Abstract: A method and apparatus for defining and validating feature policies in an execution system, such as a communication system. The method includes entering user policies described in a straightforward manner (e.g. using a Web browser and user-understandable language) in such a way that they can be translated into a formal executable language. The user policies are then (translated into an executable feature language such as the IETE's CPL. The user is then either compelled or provided with an option to validate the overall feature set before the overall feature is uploaded to the execution system. If validation is selected, the features are translated from CPL into another format, such as FIAT, from which it is possible to detect common feature specification errors. That FIAT detected errors are then analyzed in a manner that is aware of the expectations and common errors of native users, and interpreted to determine possible errors as errors that are common to naïve users.

Abstract: A system for providing role-based Presentity availability information to a Watcher, comprising at least one Presentity User Agent for issuing a request to register a Presentity in at least one of a plurality of roles, and for generating context messages relating to changes in context of the Presentity. At least one Watcher User Agent is provided for issuing a role-based subscription request for the availability information. A Presence Service is provided for maintaining role-based Watcher subscriptions and issuing availability messages in response to generation of the context messages. A Role Manager is provided for (i) receiving each request to register a Presentity in a role and in response managing Presentity registration in that role, and (ii) receiving each role-based subscription request, and in response managing each role-based Watcher subscription to the availability information within the Presence Service.

Abstract: A clothing strap tensioning device has an elastic member having a geometry generally defined by middle, left end, and right end portions, and bounded by upper, lower, left and right edges, and includes mechanical snaps or other releasable attachment mechanisms integrated into the left end and right end portions for enabling releasable attachment of the end portions to each other to form the elastic member into a loop. The tensioning device is looped around a pair of spaced vertical straps of a brassiere, such that the straps are drawn toward each other medially to prevent the straps from slipping down the shoulders of a wearer and to impart an upward lift to the wearer's breasts. The geometry of the elastic member also prevents twisting of the straps.

Abstract: A system for providing role-based Presentity availability information to a Watcher, comprising at least one Presentity User Agent for issuing a request to register a Presentity in at least one of a plurality of roles, and for generating context messages relating to changes in context of the Presentity. At least one Watcher User Agent is provided for issuing a role-based subscription request for the availability information. A Presence Service is provided for maintaining role-based Watcher subscriptions and issuing availability messages in response to generation of the context messages. A Role Manager is provided for (i) receiving each request to register a Presentity in a role and in response managing Presentity registration in that role, and (ii) receiving each role-based subscription request, and in response managing each role-based Watcher subscription to the availability information within the Presence Service.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are set forth for defining and validating feature policies in an execution system, such as a communication system. The method includes entering user policies described in a straightforward manner (e.g. using a Web browser and user-understandable language) in such a way that they can be translated into a formal executable language. The user policies are then translated into an executable feature language such as the IETF's CPL. The user is then either compelled or provided with an option to validate the overall feature set before it is uploaded to the execution system. If validation is selected, the features are translated from CPL into another format, such as FIAT, from which it is possible to detect common feature specification errors. The FIAT detected errors are then analyzed in a manner that is aware of the expectations and common errors of naive users, and interpreted to determine possible errors as errors that are common to naive users. These errors are reported to the user (e.g.