Abstract: A network server, and a method for building a boot file in response to a standard protocol request. Network specific and client specific parameters necessary to build the boot file are encoded into the path name and file name of the standard protocol request respectively. A special character in the standard protocol request triggers the network server to decode the parameters from the standard protocol request and then use the decoded parameters to build the boot file on-the-fly.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically distributing communications to selected locations includes switching means which is provided in electrical communication with a calling party's CPE device and a plurality of secondary parties' CPE devices. As disclosed, the system may be adapted for use in both advanced intelligent networks (AIN) and non-AIN arrangements. Similarly, the switching means may be provisioned with automatic call distribution (ACD) architecture or, in specified AIN arrangements, with a Service Node or advanced functionality controlled by a properly interfaced service control point (SCP) or adjunct. In operation, the switching means parks incoming communication on queue while performing selected routing functions in an attempt to locate the secondary party if one of the plurality of selected communication addresses. In the preferred embodiment, the selected routing functions are performed in a predetermined sequence.

Abstract: An enhanced system and method is provided for network implementation to facilitate network users' access to an Internet Service Provider. The system and method employ an approach whereby a network user may initiate an Internet access request from the user's network interface (e.g., personal computer) and the Internet access service provider (ISAP) may in turn select a station number corresponding with one of a plurality of different Internet Service Providers to provide the desired Internet access. The system and method are particularly apt for use in a telephony environment. In such environment, a central office switch receives a request from a telephony subscriber and suspends processing of the call pending receipt of routing instructions from a service control point. Such service control point selects the telephone number for an ISP from a listing of ISP telephone numbers corresponding with a plurality of different ISPs. Such number is provided to the central office switch to complete call processing.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for simultaneously transporting telephone signals and broadband signals on a single coaxial cable. The ring line and tip line of the telephone signals are dc coupled onto the inner and outer conductors of the coaxial cable, while the information wire and reference ground of the broadband signal are ac coupled onto the inner and outer conductors of the coaxial cable respectively. Low pass filters at each end of the coaxial cable pass the telephone signal in and out of telephone jacks while blocking the broadband signals. High pass filters at each end of the coaxial cable allow the broadband signals to pass in and out of coaxial connectors while blocking the telephone signals. The coaxial cable is isolated from earth ground to prevent shorting of the telephone electrical power to earth ground. A ground block may be added to connect the reference ground of the incoming broadband signal to earth ground.

Abstract: A communication system and method for a communication network is provided. The communication system and method allow a calling party and a called party to engage in a two-way negotiated call hold. The two-way call hold enables the calling party, placed on hold by a called party, to disconnect the call and be placed in a queue. The calling party is then notified when a selected position in the queue has been reached and the call between the calling party and the called party is then reconnected at the expense of the calling party. The calling party may monitor its position in the queue before the selected position has been reached.

Abstract: A method and system for efficiently searching a master database includes a memory device for storing a subset of the master database in an auxiliary data-base. A computer program receives an input signal corresponding to the search and processes the input signal with the auxiliary database to determine the presence or absence of qualifying search targets. Thus, target information is determined prior to actually accessing the database.

Abstract: A digital audio/video archive and distribution system (10) and method utilize a signal capture and compression encoding subsystem (12) to translate an analog signal from at least one media source (14) into at least one digital signal segment. The digital signal segment is automatically correlated with identifying information (18) input via an Internet connection, and both are stored in a searchable database subsystem (24). Upon a user request (28) received via an Internet connection, or programming prompt, a graphical user interface (GUI), such as a web-based user interface, is created to distribute one or more of the stored digital signal segments.

Abstract: A partitioned communication system includes a shared switch network system in communication with an Intelligent Network Processor (INP). A terminating Intelligent Communication Device (ICD) located outside the management and control of the network defines a boundary therebetween and permits multiple inter-dependant parts of the communication service to be distributed to increase functionality without modifying an existing network switch.

Abstract: A method and system for transmitting a text message from a caller to a subscriber at an unknown address based on a known address or number associated with the subscriber includes a server application having a database. The database contains addresses and phone numbers associated with the subscriber. The caller transmits a first signal to obtain access to the database, and then transmits a second signal representative of one of the known address and number upon accessing the database. The caller then receives either a text-based address or number, or both, associated with the subscriber in response to the second signal. A text-based address or number is an address or phone number capable of receiving text messages, such as an e-mail address or fax number. The caller then transmits a text message to one of the text-based address and number for receipt by the subscriber.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for providing a first party, engaged in a data call, i.e. a data transmission or communication between machines, call waiting notification without interrupting the data call the first party is engaged in. One embodiment of the present invention includes a central office adjunct which detects a third party call to a first party already engaged in a data call, generates a call waiting data portion compatible with the data call, when said third party call is detected, and merges the call waiting data portion with the data call. One aspect of the present invention includes the first party's computer, loaded with appropriate software, detecting the call waiting data portion and using the computer's output devices to notify the first party of the presence of the third party call.

Abstract: A re-engineering method for standardizing data processing in a communication network while maintaining user services is disclosed. Data channels, between communicating network data processing components (hereinafter denoted operational components), are made unnecessary by systematically providing bypass data paths. The data on each bypass, transparent to its terminating operational components, is routed through a network manager communicating in a standardized protocol. The manager thereby provides centralized control of data communications and provides standardized object oriented data representations and protocols. For a selected operational component having a bypass for each data channel, the functionality of the selected operational component may be incrementally and transparently assumed by new operational components communicating with the manager.

Abstract: An improved, automated teller machine (ATM) for enhanced telephony access is provided. The ATM provides for conventional financial transactions with financial institutions as well as the purchase of prepaid calling cards for telephony services. In the latter regard, the improved ATM is operable to receive a prepaid calling card purchase transaction request input by a customer and to transmit a message to a transaction service network for authorization of such transaction. Pursuant to authorization, the ATM is operable to automatically initiate a call to a telephony network to establish a prepaid calling card account. In particular, the ATM is operable to call a predetermined station number corresponding with a prepaid calling card service provider. Such predetermined number may correspond with an AIN-capable switch that allows the ATM to interface with a service control point maintained by the prepaid calling card service provider within the telephony network.

Abstract: A computerized method and system for interactively simulating a plurality of telecommunications services operates in response to a user sending a message from his client computer across a data network to a server requesting to download on one of the service simulation programs. In response to the message from the client, the server provides the requested telecommunications service simulation program. The program provided by the server is downloaded and executed by the client. The downloaded program provides the user with an interaction experience representative of the selected one of the plurality of telecommunications services. This interaction experience may include additional communication between the service simulation program and the server. Additionally, the service simulation program provides guidance to the user in using and configuring both the service simulation program and, potentially, the actual telecommunications service to which the user has subscribed.

Abstract: An automated closed-looped test system and method for testing network devices such as CPE and system network managers is arranged as a modular, comprehensive test system which seamlessly integrates physical layer testing with higher layer services protocol testing. A set of tests are generated based on the device or manager being tested. A selection menu provided via a GUI such as a Web browser allows a user to select the desired test option to be run. Test results are output in real time via the GUI, and can be logged in a form suitable for documentation.

Abstract: CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) communications systems and methods for performing a single to multiple frequency band conversion for mobile communications. The systems and methods include mixing a portion of a first CDMA signal in a first frequency band with a reference signal to convert a portion of the first CDMA signal to a second frequency band. The converted portion and the other portion of the first frequency band can then be transmitted. The systems and methods further include filtering a portion of a second CDMA signal having frequency components in multiple frequency bands to provide a filtered CDMA signal in the first frequency band. The filtered CDMA signal is then mixed to convert it to the second frequency band for receiver processing.

Abstract: An enhanced telephony system for use in premises monitoring is disclosed. More particularly, such system provides an alert signal upon sensing of a predetermined condition of interest at a business or residential premises. The system provides for the receipt of a sensor signal at telephony service equipment, located at the premises in response to the sensing of a predetermined condition of interest. In turn, such telephony equipment is employed, in response to receipt of a sensor signal, to automatically provide at least one of a human-perceivable alert signal at the premises, or the initiation of a telephony call to a predetermined telephone number corresponding with the service control point maintained within a telephony services network. Preferably, the human-perceivable alert signal provided comprises a ringer cadence distinct from that employed in connection with the receipt of incoming telephone calls from third-parties.

Abstract: A re-engineering method for standardizing data processing in a communication network while maintaining user services is disclosed. Data channels, between communicating network data processing components (hereinafter denoted operational components), are made unnecessary by systematically providing bypass data paths. The data on each bypass, transparent to its terminating operational components, is routed through a network manager communicating in a standardized protocol. The manager thereby provides centralized control of data communications and provides standardized object oriented data representations and protocols. For a selected operational component having a bypass for each data channel, the functionality of the selected operational component may be incrementally and transparently assumed by new operational components communicating with the manager.

Abstract: A system and method is described for automatically notifying a customer of an event using a telecommunications system including configuring options corresponding to type of notification event, time for notification, and notification method; storing configured options; waiting until the notification event occurs; retrieving configured options; and notifying the customer through the telecommunications system at a time and with a method corresponding to the retrieved configured options.

Abstract: A partitioned communication system includes a shared switch network system, an Intelligent Network Processor (INP) located within the management and control of the shared switch network system, and a terminating communication system located outside the management and control of the shared switch network. The terminating communication system further includes an Intelligent Communication Device (ICD), and a portable hardware/software device in communication with the ICD for implementing partitioned communications services.

Abstract: A method of automatically routing a facsimile transmission from a calling party to a called party over the Internet. A facsimile transmission is detected from calling party's CPE device. A destination number for the called party's CPE device and a corresponding remote Internet gateway are determined. The facsimile transmission is routed to a local Internet gateway wherein it is converted to a form compatible with the protocol used by the Internet. It is then routed over the Internet to the remote gateway wherein it is converted to a form compatible with the protocol used by the telephone network. The facsimile transmission is then routed to the called party's CPE device.