Abstract: A system and method for optimizing the performance, in a multichannel optical transmission system, of an optical signal regenerator, by compensating for input signal power fluctuation and for output signal gain change, and by mildly filtering individual wavelengths between gain block stages. A system and method to provide amplification and refinement of a bidirectional optical signal in a single amplification and refinement stage.

Abstract: A client-server system and method providing real time access to a variety of database systems, for decision making applications, such as dynamic price quoting, product/service configuration and ordering, and billing verification. The system and method uses a graphical user interface to provide a user transparent and seamless access to the database systems.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a wireless network such that degradation of service availability is reduced or eliminated. The present invention monitors a wireless network. In response to a network degradation, the present invention adjusts setup parameters of network equipment. The adjustment automatically adapts the network equipment in real-time or near real-time to reduce or eliminate the degradation. The present invention is preferably automated, thereby increasing the speed of network adaption.

Abstract: A system and method for isolating an outage within a communications network comprising a database containing the configuration of switching elements within a network and a plurality of instructions resident on a memory device for operating a control computer wherein the plurality of instructions include a code segment for receiving alarms from the switching elements, a code segment for determining which of the alarms indicate an outage, and a code segment for identifying the location of the switching elements that isolate the outage based upon the configuration of the switching elements in the database are disclosed.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: System and method for distributing calls to customer service operators, particularly home operators. The present invention provides a telecommunications service provider's network with intelligence to monitor the current status and availability of home operators, and to determine the appropriate routing of a customer service call. By enabling the network to monitor operator availability status, only a single telephone line to a home operator is required, and notification of availability to answer calls is not required to be performed by the home operator.

Abstract: A method of and system for passively monitoring facsimile transmissions between an originating fax machine and a terminating fax machine. The system detects a ring signal from the originating fax machine on an inbound telephone line, and, in response to detecting the ring signal, dials the previously stored telephone number of the terminating fax machine on an outbound telephone line. Upon completion of dialing the telephone number of the terminating fax machine, the system establishes a connection between the inbound and outbound telephone lines, thereby to connect the originating and terminating fax machines. The system then passively monitors signals between the originating and terminating fax machines to display protocol information translated into human readable form and indications of signal level and quality.

Abstract: A system and method for permitting a customer to perform intelligent call routing (ICR) in a carrier's network. A Remote Data Gateway (RDG) permits customers to control the routing of their call traffic on the carrier's network. The RDG provides the routing and delivery of call processing queries, generated on the carrier's network, to a Customer Access Point (CAP). The customer can use the CAP to perform ICR and other call processing functions. The results are sent as a response back to the RDG, which delivers the response to the carrier's network for implementation. Features provided by the RDG include improved security, improved service reliability, message and protocol translation, and maximum efficiency of network and system resources through a dynamic registration process.

Abstract: An automated product purchasing system allows purchasers to order products via a remote communications medium without having to speak to a sales representative or other human operator. According to the invention, purchasers access the automated product purchasing system and browse among the selections offered. Menu style prompts guide the customer through the various products offered by the automated product purchasing system. Product descriptions are provided to assist the customer in making his or her selections. Where appropriate, product samples are provided to the customer via the communications medium so the customer can evaluate the product prior to purchasing. Examples of product samples include movie previews, sample cuts from music tracks, software demos, and the like. Ordering and purchasing are automated so that human operators are not required to intervene in the process.

Abstract: A system and method for easily directing a telephone call from a hearing caller using a standard telephone to a deaf, hard of hearing, or speech disabled person using a text telephone via a telecommunication relay system including a communications assistant. The telecommunications relay system is a central location where hearing callers dial a toil-free number and request a specific extension number. Based on that specific extension number, the system finds an associated subscriber profile that comprises the name, actual ten-digit telephone number, and service description option of the text telephone user. The telephone call is then relayed to the text telephone user after the dialing of the actual telephone number. The communications assistant then introduces the hearing caller to the text telephone user according to the specific service description option which was selected by the text telephone user when they applied for the telecommunications relay system service.

Abstract: A toll charge and rate inquiry service for portable numbers allows a telephone system user to access billing and toll telephone charge information prior to establishing a telephone call connection between the telephone system user and a called party. The telephone toll charge information is extracted from a portable telephone number logical matrix. A telephone system user using the toll charge and rate inquiry service for portable numbers can use the telephone toll charge information to determine prior to establishing a telephone call connection whether to complete the telephone call to the called party with a toll charge. Upon request, the user is automatically connected to the called party.

Abstract: A method of and system for detecting and reporting faults in an all-optical communications system. The system monitors each of the optical fibers and uses the optical supervisory channel system to detect and report faults. Whenever the system detects a fault in any of optical fibers, the system forms a message identifying the fault and transmits the message in the optical supervisory channel carried by at least one of the optical fibers.

Abstract: An optical telecommunication network has a plurality of optical cross-connect switching nodes linked together by optical cables to form transmission paths for traffic between sending and destination stations. A centralized operation support system (OSS) is coupled to each node for receiving failure alarms and port status messages for failed cables from the switching nodes and terminal sites. The collected data is used to select alternate routes through the network using the spare capacity of the optical cross-connect switches and available wavelengths within the network. Any connection(s) to put into effect an alternate routing plan is broadcast to the affected nodes or terminal sites. A Real-Time Multiple Wavelength Routing (RMWR) algorithm is used by the OSS or by decentralized switching nodes to select, coordinate and route traffic among selected paths to bypass the failed cable such that wavelength collisions or adjacent cross-talk do not degrade the network performance.

Abstract: A method of and system for completing a telephone call from an originating number to a password protected destination number at a terminating switch. The system receives dialed digits from the originating number, and compares the dialed digits received to candidate dialing schemes. Whenever a sequence of dialed digits received satisfies a dialing scheme for a call to a destination number, the system waits to receive trailing dialed password digits. When the system has received the trailing digits, the system sets a destination number equal to the sequence of dialed digits received, and sets a password equal to the trailing digits received. The system then forwards a call request with the set destination number and the set password to the terminating switch for call processing. The terminating switch determines whether the destination number has a password associated with it, and if so, completes the call only when the set password matches the password associated with the destination number.

Abstract: A system and method for analyzing network performance by correlating network performance monitoring data reported by monitoring points in the network is described herein. The system analyzes the performance monitoring parameters by: determining whether the performance monitoring parameters contain non-zero values; determining whether the performance monitoring parameters exceed a predetermined threshold value; determining whether prior performance monitoring parameters exceed a predetermined threshold value. The system initiates a problem handling process if the step of analyzing indicates a possible network problem. The system maintains the problem handling process if the performance monitoring parameters continue to indicate a possible network problem.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for enabling a programmer to create an application program with an object-oriented notebook control is described. Platform independent, object-oriented notebook and notebookPage classes comprised of a plurality of methods and variables are detailed from which a notebook control object is constructed and manipulated to represent the paradigm of a notebook. The notebook control object receives data from mouse and keyboard events and organizes it into a dual dimensional vector including folders and pages. An improved method of mouse selection of components is depicted. An improved method of drawing involving offscreen graphic images is summarized.

Abstract: A system and method for making a call from a dual mode mobile station functioning in either a PCS (personal communication service) mode or a cellular mode permits PCS communications if the station receives a beacon of a sufficient strength in a PCS frequency band, and alternatively permits cellular communications if the station does not receive a beacon of a sufficient strength in the PCS frequency band. In order for the dual mode station to perform in both a cellular mode and a PCS mode, a single service provider (reseller) will attempt to provide both types of services. The reseller must ensure that a call can be properly billed to a mobile station user for both a call received at the dual mode mobile station and a call transmitted from the dual mode mobile station. Accordingly, methods and systems are provided for controlling cellular service access to and from the mobile station.

Abstract: A system and method for managing and redeeming a promotional coupon for goods and services. The system provides a link between an operator console and a remote database server having one or more coupon files, each of which contains a plurality of coupon records. A customer telephones the operator and discloses an encrypted coupon number from the coupon issued to the customer. The encrypted coupon number is used to access the relevant coupon record in a coupon file on the remote database server. The status of the coupon is transmitted back to the operator console. If the coupon is valid, the operator console provides the goods or services requested by the customer. The operator console subsequently sends a command to the coupon file to change the status of the coupon in the coupon record.

Abstract: A transmission-based restoration system and method restores a failure of an optical pipe within an optical domain. Restoration occurs in the same domain in which the failed optical pipe is located. First and second optical pipe rings and a first plurality of optical switch platforms are deployed within a domain. The first optical pipe ring carries optical communication signals in first and second opposing directions around the first optical pipe ring. The second optical pipe ring carries optical communication signals in first and second opposing directions around the second optical pipe ring. Each optical switch platform is connected to the first optical pipe ring and the second optical pipe ring for switching the optical communication signals between the first and second optical pipe rings.