Abstract: A switch router and one or more gateways incorporating a diagnostic and calibration system that performs RF characterization of an underlying cable plant. The switch router is connected at a point of insertion or point of distribution and each gateway is located downstream, such as at corresponding subscriber locations. The switch router and each gateway sends a test signal with known characteristics and power level, and the receiving device determines noise level and power loss for the corresponding downstream and upstream channel pair. The power loss information is used to calibrate the power level of the transmitters. The noise levels are used to determine if the selected modulation schemes employed for normal communications is realizable. A frequency analysis, such as FFT or the like, is performed on the upstream test signal spectrum to derive valuable frequency information for the upstream channel or the entire upstream bandwidth.

Abstract: A switch router and one or more gateways incorporating a diagnostic and calibration system that performs RF characterization of an underlying cable plant. The switch router is connected at a point of insertion or point of distribution and each gateway is located downstream, such as at corresponding subscriber locations. The switch router and each gateway sends a test signal with known characteristics and power level, and the receiving device determines noise level and power loss for the corresponding downstream and upstream channel pair. The power loss information is used to calibrate the power level of the transmitters. The noise levels are used to determine if the selected modulation schemes employed for normal communications is realizable. A frequency analysis, such as FFT or the like, is performed on the upstream test signal spectrum to derive valuable frequency information for the upstream channel or the entire upstream bandwidth.

Abstract: A system implementing automatic subscriber notification over a wireless telecommunications network and providing immediate subscriber notice of changes made to an individual subscriber profile is disclosed; comprising a messaging service (122) communicatively linking an operational facility (102) within the wireless telecommunications network and a subscriber unit (108), a structure (110) accessible by the facility and storing therein service profile data (118) associated with the subscriber unit, and a notification protocol system (314), communicatively linked with the structure and with the messaging service, monitoring the service profile data, generating a notification message (318) responsive to any change in the service profile data, and transmitting the notification message to the subscriber unit via the messaging service.

Abstract: A telecommunications system and method is disclosed for creating “virtual Citizen's Band (CB) radio channel groups” within a cellular network. In a first embodiment, the virtual channel groups are built within the Mobile Switching Center (MSC). Each mobile subscriber participant is associated with the other mobile subscriber participants in the MSC, using a transaction identifier and conference bridges. Each group can be monitored, and each individual participants communication link can be controlled independently to facilitate individual disconnection. In a second embodiment, the virtual channel groups are built directly over the air. Participating mobile subscribers within range of each other can communicate directly with one another, using the same forward and reverse traffic channels.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods and systems relating to providing vehicular traffic information through a wireless telecommunications network. An exemplary system includes a geographic location system (GLS), a database containing vehicular roadway information, and a vehicular traffic determination node. The GLS is operative to determine the approximate physical location of at least one Mobile Station (MS) in communication with the wireless telecommunications network. The vehicular traffic determination node is operative to i) receive and correlate the approximate physical location of the MS to the vehicular roadway information to generate vehicular traffic information, and ii) communicate the vehicular traffic information to the wireless telecommunications network; the wireless telecommunications network can selectively-transmit or broadcast the vehicular traffic information.

Abstract: A telecommunications system and method is disclosed for extending the life of the battery within a Mobile Station (MS), while still allowing the mobile subscriber to use the MS. A new battery gapping feature can be implemented within both the MS 20 and the cellular network. On the MS side, the feature will allow the subscriber to select the desired battery gapping mode, which is a combination of the stand-by mode with the MS power on and the stand-by mode with the MS power off. When in this battery gapping mode, the MS will alternate between power off and power on states depending upon the subscriber defined stand-by times for each of these states. On the network side, the MS will inform the network when the MS powers off, as well as indicate when the MS will be powered on again. Therefore, the network can inform calling parties of the next time that the MS will be reachable.

Abstract: A telecommunications system and method is disclosed for allowing network operators to download ringing tone pattern(s) associated with one or more musical scores to mobile stations (MSs) according to the music selection of mobile subscribers associated with the MSs. Once executed, the ringing tone pattern provides a musical ringing tone on the MS, instead of the normal ringing tone. In addition, ringing tone patterns can be used to enhance the “distinctive ringing” function within the MS. Thus, instead of using distinctive ringing patterns to represent different called party numbers, different music can be used.

Abstract: A telecommunications system and method for transmitting digital images produced by a digital camera attached to or integrated with a mobile station (MS) from the MS to a receiving terminal through the Internet. A calling mobile subscriber can select the digital image to transmit and dial the number associated with the receiving terminal on the MS. The digital image is then sent in parallel through the Internet while a telecommunications connection, such as a call setup request, is being sent through the cellular or fixed network. At the end office serving the receiving terminal, the call setup request is associated with the digital image and a call connection is established between the calling MS and the receiving terminal. When the call connection is established, the end office serving the receiving terminal sends the digital image to the receiving terminal.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) is disclosed for automatically controlling the volume level of an audio signal transmitted to or received by a mobile station and/or terminal within a telecommunications network, the apparatus including a noise measuring device (102), a volume controller (104) communicably coupled to the noise measuring device, and a memory module (108) communicably coupled to the noise measuring device. In a wireless telecommunications network, the memory module may comprise a subscriber identity module (SIM) and contain preferred volume levels for given levels of noise for that particular subscriber.

Abstract: A system and method in a telecommunications system for enabling an originating mobile unit to deliver SMS messages to a select plurality of destination mobile units. A mobile station ISDN number (MSISDN) is assigned to a usergroup wherein this usergroup contains at least one and preferably a plurality of member MSISDNs. An originating mobile unit may then transmit an SMS message to a plurality of destination units by transmitting an SMS message addressed to a predefined usergroup MSISDN thereby eliminating the necessity of the originating mobile unit addressing and transmitting the SMS message to each member of the defined usergroup. Allowances are made to restrict such transmission to specified originating units.

Abstract: The present invention entails an equipment leveling device comprising a leveling head having a leveling instrument incorporated therein and a series of spaced apart support legs secured to the leveling head and projecting radially therefrom for engaging an object to be leveled and for supporting the leveling head adjacent the object during the leveling process. In the embodiment disclosed, each of the support legs is adjustable in length such that the leveling device can accommodate structures and objects of various size.

Abstract: A telecommunications system and method is disclosed for instructing a device interfaced with a vehicle's electrical system to activate or deactivate specific electrical devices, using the cellular network. This can be accomplished utilizing a mobile terminal or a unit containing the equivalency of a mobile terminal receiver, hereinafter referred to as a "Radio Interface Unit" (RIU), which is interconnected to a "Power Interface Unit" (PIU). The PIU directly interconnects to the vehicle's electrical system and ignition. The subscriber can then access their vehicle's electrical system from anywhere world-wide which reaches the mobile terminal by dialing their cellular phone number or a number associated with the RIU from another wireless or wireline phone. The RIU would then "answer" the call and receive instructions from the subscriber to activate or deactivate electrical devices on the vehicle.