Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an approach for enhancing computer interaction challenge-response tests (e.g., Completely Automatic Public Turing Test to Tell Computers and Humans Apart, or CAPTCHA). Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention provide an approach for introducing advertising in such challenge-response tests, such that users are presented with opportunities to learn about or reinforce brands. In a typical embodiment, when a user attempts to access content (e.g., web content), the user will be presented with a CAPTCHA test. The CAPTCHA test typically includes an advertisement (e.g., logo, label, etc.) and an associated question for the user to answer. Along these lines, the advertisement is generally selected based on the user's demographics (e.g., interests, gender, age, etc.). If the user successfully responds to the question and/or responds within a certain amount of time, a reward can be determined (e.g.

Abstract: A system for defeating computer-generated, telemarketing, and Robo calls is provided. An originating switch receives a call from a calling party and determines a call route to a called party. The call is received at a destination switch and the profile of the called party is assessed. If the called party is not a subscriber to the system, the call is then passed or connected to the called party. If the called party is a subscriber to the system, a digital audio track is played back to the calling party. The audio track indicating a call failure that can be detected by the source of computer-generated, telemarketing, and Robo calls. The signals are of such a nature that the calling party would determine that the number is not a valid number and remove it from a calling list. If a called party is not a subscriber, the call simply continues to the called party without interjection of any digital audio track.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for call classification and for training a model for call classification, an example method comprising: receiving DTMF information from a plurality of calls; determining, for each of the calls, a feature vector including statistics based on DTMF information such as DTMF residual signal comprising channel noise and additive noise; training a model for classification; comparing a new call feature vector to the model; predicting a device type and geographic location based on the comparison of the new call feature vector to the model; classifying the call as spoofed or genuine; and authenticating a call or altering an IVR call flow.

Abstract: A personal audio assistant includes a housing for an electronic device, a first microphone for capturing audio, a logic circuit communicatively coupled to the first microphone, a communication module communicatively coupled to the first microphone and a user interaction element. The interaction element, logic circuit, and communication module are configured to form a peer-to-peer network. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Device independent access to stored caller data during an emergency communications event. A call server intercepts an emergency call and determines the capabilities of a calling device. Based on calling device capability, the call server uses one or more of the following device independent methods to ascertain a caller identity, independent of a calling device: interactive voice response redirect, HTTP authentication, SIP INFO method, biometric recognition, human interaction, and alternate number dialing. A caller identity is then used to query a subscriber database for a unique caller profile database key (CPDBK) assigned to the caller (unless a CPDBK is already determined). A call server uses a CPDBK to query a caller profile database (CPDB) for relevant caller data. Relevant caller data and the intercepted emergency communications event are then passed to an emergency call processing system, whereby relevant caller data may be used to more effectively address an emergency situation.

Abstract: A wireless data network switching method for an electronic device is disclosed. The wireless data network switching method includes recording a pattern of network data usage of the electronic device during a period of time; determining a user data usage scenario according to the pattern of network data usage; and switching a current wireless network mode to a selected wireless network mode according to the user data usage scenario.

Abstract: A method and system for priority handling of a dispatch call in a dispatch network is disclosed. A dispatch call request message from a mobile communications unit is received at a dispatch cell site. The cell site determines whether a DAP is configured for operation in a call request reject mode. The cell site determines a priority level of the mobile communications unit if the DAP is configured in the call request reject mode. When the priority level meets a defined threshold, the cell site forwards the dispatch call request message to the DAP and the DAP processes the dispatch call request message.

Abstract: A system, method and non-transitory computer readable storage medium comprising instructions that when read by a processor perform receiving a telephony connection request, determining addressing information regarding the telephony connection request, the addressing information including at least routing information or a phone number, determining traffic information regarding the telephony connection request based on the addressing information, the traffic information including previous telephony connection requests, sending a reply in response to the telephony connection request, wherein: forwarding the telephony connection request to an intended recipient would result in a system response, and the reply differs from the system response.

Abstract: The present invention enables a method for following the state of a call and generating defects as function of call completion success as opposed to discrete events that happen at individual network elements during the call. In one embodiment, the invention uses Call Detail Records (CDR) to analyze the end-to-end completion status to measure per call basis defects instead of using defect codes generated by network elements on a per equipment basis. CDR is data associated with a telephone call, including the calling and the called numbers, the date and timestamp, the duration, the call setup delay, and the final handling code of the telephone call.

Abstract: The present technology is directed to systems and methods for integrating route and rank information into call detail records. The system receives information relating to a communication that is established between a first communication device and a second communication device. The information includes routing information for the established communication that includes at least a route identifier and a rank identifier. The system records the received route identifier and the rank identifier in a call detail record that is generated for the established communication. The route and rank information may be analyzed to for various purposes including troubleshooting and quality improvement.

Abstract: A network assurance analytics (NAA) system and method is disclosed. The NAA can be part of a risk analytic for telecom (RAFT) program. The NAA system is configured to monitor telecommunications networks, detect errors or fraud in those telecommunications networks, and provide solutions to resolve the errors or reduce the fraud. Traffic of a telecommunications network is electronically monitored for at least one pattern that is indicative of a telecommunications anomaly. Based on a set of a set of telecommunications profiles stored in a database, a model score representing a value of the telecommunications anomaly is generated. A solution for the telecommunications network to reduce the model score associated with the telecommunications anomaly is then generated for execution on the telecommunications network.

Abstract: Event data messages can be provided by an interactive voice response (IVR) system to a complex events processor (CEP). The event data messages can include a Stream_ID and a series of textual elements. The Stream_ID can uniquely identify a call session between a caller and the IVR system. The series of textual elements can represent speech input provided by the caller. The CEP can create a text string from the series of textual elements of event data messages having the same Stream_ID. The text string can inherit the Stream_ID of the event data messages. The CEP can utilize user-defined business rules to process the text string. When the CEP issues an action message, the Stream_ID of the text string can be appended to the action message sent to the IVR system. The IVR system can modify the call session associated with the Stream_ID of the action message accordingly.

Abstract: A call parker monitors calls between callers and a call center to determine the number of active calls to the call center. A maximum call center capacity is identified and compared to the number of active calls to determine if the maximum call center capacity is being met. If the maximum call center capacity has been met, new calls are intercepted and placed on hold until the maximum call center capacity is no longer being met (i.e., an agent completes a call). Once the maximum call center capacity is no longer being met, the new call(s) are transferred to the call center.

Abstract: A method and system for providing reliable path for Direct Inward Dial (DID) calls on networks, e.g., Time Division Multiplexed (TDM) networks, the packet networks Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and Service over Internet Protocol (SoIP) networks are disclosed. In one embodiment, the present method enables the customers to request for a reliable path for Direct Inward Dial (DID) calls. For example, the present method enables a service provider to connect a customer's switch, e.g., a PBX, to two or more switches (or softswitches) via two separate DID trunk groups. The method also enables the service provider to create a DID trunk group between the two or more switches (or softswitches) connected to the customer's switch. With this architecture, the service provider is able to continue to forward DID calls towards the customer's switch even if one of the two separate DID trunk groups has failed.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a high reliability network. Context servers store information about calls in a telecommunications system. Network control elements can obtain call information from the context servers to help make call control and reporting decisions.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and computer program products are disclosed that teach methods for establishing context of a subsequent electronic real-time communication. One method detects a connection attempt that is initiated by an instigator-identifiable for a subsequent electronic real-time communication that is directed to a target-identifiable. The instigator-identifiable is associated with a first identification characteristic and the target-identifiable is associated with a second identification characteristic. This method subsequently retrieves a reminder reference that is responsive to the first identification characteristic and the second identification characteristic and presents the reminder reference to the target-identifiable. The method also establishes the subsequent electronic real-time communication between the instigator-identifiable and the target-identifiable.

Abstract: A network assurance analytics (NAA) system and method is disclosed. The NAA can be part of a risk analytic for telecom (RAFT) program. The NAA system is configured to monitor telecommunications networks, detect errors or fraud in those telecommunications networks, and provide solutions to resolve the errors or reduce the fraud. Traffic of a telecommunications network is electronically monitored for at least one pattern that is indicative of a telecommunications anomaly. Based on a set of a set of telecommunications profiles stored in a database, a model score representing a value of the telecommunications anomaly is generated. A solution for the telecommunications network to reduce the model score associated with the telecommunications anomaly is then generated for execution on the telecommunications network.

Abstract: The present invention enables a method for following the state of a call and generating defects as function of call completion success as opposed to discrete events that happen at individual network elements during the call. In one embodiment, the invention uses Call Detail Records (CDR) to analyze the end-to-end completion status to measure per call basis defects instead of using defect codes generated by network elements on a per equipment basis. CDR is data associated with a telephone call, including the calling and the called numbers, the date and timestamp, the duration, the call setup delay, and the final handling code of the telephone call.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method to block an outgoing request associated with an outgoing telephone number is described. A device is monitored for an outgoing request associated with an outgoing telephone number. The outgoing request is intercepted. The outgoing telephone number associated with the outgoing request is extracted. Upon determining that the extracted outgoing telephone number matches a telephone number stored in a database, the outgoing request is blocked.

Abstract: Telecommunication system servicing a plurality of telecommunication interface lines that allows improving a service quality by keeping connection on these lines in the case of computer freezing and during to its restart (reboot).

Abstract: A method and system for enabling a network service provider to monitor a packet network by using call detail records (CDRs) are disclosed. The method first detects a termination of a call by at least one voice gateway router and generates a call detail record (CDR) at said termination of said call by said at least one voice gateway router. The method then forwards said call detail record by said at least one voice gateway router to at least one CDR collecting and analysis server.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for gender identification of a cell-phone subscriber. There are two main steps: constructing a general model of female and male calling behaviour from a set of variables obtained for each subscriber; and classifying an individual calling behaviour of a subscriber comparing it with the general model. The method includes the step of constructing the general model comprises obtaining a set of data, that may be obtained from calling detail records, that are saved at a database every time a subscriber makes or receives a phone call; computing a set of variables using a set of instances from subscribers who their gender is already known; and applying an algorithm which generates groups labelled as male or female behaviour. Finally, in the step of classifying, the gender of the subscriber is identified by assigning to the subscriber the label of the closest group.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus and a method for controlling an amount of concurrent calls. The apparatus for controlling the amount of concurrent calls comprises a background processing module, a cooperation module and a core module, wherein the background processing module is arranged to provide an information configuration interface, configure a threshold for each of amounts of concurrent calls classified according to call characteristics, and send the threshold to the core module; the cooperation module is arranged to provide a variable for each of amounts of concurrent calls classified according to call characteristics and send the variable to the core module; and the core module is arranged to receive the threshold and the variable and control the cooperation module to release a current call when determining the variable is no less than the threshold.

Abstract: A system and method for dynamically partitioning context servers in a network in response to changes in network conditions. Context servers store information about calls in a telecommunications system. Network control elements can obtain call information from one or more partitions of the context servers to help make call control and reporting decisions.

Abstract: The present invention enables a method for following the state of a call and generating defects as function of call completion success as opposed to discrete events that happen at individual network elements during the call. In one embodiment, the invention uses Call Detail Records (CDR) to analyze the end-to-end completion status to measure per call basis defects instead of using defect codes generated by network elements on a per equipment basis. CDR is data associated with a telephone call, including the calling and the called numbers, the date and timestamp, the duration, the call setup delay, and the final handling code of the telephone call.

Abstract: A call parker monitors calls between callers and a call center to determine the number of active calls to the call center. A maximum call center capacity is identified and compared to the number of active calls to determine if the maximum call center capacity is being met. If the maximum call center capacity has been met, new calls are intercepted and placed on hold until the maximum call center capacity is no longer being met (i.e., an agent completes a call). Once the maximum call center capacity is no longer being met, the new call(s) are transferred to the call center.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide systems and methods for processing and displaying call state and application usage information in a contact center environment. In a particular embodiment, a method provides receiving application usage information and call state information and processing the application usage information and the call state information to determine an amount of time spent using each application of a plurality of applications by each agent of a plurality of agents during each call state of a plurality of call states. The method further provides generating a representation of the amount of time spent using at least one of the plurality of applications by at least one of the plurality of agents during at least one of the plurality of call states.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods, systems, and computer-readable media for achieving a higher call completion rate in a system experiencing a mass calling event. The present invention has several practical applications in the technical arts including optimizing use of network resources during a mass calling event. In various embodiments, a network's resources are efficiently utilized by way of sampling a network element's control processing unit utilization. Additionally, the various embodiments respond by selecting to negatively acknowledging callers in a mass calling event state in order to prevent system components from becoming overloaded. Overloaded network system components lead to such issues as dropped signaling packets, and higher percentages of call failures. Embodiments of the invention are directed to achieving optimal call completion in the case of a mass calling event.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the event-driven analysis of media contents derived from customer interactions is disclosed. Content analysis is executed exclusively on those segments of the interaction media that are relevant in a given context. The steps of the analysis are carried out either in a static or dynamic manner where less demanding on resources analysis type is performed prior to more demanding analysis type.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a high reliability network. Context servers store information about calls in a telecommunications system. Network control elements can obtain call information from the context servers to help make call control and reporting decisions.

Abstract: A network assurance analytics (NAA) system and method is disclosed. The NAA can be part of a risk analytic for telecom (RAFT) program. The NAA system is configured to monitor telecommunications networks, detect errors or fraud in those telecommunications networks, and provide solutions to resolve the errors or reduce the fraud. Traffic of a telecommunications network is electronically monitored for at least one pattern that is indicative of a telecommunications anomaly. Based on a set of a set of telecommunications profiles stored in a database, a model score representing a value of the telecommunications anomaly is generated. A solution for the telecommunications network to reduce the model score associated with the telecommunications anomaly is then generated for execution on the telecommunications network.

Abstract: A system and method for call logging and retrieval includes receiving a call log of a first call made by a user. The call log of the first call may include, for example, the start and end time of the call, and/or the like. The context for the call is provided by the user. A call record is stored for each call of a number of calls made to and from the user. The record for the first call includes the call log of the first call and the context for the first call.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products collect and deliver call data associated with court ordered trap and/or traces. A method involves receiving a request to monitor calls to and/or from a target telephone number where the request includes request parameters such as the target telephone number. The method further involves storing the request where the target telephone number is stored in association with a court order and utilizing the request to identify and retrieve call records matching the request parameters. Utilizing the request to identify and retrieve call records matching the request parameters may involve creating a text file including the request parameters, reading the request parameters from the text file, monitoring call records for call records matching the request parameters, and storing call records that match the request parameters. The call records that match are stored in association with the court order and the target telephone number.

Abstract: A methodology for optimizing the cost associated with access charges incurred by network service providers when leasing communications facilities from a local service provider has been developed that incorporates physical reconfiguration of the access network topology as a cost-saving measure, where and when appropriate. The methodology identifies opportunities to reduce access charges by performing the following functions: (1) moving T1 facilities from one hub location to another; (2) moving T1 facilities from one T3 facility to another (at the same hub location) in order to disconnect unneeded T3 facilities; and (3) adding new T3 facilities in order to reduce overall access expenses and/or to provide new capacity for future growth, including adding potential new hub locations. The methodology is appropriate for use with various types of network facilities, T1 and T3 being considered as exemplary only.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing useful packet data to a CALEA/Legal Intercept collection function. At an access point to a network such as the Internet, sources and destinations of data connections are examined to determine whether any of the bearer messages should also be routed to a CALEA/Legal Intercept monitoring system. If this condition is recognized, the bearer messages and corresponding signaling control messages are correlated in a call packet delivery application server and then delivered to a CALEA/Legal Intercept monitoring system. Advantageously, the monitoring receives as a bundled message set the bearer message and the control messages used to route and otherwise process these bearer messages.

Abstract: The invention relates to the generation of configuration data for use in the migration of telephone switching systems. Configuration data for use in the migration of subscribers from a first telephone switching system over to a second telephone switching system in a telecommunications network is generated by monitoring signaling information on telephone channels associated with subscribers for telephone calls conducted via the first telephone switching system. The monitored signaling information is then analyzed in relation to call data produced by the first telephone switching system for the calls to identify relationships between the monitored signaling information and call data for calls conducted by subscribers. Configuration data based on the identified relationships is then stored and used to configure the second telephone switching system with mappings between the associated telephone channels and the telephone dialing numbers for subscribers.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a base station 10, a mobile station 11 and a radio network controller 50 which can reduce the load on the radio network controller 50 during multicast communication. The base station 10 supporting multicast communication comprises a response signal relay 10b configured to transfer response signals transmitted from a plurality of mobile stations 11, 12, 21, 41, 42 to a radio network controller 50. The response signals respond to a control signal for a multicast group. The response signal relay 10b transfers only a predetermined number of response signals to the radio network controller 50. Any following response signals are retained.

Abstract: A methodology for optimizing the access charges paid by a long distance carrier involves the use of a “sizing” operation to determine the optimal balance between direct trunks and access tandems (on a per LATA basis) so as to provide minimal access charges. Once the sizing has been completed, a mixed integer program is used to find the optimal MUX assignments for each LATA. The sizing operation is then re-visited, based on the MUX assignments, to determine if adjustments are required to reduce costs. Any changes in the sizing are then reviewed in the MUX assignment mixed integer program. The end result is a definition of the quantity of direct trunks, access tandem trunks and overflow minutes-of-use charges for each end office, as well as the number of high capacity facilities required for each MUX.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for surveillance of voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) communications is provided. A server (112) associated with a network provider receives information to identify communications associated with a party under surveillance (200). The server uses the information to direct communications associated with the party under surveillance to a surveillance server (130) (202). The communications are analyzed to identify any initial VoIP data (204). If initial VoIP data is detected, identifiers for subsequent related VoIP communications are determined from the initial VoIP data (206). The identifiers for subsequent VoIP communications are used to identify subsequent VoIP packets. Those subsequent VoIP packets are then stored and analyzed as needed by an agency conducting surveillance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method enabling telephony service subscribers to access and use call-related information associated with telephony services. In one aspect, the present invention allows telephony service subscribers to access call-related information stored by telephony network nodes through use of service subscriber terminals connected to a telephony service provider server. In another aspect, both the subscriber terminals and the service provider server are connected to, and communicate through, a public data network. The service provider server is also disposed to communicate with various nodes of a telephony network using various telephony signaling protocols. In another aspect, the present invention receives requests to activate or deactivate telephony services from subscriber terminals and converts the requests into a format compatible with the telephony network nodes.

Abstract: Systems and methods for collecting, correlating, and storing telecom data as call detail records (CDRs) are described. A computer system collects real-time call data from a plurality of sources and stores the data in different memory locations. A real-time buffer is used to correlate the data into a CDR. A separate process collects reference data from one or more third-party sources to supplement each CDR and stores this data in different memory locations. A reference data buffer is then used to correlate the reference data into existing CDRs. A data manager layer then inserts each enhanced CDR into a plurality of distributed database systems. CDRs may be separated among multiple database systems, may be inserted into more than one database depending on application use, and may be partitioned to optimize access and retrieval.

Abstract: Systems and methods for centralized presence management of local and remote users are provided. In exemplary embodiments, presence management information for the local and remote users are determined. Permissions established for at least one presence management user are reviewed to determine an amount of access to the presence management information to provide to the presence management user. The presence management information is then provided to the presence management user based on the permissions.

Abstract: A method of monitoring, and a system to perform the method of monitoring, a mobile network, the method including generating detail records of information transactions in the mobile network; correlating dissimilar detail records from different ones of the monitoring points according to one or more common attributes of the dissimilar detail records, and aggregating at least a portion of the correlated detail records into a single group; and presenting the aggregated detail records in a high level presentation in a graphical user interface.

Abstract: The present invention uses a software program to analyze all of the SS7 message traffic in a telephone network. By comparing point codes in the message data, the present invention can detect invalid and undesirable network inefficiencies in different types of telephone networks, including for example, wireline, wireless, or hybrid networks.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for enabling additional capacity or features on telecommunication nodes without requiring replacement of hardware. Service providers purchase hardware which is fully capable of providing a full suite of features and providing a large bandwidth capacity. However, depending on the amount of payment by the service provider, not all of the features or the bandwidth capacity is enabled. If the service provider wishes to increase the number of features or the capacity of a node, the additional features or capacity are enabled using software after payment to the vendor. This allows service providers to enter the market at an initially relatively low expense. Additional features and capacity can be purchased and enabled using software as demand grows, without having to purchase replacement hardware.

Abstract: In a radio communication system that includes multiple service areas, each service area is associated with a predetermined number or amount of radio communication resources. Each radio communication resource can be used for a prescribed period of time corresponding to one or more time units. An operator or other entity identifies a set of service areas to be tested at an increased effective load. A desired test level (e.g., increased traffic load) is determined, and a corresponding number of radio resource time units is determined to achieve the desired test level conditions. Use of radio communication resources in the determined one or more time units is blocked for a test period. Performance by each service area during the test period is determined.

Abstract: Specialized telecom network users who burden the network, such as high-volume users of Internet services, are identified by analysis of network traffic data to identify addresses (e.g. telephone numbers) for callers to destinations associated with the particular call-in service. Destination telephone numbers may be identified from a list of known service providers or from a network traffic study, which identifies destination numbers receiving unique patterns of incoming traffic. Analysis of the records of calls to the destination numbers then identifies numbers for callers who made more than some minimum number of calls during the study or who accumulate more than some threshold amount of total connect time on such calls. The preferred embodiments utilize automated systems to compile and analyze call records from standard messages of a telephone network, such as interoffice signaling messages or automated accounting messages. Data from the records can be translated to identify the calling subscribers, e.g.

Abstract: Methods and systems for defining and distributing network data collection rule sets and for filtering messages using the rule sets are disclosed. Message-based filter criteria are automatically deduced from CDR-based filter criteria and downloaded to site collectors. The site collectors implement rule changes on-the-fly using a table-driven system. The message-based rule sets downloaded to the site collectors are supersets of the messages required by multiple different network monitoring applications. As a result, non-redundant, multi-application data streams are sent across the service provider's internal network, resulting in efficient bandwidth utilization.

Abstract: An anti-telemarketing program uses the calling party identification of an incoming call to determine if the call is a telemarketing call by accessing a telemarketing database. The incoming call can be identified as a telemarketing call by direct correlation with a known telemarketing number or by indirect correlation by not being included within a list of known non-telemarketing numbers. If an incoming call is identified as a telemarketing call, and no override condition is set, the call will not be allowed to ring through to the desired phone line; instead, it will be terminated by a call progress tone or by a notification that the desired phone line does not accept calls from telemarketers. If an incoming call is not identified as a telemarketing call, it will be completed, and if it is from a telemarketer, the party receiving the call can designate the calling party identification from the call as belonging to a telemarketer.

Abstract: Access by a subscriber (12) to a fee-based service is managed so that the subscriber, when qualified, receives the service. If the subscriber is found unqualified, then the subscriber is prompted to enter qualifying information, either in the form of the identity of a purchased product, or a bank credit card number. Once the subscriber is qualified, then the subscriber receives the service in the same manner as if he or she were initially found qualified.