Patents Assigned to MCI Communication
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Patent number: 6604137Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for verifying spare capacity in a communications network comprising a database containing the configuration of switching elements within the network and a plurality of instructions resident on a memory device for operating a control computer, wherein the plurality of instructions includes a code segment for generating alarms on the switching elements, a code segment for receiving the alarms from the switching elements, and a code segment for updating the database to reflect the spare capacity based upon the alarms.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 1997Date of Patent: August 5, 2003Assignee: MCI Communications CorporationInventors: Daniel Edward Cowan, Gerard Lawrence Commerford, Jr., Barbara A. Paul
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Patent number: 6601048Abstract: A system, method and computer program product for processing event records. The present invention includes a detection layer, an analysis layer, an expert systems layer and a presentation layer. The layered system includes a core infrastructure and a configurable, domain-specific implementation. The detection layer employs one or more detection engines, such as, for example, a rules-based thresholding engine and a profiling engine. The detection layer can include an AI-based pattern recognition engine for analyzing data records, for detecting new and interesting patterns and for updating the detection engines to insure that the detection engines can detect the new patterns. In one embodiment, the present invention is implemented as a telecommunications fraud detection system. When fraud is detected, the detection layer generates alarms which are sent to the analysis layer. The analysis layer filters and consolidates the alarms to generate fraud cases.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 1997Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: MCI Communications CorporationInventors: John Gavan, Kevin Paul, Jim Richards, Charles A. Dallas, Hans Van Arkel, Cheryl Herrington, Saralyn Mahone, Terril J. Curtis, James J. Wagner
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Patent number: 6587867Abstract: A telecommunications system includes multiple services. For example, the system provides multiple communications services with a single number for a subscriber. The subscriber can easily configure, manage and update these services via the Internet, by accessing a service or subscriber profile detailing the services specific to the subscriber The subscriber profile specifies which communication services the subscriber wishes to provide to different people who call the subscriber' telephone number. The system provides a World Wide Web access method to the subscriber's profile. The system includes security safeguards to ensure security to the system.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 1997Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: MCI Communications CorporationInventors: James Allen Miller, Ram S. Vaidya
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Patent number: 6587890Abstract: Switch controller application programmer interfaces (SCAPIs) are described herein. The SCAPIs allow for communication with routines of an application program that resides in memory of a switch controller. The switch controller is a component within a telecommunications network that provides an interface between a public switched telephone network via programmable switches and intelligent service network components. Intelligent service network components may provide an interface to other networks and/or perform enhanced service call processing. Functions performed using SCAPI procedures include interface with the programmable switches, health monitoring, requesting processes to perform tasks, interface with intelligent service network components, and enhanced service call processing.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 1998Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: MCI Communications CorporationInventors: George Kult, Sharadha Vijay
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Patent number: 6579231Abstract: A portable unit worn by a subject, comprising a medical monitoring device, a data processing module with memory and transmitter for collecting, monitoring, and storing the subject's physiological data and also issuing the subject's medical alarm conditions via wireless communications network to the appropriate location for expeditious dispatch of assistance. The unit also works in conjunction with a central reporting system for long term collection and storage of the subject's physiological data. The unit may have the capability to automatically dispense chemicals that may alleviate or assist in recovery from an illness.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 1998Date of Patent: June 17, 2003Assignee: MCI Communications CorporationInventor: Eric T. Phipps
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Patent number: 6580782Abstract: A system and method for testing a telephone connection using an interactive telephone response module (ITRM). In one embodiment, the ITRM is connected between the handset and station set of a telephone terminating one end of the connection to be tested. In another embodiment, the ITRM is connected between the telephone connection and the station set of a telephone terminating one end of the connection to be tested. By operating switches on the ITRM, a user can impose predetermined conditions on the connection. A test coordinator located at a test point or other termination in the telephone network then tests the connection under the predetermined conditions.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 1999Date of Patent: June 17, 2003Assignee: MCI Communications CorporationInventors: William C. Hardy, Earl L. Mannas
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Patent number: 6574661Abstract: A Web/Internet based toll-free network management tool that enables customers of telecommunications network providers to modify the configuration of their toll-free networks via a Web/Internet-based graphical user interface. The tool provides customers Web/Internet access to toll-free call routing plans and associated routing plan details via a secure Web/Internet-based connection, and additionally provides a customer with the ability to specify implementation of a specific call routing plan for a toll-free number at a predetermined time, and the ability to re-configure an existing call routing plan. Additionally, the tool enables a roll-back of a particular call-routing plan or call plan detail to a prior configuration at a user-specified time.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 1998Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: MCI Communications CorporationInventors: P. Alex Delano, Carol Y. Devine, Robert W. Hall, Robert A. Pfister, Garrison M. Venn
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Patent number: 6574587Abstract: A system and method for extracting and forecasting computing resource data such as workload consumption of mainframe computing resources using an autoregressive model. The system and method forecast mainframe central processing unit (CPU) consumption with ninety-five percent accuracy using historical performance data. The system and method also provide an upper ninety-five percent confidence level and a lower ninety-five percent confidence level. The system and method retrieve performance records from a computer platform in one second intervals, statistically collapses the one second performance data into fifteen minute performance data, statistically collapses the fifteen minute performance data into one week performance data, and generates a time series equivalent to collecting performance data at one week intervals.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 1998Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: MCI Communications CorporationInventor: Anthony C. Waclawski
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Patent number: 6560646Abstract: The present invention provides an intelligent call processor, an intelligent switching node and an intelligent communications network for use in a communications system. The intelligent call processor comprises a logical platform having a plurality of functions wherein at least one of the functions is service processing function, at least one of the functions is call processing, and at least one of the functions is facility processing, and a processor for executing the plurality of functions. The intelligent switching node comprises an intelligent call processor and, a resource complex communicably linked to the intelligent call processor and logically separated from the intelligent call processor.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: MCI Communications CorporationInventors: Robert Barnhouse, Doug Cardy, Kelvin Porter, Ken Rambo, Carol Waller, Wendy Wong, George Yao
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Patent number: 6556538Abstract: A centralized restoration system and a distributed restoration system for restoring a network are integrated. Trunks within the network that have failed are first processed by the distributed restoration system to attempt restoration of the failed trunks. Trunks that cannot be restored by the distributed restoration system and trunks that are designated for restoration by the centralized restoration system are then restored by the centralized restoration system. The centralized restoration system and distributed restoration system communicate to keep each other aware of their respective actions. Mechanisms are utilized to prevent conflict between the two types of restoration systems. The integration of the two types of restoration systems causes high-priority trunks to be quickly restored by the distributed restoration system and lower-priority trunks to be restored by the centralized restoration system to balance the workload of restoration.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 1996Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: MCI Communications CorporationInventor: William D. Croslin
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Patent number: 6556539Abstract: A system and method for reducing undesirable phase transients caused by revertive switchover in a telecommunications network. Selector switch settings are assigned priorities. The priorities indicate an order of preference in which to assign selector switch source inputs or outputs. Selector switch sources connected to equipments that are to be used as backups of one another are assigned the same priority level. Assignment of the same priority level prevents undesirable phase transients by controlling revertive switchovers. In addition, network topology is controllable using the priority table. The controllable characteristic of the network topology provides flexibility to a network designer to provide diversity among network paths such that the network is made more robust.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 1999Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: MCI Communications CorporationInventor: Gregory Scott Henderson
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Patent number: 6553427Abstract: The present invention provides an abstract, object-oriented encapsulation of the communications interface between intermediary, lower-level protocol handlers, such as TCAP server programs, and service providers, such as service application programs, that run on transaction server computers within an enhanced services platform, such as a network intelligent platform of a telecommunications carrier. The TCAP server programs exchange INAP messages with network switches through the SS7 protocol interface, forwarding the INAP messages received from network switches to service application programs, and receiving response messages from service application programs to be sent back to the network switches. The specialized INAP protocol handling software previously developed specifically for each different service application program is abstracted by the object-oriented communications interface into a set of library routines that can be shared in common by all service application programs and TCAP servers.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 1998Date of Patent: April 22, 2003Assignee: MCI Communications CorporationInventors: Chen-Huei Chang, James Edward Patterson, Paul Thomas Schultz, Richard Charles Stilborn
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Patent number: 6510216Abstract: An intelligent network provisioning system (20) has a client platform (22) with a user interface for order entry. A server platform (24) is connected to the client platform (22) by a network (26). The server platform (24) is capable of sending a query to a calling card provisioning system (28). An application server (30) upon receiving an order from the server platform (24) downloads the order to the intelligent network (32) and transmits a state change message to the server platform (24).Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 1998Date of Patent: January 21, 2003Assignee: MCI Communications CorporationInventors: Shawna M. Burr, Riel DuToit, Steven S. Shuman, Jeffrey P. VanBemden, William Z. VanBlack, William C. Vann, Jhoanne J. Vinuya, Hilmar C. Wiesner
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Patent number: 6496567Abstract: An advanced resource management system for an interactive voice response (IVR) service node allows multiple network ports to be served by one application port thereby increasing efficiency. An IVR with a plurality of network ports can now be efficiently configured with a plurality of application ports with varying capabilities. The resource management system determines which of the plurality of application ports on the service node has the capability to service an incoming call and then dynamically assigns a time slot to one of the network ports and to one of application ports to perform IVR services. The dynamic allocation of application ports to network ports also allows for a more simplified connection of the service node to the telecommunications network in which it is deployed.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 1998Date of Patent: December 17, 2002Assignee: MCI Communications CorporationInventors: Greg Bjornberg, Patrick Hamilton, Daniel Hutton
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Patent number: 6493433Abstract: The multi-threaded database system manages access to a plurality of databases. A separate thread is assigned to each of the databases so as to encapsulate activities relative to the databases. Threads may be performing separate activities independently of each other. As a result, a first database may be modified, added, or deleted while a second database is being accessed. The database system is especially well-adapted for use with an interactive voice response platform.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 1998Date of Patent: December 10, 2002Assignee: MCI Communications CorporationInventors: Lonnie S. Clabaugh, Kolin G. Hogue, Gregory J. Kelsey, Shailesh Patwardhan
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Patent number: 6493447Abstract: The present invention is a Contact Server that enables customers to submit call-back requests to a call center via the Internet, or virtually any other communications technology available. A call-back to the customer can be placed via any communications technology available. In its preferred embodiment, the Contact Server enables a call-back request to be submitted by a customer directly from an HTML page on a Web site, and have that same HTML page be presented to the agent that receives the call-back request. The agent can then place a telephone call to the number provided by the customer who submitted the call-back request, and at the same time, establish a TCP/IP communications session with the customer. This TCP/IP session can proceed between the agent's Web browser and the customer's Web browser, and the visible actions performed by the agent are transferred to the customer and displayed on the customer's browser.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 1997Date of Patent: December 10, 2002Assignee: MCI Communications CorporationInventors: Raymond G. Goss, Donald Ravenscroft
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Patent number: 6493353Abstract: A signaling gateway allows a next generation of service nodes to be deployed in any communications switch network without requiring any further development or customization. The signaling gateway encapsulates multiple signaling systems into a single interface embodied in a telecommunication service provider's proprietary signaling protocol. The signaling gateway also performs call and resource management. A next generation of service nodes may then be designed to process a reduced set number of messages that have a common format and that perform fundamental functions common to all signaling systems. Any differences in implementation of any signaling system, as well as detailed functions performed for call setup and resource management, are transparent to the service node.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 1998Date of Patent: December 10, 2002Assignee: MCI Communications CorporationInventors: Patrick J Kelly, David Phelps, Lou Severini
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Patent number: 6490350Abstract: An automated monitoring system monitors telephone resources in a call center. The call center may include agent stations at which agents are stationed to handle calls. A monitoring server monitors calling activity by the agents to maintain state information about the agents and to gather statistics about the calling activity of the agents. These statistics are forwarded to a client program run on a workstation or other type of computer system. The client program provides a graphical user interface and depicts the state information about the agents as part of the interface. The graphical user interface may also display statistics regarding the calling activity of agents, agent supervisors, business clients of the call center, and the call center in aggregate.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1997Date of Patent: December 3, 2002Assignee: MCI Communications CorporationInventors: Richard McDuff, Wesley Jon Atkinson, Donald L. Ravenscroft, Gopi Shankar, Craig Kaley, Craig Alan Baxter
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Publication number: 20020175943Abstract: A monitoring system monitors calling activity within a call center. The monitoring system includes a client program that may be run on a workstation. The monitoring system also includes a computerized tool for building a model of the call center's physical layout. The client program displays a graphical user interface that contains status information about agents in the call center and statistics regarding calling activity within the call center. The graphical user interface may depict a model of all or a portion of the call center's physical layout. A builder prepares a computerized model of the call center using the call center layout tool. The builder may use the call center layout tool to update the computerized model of the call center. Information about agents, supervisors, and business clients may be obtained from the graphical user interface.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2002Publication date: November 28, 2002Applicant: MCI Communications CorporationInventors: J. Wren Hunt, Wesley J. Atkinson
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Publication number: 20020175929Abstract: A monitoring system monitors calling activity within a call center. The monitoring system includes a client program that may be run on a workstation. The monitoring system also includes a computerized tool for building a model of the call center's physical layout. The client program displays a graphical user interface that contains status information about agents in the call center and statistics regarding calling activity within the call center. The graphical user interface may depict a model of all or a portion of the call center's physical layout. A builder prepares a computerized model of the call center using the call center layout tool. The builder may use the call center layout tool to update the computerized model of the call center. Information about agents, supervisors, and business clients may be obtained from the graphical user interface.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2001Publication date: November 28, 2002Applicant: MCI Communications CorporationInventors: J. Wren Hunt, Wesley J. Atkinson