Abstract: A virtual private network and method of allocating one of plural communication terminals to a user in the virtual private network includes offering plural different types of communication terminals for selection by the user, defining plural different user profiles for the user, selecting one of the different types of communication terminals for use by the user, and allocating a one of the plural different user profiles to the selected one of the plural different types of terminals as a function of the type of communication terminal.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product for processing event records. The present invention includes a detection layer, an analysis layer, an expert systems layer and a presentation layer. The layered system includes a core infrastructure and a configurable, domain-specific implementation. The detection layer employs one or more detection engines, such as, for example, a rules-based thresholding engine and a profiling engine. The detection layer can include an AI-based pattern recognition engine for analyzing data records, for detecting new and interesting patterns and for updating the detection engines to insure that the detection engines can detect the new patterns. In one embodiment, the present invention is implemented as a telecommunications fraud detection system. When fraud is detected, the detection layer generates alarms which are sent to the analysis layer. The analysis layer filters and consolidates the alarms to generate fraud cases.

Abstract: On a transaction network that supports short-duration electronic transactions within multiple service classes between input terminals and host processors, such as for credit card purchases, a network anomaly detector monitors the network to determine a potential fault either on or off the network before an actual network failure occurs. The network anomaly detector is provided with current transaction data for ongoing transactions, which data for each transaction includes the service class of the transaction, the start time of the transaction and the duration of the transaction. The current transaction data is converted to a traffic intensity, which provides a temporal measure of the traffic on the network within each predetermined binning interval for each service class.

Abstract: The present invention allows a global telephone number be assigned to a first outbound-only telephone line connected to a first service switching point (SSP) to be also assigned to a second outbound-only telephone line connected to a second service switching point. The global telephone number can be used as many times as there are service switching points within a single area code region. In a preferred embodiment, in which an outbound-only telephone line subscriber also has a regular telephone line, all calls originated from the subscriber's outbound-only telephone line can be billed against the account of the subscriber's regular telephone line. The invention also allows multiple outbound-only telephone lines be billed against the account of a single regular telephone line.

Abstract: A method for managing phone activity records in an automated voice processing system. In a preferred embodiment, phone activity data from the automated voice processing system is periodically written into a first file. The phone activity data corresponds to a period of time. Prior data in the first file is overwritten each time new phone activity data is written into the first file. Prior to data being overwritten in the first file, the phone activity data from the first file is placed into a master file with prior phone activity records. The master file provides a history of phone activity within the automated voice processing system.

Abstract: A method for testing one or more OSSs of an ILEC includes performing one or more actions associated with preparation of a test plan for testing one or more elements of the ILEC OSSs, performing one or more actions associated with implementation of a test plan in testing one or more of the ILEC OSS elements, evaluating the performance of the one or more ILEC OSS elements according to the testing, and generating one or more test results according to the evaluation, each test result corresponding to a particular ILEC OSS element tested.

Abstract: A method and system for prepaying credits to a user account for communications services provided. If a system detects a predefined condition associated with a communications connection, the system deducts the cost of the communications connection from the credit in the user account. The predefined condition includes the origination of the communications connection from one of a plurality of predefined sources. Software for implementing the method may be implemented in a number of environments, including a computer system accessible remotely or a processor located on the user's telephone.

Abstract: A system and method downloads data and reconfigures the data into a database. A telephone user purchases a specific number of lines and specific services (i.e., call waiting) from a telephone company. The telephone company then programs a switch associated with that user so that the user receives the services purchased. The telephone company also inserts the user's purchases into a database used for generating the user's bills. Discrepancies can occur between the data in the switch and the data in the billing database. Billing correction is performed by downloading all of the data within a switch, reconfiguring the data into a database and then comparing the switch database against the billing database to detect billing errors. To facilitate ease of this billing correction process, the switch database is transmitted to the billing correction center via a network instead of the traditional method of using direct tape copies of the switch being physically transported to the billing correction center.

Abstract: A system and method for creating and implementing telecommunications services are disclosed. The system comprises a service development platform that includes a communications module, and application server, and at least one auxiliary module. The communications module enables data to be transmitted to and from the development platform to facilitate the implementation of telecommunications services. The application server can store a telecommunications service creation tool that can be used by an individual to generate code needed to implement the telecommunications service or that can automatically generate code needed to implement the telecommunications service. The application server can also store the code needed to implement the telecommunications service and can transmit data to and receive data from the communications module as necessary for implementing the telecommunications service.

Abstract: A network management system allowing traffic data collection not to overload switching equipment is disclosed. A schedule table has a plurality of entries, in which traffic data collection events for respective ones of traffic counters arc distributed at intervals. A traffic data collection processor sequentially accesses the entries of the schedule table and, when a traffic data collection event is registered in an accessed entry, a traffic data collection request is transmitted to a corresponding traffic counter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for measuring holding time in a communication network. Using traffic volume and call attempt number measurements from earlier measurement intervals as well as the current interval makes it possible to calculate the holding time parameters of the calls generated during the current interval in a much more accurate way. The method can be incorporated into performance management systems or any other systems or tools post-processing measurement results from network elements. As examples three practical implementations are described.

Abstract: A metering tone is applied to a transmission line by a DSL modem on behalf of a voice circuit, rather than being applied directly by the voice circuit. Various techniques for applying the metering tone to the data path are described. Because the metering tone is passed to the network in the data path rather than in the voice path, the tone is subject to the high-pass filtering associated with the data path rather than the low-pass filtering associated with the voice path. Accordingly, the metering tone is not attenuated by the splitter or by analogous features in a splitterless system.

Abstract: A system for initiating conversations between callers to a telephone receives calls from various callers, receives selections of various topics of conversation from the callers, and then establishes communication links between pairs of callers in accordance with the selected topics. In a given conversation, at least a portion of the call is billed at a special rate or provided at no cost. After a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the call is billed at a second rate unless terminated by at least one of the parties. A partner history can be maintained and used by the system to ensure that previously partnered callers are not paired up again for at least a specified time span.

Abstract: A system for distributing radio frequency signals in a wireless communication network that provides an economical method of establishing and then later enhancing network coverage and capacity. The system centrally deploys Base Transceiving System (BTS) equipment and distributes their signals through a fiber network to individual cable microcell integrators (CMI) associated with the individual cell sectors of the system. The CMIs contain filtering equipment that permit them to be assigned in simulcast groups, depending upon the desired network capacity. For example, in an initial build out situation, a large number of CMIs operate at a common carrier frequency, modulation code, and/or code phase. As network demands increases, additional capacity is provided by reprogramming filters and/or signal processors in the CMIs.

Abstract: A dynamic communications rate setting apparatus, system and/or method is applicable to digitized and analog communications networks. This dynamic communications rate setting apparatus, system and/or method concerns the load carried by the network at the time the call attempt is made. The loads may be continuously measured on all lines above the subscriber line level, for instance, with the aid of load measuring groups. The load measuring groups may be composed of a traffic measurement unit, connected to the trunks or trunk groups and a rate calculator, or pre-calculator, which dynamically determines the rate weight, passing it on to the corresponding exchange at a higher level of the hierarchy. The rate payable for a particular call may be indicated to the calling subscriber.

Abstract: Upon providing a new service associated with a key telephone unit to an user system, a customer center periodically acquires communication log information of the key telephone unit, generates suggestion information of an inside comprise, which is optimal to the key telephone unit, on the basis of the communication log information, and automatically transmits that suggestion information to a maintenance personal computer via the Internet.

Abstract: A telecommunications environment includes a switch for connecting calls placed by a caller in response to an advertising campaign. The advertising campaign is identified by a particular directory number (the “campaign number”). The switch monitors calling information related to the call and forwards that calling information to a data recorder. The calling information includes the directory number of the party placing the call, the directory number called, whether the call was connected, the duration of the call, and other information. The data recorder passes the calling information for each advertising campaign to a web server where the calling information is accessible over the Internet. In this manner, a subscriber may connect to the web server over the Internet and request a report on the effectiveness of the advertising campaign.

Abstract: The present invention allows a global telephone number be assigned to a first outbound-only telephone line connected to a first service switching point (SSP) to be also assigned to a second outbound-only telephone line connected to a second service switching point. The global telephone number can be used as many times as there are service switching points within a single area code region. In a preferred embodiment, in which an outbound-only telephone line subscriber also has a regular telephone line, all calls originated from the subscriber's outbound-only telephone line can be billed against the account of the subscriber's regular telephone line. The invention also allows multiple outbound-only telephone lines be billed against the account of a single regular telephone line.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and method to predict and manage a demand for Central Office (CO) codes in a telephone number pooling environment. The invention also provides summary data reflecting CO code forecasted and actual demand, which may be used for public reporting purposes and historical tracking of demand for thousand blocks and CO codes.

Abstract: A ratings engine system that uses decision networks to select and execute Price Plans to rate an Event. A plan selection rule set is used to select a Price Plan for the Event and an Algorithm rule set is used to select an Algorithm to rate the Event. The Price Plans and rule sets are stored in a database. Conditions are also evaluated as the rule sets are traversed and include a program that determines if an Event qualifies for the Condition. Conditions can have a range or domain of applicability. The changing of the decision network changes the business rules for the Event without changing the Algorithms or Conditions.

Abstract: Methods and systems for optimizing bandwidth pricing for a data transmission system electronically connected to a source of bandwidth spot prices, where the data transmission system transmits data as packets to a predetermined destination, are provided.

Abstract: A method for providing a pre-paid telephone calling card services to a calling party initiating a voice-based connection to a called party telephone using an internet-based IP Phone process running on a personal computer. The method comprises initiating an A-leg connection between the IP Phone process and an internet gateway utilizing a computer network connecting the personal computer and the internet Gateway, establishing a telephone connection between the internet gateway and a SCP. Once this connection is established, the SCP transmits a request to the calling party through the IP Phone process to provide account and call information. The calling party responds with the requested account and call information using the IP Phone process. The internet gateway then transmits the information to the SCP using DTMF tones. The SCP responds by transmitting an account query from the SCP to verify account and balance information for the calling party.

Abstract: A computer connected to an ISDN central office switch via an ISDN digital subscriber line, provides management information regarding activities of a plurality of telephone agents. The computer has shared call appearances with a number of telephone agent stations and receives shared call appearance associated messages from the switch reflecting call handling messages exchanged between the ISDN switch and each of the agent stations. The messages are interpreted by the computer, which generates station status information and management information such as the number of calls handled, average holding time per call, etc. The computer may be connected simultaneously to several central offices via ISDN subscriber lines and generate management information for a group of geographically separated agents, such as home telemarketing agents operating out of their individual homes and connected to different central offices.

Abstract: The subscriber's busy hour detection system includes the steps of setting a first observation period with respect to each of a plurality of subscribers to be observed and comparing the number of calls of each subscriber stored in a first counter within a specific first time zone in the first observation period with a first threshold value set in advance to select a subscriber whose said number of calls exceeds said first threshold value as a target whose traffic in a second time zone shorter than said first time zone is to be observed, setting a second observation period after said first observation period with respect to each of said plurality of selected subscribers to be observed and comparing the number of calls of each subscriber stored in a second counter within specific said second time zone in the second observation period with a second threshold value set in advance to select a subscriber whose said number of calls exceeds said second threshold value as a target whose traffic in a third time zon

Abstract: An information monitoring system, and a method of monitoring information, are disclosed. The information monitoring system includes a network, at least one central server, at least two site servers, and at least two telephone exchanges, wherein at least one telephone exchange is connected to each site server. The system also includes at least two site server compilers, wherein each site server compiler compiles a first plurality in a universal database format, and at least one central server compiler, wherein the at least one central server compiler compiles the universal database formats into a primary universal database.

Abstract: A telephone calling account system, method, and card. The method typically includes determining a preexisting account designator of a preexisting account, creating a telephone calling account on a calling platform, and assigning to the telephone calling account the preexisting account designator of the preexisting account.

Abstract: System and method for facilitating intelligent network call processing using a centralized call context database. The system and method include and involve a call context database and an intelligent telecommunications network that is coupled to the call context database. The network includes and involves an access network element capable of receiving a call, generating first call context data and a network call identifier related to the call, storing the call context data and the network call identifier in the call context database, transmitting the network call identifier, and processing the call. The network further includes and involves a plurality of network elements that are coupled to the call context database and to the access network element. Each network element is capable of receiving the call and/or data related to the call (e.g.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a transaction support system for processing information from an information terminal unit provided together with a telephone. In the transaction support system, an information storing part stores terminal information concerning a process performed in the information terminal unit, the terminal information corresponding to telephone information identifying the telephone. Then, a displaying part displays the terminal information corresponding to the telephone information when a call from the telephone is received.

Abstract: A system and methods are provided for collecting, analyzing, and reporting data supplied on the report data stream of an electronic switching system or other generator of a report or log data stream or file. Local data storage facilities are provided to receive and store report data stream information for one or more switches. A centralized data storage and analysis facility receives the data collected by the local facilities. A parser parses the collected report data to select and reformat report items of interest according to predefined selection triggers. A post processing facility includes pattern identification and pattern classification components. The pattern identification component reads the parsed, selected report items and extracts a pattern comprising the selection triggers and function call addresses associated with each event. The pattern classification component determines whether the identified pattern for each event is old or newly encountered.

Abstract: Accordingly to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for providing caller initiated third party billing in a telecommunication system is disclosed. First, a predetermined number is dialed by the subscriber to access the third party billing feature. The subscriber is then prompted to enter proper identification and the telecommunication system authenticates the subscriber identification. Once the subscriber's identification has been authenticated, the system retrieves the subscriber's account information. The system then determines the phone number of the selected telephone the subscriber wants to make calls from. The system then sends the subscriber's account information and the phone number the subscriber wants to make the calls from to a billing server. The billing server then sends the subscriber's account information to a local exchange carrier responsible for the selected telephone.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for making least-cost non-local telephone calls. In accordance with this method, an identification code of a customer and a plurality of carrier codes associated with the identification code are stored in a memory which is accessible by a computer at a universal exchange. Each carrier code identifies a respective one of a plurality of telephone call carriers. Subsequent to the storing step, the universal exchange receives the customer identification code and a destination telephone number by means of a telephone call from the customer. The computer at the universal exchange processes the destination telephone number and the plurality of carrier codes corresponding to the customer identification code in accordance with respective rate schedules for those carriers and a least-cost routing algorithm, thereby determining a least-cost carrier for connecting the customer to the station identified by the destination telephone number.

Abstract: A communication traffic control system of this invention is directed to reduce traffic on a LAN. In LAN (1) of a CSMA/CD type having a server computer (2), a first client computer (3), a second client computer (4) and other third, fourth . . . client computers connected thereto, when the first client (3) generates a transmission request A of an object to the server (2) and receives an object A corresponding to the transmission request A from the server (2), the second client (4) stores the transmission request A and the object A corresponding to the former in a storage unit (41) inside the second client (4). When the second client (4) thereafter generates a transmission request A for acquiring the same object A stored in the storage unit (41) to the server (2), it directly acquires the object A from the storage unit (41) without it passing through LAN (1).

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring service quality using Call Detail Records (CDR) in a communications network, such as a Signaling System No. 7 (SS7) network, is disclosed. Network monitors capture substantially all signaling units in the SS7 network generate a complete record for all calls, transactions and other communications over the network. Users configure CDR profiles that are used to filter the records. A CDR application filters the records by parsing out signaling unit components that have been selected by the user in the CDR profile. The selected message components are then formatted into a CDR record, which is sent to an external system that generates certain statistics for the message records and stores the statistics to a database. A report application recalls the statistics from the database and presents statistics in a reporting format configured by the user.

Abstract: An intelligent-networked telecommunication system avoids redundant billing for telephone transactions in which there is a billing conflict between the Intelligent Network (IN) and another component of the system by its Service Control Point (SCP) creating a service-dependent pseudo Calling Line Identifier (CLI). When a Pseudo CLI look-up table stored in the SCP database indicates that a pseudo CLI is to be created (based upon the Destination Number, DN, or the Service Key, SK), the SCP combines a prefix listed in the table with the Calling Party Number (CgPN) to form a pseudo CLI or create a totally new CLI number string. When the call is connected to the DN, the created pseudo CLI, rather than the original CLI, is transferred to the DN. A pseudo CLI is indicated where the IN is programmed to handle the billing of a particular transaction, and where the instrumentality of the DN (e.g., toll switch or special service platform) is also set up to handle billing.

Abstract: An active matrix liquid crystal display device is provided for realizing a high uniformity of display luminance with lower power consumption, a higher contrast, and a wider viewing angle. In a common wire eliminated (common-less) IPS-type active matrix liquid crystal display device, an opposing electrode 107 is arranged above a signal wire 104 and a thin film transistor (TFT) through an insulating layer. The opposing electrode 107 and a scanning wire 101 shield the signal wire 104 or the TFT to prevent light from leaking from edge portions of the signal wire 104 as well as the TFT from malfunctioning due to a current generated by leaked light, thereby realizing the elimination of a black matrix (BM), a reduction in size of a black matrix, and planarized substrates, thus resulting in a higher aperture ratio and an improved uniformity of cell gap.

Abstract: A method that specifies a congestion management strategy for a SVC (Switched Virtual Circuit) controller in a connection-oriented network. The rate of setup messages arriving at a given interface handled by the controller and the aggregate number of calls being established are compared against a set of thresholds to determine whether or not to allow new call setup messages from being processed. The congestion strategy regulates the consumption of controller resources such as processor load and memory utilization.

Abstract: Callers to a number subscribing to a screening application are prompted that a fee will be charged for the connection to be completed. The prompting can occur at the initiation of the call, prior to any connection to the called party, or after the called party has had a chance to screen the call. The calling party can choose whether to complete the connection or to terminate the call. If the connection is completed, the fee is charged; otherwise, the call is terminated. Accordingly, most unwanted calls are avoided and users are compensated for receiving unwanted calls that are completed.

Abstract: A method of operating a telecommunications device wherein the telecommunications device is used to detect an outgoing call from a calling party to a called number. The calling number is used to determine whether or not the calling party is a universal service user. If it is determined that the called number is among a class of numbers exempt from charges, the call is connected. A determination on the sufficiency of funds in a pre-paid account is made. If it is determined that there are insufficient funds in a pre-paid account to cover charges associated with the outgoing call, a message is generated and sent to the calling party or a third party requesting authorization to charge an additional fee for connecting the calling party with the called party. User input is received from the calling party, indicating the calling party's authorization of such charge. The connection between the calling party and the called party is made.

Abstract: The invention relates to the provision of prepaid services for the customers of a telecommunication network operator in a wired and/or mobile telephone network. The invention makes it possible to implement prepaid call services even in countries with a low level of development of telephony. In the procedure of the invention, it is not necessary to identify e.g. DTMF tones, but the normal dialling system can be used to the verification of right of use of the service.

Abstract: A device, a system and method for storing connection data transmitted by a telephone exchange (11) in an agent unit (19), where the agent unit is part of a subordinate means in a supervising system. A superordinate supervising means (24) is formed of one or more computers with the task of collecting data from one or more telephone exchanges, which they contact over some data network (23) via the agent unit (19). The connection data is transmitted by the exchange unit and stored in the reserved memory area (the buffer) (20) in the agent unit (19) and can be emptied and collected by the superordinate supervising means (24) through a normal file transfer process over said data network (23).

Abstract: A portable information terminal is disclosed which can prevent a large amount of money from being imposed on a user while the user does not recognize it and wherein an original state of net surfing can be restored readily even if packet communication is disconnected. If a packet communication data integrated amount within an accounting unit period exceeds a maximum value for a packet communication data integrated amount within which the charge is fixed within the accounting unit period, a control section controls a display section to display “excess” and performs a process of an operation set arbitrarily by a user such as, for example, ‘disconnect’, ‘saving’ or ‘alarm’. This can be prevent a large amount of charge from being imposed on a user while the user does not recognize it.

Abstract: The call charging method, enables to charge a call under control of an Intelligent Network service. The Intelligent Network service is executed by a Service Control Point. The Service Control Point additionally determines the charge of the call, based on the result of a processed customized call charging object.

Abstract: A connection-oriented telecommunication system (SYS) comprises a first network (A), at least one transit network (B, C) and a second network (D). The exchanges (EX, N10,N20, N30, N40) of the net works each comprise a plurality of incoming communication resources (InCS) and outgoing communication resources (OutCS) each storing a pair of a verification accounting reference (VerAccRef) and a remuneration accounting reference (RemAccRef).

Abstract: A directory dialing telephone set, with which the user can register necessary telephone numbers in a directory of the directory dialing telephone set efficiently and with a minimum of effort, is presented. For example, a telephone number dialed by the user for calling or a telephone number of a calling party which is informed via the telephone network (i.e. a current telephone number) is stored one by one in a telephone number temporary storage section which can store a predetermined number of telephone numbers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method for the optimization of an analysis, said system comprising a telecommunication network and analysis means for analyzing data associated with calls. According to the invention, the analysis means comprise a generic analysis mechanism and one or more analysis functions utilizing the analysis mechanism. The invention makes it possible to avoid interpenetrating analysis implementations, thus reducing the costs.

Abstract: In a method to accept call charges by the calling subscriber (A) for individual calls over a telephone network (1), following an agreement on the allocation of the charges between two subscribers, the calling subscriber (A) sends a caller-specific signal as binding confirmation of this agreement, whereupon the calling subscriber (B) accepts the call. The caller-specific signal can be stored in the form of a digital code on a smart card (9).

Abstract: An intelligent configuration system automatically logs a sample of a PBX Call Detail Recording (CDR) message. The sample CDR messages are sent via modem from a local call accounting system connected to the PBX to a central configuration server. The configuration server analyzes the sample CDR messages to determine the PBX type. The appropriate PBX interface file for the identified PBX type is transmitted back to the call accounting system and used by the accounting system to interpret and price CDR messages output from the PBX into call accounting and traffic analysis reports. Identification and location data is transmitted from the accounting system to the configuration server. The configuration server uses the data to automatically transmit and update rate tables used in the accounting system.

Abstract: A telecommunications service billing administrator for providing real-time billing query functionality. The billing administrator has a billing system with a processor coupled to a billing information data repository. The billing information data repository updates an account table and a call table during the placement of a telecommunications call leg. The information updated includes a billing account summary. The subscriber can issue a billing inquiry request in which the billing system responds with an announcement of the billing account summary.

Abstract: An inter-network call accounting system for use in a communication network such as the public switched telephone network in Britain allows call records to be sorted according to the network operator to be charged in respect of the calls, prior to being priced and charged. A data analyzer incorporating an expert system is provided for call records which cannot be validated. The data analyzer can apply default or amended data, or can output invalid data to a suspended process awaiting updated reference information. Unfixable data is output to a sump for management purposes. A pricing and charging engine processes data already sorted according to billable entity and incorporates further data analysis for dealing with data invalid by reason of pricing and charging related information.

Abstract: An inter-network call accounting system for use in a communication network such as the public switched telephone network in Britain allows call records to be sorted according to the network operator to be charged in respect of the calls, prior to being priced and charged. A data analyzer incorporating an expert system is provided for call records which cannot be validated. The data analyzer can apply default or amended data, or can output invalid data to a suspended process awaiting updated reference information. Unfixable data is output to a sump for management purposes. A pricing and charging engine processes data already sorted according to billable entity and incorporates further data analysis for dealing with data invalid by reason of pricing and charging related information.