Abstract: Methods and apparatuses to connect telephone calls and track information about the telephone calls resulting from advertisements on mobile/wireless media channels. In one embodiment, a method includes: assigning a telephone number to an advertiser, one of the telephone number and a reference to the telephone number to be included in an advertisement provided to an end user via a wireless media; and, monitoring telephone connections to the telephone number to bill the advertiser for the advertisement in response to each telephone connection to the telephone number. In one embodiment, a method includes: a first party providing an advertisement to a mobile device on behalf of an advertiser, the advertisement to include at least a reference to a telephonic connection with the advertiser; and, the first party collecting a fee from the advertiser in response to a telephonic connection being established between the advertiser and customer.

Abstract: At least two billing accounts that can be accessed by a selection message of a communications terminal are used to bill for a data transmission in a telecommunication network. After the data transmission directed to the communications terminal of a communications subscriber or originating from the communications terminal has begun, a selection message of the communications terminal is received by a network element of the telecommunication network. The selection message contains an identifier of the billing account to be used for billing the data transmission. The data transmission is then billed via this billing account.

Abstract: A system for presenting telephone state information includes a presence server 10; a presence client end 20 and a presence contact end 30 which are respectively connected with the presence server 10 and communicate with each other through the presence server 10; a user telephone line monitoring device 40, used for monitoring the state of the user telephone line 50, and sending the monitored state to the presence client end 20. Wherein, the presence contact end 30 is used for displaying presence information of a corresponding telephone state of the presence client end 20 it subscribed. The present invention also provides a method for presenting telephone state information. Through the invention, a client can inform his/her telephone state information to the contacts in time. The system and method do not depend on special telephone switch, and have a low cost, can be used in any area.

Abstract: A method, and a device are disclosed for logging management information during a call completion process in an Internet call-waiting environment The logging of information is performed by an ICW application server (4) that is connected to an ICW web server (3). The ICW application server (4) may also handle provisioning-requests coming from the ICW web server (3), may offer tools used by a helpdesk and the operational maintenance, may store user-profiles of ICW users, may play a role during the execution of the ICW service. During the execution of the ICW service the ICW application server (4) can communicate to an ICW client (10). The ICW application server (4) may also comprise an interface for accessing, by humans or devices, the information that is logged. The disclosed method for the logging of information comprises the creation of a service detail record (200) that comprises parameters. Values can be assigned to the parameters during the provisioning and/or the execution of the ICW service.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention provides a method. The method includes dynamically allocating a telephone number to an advertisement on a just-in-time basis; and if the telephone number is not called for a predefined period of time then unallocating the telephone number.

Abstract: A method of identifying arbitrage includes determining whether originating and terminating call detail records (CDRs) are correlated and obtaining correlated candidate pairs from the determined CDRs; establishing whether a correlated candidate pair of the obtained correlated candidate pairs is a unique pair; and if established that a correlated candidate pair is unique, determining an amount of arbitrage based on the comparison of the originating and terminating CDR fields of the unique correlated candidate pair.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for providing pre-pay and post-pay calls. After receiving a pre-pay call, an integrated service platform obtains and transfers a pre-pay destination number and a pre-pay validation parameter to a switching system. The switching system then releases the pre-pay call extension to the integrated service platform and extends the pre-pay call using the pre-pay destination number. As the pre-pay call is in progress, the switching system monitors a duration of the pre-pay call and terminates the pre-pay call if the duration meets or exceeds a pre-pay amount indicated by the pre-pay validation parameter. In this manner, integrated service platforms, as required by prior approaches, are no longer required to be connected to the pre-pay call for the entire duration of the pre-pay call. Rather, an integrated service platform can request and receive authorization and call destination information, then be released for use by other calls.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a telephone management system includes a telephone exchange apparatus, a management apparatus, and transmission paths which each connect between the telephone exchange apparatus and the management apparatus, the telephone exchange apparatus includes a memory which stores log files, a reader which reads log files to be stored in the memory of the corresponding line interface unit based on connection IDs included in an acquisition request, and a file transmitter which notifies the port IDs included in the acquisition request to the firewall/router, and transmits the log files to the management apparatus via the ports, the management apparatus includes a request transmitter which transmits the acquisition request to the telephone exchange apparatus in response to an instruction input, and a receiver which receives the log files transmitted from the telephone exchange apparatus via the transmission paths in response to the transmission of the acquisition request.

Abstract: A system (2100, 2400) for taking network elements (112) off-line includes a memory (1806) for storing a record (1802) of a number of calls being handled by a first network element (112) over a period of time and a processor (1804) communicatively coupled to the memory (1806), where the processor (1804) is used for setting a threshold value based on the record (1802), monitoring in substantially real-time, a number of calls being handled by the first network element (112), and comparing the number of substantially real-time monitored calls being handled by the first network element (112) to the threshold value. The system also includes a switch (1816) communicatively coupled to the processor, where the switch (1816) is used to take the first network element (112) off-line if the number of substantially real-time monitored calls being handled by the first network element is below the threshold value.

Abstract: Provided are an electronic surveillance system and a method thereof. In the electronic surveillance system that performs electronic surveillance on a subscriber in a communication network, the electronic surveillance system includes: one or more communication service providers that provide retained data, which is information generated while the subscriber uses a communication service; a dedicated storage that stores and manages the retained data provided by the communication service providers; and a law enforcement agency that requests the dedicated storage to send electronic surveillance information on a specific subscriber so as to be provided with the surveillance information when the electronic surveillance information on the specific subscriber is required. Accordingly, retained data, which is subscriber electronic surveillance information is integrally managed and stored in a dedicated storage.

Abstract: A method and system for rating a data communication session between a network and a wireless device is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the method monitors a series of events, namely, a setup event, a begin event and an end event, which take place during a communication session. The monitoring of such events is accomplished by a data rating application which resides on the wireless device. By monitoring such events, the data rating application is then able to rate the communication session using a number of rating options. The rating option selected includes both how to meter the data transmitted during a data communication session and determine the rate to be applied to each metered increment. Examples of methods used to meter the data include time and volume. Different rating options which can be used to rate the communication session include, for example, application, data utilization, source of data, class of service, quality of service and transmission efficiency.

Abstract: In general, a system and method for analyzing wireless communication records and for determining optimal wireless communication service plans is disclosed. A transceiver is configured to receive billing information associated with a subscriber of a telecommunications service under a current rate plan. A storage unit stores the billing information. A processor processes the subscriber related billing information to produce organized data having a predefined format. The processor then analyzes the processed data in relation to a plurality of rate plans of a plurality of telecommunications service providers, and determines at least one proposed rate plan that would save the subscriber telecommunication costs relative to the current rate plan. A report of at least one proposed rate plan is then produced and provided to the subscriber, which enables selection of a best telecommunication service provider.

Abstract: A system and associated methods for automation and management of trunk routing among switches in a telecommunications network between carriers connected to a third party tandem services provider or manager (a “neutral tandem network.”) The system and methodology can be used to, among other things, effectuate a business model for providing preferred rates, or other preferences, to a defined group of members or subscribers by managing and directing subscriber-associated call traffic from subscriber-owned switches to one or more tandem switches owned by a third-party tandem managing entity other than a LEC or ILEC.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, method and a memory product storing a computer program for recording call details that allows inexpensive recording of voice data of a phone call on the IP phone system, while easily maintaining high sound quality of the call. A CDR system is provided with a transferring means for transferring the voice packet to a receiving side IP phone upon receipt thereof from the calling side IP phone and records the voice packet upon receipt thereof from the calling side phone and the receiving side phone in a recording means, and a call controller acquires a condition for deciding whether or not to record the voice packet representing the call between the phones; and transmits information relating to a destination with which a call with the transferring means is to be established, in case of having decided to record the voice packet representing the call.

Abstract: A method, article of manufacture, and apparatus for archiving auditory communications is disclosed. In an embodiment, this comprises receiving an auditory communication with keywords identified in the communication, storing the communication on a storage device, and associating the stored communication with data indicating at least one policy invoked by at least one of the identified keywords.

Abstract: In a radio communication system that includes multiple service areas, each service area is associated with a predetermined number or amount of radio communication resources. Each radio communication resource can be used for a prescribed period of time corresponding to one or more time units. An operator or other entity identifies a set of service areas to be tested at an increased effective load. A desired test level (e.g., increased traffic load) is determined, and a corresponding number of radio resource time units is determined to achieve the desired test level conditions. Use of radio communication resources in the determined one or more time units is blocked for a test period. Performance by each service area during the test period is determined.

Abstract: The present invention provides for efficient monitoring of operator services calls. A packet gateway is provided in association with a telephony switch, such that circuit-switched connections through a switching fabric of the telephony switch are supported by the packet gateway. The packet gateway provides an interface between the switching fabric and a packet network, which supports operator terminals as well as monitor terminals from which interactions between operators and callers may be monitored. Upon setting up the circuit-switched connection for the operator services call, the gateway will establish voice sessions with both the operator terminal and the monitor terminal. The voice sessions with the operator terminal facilitate bi-directional communications with the caller via the circuit-switched connection over the packet fabric. The voice interaction between the caller and operator is provided to the monitor terminal over another voice session for monitoring by the monitor.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus is disclosed for communicating one or more telecommunication call records associated with a telecommunication system, the one or more call records are transmitted from a remote telecommunication device. The system includes a telecommunication switch; and a computing system adapted for communicating with the telecommunication switch, the computing system including one or more computers having one or more processors for executing one or more sets of logic instructions, a memory circuit for storing the one or more sets of logic instructions to be executed and a storage device in communication thereto. The method includes receiving the one or more dial digits; transmitting the one or more dial digits to a computer system at a local site; and storing the one or more dial digits in a database in communication with the computing system.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for providing a configurable telecommunications detail record adapter are disclosed. In one method, a user defines input data formats and output data formats via a graphical user interface. The text entered by the user is converted into a configuration file. The configuration file is converted into source code, and the source code is automatically converted into an executable adapter instance. In this manner, different adapter instances may be quickly and easily created by the user to process different input telecommunications detail record formats, such as formats of different probe vendors.

Abstract: Recording resources are selectively dedicated for recording data exchanged between entities attached to a network including at least one agent in an enterprise, a user, and a server connected to the agent and the user. At least one interconnection point is selected among interconnection points in the network including one or more points between the user and the server, between the server and a data distributor connected to the user and the agent, and between the agent and the server for recording the exchanged data. Recording resources are dedicated to the selected interconnection point for recording the exchanged data based on an objective for recording the data.

Abstract: In a signalling network employing the SS7 signalling protocol, it is known to use masks to mine CDR stores in order to obtain data for analysis in respect of a particular customer of a communications network associated with the signalling network. However, the use of masks to mine the CDRs can result in the retrieval of unwanted CDRs or the omission of relevant CDRs. The present invention therefore provides a call monitoring apparatus that receives a CDR and accesses a reference database, comprising a list of customers and respective telephone numbers, in order to identify an association between the CDR and a given customer. Consequently, speed and efficiency of analysis of CDRs is increased.

Abstract: A system and method for processing traffic study requests in a communications network. The system provides a log-in window for a user identification validation. If a user is an authorized user of the system, the system provides a window for displaying a CPNI disclaimer. The system provides a new order request window for receiving customer information and input parameters. The system provides a new study request window for receiving a telephone number to be studied. Once the traffic study is completed, the system receives a report of the traffic study. The system then forwards the report to the user.

Abstract: A system for operation and maintenance of network devices, including a device layer including at least one network device and a pre-processing layer including pre-processing device(s); the network device obtains a CDR of a call and transmits the CDR to the pre-processing device; the pre-processing device filters the CDR and performs centralized operation and maintenance of network devices. The network device forming the device layer, the pre-processing device forming the pre-processing layer and a method for operation and maintenance of network devices in the above system are also provided. Through the technical scheme, call services are separated from operation and maintenance management and functions of the network devices are unified, which results in more stable operation of the network devices; the operation and maintenance management will be more flexible and it becomes easier to monitor the whole network and to perform operation and maintenance of network devices.

Abstract: Specialized telecom network users who burden the network, such as high-volume users of Internet services, are identified by analysis of network traffic data to identify addresses (e.g. telephone numbers) for callers to destinations associated with the particular call-in service. Destination telephone numbers may be identified from a list of known service providers or from a network traffic study, which identifies destination numbers receiving unique patterns of incoming traffic. Analysis of the records of calls to the destination numbers then identifies numbers for callers who made more than some minimum number of calls during the study or who accumulate more than some threshold amount of total connect time on such calls. The preferred embodiments utilize automated systems to compile and analyze call records from standard messages of a telephone network, such as interoffice signaling messages or automated accounting messages. Data from the records can be translated to identify the calling subscribers, e.g.

Abstract: A system for identifying calls traversing a packet network. The system includes an analysis device that receives first signaling information from a packet network and second signaling information from a circuit network. The analysis device correlates the first signaling information with the second signaling information to generate correlated records about calls that traverse both the packet switched network and the circuit network. A database system receives the correlated records and calculates statistics describing traffic that traversed both the packet network and the circuit network.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a cellular phone capable of detecting counterfeit currency or lighting comprising a counterfeit currency detection bulb, a lamp and a keypad, wherein the keypad includes a first dual key in association with the counterfeit currency detection bulb, a second dual key in association with the lamp and a plurality of third keys, such that in response to pressing the first dual key or the second dual key, the cellular phone activates the counterfeit currency detection bulb for detecting counterfeit currency or activates the lamp for lighting respectively.

Abstract: A method, system and computer readable medium are provided for defining a service area served by a service location of a telecommunications network customer. The method includes ascertaining a geographic designator of a geographic area. The geographic area includes a plurality of geographic sub-areas that each correspond to a geographic sub-designator. The method also includes determining whether any two of the plurality of geographic sub-areas are not served by the same service location. When any two of the plurality of geographic sub-areas are not served by the same service location, the service area is defined by only the sub-designators corresponding to the geographic sub-areas served by the service location. When each of the plurality of geographic sub-areas are served by the same service location, the service area is defined by the geographic designator.

Abstract: Methods and systems for defining and distributing network data collection rule sets and for filtering messages using the rule sets are disclosed. Message-based filter criteria are automatically deduced from CDR-based filter criteria and downloaded to site collectors. The site collectors implement rule changes on-the-fly using a table-driven system. The message-based rule sets downloaded to the site collectors are supersets of the messages required by multiple different network monitoring applications. As a result, non-redundant, multi-application data streams are sent across the service provider's internal network, resulting in efficient bandwidth utilization.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing operational information regarding a networked system. System configuration information regarding the configuration of the system is obtained. Activity of the system is continuously monitored to obtain system activity information. The system configuration information is combined with the system activity information to obtain real time operational information.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating data for long duration calls includes: call sensors distributed across a network for detecting call messages, correlating call messages relating to a call, and for storing call message related information, including at least one of the call network endpoints in an at least partial correlated call record; a time detection module for determining which network endpoints are located in a time standard that has just passed, or is about to pass, a predetermined time; and a call record controller for providing a control signal instructing at least some call sensors to determine whether any correlated call records relate to a call that includes one of the determined network endpoints and that started more than a predetermined time period prior to the predetermined time. The call sensors generate and transmit for storage an interim call data record (CDR) for each of the determined correlated call records.

Abstract: A method for detecting an atypical occurrence, such as a public health crisis, within a given region in a telecommunications network. The method includes assigning a given weight to each of a plurality of destination addresses within the region according to a weighting system, collecting call data for the region for a given period of time, where the call data includes destination addresses and corresponding call occurrence times, developing a weighted call traffic pattern based upon the call data, and using the weighted call traffic pattern to detect an atypical occurrence within the region.

Abstract: A system and method for conducting variable VPA testing is disclosed. The method includes provisions to detect or measure the utilization of a trunk line and use that information to establish a level of VPA testing for that trunk line. Although a wide variety of relationships between the utilization and the amount of VPA testing conducted can be used, the relationship is preferably a generally inverse relationship, in which the amount of VPA testing conducted on a particular trunk is reduced as traffic or utilization of the trunk increases. Conversely, as traffic or utilization of the trunk deceases, the amount of testing conducted on the trunk increases.

Abstract: A system and method for ensuring that a digital switching exchange is able to properly collect data on the charges incurred for pay connections by providing a verification of the accuracy of the communications data records generated by the digital switching exchange. A system and method containing at least one test unit that is able to be linked to the digital switching exchange. The test unit includes a device for generating a connection-related reference data record. The digital switching exchange is able to generate at least one connection-related communications data record from transmitted communications elements. The contents of the connection-related reference data record are compared in a system evaluator to the contents of each connection-related communications data record belonging to it.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for creating a billing record with a called party's name. Providing the called party's name on the billing record facilitates the calling party's review of the billing record by reducing the amount of time and effort needed to determine the identity of the called parties. In addition to identifying fraudulent and misbilled calls, the called party's name allows a person reviewing the billing record to quickly identify long distance calls, quickly discern business from personal calls, and audit calls made from phone lines with multiple users (e.g., employees or kids). Additionally, the billing record reviewer saves time and money by avoiding the need to call directory assistance or a billing service to identify the calls.

Abstract: The invented method of reducing voice frame network inbound traffic congestion first determines whether a first defined threshold level of inbound voice and data traffic is reached. If so, then the method discriminates between inbound voice and data traffic within an input queue. Discrimination is by analyzing the size of each packet and comparing it to predefined packet size criteria and/or by analyzing the rate at which packets of inbound voice and data traffic arrive in the input queue and comparing it to predefined arrival rate criteria. Finally, the method frees space within the input queue for use by inbound voice traffic until the first defined threshold level of inbound traffic no longer is reached. The freeing of space includes selectively discarding data, which discarding preferably continues until a second defined threshold level of inbound traffic is reached, the second defined threshold level being less than the first defined threshold level.

Abstract: A system and method of resource management is described. Within a telecommunications network, resources are sources of assistance in performing functions needed to process calls. The present invention is a system-wide approach to resource management that provides controlled access to information about resources. A resource management routine is described that comprises electronic libraries residing in memory of a computer system that store information about resources and resource management application programmer interfaces that are used to access the stored information.

Abstract: A method of identifying work at home users of a telecommunications network based on call detail records. The phone numbers of the work at home users are identified from call detail records that exhibit characteristics of work at home users. In one embodiment this involves selecting records describing calls to phone numbers of known Internet Service Providers; excluding records describing calls less than a predetermined length of time; excluding records containing originating numbers with records describing calls to an ISP that occur on weekends; and excluding records containing originating numbers with records describing calls to an ISP that occur outside normal business hours.

Abstract: A system and method for using location data to monitor wireless network events are described. One exemplary method includes establishing a plurality of location history records for mobile terminals, establishing a plurality of network operation records for the plurality of mobile stations, and combining the location history records with the network operation records to determine locations of predetermined network events, such as a dropped call event or a blocked call event, in the wireless network.

Abstract: Methods and systems for intelligent signaling-router-based surveillance are disclosed. A surveillance and signaling router receives call signaling messages, identifies call signaling messages associated with users under surveillance and determines a surveillance type for the call signaling messages. If the surveillance type is content-related, the surveillance and signaling router forwards the message to a call server. The call server replaces parameters in the message and in subsequent messages so that the call is transparently set up through a media proxy server. The media proxy server copies the media stream to a delivery function. If the surveillance type is non-content-related, the surveillance and signaling router sends a copy of the message or information extracted from the message to an external device.

Abstract: A method for preprocessing transaction records indicative of subscriber activity on a telecommunication network for subsequent downstream processing is provided. The method includes receiving a file including a plurality of transaction records each having a plurality of fields, wherein each field contains at least one character. The characters of selected fields, or all fields, are analyzed to determine whether each of the characters is of a desired format. When any one of the characters is of an improper format, a first flag is set to indicate the existence of an erroneous character within the selected field of the transaction record. Each of the plurality of transaction records are also analyzed to determine whether each transaction record is within a desired category of transaction records. When any one of the plurality of transaction records within a file is not within the desired category of transaction records, a second flag is set to indicate an erroneous transaction record within the file.

Abstract: An apparatus including a memory device for storing a limitation or restriction on an account use received via the Internet and/or World Wide Web and a processing device for determining whether a transaction on the account or a use of a wireless or cellular communication device is authorized, allowed, or disallowed. An apparatus including a processing device for processing information regarding a banking transaction or use of a wireless or cellular communication device and generating a signal containing information regarding the transaction or device use and a transmitter for transmitting the signal to a communication device. An apparatus including a processing device for processing transaction information and generating a signal containing transaction information, and a transmitter for transmitting the signal to a communication device via the Internet and/or World Wide Web independently of transaction processing by a central transaction processing computer.

Abstract: The present invention provides for selectively blocking outgoing calls based on blocking criteria configured by a telephony subscriber or representative thereof. When a call is initiated, blocking criteria associated with the telephony terminal from which the call is being initiated are used to determine whether the call should be blocked or allowed to continue. Once a determination is made, a telephony switch or telephony server supporting the telephony terminal either blocks the call or allows the call to continue as dictated by the blocking criteria. The blocking criteria may be applied to one or more telephony terminals. Further, the blocking criteria may be based on the party being called, time of day, day of week, financial authorization, type of call, or any combination thereof. The subscribers or representatives thereof can easily and efficiently configure the blocking criteria to control whether or not outgoing calls are blocked or allowed to continue.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing inmate security threat group information includes correlating inmate identification records from a plurality of correctional facilities in a central database with call detail records from inmate telephone activities together with security threat group data comprising inmate affiliations and telephone numbers associated with security threats and security threat groups.

Abstract: A method for identifying tracking accounts belonging to a customer of a service provider using profiles indicating customer patterns of use of the service. The profiles distinguish the account of the service provider customers from each other. Those profiles that substantially match are considered to belong to the same customer.

Abstract: A traffic and capacity modeling process for a telephone network includes accessing one or more call processing platforms, copying call detail records to a database, aggregating selected sets of call parameters from the records for each dialed number by hour, date, and platform, storing the aggregated sets of call parameters in tables, and analyzing the data in the tables. The analysis of the data includes plotting the data to detect peaks of usage of the dialed numbers to thereby assess the adequacy of available telephone lines and staffing of the lines by the network customers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a communication assistance system comprised of a first database (18) having a plurality of listings where each of the listings has at least one contact name and a corresponding contact number. A telephony hardware (12) is provided, configured to couple a telephone device (6) of a user to the system. A past requested listing table is also provided for at least one of the users of the system, configured to store past requested listings obtained from the database, as requested by the user. When the user contacts the system with the telephone device, the system recognizes the user and forwards the past requested listing table to an operator terminal of the system.

Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a method, comprising automatically obtaining real-time measurement data for a telephone network between a transit carrier and a predetermined terminating carrier; and automatically providing the real-time measurement data via the Internet to an originating carrier associated with the transit carrier. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. This abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope.

Abstract: A method and system that processes voice and non-voice data is configured to insure that the processing of the voice data is given priority over the processing of the non-voice data, to ensure that callers experience smooth, uninterrupted conversations. An estimate of processing load dedicated to processing only non-voice data is calculated. A plurality of quota data objects are established to monitor and control the allocation of the processing load dedicated to processing only the non-voice data during a current quota period.

Abstract: A method and system for generating customer reports based on station message detail recording (SMDR) data includes a service control point (SCP) in a public switched telecommunications network (PSTN). The service control point samples calling data from multiple service switching points for calls originating from a private customer network, including centrex and PBX systems. The service control point interfaces with a front end processor and transmits the calling data. The front end processor formats the calling data into SMDR data, which is transmitted to a host central processing unit. The host generates reports regarding the SMDR calling data, the reports being accessible by a customer via a connection to a private customer network.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for estimating the grade of service (52) and offered traffic (51) for voice over internet protocol calls at a gateway (2) bridging calls between a public switched telephone network (3) and an internet protocol network (4), the gateway (2) having a dial-control management information base. The method comprises the steps of periodically polling the dial-control management information base for dial peer traffic statistics (44), storing the polled data, estimating the carried traffic using the polled data (501), estimating the grade of service (52) by utilizing the Erlang-B formula in an inverse manner (502), operating on the estimated carried traffic obtained in the first estimating step (501), and estimating the offered traffic (51) using the estimated values for the carried traffic and the grade of service (52) obtained in the previous estimation steps (503). In a second embodiment of the invention, a system (FIG.