Abstract: A method for setting up a connection between a first communication device and a second communication device, which are connectable by means of a communication network. In one embodiment, the method includes: (1) providing party-defined data, (2) generating a setup message containing the party-defined data, (3) transmitting the setup message from the first communication device to the second communication device, (4) extracting the party-defined data from the received setup message in the second communication device, (5) retrieving output data stored in the second communication device depending on the extracted party-defined data and (6) providing the output data via an output of the second communication device. Communication devices and a communication system are introduced and configured carry out the method.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for prioritizing a store-and-forward message in a store-and-forward data communication system. A store-and-forward data communication system is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The store-and-forward data communication system includes a priority system configured to generate a priority level for a store-and-forward message. The store-and-forward data communication system further includes a store-and-forward network that is configured to receive a request that requests priority processing and transmitting of the store-and-forward message, obtain the priority level from the priority system in response to the message request, and transmit the store-and-forward message according to the priority level.

Abstract: A method of load-based billing for customers in a communication network, wherein each customer has a calling plan. The method comprises monitoring utilization of the network in real-time via a switching center in the network; detecting at the switching center a Usage Level Event based upon the occurrence of a predetermined event trigger; informing a usage level application of the Usage Level Event; recording at the usage level application the Usage Level Event; and determining at the usage level application whether action should be taken based upon the Usage Level Event. When it is determined that action should be taken, the usage level application reports the Usage Level Event to a set of network elements via the usage level application and the switching center, where the set of network elements includes a customer billing platform and a broadcast message application.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for completing a priority call to a wireless border switch. A priority or preemption request is transmitted as part of the signaling messages used to set up a call. A border switch is a switch which is used in conjunction with the switch indicated by the last-seen pointer from an HLR entry for the called terminal to page a called station. The switch indicated by the last-seen pointer transmits the priority request to a border switch, to indicate that the call should be given priority treatment. Further, preemption service for calls terminating on a wireless station can be provided.

Abstract: An improved method and system are disclosed for processing prioritized wireless calls. One embodiment of the present invention includes a method of providing prioritized wireless services, comprising the steps of: receiving a request for prioritized wireless service from a mobile device; determining the availability of a radio channel without obtaining the priority of the request; and if no radio channel is available, assigning a priority to the request and queuing the request according to the assigned priority.

Abstract: A system for, and method of, using a mobile telephone to retrieve information about an article and an associated mobile telephone. In one embodiment, the system includes: (1) a camera, associated with the mobile telephone, that records an image of at least a portion of the article and (2) a database, remote from the mobile telephone, that interprets the image to identify the article and supplies information about the article to the mobile telephone based thereon.

Abstract: A system for, and method of automated data input that employs a mobile telephone as an input device. In one embodiment, the system includes: (1) a mobile telephone having a camera configured to generate an image of a document that contains the data, (2) a processing server adapted to receive the document via a wireless communication network, extract the data from the image and arrange the data according to a format and (3) a database, associated with the interpreter, that receives and stores the data according to the format.

Abstract: A mobile communication device having a camera module and a method of operating a mobile communication device having a camera module. In one embodiment, the mobile communication device includes: (1) a main body and (2) a camera module, coupled to the main body and configured for movement with respect thereto between a retracted position and an exposed position and rotatable in the exposed position about at least one axis of rotation.

Abstract: A control cabinet for distributing power to a plurality of automated independent and parallel operated loads. A plurality of control cabinets can be interfaced with control cable to be supervised by one main controller. The main controller distributes low voltage ac signals to each control cabinet, which transfers the low voltage signal into high voltage power distribution by a series of low and high voltage relays, thus eliminating the need for excess circuit boards and transformers normally associated with this task.

Abstract: A device formed as an integral plastic piece having an inner tubular portion to surround the stalk of the tomato plant and an outer support portion which defines a circumferential trough surrounding the inner tubular portion. The inner tubular portion is placed around the stalk of the tomato plant, with the lower edge of the tubular portion being implanted into the ground. The upper growth portion (i.e., vines) of the tomato plant and the tomatoes are conveniently retained in the trough.