Abstract: A slot card issued by a slot club, or a membership card in another incentive award program, that is also capable of being used as phone calling card is provided. Free calling time is credited to the member's card account in response to the playing of the slot machine or utilizing the respective service. After incentive points are awarded, the member may use the membership card as a prepaid phone calling card, whereby the member's account is debited for the cost of the call.

Abstract: A method of billing a collect telephone call comprising providing a toll-free or a local telephone number to a customer to access a provider in a toll-free call from a calling party telephone number; receiving the originating telephone number in response to the toll-free call; obtaining a destination telephone number from the customer; billing the call to the destination telephone number as coming from a predetermined other telephone number, whereby the calling party telephone number is not provided to the destination telephone number. Alternately, when a toll-free number is provided, billing the call to the destination telephone number as coming from the calling party telephone number.

Abstract: A computing system capable of tracking computer calls is provided. The computing system may include a call tracker, a code generator responsive to the call tracker, the code generator configured to generate computer tracking code and to provide the tracking code to the call tracker, a software component responsive to the call tracker, the software component configured by the tracking code to extract call details and to provide a reporting code to the call tracker; and a call logger responsive to the call tracker, the call logger configured to store extracted call details. A software application may be used in communication with the call tracker and the software component. The computing system may be a single computer or a plurality of computers interconnected by a network. A software component configured with the tracking code may be configured to generate a reporting code to report the details of a component call to the call tracker.

Abstract: A one script system and method allow for generation of a test script associated with a virtual telephone caller system. The generated test script is generated such that it can be used for two or more of a functional test, a load test, and a monitoring test of the voice functions of a contact center.

Abstract: A call schedule is received that includes a plurality of sample calls to be made by an automated calling station. The plurality of sample calls are automatically placed on the network using the automated calling station. At least one final billing record corresponding to the at least one completed sample call is received. The call data is processed to determine billed cost data. The billed cost data is compared to the previous cost data and a change in the rate plan is detected based on the comparison of the billed cost data to the previous cost data.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling telephone communications through a communication switch during intervals of call traffic volume in excess of a threshold call traffic volume includes: (a) a call traffic volume sensing device coupled with the communication switch and measuring the call traffic volume during selected intervals; and (b) a call traffic control device coupled with at least one of the communication switch and the call traffic volume sensing device. The call traffic control device cooperates with the communication switch to involuntarily terminate selected calls through the communication switch when at least one selected parameter is exceeded. The at least one selected parameter includes the call traffic volume.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for network voice and data traffic monitoring and congestion management for diverse and converged networks. More particularly, the invention is directed to an interdomain congestion management architecture having the ability to analyze and correlate congestion problems across multiple domains, provide integrated network maps, tabular displays and/or reports and allow network managers, in appropriate circumstances, to navigate to a domain to implement corrective actions.

Abstract: A telecommunications system includes a front end automation system, an operator services switch, an automated operator, and an automation data server. The front end automation system interacts with a caller in order to recognize a request of the caller and determine a response to the request. The operator services switch, which is inter-operably coupled to the front end automation system, receives a call from the front end automation system, after the front end automation system has recognized the request and has determined the response to the request, and creates billing information relative to the call. The automation data server, which is inter-operably coupled to the front end automation system, passes information about the request and the response from the front end automation system to the automated operator. The automated operator, which is inter-operably coupled to the operator services switch, provides the response to the request to the caller.

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 telephony 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 partitioning call detail records (CDRs) is disclosed. CDRs are grouped and routed based on one or more digits of the billable telephone number or the billable mobile identification number (MIN). In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the last two digits of the billable telephone number or MIN are used. Once partitioned, the CDRs may be distributed across multiple processes for additional processing. In addition, subscriber, rate, and other information that may be necessary for usage processing is routed to processes based on the corresponding billable telephone number or MIN.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for controlling access to a telecommunications and messaging services system from a server computer that has a web browser installed. The apparatus includes a billing server that maintains a database of telecommunications transaction records. Each time a new telecommunications event occurs, such as a toll call from a number in a user's account, a new transaction record is added to the data base. A service provider interfaces to the database of transaction records through a series of web pages that are transmitted over the internet by a web server. The web pages that are generated by the web server provide the service provider with the capabilty to periodically query the data base to detect the occurrence of a prescribed account event, such as exceeding a charge credit limit. Upon detection of the prescribed account event, messages are sent to the web server to control access to the telecommunications and messaging services system for a corresponding account.

Abstract: A method for parity analysis and remedy calculation is provided. The method uses performance measurements that measure the timeliness, accuracy and availability of the services provided by an incumbent local exchange carrier (“ILEC”) to determine whether parity exists between services provided to the ILEC and services provided to a competitive local exchange carrier (“CLEC”). The performance measurements are compared at an appropriate level so that a like-to-like comparison is made. The difference between the average of the ILEC performance measurements and the average of the CLEC performance measurements is computed. An aggregate difference measurement is also computed and is used to determine whether parity exists. If parity does not exist, then a remedy is calculated.

Abstract: In an intelligent network system, a service subscriber can remotely execute a procedure, such as a registration or a change of the contents of service, which is performed by an operator in the conventional system, through an external terminal by him or her. The intelligent network system includes a service control point that controls services and provides a database storing data relating to a service subscriber; a service management system, which monitors load on the service control point, stores and manages data relating to the service subscriber; external terminals owned by the service subscriber; and a remote access management system, which is interfaced with the external terminal. The service management system updates and records the data of the updated subscriber's service, which is transmitted through the remote access management system, in the database of the service control point, when the service control point does not over-load.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing customers with telecommunications intelligence in the form of call management reports. When a call is made to a subscriber of the service provided herein, a call detail record is created using the Telephone Company's Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN). Each call that is made to the customer is processed using AIN service logic programs (SLPs). The SLP is invoked by an AIN trigger that is applied to the track telephone number(s) of the customers that subscribe to this service. For each inbound call, the SLP records several pieces of identifying information in a call detail record. Periodically, the AIN application accumulates the call detail records for all customers subscribing to the service. The information is processed to retrieve the desired data from the call detail records, and the data retrieved is used to develop call management reports for each subscriber of the service.

Abstract: It is a problem with telecommunication equipment, such as a telephone exchange, that the counters produce so much information that the processes, such as statistic, traffic management and charging, do not have the time to process them. The system according to the invention includes two main blocks: the first main block is formed by one or more report request service blocks (21) and the second main block (22) is formed by one or more counter service blocks, each of which monitors one or more counters (c1, . . . , cn). The report request service block relays a start-up message (23) to those counter service blocks (e.g. 24) from which it needs counter information. The conditions on which the counter information is desired are stated in the message. The condition may be exceeding/falling short of a given threshold value or the condition may be a timetable, e.g. a time slot, in accordance with which the counter value is to be stated.

Abstract: A method and system for measuring the usage of advanced intelligent network (AIN) resources includes providing a call processing record (CPR) logic diagram for a service control point (SCP) in an AIN to follow for providing an AIN service for a call. The CPR logic diagram includes separate paths having functions to be performed by the SCP during the call. The processing times required by the SCP for performing the functions associated with the paths of the CPR logic diagram is then estimated. The estimated processing times are then associated with respective paths of the CPR logic diagram. The SCP is then monitored to determine which path the SCP follows during the call. The actual processing time expended by the SCP during the call is then determined as a function of the path followed by the SCP for the call.

Abstract: A telecommunications call routing and billing computer system includes a telecommunications network including a junction point including a call routing switching device, and including two call routing links meeting at the junction point and in communication with each other through the call routing switching device; and a call routing simulation network including a junction point simulation computer located at the junction point and in communication with the call routing switching device and the two call routing links.

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: A predictive model system is used to detect telecommunications fraud. Call records (CDRs) provided by telephone companies are evaluated against specified rules. If one or more rules are matched, the system generates an alert. Pending alerts for a customer form a case, describing the caller's calling patterns. A predictive model determines a score that is predictive of the likelihood that the call involved fraud. Cases are queued for examination by analysts.

Abstract: A method and system enable optimization of trunk group design in a public switched telephone network (PSTN). A community of interest, including two end offices connected by a direct trunk and at least one tandem switch, is identified using out-of band signaling data collected from the PSTN. An application server interfaced to the PSTN determines whether traffic in the community of interest passes through the tandem switch during a predetermined time period. When traffic passes through the tandem switch, the application server further determines whether the direct trunk between the end offices experienced an overflow condition during the same predetermined time period. When the direct trunk did not experience an overflow condition, an exchange code associated with the traffic passing through the tandem switch is designated as a misrouted code. The misrouted code is flagged so that associated traffic is redirected through the direct trunk.

Abstract: A system and method for processing a plurality of call detail records (CDRs) each indicative of a call transaction on a telecommunications network. The method includes receiving the plurality of CDRs at a first controller, wherein each of the CDRs include a data structure including a plurality of fields each containing at least one character. The method then selects a first sorting field from the plurality of fields and groups the plurality of CDRs as a function of data within the first sorting field. In one embodiment, the first sorting field is used to group the CDRs according to different carriers. The method then analyzes at least one additional sorting field within each of the CDRs which were previously grouped according to the first sorting field. A report is then generated for each of the grouped CDRs as a function of data within the additional sorting field. In this way, periodic, customized reports can be generated from information contained with CDRs with user-selectable sorting or analysis fields.

Abstract: A communication system includes a communication utilizing apparatus connectable to a communications network and service provision apparatus for making services available to the communications utilizing apparatus. An accounting device is associated with the communications utilizing apparatus and includes a digital data storage device arranged to store details of the receipt of services by the communications utilizing apparatus a signalling circuit arranged to receive, via the communications network, signals indicating a payment due in respect of services provided by the service provision apparatus, and a comparison device arranged to compare the received indications with data derived from the stored details.

Abstract: A traffic monitor listens passively on the data link used to communicate among switching systems for setting up telephone calls for call setup messages and checks the call setup messages for destination telephone number. If it determines that the destination telephone number is for an Internet service provider (ISP), the system reports the point code of the originating office. By analyzing the output of the traffic monitor according to this invention, local exchange carrier (LEC) may reconfigure its network to remove feature rich switches from the ISP call delivery network and replace them with a small tandem-like switch.

Abstract: Described is a method for controlling nodes in a network including the steps of sending a proposed maximum working rate to a plurality of nodes, computing the number of responses received from the nodes by a central controller in a set period and adjusting the maximum working rate sent to the nodes based on the number of responses received.

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: Described is a method for controlling nodes in a network including the steps of sending a proposed maximum working rate to a plurality of nodes, computing the number of responses received from the nodes by a central controller in a set period and adjusting the maximum working rate sent to the nodes based on the number of responses received.

Abstract: A process and apparratus for controlling the generation of statistical information being reported to a user or administration application (43) by a Common Channel Signalling (CCS) protocol stack (41) of a telecommunication node (40). The process involves the use of a Statistics Control File (SCF) file (42) which is located within the protocol stack and which contains a description of the entities, including links and destinations, for which a statistical notification is to be reported to the administration application (43). By modifying the contents of said SCF file contained within the protocol stack via the administration application, the user is given the possibility to precisely define the particular statistical information for which he finds an interest. There is reduced the number of unnecessary statistical information reported back by the protocol stack. The Statistics Control File (SCF) 42 contains a description of the entities complying with the Specification and Description Language (SDL) standard.

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 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: An apparatus and method are provided for routing a telephone call according to the geographic location of the originating party. A subscriber with multiple network locations within a service territory-may have all of their offices accessible to customers through a single publicized telephone number. The single telephone number may trigger advanced intelligent network technology. The network may ascertain the geographic location from which the call originates and accordingly, route the originating call to a subscriber's office which is located closest to the originating caller. Further, exception periods may be provided to enable subscribers to individualize their service by only routing to the closest satellite office at specified days, times, etc. The exception periods may also be employed to reroute calls intended for the closest satellite office to a predetermined location.

Abstract: A method for the system wide control of signals in a traffic network in real time to provide an overall reduction in congestion is described. In the method, signals obtained from vehicular-based cellular phones provide location information on moving vehicles and are input into an Intelligent Traffic Control System to provide position information that is stored in the form of records. Mathematical models use those records together with detailed digital maps and algorithms to compute actual travel times consumed by traveling along road sections, by queuing near signalized intersections, and by making various allowed turns and go-throughs in the vicinity of signalized intersection areas. The actual travel times measured for a fixed control time period are compared to the corresponding theoretical travel times and form a basis for a mathematical optimization model.

Abstract: A transaction security apparatus and method including an input device for inputting transaction data, a processing device for processing the transaction data and for generating a first signal corresponding to the transaction, and a transmitter for transmitting the first signal over a communication network directly to a communication device associated with an individual account holder. The communication device provides notification to the individual account holder of the transaction.

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: An article of manufacture including a computer usable medium having software embodied therein for managing at least one telephone system having a PBX switch and database and at least one adjunct system and database.

Abstract: A call schedule is received that includes a plurality of sample calls to be made by an automated calling station. The plurality of sample calls are automatically placed on the network using the automated calling station. At least one final billing record corresponding to the at least one completed sample call is received. The call data is processed to determine billed cost data. The billed cost data is compared to the previous cost data and a change in the rate plan is detected based on the comparison of the billed cost data to the previous cost data.

Abstract: A call pricing center that assists Internet Protocol (IP)-compatible devices in defining preferences, including prices, for completing an IP routed transaction. A centralized routing engine associated with a clearinghouse uses the preferences to assist IP devices in making routing decisions. The pricing center provides IP network operators and retail IP telephony gateway operators with significant flexibility by allowing them to designate preferences and preference criteria. A source gateway operator may set preferences such as the maximum price that it is willing to paid for a call, the maximum delay that will be tolerated and the maximum autonomous system hop count that will be tolerated. A destination gateway operator may also set preferences relating to the prices it will charge for terminating calls. Using preference criteria, a gateway operator may specify particular times call prices are to be effective and to what called number ranges they are to be applied.

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

Abstract: A telecommunications system and method are disclosed for providing information relating to a telephone call associated with an access point within a telecommunications system, such as a telephone line or telephone number, to a software application in substantial real time. The system and method include assigning a destination address to the telecommunications system access point about which telephone call information is desired, and sending an electronic message to the destination address in response to a telephone call being established utilizing the access point. The electronic message includes, among other things, information relating to the telephone call and the access point.

Abstract: In general, a call rating and debiting system provides a way of rating and debiting complex debit card calls. The system estimates the time when a subscriber's balance will expire by using total charges for all calls for a given time period. Estimation is performed by accounting for time already paid for, reserving a minimum continuation time for adding a new call, reserving time for all calls up to a latest paid for time, estimating remaining time before a subscriber's balance reaches zero, based upon a remaining balance achieved after the system accounts for time already paid for, reserving a minimum continuation time for adding a new call and reserving time for all calls up to the latest paid for time, and setting a time limit for all calls in accordance with any portion of the aforementioned. An alternative embodiment of the system allows a subscriber's account balance to be automatically increased after the balance decreases past a predefined minimum.

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 invention concerns a procedure for preventing overload situations in a telephone network which are caused, upon occurrence of an exceptional situation, particularly a disaster or crisis, by increased call attempts by users, in which checking facilities are activated, as a consequence of which only certain connections are then established, call numbers of users (or facilities) of the telephone network or of a sub-network being defined that may make a telephone call during such a situation or that may be dialled as the destination of a telephone call, and a check being performed to determine whether the call number of a calling user or the call number of the user called by this user constitutes one of the respectively defined call numbers and a connection being established between these users only if the result of a said check is positive, as well as a telephone network, switching center, control facility and program module for it.

Abstract: A transmission line rerouting method includes the steps of selecting a predetermined trunk transmission line to be rerouted, from trunk transmission lines, coupling a first subscriber line accommodating apparatus which is coupled to the predetermined trunk transmission line and a second subscriber line accommodating apparatus which is coupled to a trunk transmission line other than the predetermined trunk transmission line, via a rerouting transmission line, and transmitting and receiving a data which is to be exchanged between the first subscriber line accommodating apparatus and the trunk transmission line accommodating apparatus, via the second subscriber line accommodating apparatus and the trunk transmission line other than the predetermined trunk transmission line.

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: A billing method and system include discounting a customer's billing for telephone calls completed in a wide area centrex/PBX network, which includes an abbreviated dialing plan. A service control point (SCP) determines a call type code based upon a calling station and a called station of a telephone call. The SCP determines whether the call type code is eligible for discounted billing. When the call type code is eligible, the SCP generates a unique billing record that is forwarded to a service switching point (SSP). The SSP receives the forwarded unique billing record and modifies the billing record to indicate that a discount should be applied to the billing for the call when the call is completed. When the SSP does not receive the unique billing record, it creates a normal billing record.

Abstract: A dynamic traffic management method and apparatus is provided for intelligent network (IN) systems. This invention provides for dynamic, real-time Traffic Management of the SSP by the SCP in an IN without manual intervention by telecommunications system technicians. The traffic management issues are moved from the switch to an intelligent network node, thereby furthering the spirit of intelligent networks.

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 configuration for charging in a telephone network, wherein a first subscriber pays for at least a part of the charges for connections established to him by a second subscriber. An intelligent network is linked to the telephone network and a service control point or a service node of the intelligent network exhibits control means for allocating charges to the first subscriber for connections established by the second subscriber to the first subscriber.

Abstract: An object of this invention is to provide a system to properly charge a receiving fee for a particular packet data to a sender of the particular packet data in circumstances in which the packet charging is performed. A mailing request receipt processor 110 registers information regarding a destination user, a sender and a particular packet data to be sent in a storage device 120 for storing a mailing request for advertising. When a terminal of the destination user registered in the storage device 120 conducts a process to receive packet data, a packet switch 5 charges the destination user for the packet data. A charge transfer processor 150 transfers the fee charged to the destination user for the particular packet data, to the sender registered in the storage device 120, by using a receiving status data for the particular packet data by the terminal 9 of the destination user, which is registered in the storage device 120.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product for achieving local number portability (LNP) costing and network management support is disclosed. The disclosure includes a LNP graphical user interface (GUI) implemented as, for example, a WEB or Internet based tool to audit related charges, and to enable users to determine ported number status on a real-time basis.