Abstract: A system for determining the lowest cost long distance carrier is disclosed. The system uses long distance rate information to determine the lowest cost long distance carrier for a particular long distance telephone call. The system can also retrieve the dialing prefix for the long distance carrier. Once a dialed telephone number is received by the system, the system determines the lowest cost long distance carrier, adds the dialing prefix to the dialed number, and then outputs the entire string, that is, the prefix and the dialed number so that the long distance call is completed using the lowest cost long distance carrier.

Abstract: A system and method to provide enhanced computer network services to computer network subscribers. A static route is created in the subscriber's computer to establish a continuous logical connection between the subscriber's computer and a continuous service provider to provide the subscriber with continuous services. Simultaneously, subscribers can obtain services offered by temporary service providers over the network. To obtain these services, the system establishes a temporary logical connection between the user and the temporary service provider. The temporary logical connection is destroyed when the user has completed using the desired services of the temporary service provider. To increase security, the continuous service provider is not directly connected to systems not controlled by the continuous service provider, such as the Internet. However, where such security concerns are not relevant, the continuous service provider can be connected to such systems.

Abstract: Systems and methods allowing a third-party to redirect a telephone call according to an intended call recipient's preferences are disclosed. Calls received at a switch for a subscriber are suspended while a query is sent via AIN or other data networks to a communications center device associated with the called party number. If the call is intended for another user of the subscriber's telephone, a third party, the actual recipient of the call notification may redirect the call to the intended user without directly interfacing with the calling party. The user may select one or more options provided to route the call according to predefined profile information provided by the intended call recipient.

Abstract: A connectorized inside fiber optic drop that facilitates the deployment of fiber to the home by connecting a fiber optic interface device to an optical network terminal, the inside fiber optic drop including a sheath, transition fittings, pigtails, fiber optic connectors, and a fiber optic strand. The sheath is positioned over a middle section of the fiber optic strand. The transition fittings are attached to the fiber optic sheath proximate to both ends of the drop. The pigtails attach to the transition fittings and enclose the fiber optic strand from the transition fittings to the ends of the fiber optic strand, where the fiber optic connectors are attached to the fiber optic strand and the pigtails. If the drop contains more than one fiber optic strand, then one set of pigtails with connectors is provided for each fiber optic strand.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for establishing device interaction among electronic devices of an environment. The device has a transmitter, receiver, memory storing interaction rules and a processor for implementing the interaction rules in association with the transmitter, receiver, and other devices of the environment. The device also includes components for performing the device specific functions and a state sensor for determining the logical or physical state of the device. The methods involve detecting a change of state at a device and then communicating in accordance with the interaction rules thereafter. The communication may involve broadcasting change of state messages to the environment, directing change of state messages to specific devices, and directing requests and/or directing replies to requests. Through device interaction, changes of state may automatically occur at one device in response to a change of state at another in order to reduce the burden on the user.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for establishing interaction among electronic devices of an environment. The device has a transmitter, receiver, memory for storing interaction rules, and a processor for learning the interaction rules in association with the transmitter, receiver, and other devices of the environment. The device also includes components for performing the device specific functions and a state sensor for determining the logical or physical state of the device. Methods involve observing at one or more devices change of state activity among the plurality of devices through receiving a change of state message that is transmitted to the one or more devices. A set of rules are learned at the one or more devices based upon observing the change of state activity. The learned set of rules are then applied at the one or more devices to automatically control changes of state of devices within the plurality of devices.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for a user interface permitting interaction directly between a user and devices of a device environment. A user interface device includes a display screen and memory storing representations of devices, their functions, and interaction rules. A processor displays the representations of devices and functions with connections shown between the representations on the screen to visually present the interaction rules. Choices may be provided through a user interface for user initiated learning in the environment so the user may initiate state changes on the devices themselves to produce the interaction rule. Additionally, the user may create a rule by selecting representations of devices and their functions on the screen to associate a function of one device with a function of another device. Also, a choice of device to query for information may be displayed on the screen, and the queried information is displayed once received.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for controlling content within a device environment through interaction among electronic devices of the environment. The device has a transmitter, receiver, memory storing interaction rules and content rules and a processor for implementing the interaction rules and content rules in association with the transmitter, receiver, and other devices of the environment. Methods involve obtaining content information of the media about to be played and comparing the content information to the content rules stored at a device. An instruction about playback of the media content is generated. Methods may also involve seeking rights information for media content and determining whether rights information exists for identified media content in response to the request. When rights information does exist for the identified media content, a message is sent that includes the rights information.

Abstract: Aggregator devices and methods are disclosed for establishing device interaction in an environment containing other electronic devices and the aggregator device. The aggregator device has a transmitter, receiver, memory storing interaction rules, and a processor for implementing the interaction rules in association with the transmitter, receiver, and other devices of the environment. The methods involve transmitting a message to the aggregator from a first device, referencing rules of device interaction for the environment, and then according to the rules of device interaction, transmitting a message from the aggregator to a second device. The rules of device interaction may include instructions that are to be transmitted from the aggregator in response to the aggregator receiving change of state messages from devices of the environment.

Abstract: A system and method downloads data and reconfigures the data into a database. A telephone user purchases a specific number of lines and specific services (i.e., call waiting) from a telephone company. The telephony company then programs a switch associated with that user so that the user receives the services purchased. The telephone company also inserts the user's purchases into a database used for generating the user's bills. Discrepancies can occur between the data in the switch and the data in the billing database. Billing correction is performed by downloading all of the data within a switch, reconfiguring the data into a database and then comparing the switch database against the billing database to detect billing errors. To facilitate ease of this billing correction process, the switch database is transmitted to the billing correction center via a network instead of the traditional method of using direct tape copies of the switch being physically transported to the billing correction center.

Abstract: A system for monitoring incoming communications to a telecommunications device. The system includes a switch and a service control point in communication with each other. The switch is for detecting an incoming communication to the telecommunications device from a calling party, wherein the switch is in communication with the telecommunications device by a first communications link. The service control point is for receiving a first message from the switch regarding detection of the incoming communication and for sending a second message to a data communications device, the second message containing information regarding the calling party, wherein the service control point is in communications with the data communications device by a second communications link.

Abstract: An Internet Call Waiting-Voice over Internet Protocol (ICW-VOIP) service that uses a service control point and service node of a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), acting as a gatekeeper and bridge respectively, to enable ICW subscribers to answer telephone calls during an internet session without having to disconnect internet access. The primary network components of the ICW-VOIP service comprise a proxy firewall, a service node, and a gateway. When a PSTN call is placed to a subscriber whose line is being used for internet access, the service control point accesses the subscriber's internet address from a database and transmits a message over the internet to the subscriber giving the subscriber the option to accept the call as a VOIP call. Once accepted, the subscriber places an H.323 call through the gateway to the service node. The service control point also forwards the PSTN call to the service node. Using bridging information, the service node matches the subscriber H.

Abstract: A translation file containing trunk group, trunk level and other translation data is created on a translation input system in response to a circuit provisioning request. An interface between the translation input system and a trunk inventory system transfers the translation file to a translation file directory on a server. The interface logs into the trunk inventory system to generate a translation document to be used by switch technicians to translate trunk groups. Generic views are used rather than conventional structured views to simplify the generation of the translations document. The generic views also reduce the complexity of the software required to implement the interface.

Abstract: One preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a system and method for sending voice instant messages. Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment of the system, among others, includes a communications client of a user that is configured to generate a voice instant message and send a voice instant message to another user. Methods and other systems are also provided.

Abstract: Network resource management systems are provided. A representative network update manager includes an updater coupled to a persistent database and to an administrative application residing on an application server and a memory operable to store a plurality of delayed updates. The network update manager is preferably operable to receive at least one update from the administrative application and subsequently update the persistent database. Methods and other systems for network resource management are also provided.

Abstract: A system for providing temporary contact aliases is provided. A representative system includes a database system operable to store at least one resource list comprising a plurality of contacts associated with at least one user. The plurality of contacts comprising at least one temporary contact at the instruction of said at least one user, stored in said at least one resource list associated with said at least one user. The system further includes a network interface operable to communicate with a plurality of users, including said at least one user, over a network which is operable to provide a communication medium between the plurality of users. Methods and other systems for temporary contact alias are also provided.

Abstract: A method and system for minimizing database overhead associated with AIN services includes a cascaded database structure having at least two databases. The first database is a seed database containing basic information about the subscriber and his available services. The second database is a real-time database containing additional information that will be used by the appropriate service application. When the subscriber initially requests the service, the service management system creates an entry in the seed database for the subscriber. The entry contains an identifier for the subscriber and an identifier for the service. Until the subscriber actually uses the service, the seed database remains the only entry for the subscriber. When the subscriber actually uses the service, the service application reads the seed database to determine the privileges for the subscriber and creates a larger entry in the real-time database. The service application may not write to the seed database.

Abstract: The present invention routes local toll-free calls dialed to a toll-free number via local switches and network onto interconnecting local providers with local access settlement rates, thereby allowing a local rather than toll cost structure. The invention operates with existing a subscriber's existing toll-free service provider. When an originating number is identified as an LCA or intraLATA call, the invention routes the local toll-free call from the SCP network to participating local switches that service the subscriber's terminating number. The originating calls are separated between the LCA and the rest of the LATA based upon the NPA-NXXs that are considered local to the subscriber's terminating number. The system also provides for routing local toll free calls and for reporting each local toll free call to the subscriber.

Abstract: A system and method for notifying one or more credit card companies of lost or stolen credit cards relatively automatically upon noticing that the one or more credit cards are missing. A user profile is created and stored on a server computer system, wherein the user profile has user verification information, credit card account information and credit card company contact information, typically for each credit card owned by a particular user. Using the user profile, the server computer system receives a request to cancel one or more of the owner's credit cards. The server computer system then communicates with each individual credit card company, relatively automatically, to notify of the loss. The communication may involve the request to cancel the credit card(s), as well as a request for a replacement credit card.

Abstract: Methods and systems for enabling a subscriber to reply to a voice mail message that has been made available for the subscriber at a voice mail system (VMS). In response to an indication, the VMS transmits a release message with respect to the subscriber's communication to the VMS, which communication then is terminated to an intelligent network element (INE). The INE originates a call to the party to whom the subscriber desires to reply. The subscriber's communication and the INE's call are bridged to form the reply call from the subscriber to the party. The VMS is not included in the call path. After the reply call is concluded, the bridge is dismantled, the IP is released, and the subscriber's communication is returned to interaction with the VMS without the subscriber having to make a separate call into the VMS.