Abstract: Techniques perform file storage. Such techniques involve determining a candidate allocation unit (AU) size for storing data based on a statistic of an AU size matching with a write request during a statistic period, and storing a new file using the determined candidate AU size to store the new file. Accordingly, storage space is saved and reading and writing performance are improved.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer readable medium comprising instructions for providing Internet protocol enabled information delivery are provided. Information from a calling party is received at an Internet protocol enabled device. A lookup of information relating to the calling party is performed in a database via an Internet protocol connection. A message is received from the database comprising information relating to the calling party.

Abstract: A process of tracking usage of a wireless device in a third party wireless network with a metering system includes implementing the metering system in a network separate from the third party wireless network and activating the wireless device in response to identification of the wireless device and confirmation of use of a tracking system to the metering system. The process further includes obtaining, by the metering system, an amount of wireless services used by the wireless device. The obtaining includes at least one of obtaining an amount of wireless services used from the third party wireless network and obtaining an amount of wireless services used from the tracking system.

Abstract: A process of tracking usage of a wireless device in a third party wireless network with a metering system includes implementing the metering system in a network separate from the third party wireless network and activating the wireless device in response to identification of the wireless device and confirmation of use of a tracking system to the metering system. The process further includes obtaining, by the metering system, an amount of wireless services used by the wireless device. The obtaining includes at least one of obtaining an amount of wireless services used from the third party wireless network and obtaining an amount of wireless services used from the tracking system.

Abstract: An improved handheld electronic device and an associated method provide an improved call log that presents information relating to logged phone calls in a collapsed manner, meaning that for each phone number having a call stored in the memory of the device, only the most recent in time call is listed on the call log. An improved handheld electronic device and an associated method also provide a call history for any phone call from the improved call log that is selected by the user. The call history includes a listing of all of the calls stored by the device that are associated with the selected call log call.

Abstract: A method for a transaction with a taxi includes establishing secure communication between a first computing device in a driver section of a vehicle and a second computing device in a passenger section of a vehicle, receiving in the second computing device a card number from a card reader coupled to the second computing device before receiving a signal from a meter indicating an end of a trip for the passenger, after receiving the card number submitting the transaction for authorization from at least one of the first device or the second device, after receiving a signal from the meter indicating the end of the trip for the passenger, displaying an amount of a fare for the trip on a display, and receiving an indication that the transaction is authorized.

Abstract: A method for controlling an electronic device is provided. The method for controlling an electronic device includes operating a first microphone and a second microphone; receiving a first voice signal picked up by the first microphone and a second voice signal picked up by the second microphone; selecting at least one voice signal; storing the selected at least one voice signal; and sending the second voice signal picked up by the second microphone to a communication module.

Abstract: A process of tracking usage of a wireless device in a wireless network with a metering system includes implementing the metering system in a network separate from the wireless network and activating the wireless device in response to identification of the wireless device and confirmation of use of a tracking system to the metering system. The process further includes obtaining, by the metering system, an amount of wireless services used by the wireless device. The obtaining includes at least one of obtaining an amount of wireless services used from the wireless network and obtaining an amount of wireless services used from the tracking system.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a request is received to route a network function chain. For each contained network function, a subgraph is generated, where each of a plurality of network elements in a network is split into two vertexes, and one edge is added between the split two vertexes for each network element that hosts that network function of the subgraph. The subgraphs are ordered and connected through connecting each vertex with one edge to another vertex with one edge in a subsequent subgraph to form a graph, where the connection is included in a representation of the network. Each edge includes a cost measure. The method selects a path from the vertex representing the source network element to the vertex representing the destination network element in the graph to route the network function chain, where each edge of the path is selected based on at least its cost measure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for presenting multimedia content to a caller and/or a called party in association with a telephone call. Content may be presented pre-ring (before the called party's telephone rings), in-call, and/or post-call. Content presented to a party may be related to another party participating in the call or may be related to a third party (e.g., an advertiser that paid for the ability to have its content presented). Presented content may be actuable, to allow a caller to change the destination of a call, take advantage of an offer presented to him or her, redeem a coupon, schedule or queue a subsequent call, etc. To find a desired destination party, a caller may initiate a manual or automatic search of his or her local contacts (on his telephone) and/or a central or global directory or contact list.

Abstract: A vehicular information receiver is coupled to a portable device that receives information by paying a communication fee based on a unit packet fee. The receiver sets reception factors that affect the amount of data received by the portable device. An expected fee calculation unit calculates an expected communication fee based on the unit packet fee and an expected amount of data, which is based on the reception factors. A display unit displays the reception factors and the expected communication fee, which can be viewed by a user. Accordingly, the user is able to view the reception factors that determine the amount of data to be received and the expected communication fee associated with the data to be received, before such data is received from the portable device, thereby avoiding unexpected increases in communication fees.

Abstract: A portable electronic device that promotes user awareness of approaching a usage limit is provided, comprising a processor, a memory, and an application. When executed by the processor, the application installs a file describing a subscription plan documenting availability of at least one of wireless voice and data services, the subscription plan comprising a usage limit. The application also records a first usage of a first unit of a first service provided under the plan and increments a count of units of usage of the first service during a first usage period based on the record of the first usage. The application also detects the count of units of usage reaching a first predetermined threshold wherein the threshold is less than the usage limit. The application also presents a first message, the message providing notification of the count of units of usage reaching the threshold.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing carrier-centric data communications cost monitoring and controls are provided. In an embodiment, the method operates by receiving a registration request associated with a subscriber session, determining current data usage associated with the subscriber, and receiving data usage thresholds. The method further comprises receiving quotas associated with the subscriber session and collecting data usage information associated with the subscriber session. The method sends a notification to the subscriber when a pre-determined quota is exceeded during the subscriber session and controls data usage. The cost monitoring and control system comprises a usage policy server and a usage policy application. The usage policy application allows a carrier to offer alterations to terms of a subscription.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to updating routing patterns in an enterprise network. In some implementations, a method for routing sessions includes identifying information associated with call sessions in an enterprise network. The information includes costs to an enterprise for using carrier services during the call sessions. Routing patterns for call sessions are dynamically updated through at least a portion of the enterprise network based, at least in part, on the costs associated with the call sessions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for implementation of split charging in an Internet protocol multimedia subsystem, allowing subsystem users to negotiate at setup and at a modification of a session initiation protocol session which user will be charged for each multimedia component of the subsystem. A method includes transmitting a first message to a user equipment for initiating one of a multimedia call setup and a call modification, the first message including a split charging offer request and a first split charging ratio, and receiving a second message from the user equipment, the second message comprising a second split charging ratio.

Abstract: Communication networks and associated methods and systems are disclosed that provide per-session dynamic charging caps. For a session, the communication network includes a network element adapted to serve the session, a charging system, and a subscriber server adapted to store charging criteria defined for a party to the session. In operation, the charging system receives one or more charging request messages from the network element. Responsive to a charging request message, the charging system identifies the charging criteria defined for the party as stored in the subscriber server, and determines a dynamic charging cap for the session based on the charging criteria. A charging cap is a limited or maximum amount of time and/or money that is charged for an individual session. The charging system then limits the charging for the session based on the dynamic charging cap.

Abstract: Embodiments may comprise hardware and/or code within a cellular phone to process data related to charges for a call to indicate the charges to the user. In some embodiments, the charges may be presented in the form of an icon. The icon may indicate whether or not charges apply to the call, a range of charges, and/or a rate of charge. Further embodiments may display characters describing conditional charges for a call. In still further embodiments, the charges for a call may be indicated by an audible alert such as a volume, frequency, pattern of frequencies, or a voice generated. Embodiments may also include hardware and/or code of a cellular phone server such as an MTSO to gather and transmit account information to a cellular phone (or apparatus with similar functionality such as a mobile broadband card).

Abstract: A method of accounting for activities in a system comprising a telephone handset, including associating use of the telephone handset with a user, allowing the user to perform a call through use of the telephone handset without providing billing information relating to the call, communicating unbilled call information to at least one user computer associated with the user through a network, and prompting the user to input billing data relating to the unbilled call information at the at least one computer associated with the user.

Abstract: Data usage of a messaging application is mitigated based on a location of the application on the display screen or a mode of a device. If the location of the application is in the foreground of the display, presence update information of a contact is periodically received or requested. If the application is in the background of the display longer than a predetermined interval, the presence update information of the contact is stopped. In some embodiments, if the device is in an OFF or a SUSPEND mode, contact presence updates are not received. When the device is in an ON mode or state, the presence updates are received or requested from a server or presence agent.

Abstract: A method and system for tracking telephone usage and notifying a user of his telephone usage includes a software program for tracking telephone usage based on the time and day that a phone call is made. The software program designates a timer for tracking phone usage. The timer has a time block and a time usage variable associated therewith. When a call is made, the time used by the call is recorded to the time usage variable if the call was made within the time block. The user may then be notified of how much time has been used. The software may be implemented in a number of environments, including a computer system accessible remotely or a processor located on the user's telephone.

Abstract: A method for managing network access is provided that includes receiving a signal indicating a change in a network parameter, the change reflecting that an end user associated with a communication session has changed from using a first network node to a second network node. Each of the network nodes is operable to facilitate the communication session associated with the end user. The method also includes communicating with a billing system element to notify the billing system element of the change in the network parameter and receiving quota information for the end user associated with the second network node. The billing information associated with the second network node may be applied to the communication session, the billing information being based on the quota information.

Abstract: A system and a method for processing calls. The system comprises a database including: a plurality of telephony identifiers; and for each telephony identifier, information regarding a group of persons that is associated with the telephony identifier, each person of the group of persons being reachable by placing a call to the telephony identifier, the information comprising, for each person of the group of persons, information related to processing of calls involving the person. The system also comprises a processing element having access to the database and being operative for: determining that a given call involves a particular person of the group of persons that is associated with a given one of the telephony identifiers: and processing the given call based on the information related to processing of calls involving the particular person.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for notifying a primary wireless unit in a group calling plan that a wireless unit in the group calling plan has call activity. An MSC determines if there is call activity on a wireless phone. The MSC determines if the wireless phone is a member of a call monitoring group. If so, the MSC records call information related to the call activity and sends the call information to the primary wireless unit.

Abstract: Data usage of a messaging application is mitigated based on a location of the application on the display screen or a mode of a device. If the location of the application is in the foreground of the display, presence update information of a contact is periodically received or requested. If the application is in the background of the display longer than a predetermined interval, the presence update information of the contact is stopped. In some embodiments, if the device is in an OFF or a SUSPEND mode, contact presence updates are not received. When the device is in an ON mode or state, the presence updates are received or requested from a server or presence agent.

Abstract: A method and system for tracking telephone usage and notifying a user of his telephone usage includes a software program for tracking telephone usage based on the time and day that a phone call is made. The software program designates a timer for tracking phone usage. The timer has a time block and a time usage variable associated therewith. When a call is made, the time used by the call is recorded to the time usage variable if the call was made within the time block. The user may then be notified of how much time has been used. The software may be implemented in a number of environments, including a computer system accessible remotely or a processor located on the user's telephone.

Abstract: A system and method for automated management of the behavior of a wireless communication device is disclosed herein. Behavior preference settings are configured and provided to a wireless network and the wireless communication device. The wireless network provides current conditions or events to the wireless communication device. The wireless communication device enforces the preference settings based on current conditions and counters for incoming and outgoing communications to a third party.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a telephone that provides for automatically and accurately tracking calling plan charges using carrier plan rules, for informing a user of accrued charges on request, and for providing messages and signals to a user so that the user may budget telephone use and thereby lower the user's costs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for providing price information to subscribers of a digital mobile communication network. The aim of the invention is to inform the subscriber of the cost of a call he/she is about to make, in a simple manner. To this end, when the subscriber dials a call number, he/she obtains information on the rate to expect for a communication by means of short messaging service (SMS).

Abstract: The event driven multi-media communication management system comprises a controller that interfaces with a plurality of communication space stations and with one or more communication medium service providers. The communication space station is a modular device that includes a platform, a voice system for providing an audio user interface, and a docking bay for coupling with a subscriber device. The controller accesses a subscriber contact directory that is associated with the subscriber device, communicates content messages representing at least a portion of the subscriber contact directory to the subscriber station, receives control messages representing subscriber selection of a contact, and establishes a communication channel in accordance with the selected subscriber communication information.

Abstract: A method for establishing a call between a calling party and at least one called party via a call switching network. The method includes calculating a call charge per minute rate based upon a number of rate-determining parameters, notifying the calling party of the call charge per minute rate, receiving input from said calling party based upon the call charge per minute rate; timing the call, calculating the balance available for the call, informing the calling party of the balance in real time, and disconnecting the call when the call balance is zero.

Abstract: A system for providing termination information for an international telephone number includes a centralized database of terminating characteristics. The system may also include request processing logic that receives an international telephone number from a user. In response to receiving the telephone number, the request processing logic may automatically query the centralized database to obtain information that indicates whether the telephone number uses wireless termination. In response to obtaining the information from the centralized database, the request processing logic may automatically transmit to the user a response that indicates whether the telephone number uses wireless termination. The system may also include a database engine that uses a tree structure of linked nodes to perform a longest matching prefix search on the telephone number in response to the request processing logic querying the centralized database.

Abstract: A data transmission system for cellular phones. A video data encoder encodes video data, and an audio data encoder encodes audio data. A video data storage unit stores encoded video data, and an audio data storage unit stores encoded audio data. A multiplexer multiplexes video data from the video data storage unit and audio data from the audio data storage unit. An audio signal detector measures the audio level of the inputted audio data and generates a data write control signal for controlling the video data encoder and the audio data encoder and an audio detected signal for controlling a multiplexing controller which generates a data read control signal for controlling the video data storage unit and the audio data storage unit and generates a data multiplexing control signal causing the multiplexer to output one of the video data, the audio data, and the multiplexed video and audio data.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and a system enabling users (11) of an Internet type computer network provided with multimedia terminals (16) comprising a microphone (17) and connected to an Internet type computer network (15), remotely located from a service supplier (12), to accede rapidly and safely, to services (30) offered by this service supplier (12).

Abstract: This invention provides methods and apparatus for context based querying to more efficiently provide directory services. In particular, methods and apparatus for querying a database to resolve contact information, e.g., a phone number, based on the context of the query are provided. By querying based on context, the query may be searched using a smaller field of search. Moreover, a context based query allows private phone numbers to be provided when the context of the query has been authenticated and approved for disclosure of the private phone number. Thus, when processing a query for a phone number, the present invention evaluates the context of the query in addition to the query itself to determine what results to provide to a user.

Abstract: A service architecture for the rapid development of next generation telephony services that overcomes the limitations of the current closed PSTN architecture and service model. In this architecture services are provided by multiple cooperating distributed service providers. This architecture is built upon an object-oriented call model which is defined as a small set of extensions to the standard Java Telephony API call model. This new object-oriented call model hides the detail of the underlying call-state management protocols and hardware from applications.

Abstract: A system and method for automated management of the behavior of a wireless communication device is disclosed herein. Behavior preference settings are configured and provided to a wireless network and the wireless communication device. The wireless network provides current conditions or events to the wireless communication device. The wireless communication device enforces the preference settings based on current conditions and counters for incoming and outgoing communications to a third party.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and system for safely transmitting a fax between a transmitter sending the fax and at least a receiver (11) receiving the fax (162) using a fax machine (161) associated with a telephone equipment (16). The faxes (162) are routed between a transmitter and a receiver by a communication network (15) via a fax management center (30). The fax management center (30) provides the receiver (11) with a card, formatted like a credit card, personalized by specific identifiers for each card and each receiver. This card (10) emits brief identifying sound signals, of the DTMF type, at least partially encrypted, varying with each operation, when it is actuated (14) by the receiver (11). The signals received by the microphone (17) of the telephone equipment (16) are transmitted by the communication network (15) to the computer services (18) of the fax management center (30).

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and a system enabling gamesters (11) of a virtual casino to accede safely and rapidly, by means of a microphone (17) connected to a communication network (15), to the different games that the virtual casino (12) offers to its gamesters (11).

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system is provided for processing an input signal communicated on a telephone line, the input signal including a first component associated with a first frequency band, a second component associated with a second frequency band higher than the first frequency band, and a third component associated with a third frequency band higher than the second frequency band. The system includes a first filter to receive the input signal and to pass a first signal substantially comprising the second component, a second filter to receive the input signal and to pass a second signal substantially comprising the first and third components, and a third filter to receive the second signal and to pass a third signal substantially comprising the first component according to an input capacitance of a fourth filter that limits the ability of the third filter to pass the second component.

Abstract: A process for signalling cost information in a telecommunications network, wherein the subscriber's data terminal establishes a connection to an exchange, the exchange has a call handling function which makes a tariff inquiry to a tariff server and the tariff server sends a tariff response for the requested connection to the call handling function of the exchange. The call handling function forwards the tariff response to a CDR generating function in the exchange, the CDR generating function forwards cost information to the cost communication function of the exchange and the cost communication function communicates the cost information to the subscriber's data terminal.

Abstract: An asset/account activation device and method are provided. According to a first preferred method, an asset may be activated by a point of sale device utilizing multiple security mechanisms. Activation codes are sent by secure electronic transmission from an activation host to the activation device. Upon execution of the asset purchase, the activation device dispenses the activation code. Prior thereto, a physical representation of the asset, in the form of a card or the like, has printed thereon an asset ID. To activate the asset, the asset owner contacts a processing device wherein the activation code and asset ID are compared based on time constraints, retailer location constraints and other constraints. Other security checks may be incorporated to include velocity checks. The apparatus of the invention includes an activation host, an activation device, a processing device or VRU, and an activation database.

Abstract: A method for establishing a call between a calling party and at least one called party via a call switching network. The method includes calculating a call charge per minute rate based upon a number of rate-determining parameters, notifying the calling party of the call charge per minute rate, receiving input from said calling party based upon the call charge per minute rate; timing the call, calculating the balance available for the call, informing the calling party of the balance in real time, and disconnecting the call when the call balance is zero.

Abstract: A system by which external users, such as subscribers and service providers, can update their service data is disclosed. The system permits users to update their service data in a secure and controlled manner on a self-service basis in an intelligent network or other telecommunications network. An access system separate from the actual telecommunications services managing network elements is implemented in the invention, the access system providing the customers and service providers with an open interface to these network elements through a public data network. The access system controls access to the actual network elements by, for example, authenticating the party requesting access, checking whether the requesting party is associated with the data he/she desires to manipulate, and/or checking to which processing operations the requesting party is entitled. The users can thus access their own service data in the network elements managing the data in a manner controlled by the access system.

Abstract: A telephone call control system includes a database containing user identifiers and call control limitations assigned to the user identifiers. Call control limitations may include budgetary, time, geographic (e.g., area code or city and/or country codes), and other limitations to a call. A telephone line is subscribed to the system, and users of the line are provided user identifiers which may have one or more of the call control limitations. When making an outgoing call, the telephone network queries the database and determine whether the telephone line is subscribed. If the telephone is subscribed, the telephone network communicates with a server which requests the user to enter the user's identifier, e.g., a dialing code or voice print. It is then determined which, if any, call control limitations, are placed upon the user and whether and for how long the call can be connected.

Abstract: An apparatus and method provide for filtering of voiceband and specified tone frequencies of a mixed voice/data signal, such as an Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) signal. A lowpass filter section passes voiceband content of the mixed signal and suppresses mixed signal content having frequencies falling within a databand of the mixed signal. A bandpass filter section is coupled to or integral with the lowpass filter section and passes the specified tone frequency, such as a metering or billing tone frequency. The lowpass and bandpass filter sections exhibit a combined frequency response that provides for a stopband between the voiceband and the metering tone frequency. The bandpass filter section effectively detunes a frequency response of the lowpass filter section to provide for the stopband.

Abstract: A method of providing call charge information in a mobile telecommunications system. The method comprises maintaining in a home mobile telecommunications network a set of call charging algorithms which correspond to respective foreign mobile telecommunications networks. The algorithms are transferred periodically to respective foreign networks, wherein the transferred algorithms may be used by the receiving foreign networks to calculate call charge information for subscribers of the home network when they are roaming in the foreign networks.

Abstract: A fax routing system and method using a standard fax machine and personal computer. The telephone number is decoded from the telephone number dialing which is generated by the fax machine. This number is looked up in a table. If a corresponding Internet-address is found, the fax is downloaded from the fax machine, converted into a computer file, and sent to the recipient via his Internet address. If a corresponding Internet address is not found, the decoded number is dialed on a telephone line and, thereafter, the telephone line is connected to the fax machine for normal fax delivery.

Abstract: An automated prefix dialing system is disclosed to allow a subscriber/user to automatically insert a predetermined prefix dialing code in certain outgoing telephone call situations. The system is electrically disposed between the telephone company's central office circuit and the subscriber's circuit. The system preferably comprises six sub-circuits: DC power path circuit (off-hook sensor circuit), shadow-ring detector circuit, isolation circuit, DTMF receiver circuit, DTMF generator circuit, and micro controller circuit. When not in use, no power is used by the system. The DC power path circuit, provides power received from the central office line to the various circuits and components of the system when the subscriber's phone is taken off-hook. Off-hook sensor circuitry detects when the telephone has been lifted either in response to an incoming call or to initiate an outgoing call.

Abstract: Broadcasting of different tariff periods in a telephone system. Subscribers of a telecommunication system are advised of service charging tariffs of services to said subscribers. In the telecommunication system, a service charging tariff message is sent to subscriber stations operated by the subscribers. The service charging tariff message comprises a starting time of a future tariff period and a tariff indication of the future tariff period. A subscriber station receiving such a service charging tariff message processes the starting time and the tariff indication. The service charging tariff information is stored and retrieved, and is displayed on a display of the subscriber station. The tariff indication comprises an early indication of off-peak time charge free minutes, usually forming part of a calling plan of a subscriber, which off-peak time free charge minutes can be spent during peak time.

Abstract: A linear multichannel detection system for billing by spectrum convolution applicable in telecommunications systems, capable of detecting the metering pulses in a signal sent from a telephone exchange to the subscribers, multiplying the signal by a specific signal generated by the system and measuring powers corresponding to the signals resulting from the multiplication, in such a way that a power measured with a value greater than a predefined threshold value indicates detection of the pulse. The invention likewise refers to an access system including the detection system.