Abstract: In a short message service (SMS) wireline/wireless message system, a separate SMS exchange subsystem implements value-added service capability. The value addition service may range, for example, from simple data insertion in the SMS message to the more complex initiation of a teleconference call using inter-exchanged SMS messages.

Abstract: In a short message service (SMS) wireline/wireless message system, a separate SMS exchange server linked to a multi-party concurrence server implements a value-added service capability to achieve multi-party concurrence. The basic function of the multi-party concurrence operation is that of changing the contents of a data structure in the server based on the responses received from two or more members. The concurrence operation has many applications, such as, the transfer of money to an account only if two or more persons agree to the transaction.

Abstract: In a short message service (SMS) wireline/wireless message system, a separate SMS exchange subsystem implements value-added service capability. The value addition service may range, for example, from simple data insertion in the SMS message to the more complex initiation of a teleconference call using inter-exchanged SMS messages.

Abstract: Providing proof of purchase via a mobile phone or other portable device by a seller to an anonymous buyer who preferably has a mobile phone-camera.

Abstract: Techniques for enabling existing and new services and for configuring one or more of the services to instantiate an application which is readily accessible to a dynamically-formed group of interested participants at the appointed time for a desired duration are disclosed.

Abstract: A stored value commerce system and method enabling the anonymous creation and usage of stored value accounts for purchase of goods and/or services, including the anonymous redemption of a value up to a maximum of the balance value associated with a stored value account.

Abstract: A common communications services platform, and concomitant methodology, provides communication services to a variety of service operators irrespective of the network media and protocols utilized. The platform is composed of: (1) a plurality of geographically-dispersed convergent services nodes, one of the services nodes serving the service operator; (2) a communications network connected to the nodes; and (3) a database, connected to the communications network, containing information about the service operator, the subscriber, and the communications service provisioned by the platform, the database storing information for at least one of the service nodes to configure the communications service provisioned by the platform.

Abstract: A global prepaid roaming services method and apparatus is described in which a roaming phone located in a first region places an outgoing call to a destination party in a second region, and responsive to placing the call, a service processing node (SPN) establishes a first call connection between the roaming phone and the SPN, a second call connection between the SPN and the destination party is established and the SPN bridges the first and second call connections to establish a call connection between the roaming phone and the destination party.

Abstract: Techniques for enabling existing and new services and for configuring one or more of the services to instantiate an application which is readily accessible to a dynamically-formed group of interested participants at the appointed time for a desired duration are disclosed.

Abstract: In a short message service (SMS) wireline/wireless message system, a separate SMS exchange server linked to a multi-party concurrence server implements a value-added service capability to achieve multi-party concurrence. The basic function of the multi-party concurrence operation is that of changing the contents of a data structure in the server based on the responses received from two or more members. The concurrence operation has many applications, such as, the transfer of money to an account only if two or more persons agree to the transaction.

Abstract: A technique to register a roaming cell-phone in a visiting location as a local phone. The technique involves identifying roaming-related information from the roaming cell-phone in the visiting location, and then dynamically configuring the roaming cell-phone to operate as a local cell-phone in the visiting location.

Abstract: In a short message service (SMS) wireline/wireless message system, a separate SMS exchange subsystem implements value-added service capability. The value addition service may range, for example, from simple data insertion in the SMS message to the more complex initiation of a teleconference call using inter-exchanged SMS messages.

Abstract: A technique to register a roaming cell-phone in a visiting location as a local phone. The technique involves identifying roaming-related information from the roaming cell-phone in the visiting location, and then dynamically configuring the roaming cell-phone to operate as a local cell-phone in the visiting location.

Abstract: A stored value commerce system and method enabling the anonymous creation and usage of stored value accounts for purchase of goods and/or services, including the anonymous redemption of a value up to a maximum of the balance value associated with a stored value account.

Abstract: A technique for delivery of a personalized identification number (PIN) from a centralized database of a prepaid PIN service provider along with a digital signature for verification of the transaction. As a response to a cash amount inputted by the user to a PIN vending machine, an unassigned PIN in a centralized database is assigned to the user as a unique user PIN, and delivered to the user as an imprinted receipt along with an associated digital signature for authentication.

Abstract: A system, method and data structure for on-line settlement of amounts payable to different entities within a multiple level marketing enterprise proximate the time services and/or products are rendered. The invention provides that financial settlements be made substantially immediately among the MLM company, the up-line and down-line representatives and the customer. This is achieved by a method for settling the various financial transactions through stored values personal identification numbers (PINs).

Abstract: A system and method for identifying each of a plurality of service providers cooperating to provide a service to a customer wherein a fee debited from a stored value account associated with the customer is apportioned among the cooperating service providers according to a measurement of the provided service portions.

Abstract: Personal communication, entertainment, and data needs are robustly enhanced utilizing a headset or other interactive device comprising a user interface apparatus, a wireless transceiver, and a switching module; wherein the wireless transceiver is used for transport of content between the user interface device and a plurality of source devices, and the switching module is coupled to and interposed between the user interface apparatus and the wireless transceiver and is used to select specified source devices for wireless coupling with the user interface.

Abstract: An arrangement to provide personalized services to customers, such as hotel guests or hospital patients, wherein the personalized services are based upon a personal preference profile collected for each individual. The services are displayed to the guest or patient via an in-room monitor. Moreover, the personal preferences are modified during the guest's or patient's present stay, and saved after the stay for later visits. In addition, a personal presence of host personnel, such as personnel at a front desk or an admission desk, may be integrated into the display on the in-room monitor.

Abstract: A canonical programming method for integrating intelligence into a communications service at a switching node. The communications service is implemented with a program stored in a processing unit which receives and transmits messages from and to ports, respectively. Each incoming message, which includes a control part and a payload part, is parsed to determine if a modification is required. If no modification is required, a message corresponding to the incoming message is transmitted to one or more of the ports. If modification is required, then the message is further processed with the stored program to produce program-generated events and subsequent actions which thereby engender the intelligent communications service.