Abstract: Device group partitions and a settlement platform are provided. In some embodiments, device group partitions (e.g., partitions of devices based on associated device groups) are provided. In some embodiments, a settlement platform service is provided. In some embodiments, a settlement platform service is provided for partitioned devices. In some embodiments, collecting device generated service usage information for one or more devices in wireless communication on a wireless network; and aggregating the device generated service usage information for a settlement platform for the one or more devices in wireless communication on the wireless network is provided. In some embodiments, a settlement platform implements a service billing allocation and/or a service/transactional revenue share among one or more partners. In some embodiments, service usage information includes micro-CDRs, which are used for CDR mediation or reconciliation that provides for service usage accounting on any device activity that is desired.

Abstract: A processing device identifies comparison subjects comprising a first subject and a second subject. The processing device builds a first network of a first profile of the first subject and a second network of a second profile of the second subject, wherein the first network and the second network are multi-degree connections networks. The processing device the first network and second network to produce a similarity score. The processing device examining first-degree connections between the first network and the second network and accounting for centralities that rely on information about the first network and the second network. Responsive to the similarity score exceeding a similarity threshold, indicating the first profile and the second profile correspond to a common profile for the first subject and the second subject.

Abstract: A method describes enriching a Call Detail Record (CDR) to identify traffic routing through network providers. The method comprises the steps of obtaining Operator Carrier Numbers (OCNs) assigned to network providers operating in a network; obtaining trunk group identifiers for identifying trunks configured to interconnect an Originating Provider's network including a Mobile Switching Center (MSC) with network providers; and identifying network providers configured to communicate through the trunk groups with the Originating Provider's network, including the MSC. The method also obtains a Called Party Number (CdPN) from the CDR; and associates the CdPN with an OCN of a network provider. The method also determines whether the OCN associated with the trunk group and the OCN of the CdPN are the same.

Abstract: A method for social networking of mobile devices based upon telephone numbers of the mobile devices includes receiving user profile information and telephone numbers of contacts from a plurality of users' mobile devices; at least one of creating and updating respective user profiles based upon the telephone numbers of the users' mobile devices and the received profile information; identifying relationships among the users based at least upon the contacts contained in the contacts information; and establishing a social network group including at least two of the users based upon the identified relationships among the users.

Abstract: A mechanism is disclosed for managing phone calls on phone devices used by the employee of a company. When the user wants to give a call, a new plugin in the phone device interprets an attribute value added by the phone device user to each phone number in order to categorize the call. The cell phone user enters a profile describing his call accounting information. A call management plugin computes a prefix for user personal calls which will be adapted to the user location. The call management plugin at the end of the call tags the call information as a personal call or business call. The phone device sends the tagged call information to a remote server of the company, which consolidates billing information received from the phone operators with the tagged call information.

Abstract: Methods and systems for communicating expense management information between an expense management system and a mobile device are provided. The methods and systems include one or more applications for a mobile device, such as mobile phone, that enable a user, such as an expense manager for an entity such as a business entity or other organization, to use their mobile device to communicate and exchange data with an expense management system, such as a telecommunications expense management system. The methods and systems enable an expense manager to review and approve invoices, generate graphics to review usage or other data, and conduct data searches relative to the expenses being managed.

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: Call detail records (CDRs) that are generated by different elements of an IP telephony system in connection with the same communication can be matched to one another using timing information contained in the CDRs. Other information in addition to timing information, and which is present in two CDRs relating to the same communication may be used in conjunction with timing information to match CDRs from the same communication.

Abstract: 1.

Abstract: A unified session detail records of a multi-hop session is provided. The multi-hop session may be established through multiple nodes in a VoIP network. Each node may generate session detail records for the legs of the multi-hop session that are connected to the node. The nodes on the path of the multi-hop call may send the record to a single node to consolidate the session detail records of the legs of the multi-hop call in the single node so that the single node can provide unified session detail records of the multi-hop session. By providing unified session detail records, the user does not need to track down the nodes that are on the path of the multi-hop call to obtain the session detail records of the multi-hop session.

Abstract: Methods and an apparatus for providing contact management with directory assistance. An example method obtains a directory assistance service record associated with a user, wherein the directory assistance service record includes at least a first data object associated with a directory listing and a second data object associated with the user; queries a first directory with the first data object to obtain listing information associated with the directory listing; and stores the obtained listing information in a second directory as one or more contact records associated with the second data object.

Abstract: A computer system comprises a communication interface and a processing system. The user interface is configured to receive a plurality of communications requesting location information for a plurality of mobile devices engaged in communication sessions with a communication network. The processing system is configured to generate a plurality of records associated with the plurality of communications wherein the plurality of records comprises user information expressed in an initial format, process the plurality of records with a plurality of keys to encode the user information to generate encoded user information, and process the encoded user information to verify that the encoded user information satisfies the initial format. Upon determining that the encoded user information satisfies the initial format, the communication interface is configured to transfer the encoded user information for analysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for monitoring and evaluating multimedia telephonic and computer-communication interactions. The multimedia quality monitoring system may include an event manager, which may receive a notification associated with a VoIP communication between an agent and a customer and recording servers, which record data associated with the VoIP communication.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for creating a personalized phone bill populated with names from a subscriber's personal address book on the subscriber's device. A billing application receives a request to generate a phone bill for a subscriber, and obtains usage data for that subscriber's device. In one embodiment, the billing application then sends a request to a translation server to search a network address book, which is synchronized with the personal address book on a subscriber's device, to match the usage data with the names from the network address book. The matched names are then transmitted from the translation server to the billing application, where the billing application includes the matched names in a usage section of the bill, thereby generating a personalized phone bill that a subscriber can more easily review and understand.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for archiving a call terminating at a client device are provided. In an example, a command or packet associated with a protocol for setting up the call is intercepted. In response to the interception, the call is associated with a call ID. An information associated with the call is retrievably stored in an archive using the call ID. The information is at least partially determined via replicating at least one of a device input signal associated with an outbound call content and a device output signal associated with an inbound call content. In an example, a call capture agent resident on the client device is controlled by a call archive administration service, and performs the replication by forming respective loopbacks corresponding to the at least one of the device input signal and the device output signal. In an example, the respective loopbacks are virtual loopbacks.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to billing for services in an Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) environment. A first call is received at a service node from a service switching point located in the AIN. A second call is established through the service switching point to a called party. The first call is bridged with the second call and the bridged call is monitored for signaling information. The bridged call is processed based on the monitored signaling information. A billing module is created for the processed call at the service node. The billing module may include service values related to billing information for the processed call. The processed call may be merged back into the service switching point and the created billing module for the processed call may be sent to the service switching point for ultimate delivery to a billing system.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for creating a record with a customer. One method receives at a communication center a request for support from the customer. A data field is presented to an agent for entry of information identifying the customer. A menu of options is presented that allows the agent to make selections describing the customer's request for support. A preformatted note is populated with selections received from the agent. The preformatted note has fields corresponding to the menu of options, with the preformatted note formed by populating a particular field with the corresponding selection by the agent. The preformatted note is stored as the record of the customer's request for support, wherein the preformatted note has a standardized format regardless of the agent.

Abstract: A method includes retrieving a first data set from a billing system configured to facilitate a billing operation associated with a network. The first data set includes a plurality of billing records, which includes a first billing record associated with and including a field identifying a first circuit from a plurality of circuits included within the network. A second data set is retrieved from a configuration management system configured to facilitate an operation associated with the network. The second data set includes a plurality of configuration records, which includes a first configuration record associated with and including a field identifying the first circuit. When the field identifying the first circuit included in the first configuration record differs from the field identifying the first circuit included in the first billing record, a correct identifier associated with the first circuit is determined. When such a discrepancy exists, a report is produced.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs for constructing a billing statement from detailed usage file (DUF) records received from an Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier (ILEC). A master file contains routing information associating each of a plurality of telephone numbering plan addresses plus additional telephone number digits (NPA-NXX) with a corresponding local access transport area (LATA). Telephone operator services (TOPS) assignment files are downloaded and used to edit the master file, thereby generating an enhanced master file. DUF records are downloaded. A set of enhanced DUF records is generated by filtering the downloaded DUF records. A rate table of customer price plans is applied to the set of enhanced DUF records and the enhanced master file to construct a billing statement.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for processing billable activities. The system includes a scheduling component configured to support creation of a plurality of activity records. A sub-set of the activity records are designated as being associated with billable activity. The system also includes an accounting component for receiving information based on the sub-set of the activity records. The information is transmitted from the scheduling component to the accounting component.

Abstract: A processor readable medium embodying executable instructions to correct call detail records includes instructions to scan a received file including a plurality of call detail records to detect a file rejection condition, instructions to edit the received file to produce a modified file in response to detecting the file rejection condition, and instructions to forward the modified file to a downstream transaction record processing system.

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: Embodiments of the method and system provide for network support for call record privacy in a telecommunication system. The method in an embodiment may have the steps of: checking for a subscription to the call record privacy feature by a subscriber; checking if the call record privacy feature is active for a call associated with the subscriber; and marking call detail records of the call as “private” when the call record privacy feature is active. The system implements the method.

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 system and method that enables a telecommunications consumer to define groups to be included in a monthly bill, and then periodically generate a bill in accordance with the consumer's specifications. In one embodiment, the invention includes a plurality of portable wireless telephone stations; a plurality of wired telephone stations; a plurality of local exchange carriers (LECs); at least one mobile switching center (MSC) and at least one mobile base antenna tower. Each MSC, LEC and IXC is adapted to operate a program that allows a telecommunications consumer to define groups to be included in a monthly bill, and then periodically generate a bill in accordance with the consumer's specifications.

Abstract: Methods and systems for generating accurate call detail records in networks that utilize number portability are disclosed. A number portability reconciliation (NPR) monitoring system receives signaling messages relating to different calls or transactions. The signaling messages may be copied from a network monitoring location upstream from where a number portability database lookup occurs for a call. The monitoring system automatically correlates messages relating to the same call or transaction into a call detail record usable by a plurality of different network monitoring applications. The NPR monitoring system determines whether number portability processing is required, and, in response, the NPR monitoring system queries a number portability database. The NPR monitoring system receives a response from the number portability database and updates the call detail record based on the response.

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 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: Methods and apparatus for determining whether a phone call is an inter-MTA or an intra-MTA call. Call detail records are retrieved that describe the call. An originating MTA is determined using the originating NPA/NXX, while the terminating MTA is determined using the terminating NPA/NXX. The determined originating MTA is compared with the determined terminating MTA to determine whether the phone call is an inter-MTA or an intra-MTA call.

Abstract: A method for remotely polling and accessing the contents of calls logs across a telephone network is disclosed. The call logs contain information about all of the phone calls placed across the telephone network and are stored in network accessible databases that are located either internal or external to the network. A subscriber using a computer or phone in communication with the network can contact the network and request the contents of one or more of these call logs. The network processes the request and delivers the call log contents to the subscriber.

Abstract: A system and method for auditing billing records in a telecommunications system. The method retrieves first data records from an origination device and second data records from a billing generation device; retrieves billing records from a billing device; compares the first data records with the second data records and with the billing records; generates a first error log of data records that appear in the first data records but not in the second data records; and generates a second error log of data records that appear in the second data records but not in the billing records.

Abstract: A banded billing system for telecommunication service is disclosed. A carrier's billing system maintains in data storage a banded-pricing schedule that divides a continuum of minutes of use into a series of contiguous, mutually-exclusive minute-ranges and that specifies for each minutes-range a respective cost. At the end of a billing period, the billing system determines a number of minutes of telecommunication service used by a given subscriber during the billing period. The billing system then queries the banded-pricing schedule to determine which minute-range the number of minutes falls into, and to determine the cost specified by the banded-pricing schedule for that minute-range. The billing system then bills the determined cost to the subscriber, for use of the telecommunication service in the billing period.

Abstract: A system and method for processing a plurality of call detail records (CDR) 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 method and system for receiving data from a telecommunication service provider. Validation rules for analyzing data items in a first format and population rules for converting the data items into a second format are specified. A set of data items in the first format are received by the service provider and analyzed according to the validation rules. The data items are then converted to the second format according to the population rules.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for charging and billing of Circuit Switch, Packet Switch, and IP Multimedia Subsystems in third generation telecommunication systems. The charges for a call are computed by a rating engine, a software system comprising data tables and a program for calculating charges from the parameters of the call, such as the calling and called numbers, the length of the call, and special charge items such as priority service. For calls whose billing cannot be deferred, referred to as on-line billing calls, the rating engine is accessed immediately. For calls whose billing can be deferred, referred to as off-line billing calls, the rating engine performs its function only when the rating engine is not busy rating on-line billing calls, for example, during periods outside the busy hour. Advantageously, only a single rating engine is required, and the capacity of that single rating engine is determined only by the busy-hour volume of on-line billing calls.

Abstract: A method to store information in an address book (122) is provided. The method includes the steps of creating a record for each call placed by a subscriber, each record including one or more telephone numbers (404), determining if the telephone number(s) of the record matches one of a plurality of telephone numbers stored within the address book (406); and storing the telephone number(s) in the address book (412). A system and computer program are also disclosed to store information in the address book.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for reporting calls. The system first receives call transaction data from a telephone company. The system verifies the validity of the data before proceeding with processing the data. Next the data is geocoded so that the calls can be traced to a given location. The resultant call detail data is then transmitted to parties who have subscribed to the service. A report generator uses the call detail data to generate tables, graphs, and maps which are useful to the subscriber. When generating maps, the report generator uses the geocoded information to geographically locate given calls on a map.

Abstract: Methods and systems for identifying calls connected without answer supervision and for automatically generating billing information for these calls are disclosed. A monitoring device copies signaling messages associated with calls. The signaling messages are correlated into call detail records. The call detail records are analyzed to identify calls connected without answer supervision. In one implementation, calls that exceed a predetermined duration and for which no answer message was returned from the terminating end office are identified as calls without answer supervision. For these calls, billing records may be generated and forwarded to a network billing center.

Abstract: A resource management strategy for a network controller device such as an SVC (Switched Virtual Circuit) controller that interprets and processes call messages transported in a connection-oriented network by means of high-capacity switching devices. The call record of given call is compressed or expanded depending upon the transition in phase that a call is undergoing, if any. The strategy is applicable to both point-to-point and point-to-multi-point calls.

Abstract: A computer implemented system and method of allocating costs of wireless telephone usage. Billing and usage information is received from at least one wireless telephone service provider related to calls made and received by a plurality of wireless telephone service users. Each call is automatically categorized as a business call or a personal call based on at least one of a phone book, time of day, day, and preset flag associated with a given telephone number. A categorization policy may also be applied in the event call categorization cannot be completed. The categorized calls can be reviewed via a graphical user interface and modification of a categorization can be effected. A final categorization of the calls is ultimately approved, which then allows charges to be appropriately allocated to users, and/or to/from a pool of available wireless time.

Abstract: A call detail record (CDR) management tool is used to calculate statistics using data in one or more CDRs, view data in one or more CDRs and extract one or more CDRs. The CDRs are generated by a switch and stored in a raw binary format. The raw CDRs are converted from a raw format to a generic format to facilitate the management tool's operations. Statistics include any statistic that can be calculated from telephone call data stored in the CDRs. The viewer allows viewing and storage of one or more fields of CDR data. The extraction tool can store extracted CDRs in raw format or generic format.

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 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: The present invention relates to a process, an exchange (SW1), a charge computer (BS1), a charge billing computer (BC) and a program module in each case for an exchange (SW1), for a charge computer (BS1) and for a charge billing computer (BC) for the processing of charge data. A first exchange (SW1) sends first charge source data for telecommunications services to a charge computer (BS1) which converts the first charge source data into first charge billing data detectable by a charge billing computer (BC). The charge computer (BS1) sends the first charge billing data to the charge billing computer (BC).

Abstract: A method of creating a transaction usage record is provided. An input signal is received. A transaction usage record is created in response to the input signal. An event jacket is created. The event jacket is associated with the transaction usage record. A request to perform a transaction is received. A confirmation signal is received after the transaction has been performed. Finally, a transaction leg jacket is created. The transaction leg jacket includes at least one record. The at least one record includes information relating to the transaction.

Abstract: A method and a system for building a Combined Call Detail Records data base (Combined CDR) in a management system of a telecommunications network, by collecting one or more call related events (real time Pre-CDRs) from the network with respect to a particular call by probes in real time, obtaining at least one off-line Call Detail Records data base (off-line CDR) from another system not belonging to the management system, and then integrating all the acquired data in a combined Call Detail Records data base (Combined CDR) of the management system, using computer means.

Abstract: Method for enabling a telecommunications service provider, in particular in the field of prepaid mobile services, to reward certain service customers on the basis of characteristics, chosen by the service provider, without having to interfere with billing systems. To this end, the chosen characteristics are stored and kept up to date in a database, in the form of a user profile and the data relating to rewards in a rewards database; the rewarding takes place at the moment the customer wishes to recharge his prepaid card.

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: A service for presenting billing information to a customer according to a hierarchal structure defined by the customer. The customer assigns telephone numbers to company units and defines how each of the units relate to each other in the hierarchal structure. The billing information associated with each assigned telephone number is processed in accordance with the hierarchal structure. Thereafter, the bill is presented to the customer.

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.