Abstract: Interface devices for facilitating communications between devices and communications networks are provided. According to one aspect, a destination interface device for providing communications between a first device and a second device comprises one or more inputs, one or more outputs, and logic. The one or more inputs of the destination interface device receive data in a first format from a source interface device. The logic translates the data to a second format compatible with the second device. The translated data is then transmitted to the second device via the one or more outputs. The destination interface device may subscribe to the source interface device for access to enhanced features as well as for access to data associated with communications networks and devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides a facility management platform to monitor and view the status of a plurality of individually addressable downstream devices including, but not limited to, addressable terminals, IRG's, settops, cable modems, taps, nodes, and/or hubs at a network control center. The FMP may display problems at these downstream devices, for example, power loss, and/or may automatically notify the appropriate companies and/or personnel to correct the problem.

Abstract: A communication network is operated by determining whether a network element can be trusted and monitoring traffic associated with the network element based on whether the network element can be trusted. At least some of the monitored traffic may be selected for examination based on the degree of trust for the network element. At least some of the monitored and/or examined traffic is selected to be blocked based on the degree of trust for the network element.

Abstract: A method and system of controlling recordation and transmission of audio and video signals on a per-conference-leg basis are described. By providing a recordation and transmission control mechanism, teleconference participants may request to go “off-the-record.” A per-conference-leg recording and transmission control system enhances the flexibility of teleconference participant's interaction with one or more other participants. The control system and method may further allow a single individual to control the recordation and transmission of the teleconference or alternatively, grant each participant individual control over their own conference leg.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to provide a network-based caller identification (CID) service in a voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) network are disclosed. An example method comprises receiving a session initiation protocol (SIP) communication session initiation request message comprising an early-media indicator, disabling a ringtone generator, sending a SIP ringing message containing a session descriptor in response to the early-media indicator, receiving a ringtone based on the session descriptor, and presenting the ringtone to alert a user of a requested communication session.

Abstract: A method of detecting and responding to an email address harvest attack at an Internet Service Provider (ISP) email system includes counting a number of failed email address look-ups during a single Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) session associated with an originating Internet Protocol (IP) address and responding to the originating IP address with a positive acknowledgement that an otherwise invalid email address exists when the count of the number of failed email address look-ups exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: The present invention enables users of packet-switched network services, e.g., VoIP network services, to hear a very gentle whispering tone that quietly conveys the identity of the calling party when they are engaged in conversation and to receive a call-waiting signal. The tone is audible only to the called party but does not mute the ongoing conversation path. This enables subscribed users to hear their ongoing conversation while receiving the whispering tone.

Abstract: A method, system and module for automatically converting a call flow into a state-based representation are disclosed. The method comprises walking a call flow and converting each page of the call flow into a rule of a higher level representation of the call flow, augmenting the higher level representation with terminal symbols representing state variable assignments and comparisons associated with decision and computation shapes in the call flow and converting the higher level representation into a state-based representation.

Abstract: An early intake valve closing (EIVC) and variable valve timing (VVT) assembly and method are provided for an internal combustion engine. The method includes operating an intake valve to open and close an intake port and allow intake gas to enter a cylinder of the internal combustion engine containing a piston, where the timing of the closing of the intake valve occurs at or before bottom dead center (BDC) of the compression stroke of the piston. The method further includes selectively extending duration of the opening of the intake port by an amount that delays closing timing of the intake valve until after BDC of the piston compression stroke. An assembly for EIVC and VVT includes a cylinder head including an intake valve and intake port and a rotatably mounted camshaft including an intake lobe operatively connected to the intake valve to periodically move the valve into the first and second positions.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a system, method and apparatus for monitoring telecommunication components. The invention provides a switch placed at a remote location, wherein the switch includes a converter that converts power from a first voltage to a second voltage, a plurality of communication lines for a connection to a plurality of end users; and an interface that establishes a communication link with a central office. A transmitter is associated with the converter or other switch component; the transmitter transmits a wireless signal relating to a converter or other switch component operating condition. A receiving device receives wireless signals from the transmitter and provides the signals to a serving area interface for processing and/or transmission of the signals to a Central Office for monitoring. A transmitter may initiate transmission upon the occurrence of a change in operating condition.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for implementing remote participation in events are provided. A method includes providing a view of an instance of an application on endpoint systems in response to a common option selected by the endpoint systems of the application. The method also includes receiving performance data from the endpoint systems, and populating the view with virtual representations of users of each of the endpoint systems. The populating includes positioning the virtual representations at various locations in the view. The various locations are indicative of the performance data.

Abstract: A method for dislodging exhaust gas deposits from an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler (26) associated with an engine includes the steps of providing at least one on-board gas source (S) for providing a gas (G) at a superatmospheric pressure, and placing the EGR cooler in fluid communication with the gas source through a supply conduit (44, 144). The supply conduit (44, 144) includes at least one valve (V) that is selectively operable to a closed condition closing the supply conduit and to an open position opening the supply conduit. The method also includes the step of operating the at least one valve (V) from the closed condition to the open condition to allow the superatmospheric gas (G) to flow through the supply conduit (44, 144) to the EGR cooler (26).

Abstract: A system, computer program product and method are disclosed for sending advertising data to an end user device. The system includes but is not limited to a processor in data communication with a computer readable medium; and a computer program embedded in the computer readable medium, the computer program comprising instructions to monitor video data for advertising key data, instructions to monitor end user data exchanged between end user devices for the advertising key data, instructions to receive data from an end user device indicating a product selected from a selected data segment in the video data and instructions to send advertising data relating to key data in the selected data segment to the end user device. The computer program product executes a computer program to perform the method.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for verifying a commercial transaction between a card-holder, a merchant, and a credit card company. The card-holder makes a purchase with the merchant using a full credit card number. The merchant submits a transaction approval request for approval with the credit card company. The credit card company executes conventional credit approval of the transaction approval request, as well as verifies the transaction approval request with the card-holder. An approval is sent to the merchant only after the transaction approval request is both conventionally approved by the credit card company and verified by the card-holder. The card-holder, or the credit card company, may initiate verification of the transaction approval request.

Abstract: A computer implemented method includes determining, at a first computing device associated with a network, a voting status associated with a second computing device that is coupled to the network to receive video content. The voting status is based on whether voting for the video content via the second computing device is prohibited. The method includes, in response to determining that the voting status indicates that voting is not prohibited, sending data related to a voting interface to the second computing device. The method includes receiving voting input (associated with the video content) from the second computing device via the voting interface and updating a voting record of the second computing device based on the voting input to indicate that the voting input has been received. The method includes sending a message to the second computing device indicating that the voting input was received from the second computing device.

Abstract: A method, system and program product, the method comprising: accessing in the performance of steps databases, comprising: aggregated deposit account information for a plurality of FDIC-insured and interest-bearing aggregated deposit accounts in first plurality of banks; client account information; accessing first client transaction data; determining total amounts of funds for a second plurality of banks; determining a set of client accounts having small balances; allocating funds of client accounts among the second plurality of the banks to match the respective total amounts set for the second plurality of banks, the allocating comprising allocating the small balance client accounts to force a distribution of respective of the client accounts; determining transfer information for funds from the one or more of the aggregated deposit accounts; receiving second transaction files; reallocating funds of client accounts among to match the respective total amounts set for the second plurality of the banks.

Abstract: A method and system provide a predictive human interface for a plurality of user electronic devices, which includes establishing a user account with a service provider, registering the plurality of user electronic devices in an electronic database associated with the user account, and storing, in the electronic database, initial user preferences regarding how certain specified communications related to the user electronic devices are to be processed. The method and system also includes monitoring and storing, by a core network server, specific characteristics associated with each communication originating from the user electronic devices, generating a predictive human interface for the user electronic devices, based upon the stored specific characteristics for the user electronic devices, and providing the predictive human interface to the user electronic devices for use during a next communication originating from one of the user electronic devices.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a display device having a controller to wirelessly receive media; wirelessly receive control signals for presentation of the media from a mobile communication device; and selectively disable control by the display device over presentation of the media on the display device. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer readable medium for identifying a person in an image includes an image analyzer. The image analyzer determines the content of an image such as a person, location, and object shown in the image. A person in the image may be identified based on the content and event data stored in a database. Event data includes information concerning events and related people, locations, and objects determined from other images and information. Identification metadata is generated and linked to each analyzed image and comprises information determined during image analysis. Tags for images are generated based on identification metadata. The event database can be queried to identify particular people, locations, objects, and events depending on a user's request.

Abstract: A graphical interactive visual response system and method is provided in which a graphical user interface provides such interactivity and visual response. A user can initiate contact with a representative using an application residing on a personal device, such as a mobile telephone or computer. The application (graphical interface) allows the user to interactively select options on a displayed menu, arrive at the appropriate service and initiate a connection with the representative. The connection is established when the user and representative are available, thereby avoiding hold and wait times typically associated with conventional interactive voice response system.