Abstract: An antenna system that includes a directional antenna designed to reduce the occurrence of side lobes, thus reducing the possibility of interference with other radio frequencies is disclosed. The directional antenna includes an antenna member and a reflecting tube. The reflective tube is sleeved over the antenna member. The reflective serves to block unwanted radial side lobes. The directional antenna can also include provisions that assist in suspending the antenna member within the reflective tube.

Abstract: A device for managing text messages sent by an advertiser to mobile subscribers. According to one embodiment, the device may include an advertiser interface module for receiving from the advertiser content of a text message and at least one criterion. In addition, the device may include a database management module in communication with the advertiser interface module for interrogating a database to determine the mobile subscribers that satisfy the criterion.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods for database configuration migration. In an embodiment, the method includes receiving an instruction to hold constant a configuration of a first database. A change is implemented in a configuration of a second database. A configuration change transaction record based at least in part on the change in the configuration of the second database is stored. The configuration change transaction record is sent. A change in the configuration of the first database is implemented based at least in part on the configuration change transaction record.

Abstract: A system and method for adjusting the volume level of a communications device in response to a voice volume/ambient noise relationship. Ambient noise and voice volume are sampled and compared to a predetermined ambient noise to voice volume relationship. Voice volume is adjusted up or down in response to a control signal that is generated in view of the comparison between the sampled voice volume to ambient noise relationship and the predetermined ambient noise to voice volume relationship.

Abstract: A system and method is described for entering a voice messaging system when a telephone set goes off-hook. If no voice message is waiting, a dial tone is provided to the telephone set. If a message is waiting, a prompt is activated by a telephone system indicating that such message is waiting, and the subscriber is then prompted to listen to the waiting message. If the subscriber does not wish to listen to the waiting message, he can place a conventional telephone call. If the subscriber chooses to listen to the waiting message (e.g., by entering “*” or saying “yes”), control is passed to the voice messaging system and the message is delivered to the subscriber.

Abstract: A method for modeling a computing architecture is provided. Computing layers of the computing architecture are identified, wherein each computing layer represents a functional layer of the computing architecture. Computing systems of the computing system are identified. Computing layers implemented by the computing system are identified. Stacked bars are displayed to represent the computing layers. Second bars orthogonal to the stacked bars are displayed to represent the computing systems, wherein each second bar extends through a portion of the stacked bars an amount corresponding to the computing layers implemented by the computing system represented by the second bar.

Abstract: A remote DC plant monitoring system is provided that includes graphical user interface logic and connection logic. The graphical user interface logic provides a user with periodically updated data points associated with a DC plant. The connection logic connects to a monitoring server and receives the periodically updated data points associated with the DC plant, the monitoring server being coupled to a number of DC plants via a network. Methods and other systems are also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for customizing the presentation of a content-access list based on subscriber-specific information, such as historic viewing preferences and related information are described. An embodiment of the present invention includes a content-access-history database, a content database, and an option list creator, which combines data in the content-access-history and content databases to create lists of content-access options that are customized for individual subscribers. In one embodiment, a subscribers television viewing patterns and related behaviors are analyzed and the options in an electronic program guide (EPG) are filtered and sorted based on the results of the analysis.

Abstract: An object shell console allows maintenance personnel to upgrade or otherwise modify an executing computer application without suspending or terminating the application's execution. The object shell console attaches to the application while it is executing and extracts program data. The program data is displayed to a maintenance person. Based on the program data, the maintenance person upgrades or otherwise modifies the application. Upgrades include corrections to reflect system upgrades and changing the behavior of the application. The application is modified without time-consuming and expensive program builds.

Abstract: A system and method for maintaining information in a personnel directory, according to which historical data is saved and associated with current data, so that a user can locate an individual using outdated information. An embodiment of the invention includes receiving a request to edit an existing data entry of the personnel directory, copying the existing data entry to create a previous data entry, editing the existing data entry, and associating the previous data entry with an associated data entry. A further embodiment includes receiving a search query looking for the previous data entry, searching the personnel directory for the previous data entry, identifying the associated data entry as corresponding to the previous data entry, and reporting the previous data entry and the associated data entry.

Abstract: Embodiment of the present invention relates to systems and methods for comparing feature package operational statuses of two or more switches. In an embodiment, the system includes a first switch and a second switch. The first switch includes a first set of features packages, and the second switch includes a second set of feature packages. The system also includes a computer coupled to the first switch and to the second switch. The computer is to receive a first set of feature package information and a second set of feature package information. The first set of feature package information corresponds to the first set of feature packages, and the second set of feature package information corresponds to the second set of feature packages. The computer is to compare the first set of feature package information and the second set of feature package information.

Abstract: A centralized agent of an organization receives a request for the resource from at least one of the entities thereof, and reviews each request for the resource. A vendor capable of supplying the resource is then selected. The agent designates an organization individual to work with the vendor, and the agent and individual produce a qualified request to be submitted to the vendor. Agreement is then obtained with the vendor regarding terms, and the agent reviews and approves same. The selected vendor thereafter develops and supplies the resource. The agent reviews vendor progress according to the agreement.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for reminding a user to include an e-mail attachment file with an e-mail communication. The e-mail application is configured to provide a menu of different types of e-mail for the user to select, and to provide templates that require the user to attach an attachment file when that option is selected.

Abstract: A device, system and method is described for augmenting cellular telephone signals for a cellular telephone. In an exemplary embodiment, an audio signal device cellular is provided with a sound generating device that stores one or more audio signals that are activated upon receipt of a telephone call. Optionally, the audio signal device may store a library of audio signals that may be programmable and edited. The device, system and method of the present invention enables a user to choose audio alert sounds beyond the scope of those provided by the manufacturer of a cellular telephone. A removable memory device containing at least one accessible sound file is attachable to the audio signal device, and provides increased selection of audio signal choices.

Abstract: The present invention provides an e-mail communications system that minimizes the number of duplicate copies of common attachment files to e-mail communications that are stored in the mail store of an e-mail server. When the e-mail server receives an e-mail attachment file that is larger than a threshold size, the server performs a database search for another copy of the attachment file in the mail store. If another copy is located, the system creates a pointer in the mail store that associates the located attachment file with the e-mail for the additional recipient(s). Attachment files are deleted only after the recipients of the associated e-mail communications delete each of the respective e-mails.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a telecommunications system initiating telephone connections between, for example, a consumer and a service provider based on the criteria provided by the consumer and the services available from the service provider. The system is suitable for consumers requiring direct communication with a staff member of a service provider capable of meeting the consumer's service requirements. The system compiles a prioritized list of service providers matching the consumer's criteria. Starting with the first service provider on the list, the system rings the service provider and determines whether or not a staff member answers the call. If the line is busy or the call is not answered by a staff member, the system moves on to the next service provider on the list until a service provider having a staff member is located. Once such a service provider is located, the system rings the consumer and connects the two parties.

Abstract: A system and method for linking an ROP (Read Only Printer) to a CSN (Compact Service Node) platform at a telecommunication facility. The UNIX software for the CSN may be modified so as to enable the ROP option and also to recognize the external printer attached to the CSN. An unassigned port at the CSN may be used to connect the ROP to the CSN. Therefore, no hardware modifications to the CSN architecture may be necessary. The user (e.g., a technician) may instruct the CSN to print the user-selected data that may include a variety of messages (e.g., telephone service subscriber data, error messages, diagnosis/troubleshooting reports, subscriber communication data, etc.) generated by the CSN. Thus, in addition to viewing the messages, the technician may direct the messages to an external printer for a hard copy of the data. Alternatively, instead of the ROP, the technician may connect a laptop computer to the printer port at CSN and capture and store all the messages from the CSN for later processing.

Abstract: A system and method for maintaining network activity in a router to keep the router from entering a lock-up state due to inactivity. The system and method is operable to send a ping request via the router to an Internet Protocol (IP) address to which a response is expected. It is then determined whether the response is received. If no response is received, a notification message is displayed indicating that network access is unavailable. The process is preferably automatically repeated such that the network router does not experience a prolonged period of inactivity and the user is apprised of the status of his network connection.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods for a converged service creation and execution application. In an embodiment, an application is coupled to an application server. One or more open application programming interfaces are coupled to the application server, and service session management logic is also coupled to the application server.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing or entirely canceling background or ambient noise from a voice transmission from a communications device. A communications device, such as a mobile telephone, is configured with an ambient noise compensation signal generator that is connected between a microphone and a mixer. The original output of the microphone and a compensation signal generated by the ambient noise compensation signal generator are mixed together prior to being passed to a transmitter. In one embodiment a buffer is provided between the microphone and the mixer to help synchronize the timing of the signals to be mixed. In another embodiment a second microphone is employed to detect ambient noise.