Abstract: A messaging system for relaying messages to groups of inmates located in one or more controlled-environment facilities. The system receives a message from a user and a recipient designation identifying those inmates designated for receiving the message. The system performs a content check of the message or requests administrator authorization of the message, and then packages the message in a format designated by the facility. The packaged message includes the message itself, and also recipient information and other delivery information. The message may be packaged uniquely according to facility specifications. At the facility, the received message is unpacked. Recipients are identified from the recipient designation in the message, and delivery methods are retrieved for each of the intended recipients. Delivery of the message is then carried out, at a time designated in the message, according to the retrieved delivery methods.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to mobile correctional facility robots and systems and methods for coordinating mobile correctional facility robots to perform various tasks in a correctional facility. The mobile correctional facility robots can be used to perform many of the tasks traditionally assigned to correctional facility guards to help reduce the number of guards needed in any given correctional facility. When cooperation is employed among multiple mobile correctional facility robots to execute tasks, a central controller can be used to coordinate the efforts of the multiple robots to improve the performance of the overall system of robots as compared to the performance of the robots when working in uncoordinated effort to execute the tasks.

Abstract: A methodology is provided. The methodology includes: creating a virtual storage area network between one or more storage arrays and a switch; creating a service profile for a zoning configuration, wherein the service profile is associated with at least one or more servers to create the zoning configuration; updating the zoning configuration with a worldwide port name identity for each of the one or more servers; configuring virtual host bus adapters for the service profile; associating a storage target port on one of the one or more storage arrays with a specific one of the virtual host bus adapters; and associating at least one of the one or more servers to a storage policy, wherein storage target ports can be added and removed from the storage policy, wherein a change of one of the storage target ports in the storage policy causes a change of the zoning configuration.

Abstract: A method for rendering a document is disclosed. The method includes identifying a phone number in the document. The sponsorship configuration of the phone number is then determined. A caller account configuration is also determined. The caller account configuration is associated with a user of a device and the device is configured to display the document. The document is amended to format the phone number according to the sponsorship configuration and the caller account configuration.

Abstract: A system and method for notifying a called party of a call attempt is provided. The method comprises initiating a communication request by a calling party; routing the communication request to an intelligent network via an mobile service center; validating the communication request by the intelligent network; and handing over the communication request to an intelligent platform by the intelligent network in the event of a nonstandard trigger event such as calling party insufficient balance. The processing of communication request by the intelligent platform includes monitoring number of call attempts, introducing a delay in sending notification, monitoring availability of called party and performing one or more actions based on the delay and the availability of the called party.

Abstract: A Computer Network Service Providing System including Self Adjusting Volume enforcement functionality and methods for diminishing or minimizing volume leakage.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products for provisioning a temporary disposable number are described. A user can be provided with a pool of available temporary disposable numbers that have a limited shelf life. The user can select one of the available temporary disposable numbers while submitting a permanent phone number associated with a communications device (e.g., mobile phone, home phone, business phone, etc.). Prior to activating the selected temporary disposable number, the temporary disposable number is linked to the permanent phone number. After activation, when an incoming call to the temporary disposable number is received, the permanent phone number is identified to be associated with the temporary disposable number being called. The incoming call is then forwarded to the communications device on which the permanent phone number is established.

Abstract: The disclosed system provides a facility to communicate to an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network an indication of mobility events occurring in a telecommunications access network. A mobile device connects to a first base station (e.g., an “eNodeB”) and registers on an IMS network. A component in the IMS network, such as a telephone application server (TAS), stores the first identifier. In addition, the TAS creates or modifies a call detail record (CDR) to indicate that the mobile phone is connected to the base station. After a handover occurs from the first base station to a second base station, the mobile device transmits to the IMS network a second identifier that uniquely identifies the second base station. The mobile device transmits the identifier of the second base station to the TAS within the IMS network via, e.g. an XCAP PUT or POST request.

Abstract: An approach is provided for providing identification based on a multimedia signature. An indication platform processes and/or facilitates a processing of one or more device events to determine one or more participants, one or more participant devices, or a combination thereof. The indication platform further causes, at least in part, an association of one or more multimedia signatures with the one or more device events, the one or more participants, the one or more participant devices, or a combination thereof. The indication platform also determines to identify the one or more device events, the one or more participants, the one or more participant devices, or a combination thereof based, at least in part, on the association.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for sending notifications asynchronously over a telephony network. The method and system include receiving a request over a first telephony connection from a first communication device associated with a first user identifying a second communication device associated with a second user, sending one or more response communications over the first telephony connection to the first communication device associated with the first user, disconnecting the first telephony connection with the first communication device of the first user, and sending a notification over a second telephony connection to the second communication device associated with the second user, the notification including information sufficient to allow the second user to identify the first user or the first communication device associated with the first user.

Abstract: An Ethernet Metropolitan Area Network provides connectivity to one or more customer premises to packet-bases services, such as ATM, Frame Relay, or IP while advantageously providing a mechanism for assuring security and regulation of customer traffic. Upon receipt of each customer-generated information frame, an ingress Multi-Service Platform (MSP) “tags” the frame with a customer descriptor that specifically identifies the recipient customer. In practice, the MSP tags each frame by overwriting the Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) identifier with the routing descriptor. Using the customer descriptor in each frame, a recipient Provider Edge Router (PER) or ATM switch can map the information as appropriate to direct the information to the specific customer. In addition, the customer descriptor may also include Quality of Service (QoS) allowing the recipient Provider Edge Router (PER) or ATM switch to vary the QoS level accordingly.

Abstract: Gateway devices maintain presence information for various mobile devices. Each gateway is associated with a zone and manages presence information only for mobile devices associated with that zone. Courier devices back-propagate presence information for the mobile devices to respective gateways based at least on the respective zone associated with each mobile device. The gateways and couriers are dynamically configured such that messages can be pushed from a provider application to a mobile device via any gateway and any courier.

Abstract: A device may receive, from a network device, call information associated with a call. The call may be from a calling party device. The call may appear to be intended for a destination device. The call information may be received, from the network device, based on the network device having routed the call. The device may determine, based on the call information, that the call appears to have been forwarded to a called party device that is different from the destination device. The device may determine, based on the call information, a forwarding characteristic for the call. The device may determine that the forwarding characteristic satisfies a criterion. The device may send an output message based on the forwarding characteristic satisfying the criterion to support responding to call forwarding activity that has the forwarding characteristic.

Abstract: A conference call management system and a method for operating the management system in a controlled environment are disclosed. The conference call management system includes a monitored conference device and a conference server. The monitored conference device receives authorization from the conference server to conduct conference calls within the controlled environment. The monitored conference device further receives a conference call application from the conference server that enables the monitored conference device to initiate and establish conference calls through the conference server. The conference call application allows a user of the monitored conference device to select outside parties to add to the conference call.

Abstract: A method begins by determining slice names of encoded data slices stored within a dispersed storage network (DSN). The method continues by determining dispersed storage (DS) units within the DSN storing a set of the encoded data slices associated with the slice names. The method continues by determining one or more revision numbers associated with the slice names. The method continues by determining if same slice names have different associated revision numbers and, when the same slice names have different associated revision numbers, adding the slice names to a revision mailbox for subsequent correction.

Abstract: Device, system, and method of composing logical computing platforms. For example, a wireless computing device includes: one or more wireless transceivers to send and receive wireless communication signals; a logical platform composition manager to provide a visual indication representing a logical platform that includes said wireless computing device and one or more wireless devices; and an input unit to receive a user selection corresponding to the visual representation; wherein, in response to the user selection, the logical platform composition manager is to command the one or more wireless transceivers to establish one or more wireless communication links between the wireless computing device and the one or more wireless devices.

Abstract: A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes connecting one or more storage arrays to a switch; connecting one or more servers to the switch; creating a virtual storage area network between the one or more storage arrays and the switch; creating a service profile for a zoning configuration; and associating at least one of the one or more servers to a storage policy, wherein storage target ports can be added and removed from the storage policy, wherein a change of one of the storage target ports in the storage policy causes a change of the zoning configuration, wherein the storage policy includes an identifier of a fiber channel adaptor. In more specific examples, the method can include configuring virtual host bus adapters for the service profile; configuring parameters for each of the virtual host bus adapters; and associating a target port on one of the one or more storage arrays with a specific one of the virtual host bus adapters.

Abstract: A device may receive, from a network device, call information associated with a call. The call may be from a calling party device. The call may appear to be intended for a destination device. The call information may be received, from the network device, based on the network device having routed the call. The device may determine, based on the call information, that the call appears to have been forwarded to a called party device that is different from the destination device. The device may determine, based on the call information, a forwarding characteristic for the call. The device may determine that the forwarding characteristic satisfies a criterion. The device may send an output message based on the forwarding characteristic satisfying the criterion to support responding to call forwarding activity that has the forwarding characteristic.

Abstract: Methods and systems for routing a call including a destination number associated with a PDP including a routing engine operable to route the call to a PDP call resolution server, and a first switch operable to receive an egress path identifier and a PDP telephone number from the PDP call resolution server, the egress path identifier identifying an egress path for routing the call to a destination endpoint associated with the destination number, and the PDP telephone number identifying a selected PDP destination endpoint and a second switch operable to receive the call based on the egress path identifier and route the call to the selected PDP destination endpoint using the PDP telephone number.

Abstract: An architecture and method of voicemail based on session initiated protocol presence and location information of a callee is disclosed. A method of providing voicemail includes determining a location and a presence of a callee, and playing a customized voicemail greeting to a caller based on preferences defined by the callee and also based on at least one of the location and the presence.

Abstract: A IP telephony service allows customers to form user groups. Each user group can include multiple members, each of whom have their own telephony device. A group identifier, which could be a telephone number, is assigned to each user group. As a result, a single telephony device belonging to a member of a user group can be associated with its own unique telephone number, and the telephone number used as the group identifier. The system allows the user to select which of multiple telephone numbers associated with his telephony device are to be used as the originating telephone number when an outgoing telephone call or an outgoing message is sent.

Abstract: A system for soliciting and activating one or more groups of workers to service contact center business includes an interface accessible to the one or more groups for accepting group registration data, publishing contact center business and for enabling the groups to subscribe to receive business; a data repository for storing the registration data for subscribing groups; and a routing server for specifying routing strategies for event routing to the groups. The system is characterized in that the one or more groups of workers may be activated during contact center business activity to perform services based on need.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling VoIP service providers to dynamically adjust international calling rates as a function of adjustments made with partner carrier arrangements that VoIP service providers put in place are disclosed. Thus VoIP service providers can pass on savings, if the new calling rate is lower than the old calling rate, to their subscribers in order to enhance the loyalty of existing subscribers. Instead of having subscribers to call into customer service centers to take advantage of these new lower international calling rates, the new calling rates will be updated dynamically and immediately for subscribers without these subscribers having to call in to request their billing rates to match the new calling rates.

Abstract: A system for billing communications between a subscriber and a verified professional comprising a verified professional repository and a central tracking system. The central tracking system is configured to receive a communication request targeting the registered device ID, determine an applied billing rate using a value set by the verified professional, and transmit the applied billing rate to the subscriber. The central tracking system is further configured to track the connection, generate a communication data file comprising the registered device ID, the subscriber ID, the applied billing rate, the communication duration, and the billing signal. The central tracking system is further configured to obtain a billable duration by parsing the communication data file using the billing signal and the communication duration, calculate a communication charge using the applied billing rate and billable duration, and pay the verified professional a portion of the communication charge.

Abstract: A method for re-rating a prepaid user is proposed in the present invention. Compared with prior prepaid systems, the present invention introduces new functional entities, i.e. a re-rating management apparatus and an offline charging apparatus, and enhances the existing functional-entity, i.e. the online charging apparatus.

Abstract: IMS networks, subscriber databases, and methods are disclosed for providing AoC services in IMS networks. The subscriber database is provisioned with AoC indicators for IMS users that subscribe to AoC services. An S-CSCF in an IMS network receives a first register message from an IMS user, and transmits a second register message to the subscriber database. In response to the second register message, the subscriber database identifies an AoC indicator for the IMS user that is registering, inserts the AoC indicator in a third register message, and transmits the third register message to the S-CSCF. The S-CSCF then stores the AoC indicator for the IMS user. If a signaling message is received for a session involving the IMS user, then the S-CSCF will forward the AoC indicator for the IMS user to an AoC application server, which collects the appropriate AoC information and provides the information to the IMS user.

Abstract: A method of operating a mobile router network in one embodiment comprises: providing a plurality of wireless mobile routers, each of the mobile routers comprises a wireless wide area network interface to access a cellular network, and each mobile router is operable to upload data and to download data via the cellular network; providing at least one server coupleable to the plurality of wireless mobile routers via the cellular network; operating each mobile router to determine, on an ongoing basis during a predetermined period, its corresponding accumulated quantity of downloaded data; and operating each mobile router to control its download data rate based on its corresponding the accumulated quantity of downloaded data.

Abstract: One embodiment of a mobile router, comprises: a wireless wide area network interface to access a cellular network and operable to receive downloaded data; a memory comprising a data rate limiting rule; and a processor. The processor is operable to generate usage data based on the quantity of the downloaded data during a predetermined time period, and is operable to control the data rate of downloaded data based on the usage data and the data rate limiting rule.

Abstract: A method for operating a mobile router, comprises: transferring data via a cellular network at a data rate controlled by the router; receiving data rate information via the cellular network; and utilizing the data rate information to control the data rate of data subsequently transferred via said cellular network.

Abstract: A system and method for the real-time management of a device, and more particularly to the establishment and enforcement of policies or rules associated with the feature or functions that may be performed with the device, such as making and receiving calls, exchanging data, playing games and music, sending and receiving email, accessing web sites, and paying for goods and services. If a child or employee is using the device, there may be a need to regulate how that device can be used and to determine who will pay for what goods or services. In addition to providing all of the features associated with a device, service providers need to be able to establish and enforce rules (policies) regulating how and when that device can be used and who will pay for a good or service requested by the user of the device.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products for provisioning a temporary disposable number are described. A user can be provided with a pool of available temporary disposable numbers that have a limited shelf life. The user can select one of the available temporary disposable numbers while submitting a permanent phone number associated with a communications device (e.g., mobile phone, home phone, business phone, etc.). Prior to activating the selected temporary disposable number, the temporary disposable number is linked to the permanent phone number. After activation, when an incoming call to the temporary disposable number is received, the permanent phone number is identified to be associated with the temporary disposable number being called. The incoming call is then forwarded to the communications device on which the permanent phone number is established.

Abstract: A method (300) for translating fees for a value added service in a communication network, and a charging gateway (116) that translates fees for a value added service in a communication network. A request (130, 134) for a communication device to access the value added service can be received and, in real time, translated to a first pseudo telephone number. In real time, a first telephone call (136) to the first pseudo telephone number can be simulated to generate a first call request (138) that inquires whether credit for the value added service is available. An acknowledgement (140) to the first call request can be received that indicates whether a sufficient amount of credit to access the value added services is available. Access or denial to the value added services can be based on whether the sufficient amount of credit is available.

Abstract: Implementations of the present disclosure involve a system and/or method for correlating the cost of ordered telecommunications services. The system receives a customer order that includes various services. The services are matched to available solutions for the services. Each solution includes one or more product instances that are used to implement the solution. Each product instance may be matched to a service component. Each service component may be associated with an on-net service or an off-net service. Service components associated with on-net services may be assigned a cost. Service components associated with off-net services may be correlated to an off-net service and an estimated cost.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses to connect people for real time communications via optional advertisements presented via directory assistance. One embodiment includes: receiving a directory assistance request from a user over a telephonic connection with the user; providing directory assistance information responsive to the directory assistance request; presenting an option related to an advertisement to the user; if the user declines the option, charging the user a fee for providing the directory assistance information; and if the user accepts the option, reducing the fee for providing the directory assistance information.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and an apparatus for providing an alternative telephony service which automatically switches an originating call between a basic telephony network and an alternative telephony network, and a method of inducing a caller or a receiver to subscribe to a service having a cheaper call rate by notifying the caller or the receiver of an inverse call charge which can be reduced according to whether telephony communication is performed using a basic telephony or an alternative telephony. Accordingly, it is possible to automatically connect the telephony communication using the basic telephony or the alternative telephony according to a telephony communication condition of the receiver, and thus reduce inconvenience due to a direct control of the receiver and first select a telephony communication scheme having a cheap call rate.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a message in Caller-ID information are described. In one embodiment of the present invention, an applications server, such as service control point (SCP), substitutes a message for Caller-ID information when a switch serving the called party's line requests the Caller-ID information. An embodiment may also include an application that provides a user interface, for example, a web-enabled interface, to allow the subscriber to add or change the message.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses to connect people for real time communications to access diverse categories of information. One embodiment includes; storing data representing a privilege of a user during a predetermined period of time; responsive to a first request made via a presentation of a listing of the first entity for a service of the first entity, establishing a connection for real time communications between the user and the first entity to deliver the service of the first entity, if the user has the privilege at a time of the first request; and responsive to a second request made via a presentation of a listing of the second entity for a service of the second entity, establishing a connection for real time communications between the user and the second entity to deliver the service of the second entity, if the user has the privilege at a time of the second request.

Abstract: A method and a system for processing call detail record transmission in a charging system. The method includes: a service processing node detecting a load status of a transmission link after receiving a call detail record generated by a service program, if the transmission link is idle is detected, sending the received call detail record to a charging server; or else storing the received call detail record in a first storage area in the service processing node as a stocked call detail record file; and the charging server detecting a load status of a call detail record processing module after receiving the call detail record sent by the service processing node, if the call detail record processing module is not idle is detected, storing the received call detail record in a second storage area in the charging server as a stocked call detail record file.

Abstract: A method includes issuing a retrieval instruction, such as a database query, to retrieve from a database system a datum associated with a network circuit established outside of the United States. Upon receiving the datum from the database system, it is determined, based on the datum retrieved, whether the network circuit is incurring a charge. It is further determined, based on the datum retrieved, an amount of revenue generated by the network circuit. When the amount of revenue generated by the network circuit is below a predetermined threshold, a termination instruction to terminate a service associated with the network circuit is issued.

Abstract: Disclosed is an enhanced system and method for bridging calls across telecommunications networks, including an illustrative application of the invention as it relates to international roaming among prepaid wireless subscribers. For instance, whenever wireless subscribers roam internationally they may invoke the system by keying in an Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) short code followed by the number to be dialed. Said subscriber's prepaid account is then decremented in real-time (until such account is fully depleted). A key feature of the disclosure generally is the bridging of the call legs between the wireless subscriber initiating the telephone communication and that of the receiving party through a series of general purpose databases and computers without requiring modifications to existing core network or handset infrastructure.

Abstract: A number of communication entities can be associated to provide one or more special communities. A special rating can be applied to certain communication events of users associated with a special community. Users associated with a special community can be offered various services if they have subscribed to one or more plans. A user who has subscribed to a special community can communicate with other users of the same network or a different network who are also part of the special community for a special charge, such as without charge for example.

Abstract: The present application relates to a computer-implemented method, system, and computer program product for telecommunications rating. The computer-implemented method for telecommunications rating may comprise: receiving an event from a source system for a service, wherein the event is generated by a user; transforming the event into a normalized event by determining event characteristics comprising determining a guiding point identifier to identify a guiding point associated with the user; by using the guiding point identifier, retrieving from the guiding point a list of products operable to guide the normalized event; rating the normalized event by calculating and aggregating costs according to the list of products; and posting the costs by updating at least one balance associated with the user, the guiding point, and/or the service.

Abstract: Methods and devices for charging a user for access to a service accessible via a communication network are disclosed. At least two charging-related states are defined for the communication network. A tariff proposal entity associated with the user determines one or more tariff proposals for charging the user for accessing the service and sends the one or more tariff proposals to a rating entity. The rating entity analyzes the one or more tariff proposals in relation to a current charging-related state of the at least two charging-related states, wherein it is determined if at least one of the one or more tariff proposals complies with at least one tariff setting associated with the current charging-related state. The rating entity further selects a tariff of the at least one complying tariff proposals for charging the user for access to the service and initiates a charging of the user for access to the service according to the selected tariff.

Abstract: IMS networks, subscriber databases, and methods are disclosed for providing AoC services in IMS networks. The subscriber database is provisioned with AoC indicators for IMS users that subscribe to AoC services. An S-CSCF in an IMS network receives a first register message from an IMS user, and transmits a second register message to the subscriber database. In response to the second register message, the subscriber database identifies an AoC indicator for the IMS user that is registering, inserts the AoC indicator in a third register message, and transmits the third register message to the S-CSCF. The S-CSCF then stores the AoC indicator for the IMS user. If a signaling message is received for a session involving the IMS user, then the S-CSCF will forward the AoC indicator for the IMS user to an AoC application server, which collects the appropriate AoC information and provides the information to the IMS user.

Abstract: An information processing system of the present invention comprises a storage apparatus storing calculation equations for calculating a communication fee corresponding to an identifier of said information terminal regarding first and second subscription courses whose said particular utilization forms are different each other, and storing subscription information including information on a date and time of starting the first subscription course, and an information processing apparatus connected to the storage apparatus through a network. Upon receipt of information on the second subscription course will be selected instead of the first subscription course and a date and time of starting the second subscription course from the information terminal through the network, the information processing apparatus stores received information in the storage apparatus, and changes the calculation equation for calculating the communication fee based on the date and time of starting the second subscription course.

Abstract: A method and a mobile services switching center of providing differentiated services in a communications network. The method comprises receiving in a mobile services switching center an indication message from a first radio access network, said message indicating a radio access network type to which a called communication apparatus of a terminating communication session is connected, in response to the indication message: accessing differentiated service information associated with the radio access network type of the terminating communication session, and sending the differentiated service information to be applied for service differentiation by a second access network of calling communication apparatus.

Abstract: Various methods, systems, and computer program products are disclosed for controlling a number of calls based on promotional message impressions. The method may include receiving a request to communicate at least one promotional message, wherein the at least one promotional message is associated with one or more phone numbers. The method may include communicating the at least one promotional message and the one or more phone numbers. The method may include receiving one or more calls associated with the at least one promotional message. The method may include determining a call through rate for the at least one promotional message based on the one or more calls. The method may include determining a number of impressions of the at least one promotional message based on the determined call through rate.

Abstract: A method for running an accountable multi-module telephony application including receiving an application request to a number associated with an account of a telephony platform; directing application control to a first module of an application of the account; passing application control from the first module to a second module of the account through a linking system; and metering use of the first module and the at least second module independently.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling VoIP service providers to dynamically adjust international calling rates as a function of adjustments made with partner carrier arrangements that VoIP service providers put in place are disclosed. Thus VoIP service providers can pass on savings, if the new calling rate is lower than the old calling rate, to their subscribers in order to enhance the loyalty of existing subscribers. Instead of having subscribers to call into customer service centers to take advantage of these new lower international calling rates, the new calling rates will be updated dynamically and immediately for subscribers without these subscribers having to call in to request their billing rates to match the new calling rates.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to facilitate online transactions via mobile communications. In one aspect, a system includes a data storage facility to store an account identifier of a user and a phone number of the user and an interchange coupled with the data storage facility. The interchange includes a common format processor and a plurality of converters to interface with a plurality of different controllers of mobile communications. The converters are configured to communicate with the common format processor in a common format and to communicate with the controllers in different formats. The interchange uses the converters to communicate with the mobile phone of a user to confirm the identity of the user using a user terminal separate from the mobile phone for subsequent payment requests from the user terminal to be fulfilled using the account identifier.