Patents Assigned to Bell Atlantic Networks Services, Inc.
  • Patent number: 6272126
    Abstract: Interconnect traffic between local exchange carrier (LECs) networks and other carrier networks, particularly competitive local exchange carrier (CLEC) networks, dictates a need for efficient monitoring and analysis of the interconnect traffic. In accord with the invention, monitor equipment on the LEC network captures call related messages produced by the LEC network and compiles data from those messages to form call detail records for the interconnect traffic. These records are loaded into a relational database. A data preparation routine enhances the data, for example, by translating certain codes from the records into more useful text and by spreading or binning usage over predefined time intervals. An on-line analytical processing program runs one or more applications to allow the LEC to analyze the interconnect traffic between the LEC network and the other carrier's network. The analysis provides useful traffic data for accounting purposes, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Strauss, Robert D. Farris
  • Publication number: 20010006519
    Abstract: A system and method using enhanced processing, responsive to domain name translation requests, to provide selective routing services through a public packet switched data network. The name processing applies to translation of a domain name into a group of Internet Protocol (IP) addresses and to providing routing information for a packet data network such as the Internet. Following name translation into a group of addresses communication is automatically established between a calling terminal and a terminal designated by one of the addresses and determined through processing which effects linkage with the first terminal to respond. The selective routing is particularly advantageous for processing of voice telephone communications through the Internet packet data network based on domain name translations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2001
    Publication date: July 5, 2001
    Applicant: Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric A. Voit
  • Patent number: 6246875
    Abstract: An analog cellular voice telephone system and subscriber stations associated therewith are controlled to conserve power and to provide alternate service carriers. Acquisition of all of the service carriers is facilitated through the use of system identification numbers (SIDS) associated with each service carrier. A roaming subscriber will tune to a cellular digital packet data (CDPD) frequency to obtain a list of service carriers operating within that geographical area. Based upon a comparison with a preferred SID list stored in the subscriber station, an available service carrier will be selected by the subscriber station, and registration with the selected service carrier will take place. Usually, analog voice communication is suspended until the selection process takes place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Seazholtz, Robert D. Farris
  • Patent number: 6246695
    Abstract: A public switched telephone network (PSTN) provides communication of digital data from a data provider or LAN to one or more of a plurality of subscriber premises. Asymmetrical digital subscriber line interface units operating at variable rates and in variable modes (ADSL/AVRs) over a local loop offer one-way video-on-demand and other services and carry the necessary signalling between the subscribers and information providers. In an asymmetric mode, the interface units frequency multiplex digital information with voice information to the subscriber and support transmission of a reverse control channel from the subscriber to the central office for transmission back to the information provider. Other modes are supported which permit selective bi-directional and reversible communications as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Seazholtz, Wendell N. Sims, Kamran Sistanizadeh
  • Patent number: 6243374
    Abstract: A telephone network provided with an Internet connection and a call routing and control data base connected to the Internet is further provided with multiple geographically separated voice messaging systems connected to the Internet. Calls through the telephone network may be directed to such voice messaging systems or may be forwarded to such systems. Messages may be deposited in mailboxes in such voice messaging systems and then retrieved from telephone stations located sufficiently near the voice messaging systems as to entail no long distance or time toll charges. Return call service may be provided in a manner to avoid long distance or time telephone tolls through use of the Internet connected data base which routes calls which would incur a toll charge through the Internet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick E. White, Robert D. Farris
  • Patent number: 6243832
    Abstract: A network access test system includes a test computer system having a modem bank coupled to a network access server via a telephone switch. The network access server is coupled to one or more host computer systems, preferably over a local area network. The test computer system is configured to simulate a large number of test users concurrently accessing the host computer systems via the network access server and performing typical data transfers. Preferably, each simulated test user employs unique network addresses assigned for the test computer system and the host computer system, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Van P. Eckes, Steven A. Geria, Alan P. Sheets
  • Patent number: 6240337
    Abstract: To eliminate problems caused by the use of batteries for back-up power in outside plant facilities of a communication network or the like, the batteries are replaced with flywheel reserve power systems, in accord with the invention. Specific applications of flywheel power systems include flywheel systems to supply power to the optical terminal of a digital loop carrier type system, for a telephone network. Other applications relate to flywheel systems to supply power to optical network units (ONUs) in fiber to the curb or fiber to the home type communication networks. In the preferred embodiments, the flywheel power systems include intelligent components for monitoring and controlling operations of the power systems. Communication links are provided, to enable the monitoring and control components to report status to and receive control instructions from a centralized network control or management center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc.
    Inventors: William P. Marr, Jr., Frederick G. Hofman, Jr., John J. Serowatka
  • Patent number: 6240094
    Abstract: A statistical time division multiplexer facilitates distribution of data from various sources through a wireless transmission system to a plurality of subscriber stations within a cell reception area. Controlled logical token passing governs a variable token interval for data transmission from each buffer, associated in a base station with a respective receiving subscriber station, in turn to form a common data stream. Each subscriber may be assigned a minimum transmission time interval during which data, if present in the associated buffer, will be transferred. Data may be fed from the buffers in successive time intervals at bit rates that can vary from interval to interval. Variations of data transmission rate and token interval for each subscriber can be separately controlled on the basis of both presubscribed levels and current quality of service levels of the radio link. Channel quality and/or bit error rate for each channel may be fed back dynamically from the user for each token interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Allan Schneider
  • Patent number: 6233234
    Abstract: A system and method for providing telephony communication through a packet switched data network such as the Internet and an organization having telephone and computer terminals connected to a local area network. Selectable security is provided for the telephony applications through the use of an access gateway between the local area network and the packet switched data network operating in conjunction with an intelligent control network in a public switched telephone network. The access gateway includes storage and a processor for storing security data and running selectable applications based on pre-conditions established for the telephone terminals. Information is obtained from a party seeking to connect to a telephone terminal connected to the local area network both by dialing and by voice prompt and voice recognition dialog.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Curry, Robert D. Farris
  • Patent number: 6233315
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for increasing the utility and interoperability of peripheral devices such as, voice mail devices and voice dialing platforms, used in communications systems are described. Methods of efficiently providing speech recognition functionality to multiple subscribes through the use of centralized speech recognition circuits are also described. One feature of the invention is directed to dynamically enabling/disabling an automatic connection feature whereby a central office switch connects a subscriber to an intelligent peripheral device in response to an off-hook condition. In one embodiment the C.O. switch's automatic peripheral device connection feature is only enabled when a voice mail IP has a waiting message thereby reducing or eliminating unnecessary connections to the voice mail IP. In order to support automatic connection to multiple IPs in response to an off-hook condition, in one embodiment a caller is connected to a control IP in response to an off-hook condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Reformato, Joan Lawlor
  • Patent number: 6229887
    Abstract: Following the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (CALEA), the FBI developed a standard set of communication services and interfaces. for lawfully authorized electronic surveillance, for both call data recording and content recording. Existing public switched telephone networks use a variety of switches. Not all of the switches in use are capable of performing the routines required by the CALEA standards. In accord with the invention, Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) and/or Local Number Portability (LNP) functionality controls routing and billing of incoming and outgoing calls for the surveillance target. The routing is handled in such a manner that calls to and from the target are directed to a regional switching office which performs those functions for switches in the region which lack that capability. Through this arrangement call detail records (CDRs) regarding the target are accumulated and transferred to a law enforcement authority.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond F. Albers, Charles H. Eppert, III, Barry Pershan, Daniel C. Michaelis, Michael G. Pilkerton, Robert D. Farris, Christine W. Huff
  • Patent number: 6229880
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing speech recognition capability to callers in a cost efficient manner as part of one or more telephone services are described. Multiple speech recognition units with differing capabilities and therefore implementation costs are provided. Calls are assigned to speech recognition circuits throughout a call based on a signal such as a service type identifier indicating the type of service to be provided to the caller. During different phases of a call different speech recognition units may be used. In addition, different amounts of speech recognition processing capability may be allocated to service a call at different points during a call. In this manner efficient use of available speech recognition resources can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Reformato, George J. Vysotsky
  • Patent number: 6226359
    Abstract: In a voice messaging system, voice mailboxes can be designated as private boxes from which boxes messages can be forwarded, with their source identities concealed, to destination mailboxes. Communication of messages may be between remote VMS systems as well as between mailboxes in the same VMS system. The private designation may be made selectively by a subscriber to the public switched telephone network on a global basis or on an individual basis for each message. The global designation may be toggled on or off at any time by a call to the system with appropriate input from the subscriber. Optionally, the private designation may be made for an individual message during the call in which the message is stored in the subscriber's mailbox. While information identifying the source of a communicated message is concealed from the recipient, a response message may be communicated from the recipient mailbox back to the source mailbox or a third party mailbox designated by the source subscriber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert H. Montgomery, Michael G. Pilkerton, Robert D. Farris
  • Patent number: 6215858
    Abstract: A system and method of effecting transfer of a message such as a voice message from one multipurpose, multimode centralized messaging system in a first switched telephone network to a multipurpose, multimode centralized messaging system in a remote second switched telephone network, wherein each of the telephone networks includes central offices connected to subscriber terminals. The message is inputted in analog or digital, voice or text form by one of the terminals connected to the first telephone network, selectably processed in the messaging system and stored in a selectable digital form in the messaging system in that network. The message is then transferred from that messaging system to the centralized messaging system in the second telephone network where it is selectably processed and stored. The message is delivered by an outgoing call to an addressee terminal in the second telephone network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale Bartholomew, Robert D. Farris
  • Patent number: 6215790
    Abstract: A system and method using enhanced processing, responsive to domain name translation requests, to provide selective routing services through a public packet switched data network. The name processing applies to translation of a domain name into a group of Internet Protocol (IP) addresses and to providing routing information for a packet data network such as the Internet. Following name translation into a group of addresses communication is automatically established between a calling terminal and a terminal designated by one of the addresses and determined through processing which effects linkage with the first terminal to respond. The selective routing is particularly advantageous for processing of voice telephone communications through the Internet packet data network based on domain name translations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric A. Voit, Robert D. Farris
  • Patent number: 6216098
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for modeling behavior. A computer model includes an agent having one or more beliefs, a world model, and facts. Behavior is modeled by frames including workframes modeling a time-consuming portions of an activity or thoughtframes modeling non-time-consuming portions of an activity or information processing. Detectables model acquisition of, and response to, information during a defined portion of an activity. A detectable tests facts to form beliefs of the agent, which can affect continued performance of the activity. The model is run by selecting for each time one of the frames to be the working frame; maintaining a context of active frames representing activities that are underway at any time; performing the working frame until it completes or another frame is selected to be performed in its place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignees: Institute for Research on Learning, Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Clancey, David M. Torok, Maarten Sierhuis, Ron J. J. van Hoof, Patricia Sachs
  • Patent number: 6215855
    Abstract: The present invention involves a transmission of a known signal over a line intended for a digital subscriber line (xDSL) service, measurement of a resulting waveform received through the line and processing of the received signal to derive a set of eigenvalues characterizing the transfer function of the line. In the preferred embodiment, a transmitter applies a known test signal waveform to the transmission line. The test signal corresponds to a desired one of several available xDSL services. At the receiving end of the line, the output signal from the line is sampled, to capture a digitized sample waveform for the received signal. A computer processes the captured waveform, to determine eigenvalues characterizing the transfer function of the line with respect to the one service. If the eignevalues for the line bear predetermined relationships to threshold values, indicating acceptable line transfer function for the desired xDSL service, then the invention certifies the tested line for use on that service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Allan Schneider
  • Patent number: 6205139
    Abstract: A system and method using enhanced processing, responsive to domain name translation requests, to provide selective routing services through a public packet switched data network. The name processing applies to translation of a domain name into a group of Internet Protocol (IP) addresses and to providing routing information for a packet data network such as the Internet. Following name translation into a group of addresses communication is automatically established between a calling terminal and a terminal designated by one of the addresses and determined through processing which effects linkage with the first terminal to respond. The selective routing is particularly advantageous for processing of voice telephone communications through the Internet packet data network based on domain name translations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric A. Voit
  • Patent number: 6195422
    Abstract: To provide toll services but limit the amount of such services, toll calls from a party's line are routed to selected calling card type processing equipment. However, so that such calling party's have equal access to multiple carriers and need not dial additional digits, the communications network supplies calling and dialed number information to the processing equipment. The network preferably identifies the call as requiring a special application (without user input of billing number or PIN information). The processing equipment performs all necessary account related screening, e.g. to determine the remaining amount of funds available for the caller's toll services, to route the call and to continuously rate the call cost for the duration of the call. If there are no remaining funds, the call is disallowed. If the funds run-out during the call, the calling card type processing equipment interrupts the call and informs the caller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas R. Jones, Robert D. Farris
  • Patent number: 6195425
    Abstract: A communications system including multiple telecommunications networks having common channel signaling hardware is controlled by a hybrid or combination of common channel interoffice signaling (CCIS) system with a data internetwork to link the signaling points in the telecommunications network via the new hybrid common channel interoffice switching system. Preferably the internetwork comprises the Internet. The internet is used to link signal switching points, signal transfer points, and a signal control point. The signal control point is preferably hierarchical and distributed so as to provide ample power and capacity to supply signal control for multiple telecommunications networks of related or unrelated operating companies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert D. Farris