estimation includes a direct prediction mode and a second prediction mode; and, adding the plurality of error blocks to the plurality of predicted blocks to form the image. The second prediction mode may include forward, backward, and interpolated prediction modes.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a service support system that includes a service request interface, a dispatch system interface, and a service assignment module. The service request interface is configured to communicate with a service request system. The dispatch system interface is configured to communicate with a dispatch system. The service assignment module is configured to assign a particular service request to a particular technician based at least in part on a historical technician performance statistic. The particular service request is received via the service request interface. The service assignment module notifies the particular technician of the service request via the dispatch system interface.

Abstract: The present invention implements a method and system for dynamically adapting the modulation and coding scheme for radio links in a wireless communications network based on a retransmission environment model in order to maximize throughput and most efficiently allocate bandwidth resources. The present invention encompasses a refined calculus and methodology for deriving the link adaptation thresholds in a retransmission environment using a complex model and analysis of the retransmission environment. The present invention holds particular application for wireless data communications as opposed to real time data services because it is based on a retransmission model applicable primarily for data services. A critical component of this new link adaptation system is a “no transmission” cutoff mode that is selected for SIR below a base threshold value. This new mode prevents system instability and misallocation of bandwidth in a wireless communication system.

Abstract: Systems for customizing the privatizing of instant messages preferably comprise a processing device configured to detect a marking of select portions of an instant message as sensitive data. The instant message is parsed for marked sensitive data. An encryption engine encrypts the sensitive data. A modified unencoder is also preferably included for converting the encrypted sensitive data into a data stream that complies with an XML format. Other systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A device and method for providing simple access to subscriber selected applications that reside in a telephone network. A programmable communication device that includes programmable push buttons operable for providing a user one button access to voice based and text based applications. A storage register is associated with each of the programmable push button and is operable for storing a directory number, such as a telephone number and a server address. The communication device includes a unique programming permission code for security purposes, such as restricting the use/reprogramming of the push buttons. A method of programming device push buttons including entering the programming permission code and selected advanced application information into the device. The method of programming may be done remotely or manually using various provisioning techniques.

Abstract: A multi-band hybrid amplifier is disclosed for use in optical fiber systems. The amplifier uses Raman laser pumps and semiconductor optical amplifiers in series to produce a relatively level gain across the frequency range of interest. Multiple Raman pumps are multiplexed before coupling into the fiber. The Raman amplified optical signal may be demultiplexed and separately amplified by the SOAs before re-multiplexing. Gain profiles of the Raman pumps and the SOAs are selected to compensate for gain tilt and to alleviate the power penalty due to cross-gain modulation in the SOAs. The disclosed hybrid amplifier is especially useful in coarse wavelength division multiplexing (CWDM) systems.

Abstract: A mobile communications system stores an address of an external control component and a service indicator indicating a service to be performed by the external control component. The service indicator and address of the external control component may be Network CAMEL Subscription Information (N-CSI) stored by the switching center. In response to detecting a customer care call from a mobile communications device, the switching center suspends call processing and queries the external control component utilizing the stored address. The external control component performs the service indicated by the service indicator and determines how to continue processing the customer care call in accordance therewith. The service performed by the external control component determines a translation for the customer care call and the external control component returns information to the switching center for routing the call according to the translation.

Abstract: A central host performs an automated method of updating multiple remote devices. In one embodiment, the host recognizes a predetermined download time and, in advance of the download time, transmits a calendar update to multiple remote devices. The calendar update includes the download time, and the remote devices may utilize the download time to set calendar reminders for entering an active state. Within a short time after reaching the download time, the host pushes download data to the remote devices by broadcasting the download data. In one aspect, the host may receive message acknowledgements from remote devices in response to a first calendar update, and the host may automatically transmit additional calendar updates to any remote devices that did not receive the first calendar update. Additional embodiments involve related methods and the terminal devices that receive the updates.

Abstract: A method and system that reduces the impact of packet loss on video data quality. Packet selection is performed by the method and system to selectively drop low priority packets so that the overall quality of the received video data may be improved. In one exemplary embodiment, the probability of higher priority layers being delivered on time is computed and a packet is transmitted only if this probability is greater than a given threshold h. In another exemplary embodiment, the system and method have the capability of backing up the process to transmit previously skipped packets, if time allows.

Abstract: A method for displaying content of a time-sensitive e-mail message to a recipient, wherein the content displayed is based on when the recipient opens the time-sensitive e-mail message. A sender of the time-sensitive e-mail message establishes content and a rule set for delivering the e-mail message. The rule set contains a predefined time limit for allowing the recipient of the time-sensitive e-mail message to open it. If the recipient opens the time-sensitive e-mail message within the predefined time limit, the content within the e-mail is delivered to the recipient. If, however, the recipient fails to open the time-sensitive e-mail message within the predefined time limit, then the time-sensitive e-mail message is either deleted from the recipient's mailbox or an alternative message is displayed.

Abstract: This invention provides wireless communications using a remote, self-contained communications antenna unit that transceives signals from a disconnected cell site and communicates these signals with a communications network. In an exemplary embodiment, the remote, self-contained communications antenna unit includes a transportation vehicle that carries a generator for power, backup batteries, transmitter and receiver equipment, a digital signal processor (DSX), a network interface unit, an air conditioner, and an extendible mast.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for caller identification messaging are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a calling party uses a Caller ID Messaging Device that supplants the incoming calling line identification (ICLID) signal with a Caller ID Messaging Signal and transmits the Caller ID Messaging Signal to a destination communications address. An alternate embodiment provides that the calling party may use a conventional telephone to access a communications network, activate Caller ID Messaging Services, compose or retrieve a stored Caller ID Message of the Caller ID Messaging Signal, and transmit the Caller ID Messaging Signal to the destination communications address. The Caller ID Message and Caller ID Messaging Signal may include text, video, voice, and/or digital data.