By Automatic Testing Sequence Patents (Class 379/10.01)
  • Patent number: 11423345
    Abstract: The disclosed technology teaches delivering scarce test equipment resources to a user within a test organization: receiving a test graph that specifies equipment capabilities needed, by class and times when the capabilities are needed. The technology includes maintaining an inventory of equipment resources and capabilities, by class, and responsive to the user invoking the graph, scheduling the needed equipment: identifying alternative resources responsive to the need and selecting a group of resources to schedule; bundling the group of resources to schedule into an immediate bundle needed to start the test and a deferred bundle needed later, after the start of the test; and queuing a deferred bundle reservation for a later time, after the scheduled start of the test. During the test, the technology includes notifying the user of availability of the equipment resources in the deferred bundle when they become available and marking the deferred bundle as in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Spirent Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Hornberger, Eric Gregory Miller, Yujie Lin, Kalina Stilianova Koinova
  • Patent number: 10965666
    Abstract: Multiple factor authentication of a user is provided by verifying a first authentication factor for the user. At least one target endpoint device is identified relative to the user. An application program interface (API) is accessed and used to generate a communication request that includes a first portion specifying the target endpoint device and written in a format of an application program interface (API), and a second portion that includes a set of one or more documents written in a programming language that includes call flow commands for call routing logic of a call control server. The call flow commands include commands specifying how to communicate a security code. The communication request is transmitted to the call control server. Input is received from the user. A second authentication factor is verified for the user by comparing the input to the security code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: 8x8, Inc.
    Inventor: Zhishen Liu
  • Patent number: 10686649
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, a communication system that facilitates monitoring communications associated with a second particular device, where a group of devices operate in a premises, where a first subset of the group of devices communicate directly with a monitoring device located at the premises via a local area network of the premises, where a second subset of the group of devices do not communicate directly with the monitoring device, where the first subset of the group of devices includes the first particular device, and where the second subset of the group of devices includes the second particular device. The communications can be analyzed to detect an anomaly associated with the second particular device. A plurality of messages can be transmitted, via the local area network, to the monitoring device over a time period indicating the anomaly. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Cristina Serban, Donald Levy, Jayaraman Ramachandran, David Gross
  • Patent number: 10452332
    Abstract: A portable electronic device with a touch-sensitive display (such as a cellular telephone) provides a wireless remote control for an entertainment device (such as a consumer-electronic device). Based on device-state information that specifies a current state of the entertainment device (which is received from an audio/video (A/V) hub that communicates with the entertainment device) and one or more related states of the entertainment device, the portable electronic device may generate a user interface that includes one or more virtual command icons. Note that the one or more related states are related to the current state in a state diagram by corresponding operations that transition the entertainment device from the current state to the one or more related states. Then, the portable electronic displays the user interface on the touch-sensitive display. In this way, the portable electronic device dynamically adapts the user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: EVA Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: Gaylord Yu
  • Patent number: 10448091
    Abstract: A portable electronic device with a touch-sensitive display (such as a cellular telephone) provides a wireless remote control for an entertainment device (such as a consumer-electronic device). Based on device-state information that specifies a current state of the entertainment device (which is received from an audio/video (A/V) hub that communicates with the entertainment device) and one or more related states of the entertainment device, the portable electronic device may generate a user interface that includes one or more virtual command icons. Note that the one or more related states are related to the current state in a state diagram by corresponding operations that transition the entertainment device from the current state to the one or more related states. Then, the portable electronic displays the user interface on the touch-sensitive display. In this way, the portable electronic device dynamically adapts the user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: EVA Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: Gaylord Yu
  • Patent number: 10409713
    Abstract: A system for testing container applications includes a memory, a processor in communication with the memory, a test manager, and a test controller. The test manager runs on a host operating system and creates a test container image including test artifact(s) and/or test dependency(ies). Then, the test manager distributes a set of tests, which are accessible to a test container created from the test container image. The test manager distributes the tests by populating a directory with the set of tests and mounting the directory to the test container. Additionally, the test manager executes the test container image. The test controller is associated with the test container and executes the set of tests accessible to the test container using the test artifact(s) and/or the test dependency(ies). The test controller also monitors the set of tests executed by the test container. Feedback corresponding to the set of tests is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: RED HAT, INC.
    Inventors: Eduard Benes, Matus Marhefka
  • Patent number: 10255155
    Abstract: Embodiments provide a scheduler for scheduling test times of a plurality of tester software environments for an automatic test equipment. The scheduler is configured to automatically assign test times to the plurality of tester software environments, to acquire test instructions from a tester software environment of the plurality of tester software environments to which a current test time is assigned, to control the automatic test equipment to perform a test according to the test instructions in order to obtain test results, and to provide the test results to the tester software environment of the plurality of tester software environments to which the current test time is assigned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Advantest Corporation
    Inventor: Peter Schinzel
  • Patent number: 10185596
    Abstract: A computer implemented method, system and computer program product enabling cloud service providers to register in a cloud book is presented. The cloud book includes a profile for each cloud service provider of the cloud service providers including the services and terms of service for each cloud service provider. Consumers register in the cloud book; users are able to connect to each other; and the users are able to browse the cloud service providers' connection to consumers. Each consumer is enabled to compare the services and terms of service to determine which service provider has services that match the consumer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: EMC IP Holding Company LLC
    Inventors: John J Roese, Stephen J Todd
  • Patent number: 10142329
    Abstract: Multiple factor authentication of a user is provided by verifying a first authentication factor for the user. At least one target endpoint device is identified relative to the user. An application program interface (API) is accessed and used to generate a communication request that includes a first portion specifying the target endpoint device and written in a format of an application program interface (API), and a second portion that includes a set of one or more documents written in a programming language that includes call flow commands for call routing logic of a call control server. The call flow commands include commands specifying how to communicate a security code. The communication request is transmitted to the call control server. Input is received from the user. A second authentication factor is verified for the user by comparing the input to the security code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: 8×8, Inc.
    Inventor: Zhishen Liu
  • Patent number: 9992348
    Abstract: A method for establishing a call over a packet network may include receiving a call request on a packet network from an originating call device. Status one or more segments of a transmission path may be determined. If the status of the segments are within a first range, the call between the originating and terminating call device over the determined transmission path at a first data rate may be established. Otherwise, if the status of one or more segments is within a second range, a determination as to whether the originating trunk and terminating segment can operate at a second data rate may be made, and, if so, the call may be established over the transmission path between the originating call device and terminating call device at the second data rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Century Link Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: William L. Wiley, Michael K. Bugenhagen, Robert J. Morrill
  • Patent number: 9716621
    Abstract: A programmable transceiver for a network element includes a programmable circuit including internal logic and control logic. Interfaces connect the programmable circuit to a network and a network element. The control logic facilitates programming of the internal logic responsive to an in-band program signal while the programmable circuit services network traffic received via at least one of the interfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: VIAVI SOLUTIONS INC.
    Inventors: Emmanuelle Marie Josèphe Janz, Luc Chouinard, David George Coomber
  • Patent number: 9576252
    Abstract: A test operation and reporting system is operable to evaluate testing of a system under test (SUT). The test operation and reporting system includes a testing metrics selection engine to identify core metrics and one or more optional metrics to evaluate a testing service level of one or more tests performed on the SUT. A metrics compilation module determines measurements for the core metrics and optional metrics. A trend evaluation module determines whether a trend determined from the metrics meets an associated target, and identifies a metric indicator to explain the trend if the associated target is not met. A dashboard engine generates a plurality of views based on selections. The views are operable to include the trend, an associated target, the core metrics and optional metrics, the metric indicator and other metrics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: ACCENTURE GLOBAL SERVICES LIMITED
    Inventor: Bernd Haber
  • Patent number: 9432510
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of processing a customer call is disclosed. The customer call may be initiated for an interactive voice response (IVR) type call system. One example method may include processing an interactive voice response (IVR) customer call. The method may include receiving customer call input to IVR call menu prompts, evaluating customer call interactions with the IVR call menu prompts, and calculating at least one usability score of the customer's interactions with the IVR call menu prompts. The method may also include displaying the results of the at least one usability scores on a user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: West Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Moore, Erika Nelson Kessenger, Denise Ann Mallory, Paul W. Popp
  • Patent number: 9424093
    Abstract: A system includes a processor and memory storage units storing software code. The software code comprises code for a scheduling system and for generating a plurality of adaptive partitions that are each associated with one or more process threads and that each have a corresponding processor budget. The code also is executable to, when the system is under a normal load, allocate the processor to one of the threads that is in a ready state and has the highest priority among the process threads that are in a ready state. The code is also executable to, when the system is in overload, allocate the processor to one of the process threads that is in a ready state and has the highest priority among the process threads that are in a ready state and for which the adaptive partition that the process thread is associated with has available guaranteed processor budget.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: 2236008 Ontario Inc.
    Inventors: Dan Dodge, Attila Danko, Sebastien Marineau-Mes, Peter van der Veen, Colin Burgess, Thomas Fletcher, Brian Stecher
  • Patent number: 9274936
    Abstract: The present disclosure involves systems, software, and computer-implemented methods for providing an integrated testing framework within a database system for testing database code. An example method includes identifying a test script associated with a database, identifying an expected result to be produced by the test script, the expected result stored in an expected results table in the database, executing the test script within the database, where executing the test script produces an actual result, and comparing, within the database, the actual result produced by the test script with the expected result from the expected results table to determine a success condition associated with the execution of the test script.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: SAP Portals Israel Ltd
    Inventor: Alexey Soshin
  • Patent number: 8873405
    Abstract: A device includes a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phone, an audio interface for receiving or transmitting audio information with the SIP phone to test a SIP-based network, and a controller for controlling the SIP phone and the audio interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventor: Craig E. Newman
  • Patent number: 8699959
    Abstract: A method for monitoring voice quality in a communication network. In a first embodiment, the method comprises the steps of: establishing a voice communication pathway (VCPW) between first and second telephone terminals; establishing speech cadence between first and second terminals, wherein the terminals alternate between opposing send and listen/receive modes such that when one of the terminals is sending a voice test message the other terminal is either listening for or receiving the voice test message and vice versa; and calculating a voice quality score for one or more received voice test messages. In a second embodiment, synchronous cadence is established between a plurality of telephone terminals and a voice recognition server (VRS).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Spirent Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Dimitrios M. Topaltzas, Jeffrey Horner
  • Patent number: 8639983
    Abstract: An architecture and techniques for implementing a unified and extensible meta-testing framework within a distributed environment. This framework allows entities within the distributed environment to run tests written in different testing frameworks in a unified way. In addition, this disclosure describes techniques for allowing an entity within the distributed environment to test itself, both from its own perspective as well as from the perspective of other entities within the distributed environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Nirav P Desai, Stanislav Fritz, Kyle Andrew Farrell, Michael C. Moore
  • Patent number: 8638906
    Abstract: Voice user interfaces can be tested using test scripts generated by traversing a graph using a recursive search technique, such as recursive depth first search. Test data to accompany the test scripts can be generated by treating conditions in states of the interface as business rules, and fully exercising each state during traversal of the graph. Actual testing can be performed in a faster than real time manner by providing simulated input from test scripts, as opposed to requiring actual input from human testers. The interfaces can also be tested using a gatekeeper intermediary which provides for easy transitions between testing and deployment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Convergys Customer Management Delaware LLC
    Inventors: David M. Pelland, Richard Burk, Jeffrey D. Kosa, Blaise T. Lapinski
  • Patent number: 8582725
    Abstract: A system receives a condition for an interactive voice response (IVR) application, automatically tests the IVR application based on the received condition, and generates a test result based on the automatic testing of the IVR application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventor: Rajesh Sharma
  • Patent number: 8537972
    Abstract: The presence of micro-reflections is determined in a network by determining micro-reflections from amplifier and diplex filter impedance mismatches and micro-reflections from drop cable impedance mismatches. The micro-reflections from impedance mismatches are determined by instructing network element to transmit a test signal at a first symbol rate and a first resolution for amplifier and diplex filter impedance mismatches and a second frequency with a second symbol rate and second resolution for micro-reflections from drop cable impedance mismatches. The tests are performed with several frequencies and the channels with the least micro-reflections are identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: General Instrument Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Thompson, Michael J. Cooper, Charles S. Moore, John L. Moran, III
  • Patent number: 8515015
    Abstract: A method and system of an embodiment may provide a user interface enabling automated testing of a network device. The automated testing may include specifying a network device to be tested, specifying a network technology for testing the network device, specifying a client of the network device, configuring network connectivity for the network device, and enabling execution by the client of a network device of a test action. Configuring network connectivity may include dynamically configuring a network to include the specified network technology and the specified network device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventors: Scott C. Maffre, Ravikumar V. Alligala, Jorden K. Epps, Rick L. Halstead
  • Patent number: 8503632
    Abstract: A device includes a traffic load profile containing information for regulating rates of routing calls and a controller. The controller may be configured to access the traffic load profile, obtain network calls from a traffic load producer, and route the network calls to a system under test based on the traffic load profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey R. Evans
  • Patent number: 8499286
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for testing adjustment and configuration is disclosed. The method can include accessing source code of a test framework that is configured for testing a module, creating a configuration folder having a property override for a test suite for the module testing, determining a source root folder for the test suite, starting the test framework by passing in an identifier for the test suite, and adding a custom test to the source root folder using the configuration folder to customize the test suite. The method can further include compiling the test framework with each of the plurality of test folders enabled. The method also may use a refactoring tool to make changes in a file within the test framework.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: salesforce.com, inc.
    Inventors: Steven S. Lawrance, Marcus Ericsson
  • Patent number: 8325880
    Abstract: Voice user interfaces can be tested using test scripts generated by traversing a graph using a recursive search technique, such as recursive depth first search. Test data to accompany the test scripts can be generated by treating conditions in states of the interface as business rules, and fully exercising each state during traversal of the graph. Actual testing can be performed in a faster than real time manner by providing simulated input from test scripts, as opposed to requiring actual input from human testers. The interfaces can also be tested using a gatekeeper intermediary which provides for easy transitions between testing and deployment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Convergys Customer Management Delaware LLC
    Inventors: David M. Pelland, Richard C. Burk, Jeffrey D. Kosa, Blaise T. Lapinski
  • Patent number: 8254539
    Abstract: A device includes a traffic load profile containing information for regulating rates of routing calls and a controller. The controller may be configured to access the traffic load profile, obtain network calls from a traffic load producer, and route the network calls to a system under test based on the traffic load profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey R. Evans
  • Patent number: 8249221
    Abstract: The invention discloses an access apparatus and method for digital subscriber line test. The apparatus includes: one or more distributed access matrix control modules, one or more distributed access matrixes; and a power converter module. The distributed access matrix control module is connected to a test module and at least one of the one or more distributed access matrixes which is under the control of the distributed access matrix control module, and is configured to send a test task initiated by the test module to the at least one distributed access matrix and report a message from the at least one distributed access matrix to the test module. The distributed access matrix is configured to connect a tested subscriber in accordance with the test task and report an access success message to the distributed access matrix control module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Li Tang, Enbo Feng, Xiongwei Ren
  • Patent number: 8229080
    Abstract: A system receives a condition for a multimodal application, automatically tests the multimodal application based on the received condition, and generates a test result based on the automatic testing of the multimodal application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventor: Rajesh Sharma
  • Patent number: 8155274
    Abstract: System for coordinating the use of a mapping system comparing the physical connection status of a cable link in a network with the administrative data about said cable link in the network administration. The coordinating system uses data from one or several existing databases. Based on an analysis of the data retrieved from the one or more databases the system generates a detailed work order for an engineer to perform measurements with a mapping system. A mapping system is a system that performs measurements on the connections within a telecommunication network and compares the results of these measurements with the data in one of the databases. Differences are analyzed by the coordinating system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Koninklijke KPN N.V.
    Inventors: Wilhelmus Marinus Huiusman, Johannes Theodorus Maria Kuijpers, Reinier Bernardus Moree
  • Patent number: 8089885
    Abstract: A technique is disclosed for selectively providing access to a network node for testing and verification associated with a testing classification and requests are received from a network component to initiate a call via the net-work node. If it is determined that with the testing classification, service is provided via the network node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (publ)
    Inventor: Klaus Turina
  • Publication number: 20110293076
    Abstract: A system receives a condition for an interactive voice response (IVR) application, automatically tests the IVR application based on the received condition, and generates a test result based on the automatic testing of the IVR application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: VERIZON PATENT AND LICENSING INC.
    Inventor: Rajesh SHARMA
  • Patent number: 8031858
    Abstract: A call flow guidance system helps a call center agent navigate the maze of complex call flows that apply to an enormous spectrum of caller issues, and further improves adoption rates and training timelines for the call center agents. Through the system, call center agents easily navigate multiple call flows and view information tailored to improve average handle time (AHT) and first call resolution (FCR). The system provides dynamic content attached to call flows and improve call flow navigation by implementing links that bridge nodes between display sections of a particular call flow and links that cross from one call flow to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Accenture Global Services Limited
    Inventors: Michael J. Miller, Matthew D. Goodman, Shawn D. Meyer
  • Patent number: 8019049
    Abstract: A method for generating reliability tests for a telephone system is based upon sampling an orthogonal array which covers various combinations of test parameters. Field data is collected of actual telephone activity on a telephone system. The field data is evaluated so as to determine call-mix characteristics. Probabilistic weights for the different call-mix characteristics are obtained, and then the probabilistic weights are used to sample the test case scenarios generated in the orthogonal array which have the same call-mix characteristics. These test case scenarios are used to run tests on the telephone system. These tests are preferably performed using automated test scripts. After the test data is collected, reliability metrics are calculated from the test data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Avaya Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Allen, Jr., Janet Kenny, John Yeager, Muharrem Umit Uyar, Linda Yeager
  • Patent number: 8009811
    Abstract: A system receives a condition for an interactive voice response (IVR) application, automatically tests the IVR application based on the received condition, and generates a test result based on the automatic testing of the IVR application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventor: Rajesh Sharma
  • Patent number: 8000451
    Abstract: A system for populating a telecommunications switch with data for call processing is provided. The system includes a map of a transaction and a component operable to process the map. The map of the transaction has commands to be sent to provision at least one telecommunications switch. The transaction commands include at least some parent and child commands. The child commands have processing that is dependent on one or more related parent commands. The map identifies dependencies between the child commands and related parent commands. The component is operable to process the map such that the parent commands that have dependent child commands are communicated to the appropriate telecommunications switches before the dependent child commands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Aubuchon, Walter J. Clark, Kay E. Mitchell, Kenneth K. Muiruri
  • Patent number: 7983331
    Abstract: A method to detect a defective or missing filter at a customer's side between a first connection having a first frequency spectrum and a second connection having a second frequency spectrum and using the same physical transmission medium as the first connection between said customer and a central office equipment (DSLAM), comprises the steps of generating and transmitting at least one first type signal within said first frequency spectrum simultaneously performing quality measurements on said second connection in said second frequency spectrum, analyzing said quality measurements for thereby concluding the presence or not of the correct functionality and presence of said filter. An apparatus for performing the method is as well disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventor: Frank Cyriel Michel Defoort
  • Patent number: 7974386
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable media for testing failure rate of newly installed network elements within a predetermined amount of time prior to customer use of the network elements are provided. An order report including information regarding one or more network elements is accessed, and based on the information provided by the orders report, a network element from the one or more network elements to be tested is determined. Information regarding the network element to be tested is retrieved from the orders report and included on a ticket created for the network element to be tested. The ticket created for the network element is then forwarded to a test device for testing of the network element associated with the forwarded ticket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Charles Craig Lutz, Jason Curtis Spielvogel, Gregory Adams Irwin, Calvin Laurance
  • Patent number: 7933384
    Abstract: One preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a system and method for evaluating the performance of an inter-messaging network of voice mail systems. This preferred embodiment includes an evaluation test unit that connects to the inter-messaging network and requests a test data file to be retrieved from a particular voice mail system in the inter-messaging network. The requests for the test data file are generated according to a schedule of operation so that the requests are repeated within a defined time span. Accordingly, the performance of the inter-messaging network, as represented by the result of the request attempt, is evaluated according to a defined level of performance, such as a preferred time limit. Other systems and methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: John E. Cline, Roger K. Ruppert, Joseph H. Myers, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7843841
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for automating test procedures to determine if non-emergency signaling message processing errors impact emergency calls, e.g., E911 calls, are disclosed. In one embodiment, the present method alerts network engineers so that crankback procedures to alternative routes can be instituted when these E911 call impacting error conditions are detected in a network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Patent number: 7826597
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to handle support contacts in a call center are disclosed. An example method for handling a first contact to a support center includes receiving the first contact from a first person, receiving a first identifier associated with the first person, analyzing contact details for a second contact associated with a second identifier associated with a second person different from the first person to determine if a problem associated with the first identifier exists, and indicating that a problem associated with the first identifier exists if the contact details for the second contact associated with the second identifier indicate that a problem associated with the first identifier exists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Earl A. Berner, Kristina Robinson, Mark Magnusson, Jason Porter, James Rushing, Mark Welch
  • Patent number: 7702078
    Abstract: A method for analyzing automatic line insulation testing (ALIT) data comprising inserting ALIT error data into an ALIT database that includes records for exceptions located in the error data. A number of exceptions occurring on a selected summary date is calculated in response to receiving a summary request from a user including the selected summary date. Input to the calculating is the selected summary date and the ALIT database. The number of exceptions occurring on the summary date is transmitted to the user in response to the calculating. The user records located in the ALIT database that include a selected detail date are transmitted to the user in response to receiving from the user a request including the selected detail date. The ALIT database is updated with repair package information in response to receiving an add repair package request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property, I, L.P.
    Inventors: Robert Hollis Wright, Dianna Gatson
  • Patent number: 7668299
    Abstract: A device translates a script command into a test case for testing a network, receives an audio input based on the test case, performs a quality test of the audio based on the test case, and generates a result of the quality test to determine a functionality of the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventors: Craig E. Newman, Geoff Hart
  • Patent number: 7660394
    Abstract: The invention is a method and system conducting a completion test on a communications line. The system includes a testing device coupled to a remote device by a network. Line-test results are received from the testing device and made available to various client devices via the same or another network. Test data is automatically archived for analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Embarq Holdings Company, LLC
    Inventors: Richard D. Blank, Douglas B. Finch, John Lloyd Morris
  • Patent number: 7657418
    Abstract: A modem testing system is provided for testing interoperability of plural items of customer premises equipment (CPEs) (10) and plural central offices (COs) (60). The modem testing system includes a line simulator (50), a switch (40), and a controller (30). The line simulator is connected to the CPEs and COs for simulating various types of lines and noise statuses. The switch is connected to the line simulator, the CPEs, and the COs for switching connections between the CPEs and the COs. The controller is connected to the line simulator, the switch, the CPEs, and the COs for controlling the switch to set up communications between the CPEs and the COs according to a mapping list, and controlling the line simulator to simulate various types of lines and noises statuses. An exemplary modem testing method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ying-Ming Liang
  • Patent number: 7649982
    Abstract: A device translates a script command related to teletype (TTY) communications in a network, and generates or receives a TTY signal based on the translated script to test the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Bonnett, Craig E. Newman
  • Patent number: 7616740
    Abstract: A method, system, and computer-readable medium for emulating a converged network are provided. A media gateway receives a call at a first interface of a first network type. The call is processed for distribution on a second network type. The processed call is transmitted to a second interface of a second network type. A service module of the media gateway receives the processed call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Santera Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Yong Tai Chen, Jack C. Ger, Yong He
  • Publication number: 20090190724
    Abstract: A method for analyzing automatic line insulation testing (ALIT) data comprising inserting ALIT error data into an ALIT database that includes records for exceptions located in the error data. A number of exceptions occurring on a selected summary date is calculated in response to receiving a summary request from a user including the selected summary date. Input to the calculating is the selected summary date and the ALIT database. The number of exceptions occurring on the summary date is transmitted to the user in response to the calculating. The user records located in the ALIT database that include a selected detail date are transmitted to the user in response to receiving from the user a request including the selected detail date. The ALIT database is updated with repair package information in response to receiving an add repair package request.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventors: Robert Hollis Wright, Dianna Gatson
  • Patent number: 7539288
    Abstract: A trunk gateway simulator for use in testing a telecommunications switch includes a message receiver, a message handler, and a message transmitter. Upon receipt of a message from a telecommunications switch, the trunk gateway simulator creates an instance of the message handler in a thread to generate a response message. Once generated, the response message is transmitted to the telecommunications switch. The trunk gateway simulator may operate as a stateless device, generating a response message in accordance with a received message without reference to previous received messages. The trunk gateway simulator may employ regular expressions in parsing received messages. The trunk gateway simulator may collect statistical information on one or more attributes of the received messages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Matt Wu, Xiao-Gang Zhou, Ju-Hsin Lin
  • Patent number: 7529347
    Abstract: A system and method for performing DSL assessments of a telephone line along a prescribed test path is disclosed. The disclosed system includes a loop diagnostic test unit adapted for testing said telephone line using narrow-band and mid-band frequency test signals; a test system controller and a test system server to provide the DSL assessments to a user via an appropriate interface. In addition, the disclosed methods include the basic steps of: accessing the telephone line along the test path that includes selected hardware such as a voice switch test bus, central office splitter, service provider instruments and terminations; ascertaining various line characteristics along the test path using mid-band and narrow-band frequency signals; analyzing the line characteristics to identify line conditions that affect DSL service; and determining the impact of the line conditions on DSL service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Tollgrade Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Roderick Warner, Muhammad A. Afzal, Frank R. Bauer, Joseph S. Rosen
  • Patent number: 7508920
    Abstract: Automated tests are scheduled for a telecommunication network. A time slot array is created and a subset of the time slots are marked as unavailable according to respective maintenance windows. A remainder of the time slots are marked as available. Trunk groups are sequentially selected for respectively scheduling the tests. A particular available time slot is identified in the array for both of the testing units corresponding to the respective trunk group. The slot is marked as unavailable and then each trunk circuit is sequentially selected within the respective trunk group. A respective test is designated for a selected trunk circuit during the particular time slot and a counter is incremented. A check is made whether the counter indicates that a number of the tests have been scheduled that fills a capacity of the testing units for running simultaneous tests. If the capacity is not filled, then the method repeats the designating step for a next selected trunk circuit using the particular time slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventors: Xinhua Yu, Dahl Brougham Metters, Vincent Perry Watson