Abstract: A scheduling system is disclosed for scheduling tasks for fulfilling a series of service requests. When each service request is received, a determination is made as to the amount of resources a task requires to provide the requested service. Further, a preferred time within which to perform the task is obtained from the requestor of the service request. For each service request, data for the estimated amount of resources and the preferred time are supplied, on a first-come-first-serve basis, to a scheduling component for solving a combinatorial optimization model which efficiently allocates a predetermined amount of resources for each time slot in a scheduling period by rearranging tasks for service requests previously received. The scheduling component provides for a service requestor, without regard to subsequently received service requests, a service time in which to perform the task for the requested service substantially immediately after the service request is made.

Abstract: Methods and systems of traffic routing in a circuit switched communication network having a plurality of switches and a plurality of trunk groups connecting the switches are disclosed. The methods include a step of determining a set of alternate routing paths for each of a plurality of ordered pairs of the switches, wherein the number of alternate routing paths through each of the trunk groups is constrained to be less than a corresponding first predetermined threshold. In one embodiment, the alternate routing paths are determined by computing a solution to a predetermined integer programming problem. In another embodiment, a heuristic technique is used to determine the alternate routing paths.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a digital wireless local loop for use by a wireless transceiver, e.g., a portable handset, in an indoor environment utilizing an outdoor base transceiver. Upon determining that the portable handset is located in an outdoor environment, the base transceiver and the portable handset communicate over one of a first plurality of frequencies. The outdoor portable handset is prohibited from transmitting and receiving signals over frequencies other than the first plurality of frequencies. Upon determining that the portable handset is located in an indoor environment, the base transceiver first transmits the communication signal to a first converter at one of a second plurality of frequencies different from the first plurality of frequencies. The first converter then converts the frequency to a predetermined conversion frequency different from the first and second plurality of frequencies.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for navigating a complex structure at an interactive user station. The complex structure includes a plurality of nodes and each node includes at least one presentation element. The interactive user station includes a processor, a memory, and a presentation device. The presentation device comprises a plurality of presentation cells arrangeable in an array. The method includes the step of presenting at least one presentation element associated with a first node at the presentation cells. The method further includes the step of receiving at the processor a signal indicating a user selection of a presentation cell. In addition, the method includes the step of identifying a second node based on the selected presentation cell. The method finally includes the step of presenting at least one presentation element associated with the second node at the presentation device.

Abstract: A computer based intelligent method and system for tutoring a student in an interactive application. The method and system include a computer system for selecting a mode for an adjustable teaching parameter, generating a student model, and monitoring a student interactive task based upon the teaching parameter and the student model. The method and system also include a computer system for generating an updated student model based upon a student response to the student interactive task generated, and monitoring a student interactive task based upon the teaching parameter and the updated student model.

Abstract: A method for routing enhanced 9-1-1 (E9-1-1) calls from a mobile emergency user to a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP). The method is directed specifically for use in a wireless communication system which includes a plurality of base stations each of which is operative to communicate with corresponding mobile units within its coverage area over air interface channels. When all interface channels of the corresponding base stations of the mobile emergency user are busy, the location of the emergency mobile user will determined in cooperation with a Location Adjunct Processor (LAP). All other mobile units communicating with the corresponding base stations will be identified. Predetermined uplink and downlink RF measurements for each of these mobile units will thereafter be extracted and by reference to the same it may be determined which of the mobile units are also within the coverage areas of neighboring base stations.

Abstract: A method for controlling call processing in a microcellular Personal Communications Services (PCS) incorporating Distributed Radio Port Controller (D-RPC) architecture. The method is specifically adapted to effect the routing of voice channels when a call origination, call delivery, intra-RPC ALT or inter-RPC ALT is needed. The method is operable in conjunction with a PCS system which is connected to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) through an existing Central Office Switch (COS). The PCS system includes a plurality of Radio Port Controllers (RPCs) each having a corresponding plurality of Radio Ports (RPs) to define a plurality RPC serving areas for transmitting and receiving calls from mobile terminals registered therein. Radio Ports are monitored for any signals generated thereby which indicate that a mobile terminal is attempting to register on the PCS system, originate a call, initiate an ALT, or disconnect a call.

Abstract: A user station for navigating a visual menu structure includes a processor in electrical communication with a memory and a presentation device. In operation, the processor receives a first electrical signal generated by a user selection device. The signal corresponds to the user's request to store a selected node and a corresponding presentation element desired for future viewing. A second electrical signal generated by the user selection device is received at the processor and compared to the stored location information so as to locate the selected presentation element. The presentation element is thereafter automatically displayed for the user.

Abstract: A system and method for updating a location databank of a personal location system which is directed for use in a wireless communication system. A plurality of update centers are provided at known fixed locations within a base station coverage area. Each of the update centers is operative to transmit its own pre-calibrated location information to a location databank along with real-time RF measurements for the base station. Each of the base stations is provided in electrical communication with a location adjunct processor which, in turn, is provided in electrical communication with the location databank and the public switched telephone network. Processing logic is operative to obtain the desired RF measurement at GeoPads which are provided in electrical communication with each update center. Processing logic is further operative to initiate a call to the LAP in order to transmit the measurements to the location databank along with the decoded location information so as to provide periodic updating.

Abstract: A method and system for generating a working window on a video monitor in a computer system is provided. The method comprises the steps of determining if a user has performed a first predetermined input stroke along at least a portion of the touch-sensitive screen. Upon determining that the user has drawn the predetermined input stroke, a plurality of icons are displayed. A user selects one of the plurality of icons via a second predetermined input stroke and a working window is scrolled onto the video monitor. A computer program that corresponds to the selected icon is then executed in the working window. The user can remove the working window from the screen by touching the touch-sensitive screen and performing a third predetermined input stroke.

Abstract: A method and system for generating a user interface in a database management system. A semantic data model is used to describe a database in terms of data types stored in the database and functional types that describe relationships between the data types stored in the database. The system dynamically queries the data model to generate a graph of the data model itself. These queries are initiated by the system without user intervention. The user selects a node on the graph that causes the data model to be searched again to determine the name of the node selected, one or more types of relationships associated with the node selected and one or more instances of the relationships associated with the node selected. This information is used to generate a form containing a plurality of blanks. A user enters a query constraint into one or more of the blanks and the database is searched for instances of data meeting the query constraints.

Abstract: A method for recording subscriber specific messages in a telephone call for use in telephone services, particularly, for use in cooperation with an AIN Service Switching Point (SSP), an AIN Service Control Point (SCP) and an Intelligent Peripheral (IP). A CallInfoToResource message is generated at the AIN SCP for receipt by the SSP and the IP. The message instructs the SPP to establish a connection to the IP and further instructs the IP to record a subscriber message. The SSP generates a PRIFACILITY message which is directed for receipt by the IP and instructs the same to play an announcement and begin recording. Thereafter, an announcement is played at the IP which instructs the subscriber to begin speaking. The subscriber's message is recorded and a release message is generated at the SSP for receipt by the IP. The release message instructs the IP to tear down the call. A ResourceClear message is thereafter generated at the SSP for receipt by the SCP.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for formatting address strings into a recognizable sequence of token types for database processing. The system includes a token rule processor and a token sequence processor. The method begins with the step of assigning token types to components of an address string to form a sequence of token types. The method next includes the step of determining whether or not the sequence of token types is contained in an adjustable predetermined rule table. The method further includes the step of processing the sequence of token types into a recognizable sequence format if the sequence of token types is contained in the rule table. Finally, the method concludes with the step of processing the sequence of token types into a recognizable sequence format in accordance with a predetermined interpretation procedure if the sequence of token types is not contained in the rule table.

Abstract: A method for determining position by obtaining directional information from spatial division multiple access (SDMA)-equipped and non-SDMA-equipped base stations. The method is directed for use in a wireless communication system which includes a plurality of base stations each having a corresponding coverage area. For each of the base stations, a plurality of RF measurements are determined in cooperation with a receiver, including a link budget of the base station, for a predetermined plurality of distances and directions. Determined RF measurements for each of the base stations are modeled as a scaled contour shape having minimum and maximum boundaries. Base stations which neighbor the mobile unit are determined so as to define a first bounding polygon area by their intersecting contours. The first bounding polygon area generally describes the relative position of the mobile unit.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling traffic in selected links of the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) through the use of variable price incentives. The number of selected PSTN links which are available for use are determined at a predetermined time through the use of an appropriate traffic measurement system. Thereafter, a customer usage rate is determined for the selected PSTN links. The determined rate corresponds to the number of selected links which are available for use. An electrical signal is generated for receipt by the user and which contains information corresponding to the determined customer usage rate.

Abstract: A system and method adapted to provide microcellular Personal Communications Services (PCS) through the use of an improved Distributed Radio Port Controller (DRPC) architecture. The architecture achieves the desired handover with minimal impact on the existing embedded base of switches by generating new calls from target Radio Port Controllers (RPCs) through the switches to anchor RPCs and internally bridging bearer channels without the knowledge of the switches. The system includes a Home Location Register (HLR) for storing and providing subscription data and keeping track of where the mobile terminals are registered in order to deliver calls. A PCS# database is also utilized for storing a list of Universal Personal Telephone (UPT) numbers which have been assigned to the PCS subscribers. The PCS# database is operable to map these UPT numbers to the locations of their corresponding HLR.

Abstract: Automatic Customer Callback (ACC) functionality is implemented directly into service logic of an Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN). The Advanced Intelligent Network includes a Central Office Switch (COS) which is provided in electrical communication with Service Control Point (SCP), at least one calling party, and at least one called party. The AIN components preferably communicate with one another through Transaction Capability Application Part (TCAP) signaling protocol and are directed for use in an AIN 0.2 network. An adjunct processor such as an Intelligent Peripheral (IP) is also provided in electrical communication with the COS. In operation, digits dialed by the calling party (those corresponding to the telephone number of the called party) are collected as well as the calling party telephone number. If the called party line is busy, then the calling party activates the Automatic Customer Callback (ACC) service, the subscriber's telephone line will be monitored to detect an idle condition.

Abstract: A method and system for real time selection of an inter-exchange telephone carrier for a telephone call. The system includes a processing, storage and routing equipment capable of performing the method steps of generating a call information signal, storing a carrier rate for each of the plurality of carriers, each carrier rate including a toll, calling day and calling time, processing the call information signal and the carrier rates to select the carrier having the least expensive toll for the day and time the call is placed, and routing the call through the carrier selected.