Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for enhancing line records with Global Positioning System coordinates. Global Positioning System information is acquired and a line record is assembled for an address using the Global Positioning System information.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for a technician to access a systems interface to back-end legacy systems by voice input commands to a speech recognition module. Generally, a user logs a computer into a systems interface which permits access to back-end legacy systems. Preferably, the systems interface includes a first server with middleware for managing the protocol interface. Preferably, the systems interface includes a second server for receiving requests and generating legacy transactions. After the computer is logged-on, a request for voice input is made. A speech recognition module is launched or otherwise activated. The user inputs voice commands that are processed to convert them to commands and text that can be recognized by the client software. The client software formats the requests and forwards them to the systems interface in order to retrieve the requested information.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for obtaining information related to a customer service location and directions for routing a service technician from one customer service location to another. One embodiment includes requesting at least one set of coordinates associated with the customer service location; accessing a technician server to direct a global satellite positioning system to obtain the set of coordinates for the customer service location; obtaining the coordinates and updating one or more databases with said coordinates. The coordinates may include at least one of a latitude and a longitude associated with the customer service location.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for processing data in association with an operation performed by a technician at a customer service location in a telecommunications system. In one embodiment, the method includes transmitting data related to at least one piece of existing telecommunications equipment being used in connection with the special service at the customer service location; communicating at least one alternative candidate for the existing telecommunications equipment through at least one graphical user interface to the technician at the customer service location; and, generating change data including at least one new candidate selected from a group of the alternative candidates for replacement of the existing telecommunications equipment at the customer service location. Computer-readable media embodiments of the present methods are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for enhancing line records with Global Positioning System coordinates. Global Positioning System information is acquired and associated with an address. A line record is assembled for the address using the Global Positioning System information.

Abstract: A method and system provide a mobile workforce with instant messaging capability while maintaining contact with remote systems. The invention employs the use of a computer such as a laptop computer equipped with a wireless digital packet-switched modem.

Abstract: A system and method for documenting delays associated with a project. The present invention includes provisions that enable a field personnel working on a project on the field to document excusable delays as the delays are encountered. The field personnel is equipped with a communications device that has access to a server. During a communications session between the communications device and the server, the field personnel uses the communications device to upload project information related to the delays to the server. The server then invokes or updates a DMT to document the time associated with the delays. The delay time documented in the DMT is then subtracted from a total time reported by a maintenance clock associated with the project.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for enhancing line records with Global Positioning System coordinates. Global Positioning System information is acquired and associated with an address. A line record is assembled for the address using the Global Positioning System information.

Abstract: A heating appliance includes an outer enclosure including a transparent front panel, a combustion chamber enclosure, and a variable speed blower. The combustion chamber enclosure is positioned within the outer enclosure and defines a combustion chamber wherein radiant heat is generated. The combustion chamber enclosure also includes a transparent front panel. The blower is configured to generate an adjustable airflow between the outer enclosure front panel and the combustion chamber enclosure front panel and to exhaust the airflow to a remote location. The airflow absorbs at least some of the radiant heat and varying a speed of the blower controls an amount of radiant heat transferred from the combustion chamber to a living space in which the heating appliance is exposed.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for obtaining information related to a customer service location and directions for routing a service technician from one customer service location to another. One embodiment includes requesting at least one set of coordinates associated with the customer service location; accessing a technician server to direct a global satellite positioning system to obtain the set of coordinates for the customer service location; obtaining the coordinates and updating one or more databases with said coordinates. The coordinates may include at least one of a latitude and a longitude associated with the customer service location.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for a technician to access an intranet through a systems interface to back-end legacy systems. Generally, a technician logs a computer into a systems interface that permits access to back-end legacy systems. Preferably, the systems interface is located on at least a first network address. Preferably, the systems interface includes a first server with middleware for managing the protocol interface. Preferably, the systems interface includes a second server for receiving requests and generating legacy transactions. After the computer is logged in, a request for access to an intranet is made. Preferably, the request results from the technician selecting an icon or engaging a software button. After the request is processed, a message is sent from the systems interface to the computer. The message causes the computer to launch a software application that seeks out a separate network address corresponding to the intranet.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for enhancing communications line records with Global Positioning System coordinates. One embodiment acquires Global Positioning System information and provides the Global Positioning System information to assemble a line record.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for obtaining information related to a customer service location and directions for routing a service technician from one customer service location to another. One embodiment includes requesting at least one set of coordinates associated with the customer service location; accessing a technician server to direct a global satellite positioning system to obtain the set of coordinates for the customer service location; obtaining the coordinates and updating one or more databases with said coordinates. The coordinates may include at least one of a latitude and a longitude associated with the customer service location.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for communicating with a technician at a customer service location in a telecommunications system. One method embodiment includes generating an electronic message in an administration system; transmitting the generated electronic message from the administration system through a technician server operatively associated with the administration system; and, displaying the generated electronic message on a screen display adapted for viewing with an access device of the technician at the customer service location. One system embodiment includes an administration system configured for generating at least one electronic message; a technician server operatively associated with the administration system; and, a screen display adapted for receiving and displaying the generated electronic message for viewing on an access device of the technician at the customer service location. Computer-readable media embodiments of the present methods are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for communicating with a technician at a customer service location in a telecommunications system. One method embodiment includes generating an electronic message in an administration system; transmitting the generated electronic message from the administration system through a technician server operatively associated with the administration system; and, displaying the generated electronic message on a screen display adapted for viewing with an access device of the technician at the customer service location. One system embodiment includes an administration system configured for generating at least one electronic message; a technician server operatively associated with the administration system; and, a screen display adapted for receiving and displaying the generated electronic message for viewing on an access device of the technician at the customer service location. Computer-readable media embodiments of the present methods are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for obtaining information related to a customer service location and directions for routing a service technician from one customer service location to another. One embodiment includes requesting at least one set of coordinates associated with the customer service location; accessing a technician server to direct a global satellite positioning system to obtain the set of coordinates for the customer service location; obtaining the coordinates and updating one or more databases with said coordinates. The coordinates may include at least one of a latitude and a longitude associated with the customer service location.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for obtaining information related to a customer service location and directions for routing a service technician from one customer service location to another. One embodiment includes requesting at least one set of coordinates associated with the customer service location; accessing a technician server to direct a global satellite positioning system to obtain the set of coordinates for the customer service location; obtaining the coordinates and updating one or more databases with said coordinates. The coordinates may include at least one of a latitude and a longitude associated with the customer service location.

Abstract: A system for transacting business with customers is disclosed. The system includes a dispatch division receiving a complaint from a customer related to a problem the customer is experiencing. The dispatch division then deploys a technician to repair the problem. While the technician is conducting the repair, the system permits the technician to interact with the customer and negotiate and close deals for additional or modified products, services or features that the customer may want. The system also includes provisions for allowing the technician to retrieve information related to the customer and includes features that automatically notify various appropriate business offices for follow-up with the customer.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for processing data in association with an operation performed by a technician at a customer service location in a telecommunications system. In one embodiment, the method includes transmitting data related to at least one piece of existing telecommunications equipment being used in connection with the special service at the customer service location; communicating at least one alternative candidate for the existing telecommunications equipment through at least one graphical user interface to the technician at the customer service location; and, generating change data including at least one new candidate selected from a group of the alternative candidates for replacement of the existing telecommunications equipment at the customer service location. Computer-readable media embodiments of the present methods are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for a user to access an intranet from within a systems interface to back-end legacy systems. A user logs a computer into a systems interface which permits access to back-end legacy systems. The computer accesses the systems interface over a wireline or a wireless communications network. Preferably, the systems interface is located on at least a first network address. Preferably, the systems interface includes a first server with middleware for managing the protocol interface, the first server being located at the first network address. Preferably, the systems interface includes a second server for receiving requests and generating legacy transactions. When the user is logged on, a client application for the systems interface is running on the computer. Next, the user launches a shared network software application, preferably a browser. The user may or may not minimize the client application, but the user remains logged-on.