Abstract: Methods for adding minutes to a calling plan having a calling plan period. The methods including determining whether a threshold number of minutes have been reached during the calling plan period; and incrementally adding minutes to the calling plan when the threshold number of minutes has been reached. The cost per minute of the added minutes is less than the high-cost per minute rate normally associated with exceeding the threshold number of minutes during the calling plan period.

Abstract: To provide an authentication system allowing stable determination as to whether a user is a registered user while saving user's trouble, an information processing device capable of data communication with a plurality of image forming apparatuses extracts an image forming apparatus connected to an IC card reader from the plurality of image forming apparatuses, based on reply signals transmitted from the plurality of image forming apparatuses, and transmits user account information of registered users to the extracted image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus connectable to the IC card reader performs, if it is determined that the IC card reader is connected to the image forming apparatus, the authentication process based on the user account information of registered users received from the information processing device and on the information read by the IC card reader.

Abstract: Personal information is registered for each user by a personal information management unit, linking a subscribed terminal equipment number, terminal subscriber identification information and user charging identification information to biological information of a user possessing a mobile communication terminal equipment. When an authentication request receiving unit receives an authentication request containing user biological information and terminal subscriber identification information from the terminal equipment, a biological information authentication unit retrieves personal information having biological information matching the received biological information and changes terminal subscriber identification information in the personal information found into the received terminal subscriber identification information.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems, methods and computer-readable media for providing a pass to access multimedia services in a limited geographical area serviced by a fiber-fed, star-topology network (FFSTN). The method comprises receiving pre-registration information from a user to authorize one or more computing devices to obtain access to the fiber-fed, star-topology network covering a limited geographical area for a limited time, presenting the user with a plurality of customizable services each associated with capabilities of the respective one or more computing devices to access the FFSTN, and upon authorization, granting access to requested customized services for each of the one or more computing devices. Mechanisms are provided for handing off one or more devices as they travel from a first FFSTN to a second FFSTN.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the short message VAS field and discloses a method and a system for charging for short message VAS, and a data center for SMS. The method includes: obtaining a short message that carries VAS subscription information; resolving the VAS to be triggered according to the short message that carries the VAS subscription information, and generating a charging message; and sending the charging message to an intelligent network for charging. The system includes: an SMSC, a data center for SMS, and an intelligent network. The data center for SMS includes: a short message receiving module, a charging message generating module, and a charging message sending module. Through the technical solution under the present invention, the PPS user is refunded for the services triggered unsuccessfully, and the service process is simplified.

Abstract: A system for remote control of equipment such as office equipment is provided. The system involving a telephone interface and a control system. A method is provided for remote equipment control having steps of installing and configuring equipment. A method is provided controlling equipment remotely having steps relating to using elements of a control system.

Abstract: In one aspect, the teachings herein provide a method and apparatus for identifying the new network affiliation of a churned subscriber that has moved from an old network operator to a new network operator. Knowing the new network affiliation of a former subscriber provides a number of significant advantages to the old network operator. By way of non-limiting example, the old network operator can undertake new or adjusted advertising targeted at retaining remaining subscribers of like demographics. Additionally or alternatively, the old network operator can review pricing and service plans from the new network operator that are comparable to that used by the former subscriber, and make competitive pricing or service adjustments.

Abstract: A wireless handset, system and method is described that enables a wireless handset having access to an international long distance service to provide another wireless handset with temporary or limited international long distance service. The wireless handset comprises a transceiver, a user interface, a service request, and a first service acknowledgement. The transceiver communicates with a wireless network managed by a wireless network service provider that controls the first service. The wireless network communicates with the wireless handset and a separate wireless handset that does not have access to the first service. The user interface enables the separate wireless handset to have temporary access to the first service. The service request communicated from the wireless handset requests the separate wireless handset have temporary access to the first service. The first service acknowledgement acknowledges the separate wireless handset has temporary access to the first service.

Abstract: The invention of present provides for a real-time authentication and billing gateway for WLAN traffic. Notably, the improved method for implementing a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) gateway system enables telecommunications network operators (and like entities) to rate and bill for services accessed by the wireless user. The logic of the invention supports and furthers the art in regards to advanced real-time rating/billing in addition to providing for a variety of replenishment mechanisms for casual users via pre-paid vouchers and credit cards.

Abstract: A communication system comprises network elements (103, 105, 107, 109) and user equipments (101), at least some of which comprise a charging proxy (205). The system further comprises a charging server (111) which includes a topic controller (305) for initializing charging topics where each charging topic is associable with charging data. The charging server (111) furthermore comprises functionality for registering proxies as subscribing proxies or publishing proxies (or both) for the different charging topics. A receiver (301, 311) receives charging data messages from charging proxies and validates a first set of charging data belonging to a first charging topic in response to a first set of charging proxies registered as publishing proxies for the first charging topic. A charging data transmitter (313) transmits the first set of charging data to a second set of charging proxies registered as subscribing proxies for the first charging topic.

Abstract: A method and system automatically activates a mobile station in a wireless communications network. The system includes an over the air activation function (OTAF) processor in the network that initiates an activation process in response to receiving a registration message from a mobile switching center serving the mobile station requesting the activation. Each mobile station has a unit of information stored into it at the time of its manufacture to enable it to request over the air activation. That unit of information is either the network routing address of the OTAF processor, or alternately, it is a value that is translatable into that address, either an OTAF ID number that is the same value for every mobile station or it is a sequentially serialized dummy value for the mobile identification number (a dummy MIN). When the mobile station is turned on for the first time in the network, it requests activation over the air by transmitting to the local mobile switching center a registration order.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a private cellular system provides private cellular service and public cellular service using licensed frequency spectrum associated with a public land mobile network (PLMN). The system is configured to have a predetermined phone number that a subscriber who is using the public cellular service via the private cellular system and who is not registered to use the private cellular service provided by the system can call in order to register to use the private cellular service provided by the system and, in response thereto, the system captures a subscriber identity number associated with the subscriber and assigns a private telephone number to the subscriber that is used in connection with providing private cellular service. Another embodiment is directed to a method of enabling a prepaid hybrid subscriber to make a call using a private cellular system while outside of a coverage area associated with the private cellular system.

Abstract: A system for determining a Home Zone service availability within a cell in a cellular communications network, wherein users of said cell comprise Home Zone users for whom services are provided at special Home Zone subscription rates when the user is in the cell, and non-Home Zone users. The system comprises measuring means for measuring total usage within the cell, and determining means for determining from said measurements and one or more Home Zone user usage profiles whether a further Home Zone user can be added to the cell.

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: System(s), device(s), and method(s) are provided to supply a device that accesses and utilizes resources in a wireless network under a lease agreement. A system generates service unit bank(s) that enable service utilization and provides a customized operational profile that enables custom configuration of service in the device. The device can receive lessee-specific operational profile(s) and lease agreement term(s), and can regulate a lease agreement. If the lease agreement expires, the device can lock at least a portion of the functionality of the device and provide an environment to renew the lease agreement. If the device is not returned, the system pursues various asset protection mechanism(s), such as assessment of recovery fees and tracking location of the device. Returned device is commissioned for a new lease. Synchronization of lessee-specific operational profiles amongst device and the system, or network external thereto, can be accomplished through a femtocell network or a macrocell network.

Abstract: This is a cell phone system that provides for use of a single phone for both business and personal calls. This system permits the user to extract personal calls from the system, thereby preserving the confidential nature of some of these personal calls without the business having to review them to determine allocation of costs to user and business.

Abstract: In a communication system (100), a method and apparatus provide for efficient control of call requests from mobile stations (102-104) to base station (101). Mobile station (102-104) receives an initial call request block probability from base station (101), determines an elapsed time from an effective time of the initial call request block probability, and adjusts the initial call request block probability based on an elapsed time. Mobile station (102-104) uses the adjusted initial call request to block call request.

Abstract: A system is provided for managing communication network capacity. The system includes a processor, a data store, an analysis component, and a message component. The data store stores information associated with communication metrics for customers. The analysis component, when executed by the processor, determines a mean and a standard deviation for the communication metrics based on the stored information. The analysis component also determines whether the stored information associated with communication metrics for one of the customers is a predefined number of the standard deviation from the mean for more than a predefined number of days. The message component, when executed by the processor, sends a message to the one of the customers in response to a determination that stored information associated with the communication metrics for the one of the customers is the predefined number of the standard deviation from the mean for more than the predefined number of days.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method, in a billing system, of supplying information to a communication device, comprising, in response to receiving a request, over a first network, to authorize a communication with the communication device: obtaining information relevant to the communication; and providing the obtained information to the communication device via a second network.

Abstract: A method and system for streamlining the calculation of a rate for a prepaid wireless call is provided. A mobile subscriber can be billed at one rate when she is within her home network and at a different rate when she is roaming in another network or can be billed at a special rate if she is within a location subject to the special rate. A time period for charging a call is allocated by the Service Control Point (SCP) and reported to the Mobile Switching Center (MSC) in the case of an outgoing call or a Gateway Mobile Switching Center (GMSC) in the case of an incoming call. A message from the MSC or GMSC to the SCP reporting an expiration of the first time period can contain information regarding a location of the prepaid subscriber. Thus, the next time period allocated by the SCP for the call can be billed at a rate that reflects the mobile subscriber's location at that time as reported by the MSC or GMSC.

Abstract: This invention relates to a feature for controlling resellers of telecommunications services. A service provider may freeze the accounts, and therefore service, for all customers of a reseller if that reseller is behind on payments to the service provider. In one preferred embodiment, all customers of a reseller are identified with a reseller identification field in the customer's data stored by the service provider. When the service provider issues a freeze order, the account records for all customers of the reseller, identified by the reseller identification stored for each customer, are set into a frozen state wherein these customers cannot initiate or receive calls; after the frozen state is removed, the various promotions allotted to each customer are reinstated. Advantageously, the threat of freezing service to the customers of the reseller is a potent weapon to force the reseller to pay the service provider.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system and method for managing service for carrier subscribers and migrating them to service bundles. In an embodiment, the method comprises obtaining a list of existing services to which a subscriber is subscribed; comparing the list of services to available service bundles; determining if there is an exact match of services between the list of existing services and services included in one or more available service bundles, and if so, migrating the subscriber to the one or more available service bundles with the exact match. The method may further comprise identifying a main service in the list of existing services and determining if there is a partial match of services between the main service and a service included in one or more available service bundles, and if so, migrating the subscriber to the one or more available service bundles with the partial match. A subscriber may be manually migrated if migration is not possible with an exact match or partial match.

Abstract: The RFID system of the present invention provides activation of a subscription based device wirelessly using a RFID system. The system for activating of a user for a subscription service comprises a first secure RFID sensor associated with a subscription-based device and a second secure RFID sensor associated with a user device. The first and second secure RFID sensors communicate with one another to establish activation of the user device. For example, the first sensor can receive an authentication value associated with the subscription service from the second RFID sensor. After activation, the subscription-based device can broadcast the subscription service to the user device. Alternatively, the user device can also have a capability to verify its separate or related subscription such as WiFi, WiMAX, GSM, CDMA or other wireless-based connectivity service.

Abstract: A system and method by which a mobile wireless device dynamically decides the other end host to initiate a session to automatically conduct a performance test. Results of the performance test are then transferred to a monitoring server under appropriate conditions. A method for conducting a performance test on a wireless device comprises receiving information indicating how and when a performance test is to be conducted by the wireless device, determining whether the conditions for the performance test to be started are met, conducting the specified performance test, and storing results of the performance test.

Abstract: A system and method for authorizing the activation of a communication device is provided. A request to activate a communication device is received by a communication service provider. The communication service provider or a central processor determines whether the communication device was validly sold in a purchase transaction. Alternately, the communication service provider can outsource the determining step to a central processor. The communication service provider or central processor determines whether to activate the communication device based on the determining action.

Abstract: A method of personalizing a call set-up of a mobile radio terminal includes acquiring contact information associated with a callable device. The contact information includes call set-up audio data corresponding to audio content selected by a user of the device. The contact information is stored as an entry in a database maintained by the mobile radio terminal. The audio content corresponding to the call set-up audio data is played back when the entry is selected.

Abstract: The presence and location (among other things) of wireless devices is tracked in order to enable the use of special services, such as wireless instant messaging. Both conventional and WAP-enabled wireless devices may be so tracked.

Abstract: A network element includes at least one input to receive communications from a plurality of terminal devices and a plurality of network elements, a processing unit and logic to classify the communications as a type of user information, and a router to route the communications according to the type of user information. The communication may be routed to at least one of a plurality of subnetworks according to the type of user information.

Abstract: A mobile terminal for use in a Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) system. A mobile equipment (ME) for use in the GSM system includes a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card and a Mobile Terminal (MT). The SIM card stores International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) information used for subscriber authentication and private information. The MT stores the IMSI and private information of a user, and contains a controller, which reads IMSI information from the SIM card when the SIM card is inserted into the MT, and denies access to the stored private information when the read IMSI information of the inserted SIM card is different from the stored IMSI information.

Abstract: System(s), device(s), and method(s) are provided to supply a device that accesses and utilizes resources in a wireless network under a lease agreement. A system generates service unit bank(s) that enable service utilization and provides a customized operational profile that enables custom configuration of service in the device. The device can receive lessee-specific operational profile(s) and lease agreement term(s), and can regulate a lease agreement. If the lease agreement expires, the device can lock at least a portion of the functionality of the device and provide an environment to renew the lease agreement. If the device is not returned, the system pursues various asset protection mechanism(s), such as assessment of recovery fees and tracking location of the device. Returned device is commissioned for a new lease. Synchronization of lessee-specific operational profiles amongst device and the system, or network external thereto, can be accomplished through a femtocell network or a macrocell network.

Abstract: After market vending of feature-provisioning software to qualified third party mobile wireless communication devices is facilitated by providing a joint software vending machine website capable of authenticating the device and wireless service provider and downloading and activating only software appropriate to that particular user device and wireless network service provider. The exemplary system provides device/user qualification and/or authentication as well as device provisioning for mobile wireless communication devices that may be manufactured by different vendors for different purposes and serviced by different wireless network service providers via a wireless infrastructure which includes a communication data relay service provider.

Abstract: Calls to or from a prepaid subscriber of a wireless communication network are identified as being associated with prepaid services, and a prepaid identifier is associated with the call. The prepaid identifier and other call information such as call origin or destination is routed to a prepaid services management system in another network that determines if the call is to be authorized based on, for example, a prepaid subscriber account balance stored at the prepaid services management system. The prepaid identifier can be combined with a number associated with the call origin or destination, and the combination delivered to the prepaid services management system.

Abstract: A method is provided for providing paying services in a radio communication network which operates, in particular, according to the GSM Standard “Global System Mobile” or the UMTS Standard “Universal Mobile Telecommunications System”,” via at least one radio communication terminal having a device for user identification, especially a “Subscriber Identity Module” or a “UMTS Subscriber Identity Module” (U)SIM, and at least one device for providing the services. According to the present invention, when a request for a service is made by the radio communication terminal to the device for providing the services, at least one message generated by the user identification device is transmitted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an accounting method and an accounting apparatus in a mobile communication system. The amount of radio resources and traffic used by a mobile terminal of each subscriber accessing a base station can be measured and analyzed without changing a structure of the mobile communication system. In addition, since a provider who does not own an IP network and thus uses a leased network of an existing provider can measure and analyze the amount of traffic used by a mobile terminal in the leased network regardless of an IP network of the existing provider, a more precise accounting reference can be provided to the corresponding provider.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for charging for services in an IP based communication system, comprising: establishing an accounting session between a network element and a charging function for the session; and initiating a change in the accounting session at the charging function.

Abstract: A device communicates with a telecom system to establish a call or data session. The communication includes an identifier used by the telecom system to obtain account information and/or preauthorization from a fund guardian. The fund guardian maintains account information about the device and/or subscriber associated with the identifier. A fund guardian authorizes a call access cost or data session access cost. The telecom system facilitates the call or data session between the device and a destination address until the authorized access costs are expired. A reauthorization can occur prior to expiration. An access rate negotiation may also include a bandwidth negotiation.

Abstract: In a wireless network comprising at least a first and a second wireless communication devices, a method is provided for determining at least one characteristic for communication between a base station and a subscriber terminal, based on information derived by affecting an exponential effective signal to interference ratio mapping (EESM) upon one or more signals transmitted by the base station and received by the subscriber terminal.

Abstract: A display device for use with a computer adapted for operation in an unrestricted use mode and a limited function mode and a method for enforcing a limited function mode display is disclosed. The display device enters a limited function mode when a condition of non-compliance with an operating policy is discovered by the computer. Additionally, the display device may also enter a limited function mode upon powering up or when connections to the computer and/or selected components of the display are disabled or disconnected. When in the limited function mode, the display may support a limited function interface for use in correcting the condition of non-compliance.

Abstract: A method for managing user nametags for a vehicle communications system includes receiving a nametag transfer request at a call center from a source, determining a target vehicle based on the request, generating a nametag data file including a text data file, a phoneme set, and an audio data file for each nametag, and transmitting the nametag data file to the target vehicle.

Abstract: A transmission rate control method for controlling a transmission rate of a channel to which the transmission rate control method is applied, include: notifying, at a radio network controller, at a timing of a call setup or the like, a primary allowable transmission rate of the channel to which the transmission rate control method is applied; starting, at a mobile station, after the call setup, transmission at a transmission rate below the primary allowable transmission rate, when data to be transmitted is generated; and controlling, at the mobile station, the transmission rate of the channel to which the transmission rate control method is applied, based on an Absolute Grant Channel transmitted from a radio base station.

Abstract: A technique for managing credit for subscribers of mobile communications services involves using a mobile credit intermediary to manage the credit in a way that makes the credit more fungible than traditional prepaid mobile subscription plans. In an embodiment, the mobile credit intermediary maintains a credit pool that reflects pooled credit of a group of multiple different mobile subscribers and then incrementally purchases, using the credit pool, prepaid mobile minutes in quantities that reflect anticipated consumption of mobile communications services by the group. The incremental purchases are made in increments that are smaller than the balance of the credit pool such that credit remains in individual credit accounts of the mobile subscribers. The credit that remains in the individual credit accounts can be used as a currency for other transactions, for example, for the purchase of goods and services from entities other than the mobile network operator.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a messaging system for managing communications resources and are particularly suitable for providing a means for subscribers of a telecommunications network to continue participating in a communications service that would otherwise be ended due to the calling party having a low or zero balance. Embodiments of the invention are generally applicable to users of a mobile network. Embodiments of the invention provide a messaging system for use by the telecommunications network to transmit a message to a remote party, where the remote party is identified by means of a telephone calling identifier associated with a call setup request for a telecommunications session received from a user of the telecommunications network. The messaging system comprises a storage system for storing data providing a predetermined definition of message content to be sent to the remote party.

Abstract: The invention increases billing options for a wireless service provider by allowing the provider to make billing decisions based upon what a client or mobile station application does both on and off the network. This type of billing, based on context, generates a billing record of events whether or not a particular client accesses the wireless network or not. The invention also provides transmission quality data allowing the wireless network provider to improve user experience in a wireless network. The invention captures the context, including content, quantity, and/or quality of data processed by a mobile station using a client-based application rather than a network-based application. The client-based application causes the mobile station to transmit a billing record corresponding to the captured context to a user monitoring server. The user monitoring server processes the billing record for determining billing and for generating engineering reports.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a messaging system for managing communications resources and are particularly suitable for providing a means for subscribers of a telecommunications network to continue participating in a communications service that would otherwise be ended due to the calling party having a low or zero balance. Embodiments of the invention are generally applicable to users of a mobile network. Embodiments of the invention provide a messaging system for use by the telecommunications network to transmit a message to a remote party, where the remote party is identified by means of a telephone calling identifier associated with a call setup request for a telecommunications session received from a user of the telecommunications network. The messaging system comprises a storage system for storing data providing a predetermined definition of message content to be sent to the remote party.

Abstract: A method for managing user nametags for a vehicle communications system, the method including receiving a nametag transfer request at a call center from a source, determining a target vehicle associated with the source based on the request and modifying a source nametag data file based on an acoustic profile of the target vehicle, wherein the source nametag data file is one of an audio file and a text file.

Abstract: A monetary account, such as a prepaid account or credit account, that is used as payment for purchases is divided into categories of purchased items. When a purchase is attempted, a request to apply the monetary account specifies the category of the item being purchased. Rules associated with each of the categories of the account are applied in response to the request to determine whether to approve or deny the purchase. Rules may vary from one category to the next. As one example, a rule may include a remaining monetary value of the category where a determination is made whether the cost of the item being purchased is no more than the remaining monetary value. As another example, a rule may include whether a time of the purchase matches an allowable time for the category of the item being purchased. Other examples include rules that allow for borrowing from one category for purchases from another, for specific allocations, and for event triggers to generate alarms.

Abstract: Automated rental system comprising: —an object for rent which is provided with an identification code, —an auxiliary element functionally associated with the object for rent and comprising a remotely activated activation/deactivation system, —a portable device, such as a mobile telephone, comprising a wireless telecommunication interface, —a central unit comprising means for bidirectional communication with said auxiliary element and said portable device; said central unit further comprising means for processing said identification code, means for acting on said activation/deactivation system, means for recording the duration of use of the object for rent, and means for managing the accounts of the persons using said object for rent.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for global address verification of a transaction, such as a transaction card purchase. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the system verifies a billing address and/or an alternate address (e.g., shipping address) in a single transaction. The billing address and/or the alternate address are associated with a transaction card purchaser. If the billing and/or alternate addresses are verified, then the transaction card issuer may offer a payment guarantee to the merchant. The merchant may choose to ship the purchased item to either a billing address or an alternate address. If the address is not verified, then the transaction card issuer may choose not to offer a payment guarantee to the merchant, and the merchant may choose not to ship the item to the alternate address.

Abstract: A mobile communication device of an apparatus in one example sends a plurality of rate queries to a plurality of service providers. Based on one or more rate quotes received from one or more of the plurality of service providers in response to one or more of the plurality of rate queries, the mobile communication device selects one of the plurality of service providers to handle a communication session.

Abstract: A large amount of user information is transmitted with good efficiency by means of a high-speed downlink by making transmission rates of an uplink circuit and a downlink asymmetrical. The radio communication system includes a plurality of base stations, a plurality of terminals, an uplink established between each of the base stations and each of the terminals for the purpose of radio transmission of prescribed information from a terminal to a base station, and a downlink circuit established between each of the terminals and each of the base station for the purpose of radio transmission of prescribed data from a base station to a terminal.