Abstract: Wireless devices communicate (using SMS messaging) with a proxy server (e.g., a wireless messaging gateway) to generate network initiated requests. In this way, a wireless device which might not otherwise be able to, can now participate in advanced applications such as location based services (LBS) communities, thus extending LBS presence type information to non-programmable wireless devices. Short messaging system (SMS) functionality is implemented as a least-common-denominator means enabling standardized communication between a wireless device and a wireless device application. Wireless devices use SMS messaging as a proxy communications means to communicate with a proxy server (e.g., a wireless messaging gateway) to generate network initiated requests. The network initiated requests are packaged within SMS messages, allowing wireless devices a simple mechanism for participating in, e.g.

Abstract: Two-way interactive short message system with personalized messaging menus that provide WAP like services at less cost than CSD. Mobile Originated Interactive Menus are implemented as a feature of a Short Message Service Center (SMSC). Each option guides either to the next menu level, or to a final action to be executed according to the path followed by the subscriber. Importantly, the mobile originated interactive menus use SMS communications instead of circuit switched data (CSD) (e.g., instead of WAP communications), thus leaving traffic channels available for voice calls. Users may define the content and frequency they want. Replacement of messages in TDMA and GSM mobile devices allow for heavy usage without filling up the user's phone buffer, i.e., prior messages may be overwritten, to assure that only the latest information is all that is being displayed and read.

Abstract: Architecture and a method for a cost-effective implementation of new services using existing triggers, network elements, and messaging protocols in a telecommunications network. An industry wide uniformity is maintained among providers of the services while maximizing the utilization of the existing network, and without the need to wait for future developments of new standards or equipment. The architecture and methods utilize existing triggers to manage and control special service type calls, e.g., a prepaid call, within the network. ISDN User Part (ISUP) messaging protocol may be used for message exchange between network elements. A standard TCP/IP backbone is used for database interaction. Translation Type capabilities of the Service Transfer Point (STP) are used for intelligent call routing functions.

Abstract: Using wireless features, a public service agency is enabled to provide alert information to first responders. An automatic call back from the first responder triggers a voice call launching a location fix on the current location of the first responder. Preferably delivery confirmation that the responder has received the message is received. Once the location fix has been completed, then driving directions with map images are sent to the first responder based on their current location and desired destination for response.

Abstract: The invention provides an isolated, novel steroid 5?-reductase enzyme termed SRD5AIII. The protein has an estimated molecular weight of 37 kDa and is capable of converting testosterone to dihydrotestosterone at a pH of about 7.0. Also provided is a method for identifying inhibitors of SRD5AIII by contacting SRD5AIII with a test compound and measuring the activity of the enzyme. A reduced activity relative to a control indicates that the test compound is an inhibitor of SRD5AIII. A method is also provided for detecting androgen stimulated prostate cancer or recurrent prostate cancer in an individual. The method comprises obtaining a prostate biopsy from an individual and determining the level of expression of SRD5AIII gene or protein relative to a normal control. An increased expression of SRD5AIII relative to the control is indicative of androgen stimulated prostate cancer or recurrent prostate cancer.

Abstract: Two-way interactive short message system with personalized messaging menus that provide WAP like services at less cost than CSD. Mobile Originated Interactive Menus are implemented as a feature of a Short Message Service Center (SMSC). Each option guides either to the next menu level, or to a final action to be executed according to the path followed by the subscriber. Importantly, the mobile originated interactive menus use SMS communications instead of circuit switched data (CSD) (e.g., instead of WAP communications), thus leaving traffic channels available for voice calls. Users may define the content and frequency they want. Replacement of messages in TDMA and GSM mobile devices allow for heavy usage without filling up the user's phone buffer, i.e., prior messages may be overwritten, to assure that only the latest information is all that is being displayed and read.

Abstract: A technique and apparatus to provide status tracking of presence and/or location of a mobile, wireless device to a requesting entity even outside of a particular wireless system. This allows wireless service providers the ability to monitor and log changes in the status of mobile stations within and/or outside their networks. Embodiments are disclosed wherein presence and/or location information is provided to entities outside of a particular servicing wireless network using the mechanisms of call processing components of a mobile network (e.g., call setup procedures), and using standard mechanisms currently available to any appropriately conforming Mobile Switching Center (MSC) element. A mobile activity status tracker (MAST) is disclosed which contains a database of information similar to the information contained in the Home Location Register.

Abstract: Architecture and a method for a cost-effective implementation of new services using existing triggers, network elements, and messaging protocols in a telecommunications network. An industry wide uniformity is maintained among providers of the services while maximizing the utilization of the existing network, and without the need to wait for future developments of new standards or equipment. The architecture and methods utilize existing triggers to manage and control special service type calls, e.g., a prepaid call, within the network. ISDN User Part (ISUP) messaging protocol may be used for message exchange between network elements. A standard TCP/IP backbone is used for database interaction. Translation Type capabilities of the Service Transfer Point (STP) are used for intelligent call routing functions.

Abstract: A technique and architecture that enables a Service Provider (SP) to hot-line a roaming WIN subscriber (e.g., a prepaid subscriber) to a closest WIN platform via a Least Cost Network (LCN), depending on the location, and optionally, on the time of a call from a roaming subscriber. Importantly, the present invention allows a service provider to significantly reduce the cost of routing a long distance call when the subscriber roams outside the service provider's network. A service provider may automatically provide one of a plurality of hot-line numbers to a roaming subscriber (e.g., a prepaid subscriber) of a wireless network (e.g., a Wireless Intelligent Network (WIN)) associated with a desired wireless network platform (e.g., a closest WIN platform, e.g., service node (SN), service control point (SCP), etc.) via a LCN. The LCN can be, e.g., an SS7 network, a PSTN, a TCP/IP (Internet), or dedicated trunks.

Abstract: Near real time Internet access of prepaid call history and replenishment data is provided via an Internet browser separate from the prepaid device to a user (e.g., the subscriber), allowing a subscriber to access call history and/or replenishment information nearly in real time (e.g., within a minute of the expense/credit) without requiring assistance from a customer service representative. A web based prepaid report page retrieves call history and/or replenishment information from the subscriber's service provider, and displays the same through a web browser for review by the subscriber. The requested call history and/or replenishment information may be bounded by date, date and time, or even within specific time range(s) within each day in a given range of days.

Abstract: Near real time Internet access of prepaid call history and replenishment data is provided via an Internet browser separate from the prepaid device to a user (e.g., the subscriber), allowing a subscriber to access call history and/or replenishment information nearly in real time (e.g., within a minute of the expense/credit) without requiring assistance from a customer service representative. A web based prepaid report page retrieves call history and/or replenishment information from the subscriber's service provider, and displays the same through a web browser for review by the subscriber. The requested call history and/or replenishment information may be bounded by date, date and time, or even within specific time range(s) within each day in a given range of days. The web based prepaid report page may also link the user to a replenishment application for the subscriber, to assist the subscriber in replenishing their account after having reviewed their call history and prepaid account status in near real time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing 2-way interactive short message system menus to a mobile device using text-based short messaging rather than WAP techniques. This provides the ability to provide WAP like services at a fraction of the cost of CSD. Mobile Originated Interactive Menus are implemented as a feature of a Short Message Service Center (SMSC). Each option guides either to the next menu level, or to a final action to be executed according to the path followed by the subscriber. Importantly, the mobile originated interactive menus use SMS communications instead of circuit switched data (CSD) (e.g., instead of WAP communications), thus leaving traffic channels available for voice calls. Interactive SMS menus allow service providers to offer their subscribers personalized messaging menus with multiple options for quick and easy access to Web-based content. Users may define the content and frequency they want, whether it is a scheduled delivery or on-demand.

Abstract: A prepaid messaging solution which uses open networking standards (e.g., TCP/IP) and which supports pre-payment of enhanced Internet messaging services. The disclosed prepaid architectures and methods accurately determine if a subscriber has sufficient account balance to deliver a complete short message, prior to delivery of the message. The short message may be prevented from being delivered (either at the source end or at the destination end) if insufficient funds are in the subscriber's account. A prepaid tariff engine is preferably extensible over a TCP/IP network, and supports remote interaction with the SMSC and web chat servers for the purpose of applying a real-time billing charge for each message. A service provider may create subscriber classes of service that define and uniquely identify subscriber rate and/or tariffing plans used to apply real-time billing charges for sending or receiving of messages. The prepaid short message tariff engine determines the appropriate message billing based upon, e.

Abstract: A technique and architecture that enables a Service Provider (SP) to hot-line a roaming WIN subscriber (e.g., a prepaid subscriber) to a closest WIN platform via a Least Cost Network (LCN), depending on the location, and optionally, on the time of a call from a roaming subscriber. Importantly, the present invention allows a service provider to significantly reduce the cost of routing a long distance call when the subscriber roams outside the service provider's network. A service provider may automatically provide one of a plurality of hot-line numbers to a roaming subscriber (e.g., a prepaid subscriber) of a wireless network (e.g., a Wireless Intelligent Network (WIN)) associated with a desired wireless network platform (e.g., a closest WIN platform, e.g., service node (SN), service control point (SCP), etc.) via a LCN. The LCN can be, e.g., an SS7 network, a PSTN, a TCP/IP (Internet), or dedicated trunks.

Abstract: A technique and apparatus to provide status tracking of presence and/or location of a mobile, wireless device to a requesting entity even outside of a particular wireless system. This allows wireless service providers the ability to monitor and log changes in the status of mobile stations within and/or outside their networks. Embodiments are disclosed wherein presence and/or location information is provided to entities outside of a particular servicing wireless network using the mechanisms of call processing components of a mobile network (e.g., call setup procedures), and using standard mechanisms currently available to any appropriately conforming Mobile Switching Center (MSC) element. In one disclosed embodiment, a wireless chat tracking system is implemented which utilizes a change in mobile registration status to automatically notify a chat group system outside the wireless network of current status information activity regarding a relevant device, e.g., registration activity or inactivity timeout.