Abstract: A system is provided for automated configuration of a connection interface between a headset device (e.g., a headset base) and a telephone (e.g., desktop phone). The system includes configuration circuitry designed to automatically perform a sequential analysis of multiple interface configuration options for the connection interface between the headset device and telephone. The analysis of each respective interface configuration option includes (a) accessing stored configuration information defining predefined switch positions for an array of controllable switches (e.g., optical switches) corresponding with the respective interface configuration option, (b) set the array of switches to the predefined switch positions specified by the accessed configuration information, and (c) performing a signal analysis to analyze electrical signals on the connection interface.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for performing automated testing of online charging systems associated with telecommunications networks. In some embodiments, the systems and methods utilize various components associated with an online charging system, such as an event mediator, to convert data associated with test cases to be simulated by the online charging system (e.g., data from spreadsheets) into various test requests actionable during the online charging system under when simulating the test cases.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for performing automated testing of online charging systems associated with telecommunications networks. In some embodiments, the systems and methods utilize various components associated with an online charging system, such as an event mediator, to convert data associated with test cases to be simulated by the online charging system (e.g., data from spreadsheets) into various test requests actionable during the online charging system under when simulating the test cases.

Abstract: A method of responding to a text-based communication on a portable electronic device includes receiving the text-based communication at the portable electronic device, performing textual analysis on the text-based communication to determine a set of possible responses, for each possible response of the set of possible responses, ranking the possible responses based at least on auxiliary information at the portable electronic device, and selecting a first possible response as a suggested response based on the ranking of the possible responses.

Abstract: A speech analytics system (“SAS”) monitors speech from a remote party and agent to determine when text-based guidance information (“TBGI”) and a script control icon is to be provided to the agent. The agent may respond to a particular context with certain information, either by verbally informing the remote party or causing a prerecorded script to be played to the remote party. In one embodiment, the SAS monitors the agent's speech to ascertain if an expected speech response is provided by the agent within a first time period. If not, the SAS may cause another TBGI and script control icon to be presented to the agent, and again monitor the agent's speech to ascertain if an expected speech response is provided by the agent within a second time period. If the agent again fails to respond properly, then data may be written indicating a compliance failure.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the invention include the use of a guaranteed cognitive awareness coupled with an individualized sequential advertising campaign directed at a specific user. A user may be offered services such as: telecommunication services, video services, radio or other audio services (traditional radio or satellite radio services), television services (traditional cable or satellite television services), software services, electronic book services, etc. In return for the use of such services free of charge, the services may be periodically interrupted and a commercial message may be conveyed to the user. The commercial message may prompt the user to input a specific value, selection, or keystroke, or may require a response through voice input or selection with a device. Should the user provide the response, the provision of services may continue. Moreover, the commercial messages provided to the user may presented as an individual sequential advertising campaign.

Abstract: A handheld electronic device including a first body, a second body and a transmission mechanism is provided. The second body is stacked with the first body. The second body has a recess at a side facing the first body. The transmission mechanism includes a first plate, a second plate and a rotating member. The first plate is fixed on the first body. The second plate is slidingly coupled to the first plate. An end of the rotating member is pivoted on the second body, and another end of the rotating member is pivoted on the second plate. When the first body slides with respect to the second body toward the recess, the rotating member rotates and drives the first body enters the recess.

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: Voicemail is received at a voicemail server and converted to an audio file format; it is then sent or streamed over a wide area network to a voice to text transcription system comprising a network of computers. One of the networked computers plays back the voice message to an operator and the operator intelligently transcribes the actual message from the original voice message by entering the corresponding text message (actually a succinct version of the original voice message, not a verbose word-for-word conversion) into the computer to generate a transcribed text message. The transcribed text message is then sent to the wireless information device from the computer. Because human operators are used instead of machine transcription, voicemails are converted accurately, intelligently, appropriately and succinctly into text messages (SMS/MMS).

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention are directed at software for processing a received voicemail message to provide enhanced features in a voicemail system. In one embodiment, a user interface is provided where a callee may generate events to modify audio attributes of a received voicemail message. When an event to modify the audio attributes of the received voicemail message is received, aspects of the present invention obtain a set of event data that describes input generated by the callee. Then, a media player program is used to modify attributes of the data packets in the voicemail message in accordance with the input received from the callee.

Abstract: A charging device (100) and method (600) are described herein that can segment subscribers on a service class level and then can further segment those subscribers on an account level by using a service offerings parameter (105). The subscribers use communication services such as circuit switched voice, SMS, MMS and/or GPRS.

Abstract: A communication device and method for managing communication data include acquiring communication data of the communication device, searching the storage system for communication data of a selected contact according to an inputted name of the selected contact. The communication device and method further include generating a communication report of the selected contact according to the searched communication data of the selected contact, displaying the communication report on a display of the communication device.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the quality of communications provided by a plurality of mobile telephones is provided. The method may comprise, for example, receiving one or more telephone voice signals from each mobile telephone; storing the one or more telephone voice signals in a memory; concurrently with aid receiving telephone voice signals from a mobile telephone, receiving one or more reference device voice signals from a reference device substantially co-located with the mobile telephone; storing the one or more reference device voice signals in a memory; determining voice quality data for the telephone voice signals; determining voice quality data for the reference device voice signals concurrently received with the telephone voice signals; and normalizing the voice quality data of the telephone voice signals from each mobile telephone based on the voice quality data of the reference device voice signals concurrently received with the telephone voice signals.

Abstract: Systems and methods for calls per second network testing are disclosed. The methods may be performed by a network testing system or other computing device. The method may include receiving user selection to create a network test. A user specification of a bulk network calls test type and the call transmission criteria for the network test are received. The call transmission criteria may include a number of calls per second and one of either a talk time or a number of channels. When the talk time is specified, the number of channels is calculated. Similarly, when the number of channels is specified, the talk time is calculated. User selection to begin the network test is received, and packets are transmitted for the network test according to the call transmission criteria. During transmission, the call transmission criteria are recalculated at a system defined interval to avoid bursts.

Abstract: A switch is provided which is dynamically configurable via a network port thereon. One switch is employed to establish point-to-point electrical connections between devices under test (DUTs) and host devices coupled to upstream ports and downstream ports on the switch respectively. Two switches coupled to a network are employed to facilitate a distributed test lab. DUTs are coupled to upstream ports on a first switch which, based on communication with a test controller over the network, establishes a logical connection between the upstream port coupled to a particular DUT and the network. Host devices are coupled to downstream ports on a second switch which, based on communication with the test controller over the network, establishes a logical connection between the downstream port coupled to a particular host device and the network. A logical connection is also established across the network between the particular DUT and host device.

Abstract: A system and method for notifying an offline global computer network user of an online interaction in which the offline user could participate. The system and method specify notification criteria of the offline user, monitor activities occurring on the global computer network, compare the activities to the notification criteria, and, if the activities satisfy the notification criteria, forward an offline communication to the offline user, which notifies the offline user of the online interaction. Examples of the online interactions include chat rooms, game sites, instant messaging services, auctions, and calls made over the global computer network. Examples of the offline communication include calls to a wireline telephone, calls to a wireless telephone, messages to a caller identification device, messages to a wireless access protocol device, messages to a one-way pager, and messages to an interactive pager.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of communication comprising attempting to set up a session between a calling party and a called party via at least one entity; after a confirming response has been received from at least one of said called party, said calling party and said at least one entity, determining if said attempt to set up a session has failed; and preventing at least one of said calling party and said called party from being charged for said session.

Abstract: Disclosed is a charging cradle for seating a portable device both horizontally and vertically. The charging cradle for a portable device includes a cradle body, a support body supporting the cradle body on a rear side of the cradle body, a first slot defined and surrounded by an inner wall of the cradle body, so as to seat the portable device therein in such a manner that the portable device can stand in a vertical direction of the cradle body, and a second slot formed before the first slot and extending in a horizontal direction of the cradle body, so as to seat the portable device therein in such a manner that the portable device can be placed in the horizontal direction.

Abstract: A system and method for notifying an offline global computer network user of an online interaction in which the offline user could participate. The system and method specify notification criteria of the offline user, monitor activities occurring on the global computer network, compare the activities to the notification criteria, and, if the activities satisfy the notification criteria, forward an offline communication to the offline user, which notifies the offline user of the online interaction. Examples of the online interactions include chat rooms, game sites, instant messaging services, auctions, and calls made over the global computer network. Examples of the offline communication include calls to a wireline telephone, calls to a wireless telephone, messages to a caller identification device, messages to a wireless access protocol device, messages to a one-way pager, and messages to an interactive pager.

Abstract: An information processing unit, such as a mobile phone, equipped with a fingerprint sensor and which reconciles size reduction with operability at a high level. Adjacent to an operation panel is located a V-shaped groove which contains a first slope stretching away from the operation panel and slanting downward and a second slope stretching further away from the operation panel and slanting upward, where the V-shaped groove contains a fingerprint sweep sensor which detects a fingerprint on a finger moved along the first slope and the second slope.

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

Abstract: 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: This invention relates to the automated assistance of a telephony call center agent comprising a method and system for providing dialogue suggestions to an agent during an agent caller interaction. A prior art solution provides data based on analyzed text from one or other of the conversations but does not offer any useful information based on the performance of the agent or on the state of the interaction. A method of interaction in a voice response application comprising: receiving a voice signal in a call center; identifying whether the caller or a call center agent is the originator of the voice signal; converting the voice signal into computer readable text; identifying a key word such as a confrontational phrase e.g. ‘what are you talking about’ in the converted computer readable text; and providing a different suggestion depending on whether the originator is the call agent or the caller.

Abstract: A system verifies and validates PSTN to IP Network services prior to the availability of the services to a plurality of subscribers. A PSTN call generator services a plurality of callers coupled to the PSTN and to a test database. An IP client simulator is coupled to the test database and to an IP Network. A data bus couples the PSTN and the IP Network to a registration server for registering the client and a heartbeat server for tracking the system for heartbeat message. An application server processes test service calls from the PSTN call generator whereby PSTN-IP Network services can be executed for all clients or individual clients as represented by the IP Client simulator for verification and validation of PSTN services to IP Network clients prior to the availability of the services to the clients.

Abstract: Call pattern data is generated for scheduling calls between a number of sites connected to a communication network. The call pattern data defines instructions for a number of sites to make a number of connections across the network to other sites over a predetermined period. This is achieved by creating a list of calls to be scheduled and then assigning in turn each of the calls to a source and a destination site. The source site and destination site are selected to satisfy one or a number of call constraint criteria associated with each call. The call pattern data representing the call is then generated and stored on a computer storage medium for subsequent download to the sites.

Abstract: A prepaid service assurance system provides service assurance for a prepaid telecommunication system by generating a call to the prepaid telecommunication system. In response to the call, the prepaid service assurance system then receives an actual response from the prepaid telecommunication system and automatically compares the actual response with an expected response for the prepaid telecommunication system. In other embodiments, the prepaid service assurance system determines whether a modification action is needed based on the comparison of the actual response and the expected response. If the modification action is needed, the prepaid service assurance system identifies the modification action based on the determination that the modification is needed. Once the modification action is identified, the prepaid service assurance system transmits an instruction to provide the modification action for the prepaid telecommunication system.

Abstract: A method for automatically verifying provisioning of a telephony database includes receiving from the telephony database a first table structure for a first table within the telephony database and automatically generating, based on the first table structure, a test provisioning message operable to provision a table having the first table structure. The method also includes automatically generating an expected response to the test provisioning message and transmitting the test provisioning message. The method further includes receiving an actual response to the test provisioning message, comparing the actual response to the expected response, and generating a result based on comparing the actual response to the expected response.

Abstract: The invention relates to the implementation of an access service in a telecommunications network comprising an access network, a network providing services, and user-operated terminals which are connected to the access network. The access service is offered by connecting the user terminal to the network providing the services through interface elements which connect the access network and the network providing the services. As a response to the access service at least one charging record is generated. The record is transferred to billing means for billing the access service subscriber for the access service. So that it would be possible to combine the access service with reliable and versatile billing in a connectionless network, the terminal is used to generate charging messages which are provided with a subscriber-specific digital signature, and the signatures generated by the terminal are verified outside of the terminal.

Abstract: A telephone answering apparatus for indicating the presence of a power-cycle includes a memory device which stores a retrieved message and a value from a clock, and a controller operatively connected to the memory device and to the clock. The controller initializes the value of the clock to a power-up value upon receiving power from a source and the power-up value is stored along with the retrieved message in the memory device. A user may retrieve the stored power-up value along with the message into an application that is running on a host computer which will indicate that no time was recorded for the retrieved message.

Abstract: A system and method for reporting, directly to a customer, conditions of telecommunications services to which the customer subscribes. The system includes a server for collecting fault information from the telecommunications network management system and a customer workstation for viewing the information. The customer can use the workstation to define a view of the data he wishes to receive. The server builds reports using the view, and provides the reports to the customer.

Abstract: A billing scheme for a telecommunications network is described in which a billing record for a call including at least a plurality of data bytes is generated in a switch (10), each billing record is duplicated, and check information is generated from each data byte of a billing record and associated with each said data byte to form a protected billing record. Each protected billing record of a duplicated pair is transmitted via two independent transmission lines to processing means (40, 50) in which the associated check information is generated byte-for byte from each received billing record and the generated check information is compared byte-for-byte with the transmitted check information in parity checking circuits (60, 61). If for any one byte of a billing record, the generated check information does not agree with the received check information, that billing record is discarded.

Abstract: A method for automatically verifying provisioning of a telephony database includes receiving from the telephony database a first table structure for a first table within the telephony database and automatically generating, based on the first table structure, a test provisioning message operable to provision a table having the first table structure. The method also includes automatically generating an expected response to the test provisioning message and transmitting the test provisioning message. The method further includes receiving an actual response to the test provisioning message, comparing the actual response to the expected response, and generating a result based on comparing the actual response to the expected response.

Abstract: An electronic switching system (ESS) analyzes charge data automatically. The ESS comprises a generator for generating the charge data for a call; a recorder coupled with the generator for receiving the charge data from the generator and assembling a data block having a block header, a plurality of charge data and checksum value; a first memory for storing a multiplicity of the data blocks; an analyzer coupled with the first memory for checking the charge data of the data block to detect any erroneous charge data and search for a long call; a controller coupled with the analyzer for generating and transmitting a predetermined message for erroneous charge data to an operator and determining to verify the charge data for a subscriber of the long call; a verifier coupled with the generator for receiving from the generator and displaying the charge data; and a second memory coupled with the verifier for storing the verified charge data.

Abstract: A system for service control and operations for a telecommunications network. In particular, an architecture and method for a service control and operations element system. The system communicates with a plurality of interconnected telecommunications network elements via a switching and signaling subsystem. The system provides and controls the various functions of the telecommunications network, such as call processing and routing, automatic fault detection and correction, providing services to customers in an interactive manner, fraud detection and control, identification of patterns of abuse of the network, collecting data regarding call activity at each network element, and producing a record of each call placed within the network.

Abstract: In the proposed Local Number Portability (LNP) telecommunications network, the traditional link between the first six digits of a ten-digit dialed number and the geographic link of a switch is broken. Some pre-LNP telephone services, however, have been implemented based on this geographic link. For the services to continue to work in an LNP environment, network databases must be simultaneously updated with information reflecting the fact that subscribers have switched from one local service provider to another. If these databases are not simultaneously updated, the possibility for looping messages between network elements arises. The present invention provides a method and system for controlling looping messages between network elements wherein a unique code for each incoming message is generated and stored along with the time the message was received.

Abstract: A system for service control and operations for a telecommunications network. In particular, an architecture and method for a service control and operations element system. The system communicates with a plurality of interconnected telecommunications network elements via a switching and signaling subsystem. The system provides and controls the functions of the telecommunications network, including a method of measuring delay between the time a customer dials a phone number of a called party and the time the customer hears a ringback tone indicating that the called party was alerted to the call, a method of synchronizing clocks located at individual network elements with a centralized time source, and a method of time-of-day clock surveillance.

Abstract: A cable telephony system (100) including a plurality of subscriber units (142) connected to a cable control unit (102) by a cable distribution network (106) in which the cable control unit (102) detects events associated with connections occurring in the cable telephony system. Information describing these events is placed into connection event reports and sent to a traffic analysis and planning system (116) as the events are detected by the cable control unit (102). These reports are used to manage the cable telephony system (100).

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

Abstract: A system for testing telecommunications equipment located at two sites includes a set of test instruments located at each site, a local test controller located at each site for controlling the test instrument at that site, and a master test controller connected to the local test controller by data links. Each test controller is provided with a clock and the clocks are synchronized by a common timing signal. The master test controller is arranged to transmit test instructions to, and receive test results from, the local test controllers.

Abstract: The integrity of AMA records generated by a switch in the telephone network is achieved by generating test calls and then monitoring and then processing the AMA records generated by those switches in the network which handled the test call. Such monitoring includes tracking for the AMA records that have been generated for the test calls and then processing those records such that the contents of the fields forming the records are analyzed to determine that the data contained therein is correct.

Abstract: The integrity of AMA records generated by a switch in the telephone network is achieved by generating test calls and then monitoring and then processing the AMA records generated by those switches in the network which handled the test call. Such monitoring includes tracking for the AMA records that have been generated for the test calls and then processing those records such that the contents of the fields forming the records are analyzed to determine that the data contained therein is correct.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting significant deviations in a pattern in near real time by making forecasts about the pattern and determining if the actual pattern is within a threshold of the forecast. The preferred embodiment is a method for detecting recording errors in a telephone network that provides services to a plurality of customers, the method comprising: recording information output by the telephone network relating to a service that was provided to the customers in a first time period; forecasting, based on the recorded information, information that will be output by the network in a second time period that has not yet occurred; recording information output by the telephone network relating to the provision of the service to the customers in the second time period; and comparing the result of the forecasting step with the information recorded during the second time period to generate a deviation.

Abstract: Data incorporated in call detail records (CDR), obtained from network switches, are subjected to processing by a statistics engine which maintains separate counts for CDR events relating to certain calls, such as 800 number and 900 number calls. Such events, such as attempted calls, completed calls, and duration, form statistics for network users. Compilation of statistics may be done for different services, such as total summary counts and counts by originating area code. In the case of 800 numbers, the statistical counts for the various services are compiled in accordance with the 800 number or 900 number called. When a network user decides to change the statistical services required, it is easily accomplished by changing the rules for interrogating the CDR data, as opposed to the prior art approach of changing programming coding. A network information concentrator collects, at a single point, call records from various network elements.

Abstract: A telephone network has elements that generate application data field (ADF) requests to data access points, requesting routing information for telephone calls. The data access points respond with application data field (ADF) records. A request and responding record constitute an ADF message pair. Call detail records are also generated by network elements during a call. A centralizing storage and verification system (SAVE) replaces prior art adjunct processors. It includes a network data buffer followed by a formatter for the network data that formats the data blocks and identifies them by corresponding sequence numbers. A buffer is provided for the blocked data and corresponding sequence numbers. An archiving hard disk is present for storing the network data blocks and corresponding sequence numbers. An interface expedites bi-directional data communication between the SAVE and an external information concentrator.

Abstract: A broadband intelligent network (50) an ATM switch or other fast-packet switch (51) in a fiber optic, fast-packet communication system. The ATM switch (51) is directly coupled (53) through one of its ports to a network service control point (61) for the implementation of requested services without the use of an intermediate common channel signaling system. ATM cells, identified as signaling cells, carry customer service requests and are automatically routed through the ATM switch to the network service control point (61). The service control point (61) determines the requested service and executes a corresponding programmed procedure (210). Connection service requested by a particular signaling cell is implemented by the service control point (61) sending a command cell through a port of the ATM switch (51) to instruct the switch connection management processor (64) to establish a switched virtual circuit for the requested connection.

Abstract: Test system for testing a telecommunication system (1) for reliability of the usage billing. A number of simulation units (8) is connected via normal subscriber lines (7). Each includes a control unit (9) which is controlled by a control program (13) with a number of program steps (1 . . . n). Each of these includes a start code (S1 . . . Sn). A program step is executed after the control unit detects a start code signal (SCS) which is identical to the start code valid for that program step. Simultaneously, the corresponding program steps in the other simulation units are executed, which simulates the simultaneous behavior of different subscribers. In all the simulation units, the start code signals and the various start codes are identical to one another. Preferably, the program start codes and the start code signal comprise a time code. The start code signal can be an externally generated radio signal, such as the DCF77 radio time signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for verifying the central office billing translations from a remote location is disclosed. The system includes a processor with software which generates patterned telephone calls through a test set at the switch at a switching station to all working access codes. The billing information of these calls is then recorded. Once the recorded information is processed, the records which originated from the test set are identified by their assigned telephone number. These records are extracted and preferably recorded such that they can be automatically verified against an accurate routing and billing table for the specific site. The table is preferably stored in the test set.

Abstract: A personal computer workstation (10) for processing and communicating data which comprises, in combination, a personal computer chassis (20). Chassis (20) includes host computer (24) with memory (42) and a plurality of ports for communicating data signals. Telecommunications circuitry (12) within chassis (20) processes telecommunications data and communicates telecommunications data to host computer (24) and ports. Audio multimedia circuitry (18) within chassis (20) processes audio multimedia data and communicates audio multimedia data to host computer (24) and ports. An interface bus (300) within chassis (20) and associated with telecommunications circuitry (12) and audio multimedia circuitry (18) integrates telecommunications data and audio multimedia data to produce multimedia telecommunications data for processing and storage within host computer (24) and communication of the integrated multimedia telecommunications data external to chassis (20).

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

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