732 results about "Telecommunications service" patented technology

A system is disclosed for integrated electronic mail, voice mail, and fax mail messaging. A common message format is defined for use by an electronic mail service and a telecommunications service so electronic mail messages that may include voice and fax mail attachments may be exchanged between the services. Message senders and receivers may choose from a variety of filter and forward options that allow them to manage their communications and specify a preference for receiving messages at the electronic mail or telecommunications service. Forwarding and conversion of messages is performed automatically. The options are used to define a set of rules to be applied to inbound and outbound messages so that messages are sent and received in accordance with the preferences of the senders and receivers.

A system and method include implementing and accessing a subscriber's telecommunications services, using a graphical user interface (GUI) via the Internet, and an interactive voice response (IVR) system via the public switched telecommunications network (PSTN). The system and method enable a subscriber to review, schedule and modify call forwarding information stored and implemented by a service control-point (SCP) through a common server from any dual tone multi-frequency (DTMF) telephone and IVR system via the PSTN or any GUI and Web client via the Internet. The subscriber is able to build and edit call forwarding data, such as a scheduler and priority and rejection screening lists, by the GUI via the Internet for subsequent implementation.

A method and system for controlled provisioning of a desired set of service logic for a subscriber of group of subscribers. In response to a designated stimulus, such as a time-event, a location-event or a threshold-event, a network entity modifies the subscriber profile maintained by a serving system, so as to include in the profile one or more desired parameters. One such modification may be the inclusion in the profile of a trigger that directs the serving system to query a designated network entity for call handling instructions. The designated network entity may then provide a special set of services for the subscriber or group. Further, a mechanism is provided to help ensure that once such a service overlay is imposed, it remains imposed if desired.

A collaboration services suite is adapted to support a plurality of integrated telecommunications services accessed by geographically dispersed team members using a virtual team environment (VTE) client that generates a graphical user interface (GUI) for each of the respective team members. Communications sessions are automatically set up by the collaboration services suite in response to request messages generated by the VTE client when a team member initiates a communications session request using the GUI. Team members require no knowledge of another team member's communications device address in order to initiate a communications session. The collaboration services suite includes a VTE server that communicates with the VTE clients, a presence engine that collects and maintains a status of communications devices specified in a current profile of the team member; and, a call server for handling setup and control of a voice component of each communications session completed.

The present invention provides a remote notification device in electronic communication with a user's personal communication device that alerts the user that the personal communication device is receiving an incoming telecommunications signal. A user who is not in operable contact with the communication device is alerted to the incoming call, message, or page by the remote notification device, which is in operable contact with the user, and alerts the user with a suitable indication (e.g., visual, audible, and/or tactile). The remote notification device preferably permits the user to not alter his or her desired appearance in social situations. The remote notification device is easily concealable or integral to an article of clothing, piece of jewelry, piercing, or accessory that the user desires to wear or carry independent of the desire to be notified of incoming calls, messages, or pages.

A method to systematically analyze a next generation telecommunications network to result in creating a provisioning plan for provisioning the network to provide services for one or more subscribers. In one specific embodiment, the method involves creating and storing information that represents a logical decomposition of the next generation network into a plurality of discrete functional areas. The information representing the functional areas is analyzed to identify one or more provisioning requirements for each of the functional areas. One or more provisioning procedures are determined, and one or more required provisioning tools are identified for each of the functional areas, based on the provisioning requirements. A sequence of execution of the procedures and tools is created and stored as a provisioning plan.

Methods, devices, signals, and systems are provided in a message routing architecture which provides improved capabilities for integrating “digital” communication through email messages with “analog” communication through voice and/or fax or pager messages. Email can be addressed using nothing more than a standard telephone or fax number. If the registered owner of the telephone or fax number has a corresponding email address, then the invention converts the telephone or fax number to the email address for delivery and uses standard email delivery systems to deliver the message. If no conventional delivery email address is known, or if the message sender or recipient specify multiple delivery modes, then the email message content is transformed into voice, pager and/or fax content and delivered to the recipient using the telephone or fax number which was specified as the email address. Familiar telecommunications services such as call forwarding and selective call blocking can also be used with messages that originate as email. The invention also supports use of telecommunications numbers as indexes into databases which contain public key certificates, to make it unnecessary for a proposed message recipient to provide its public key expressly in advance to each particular proposed message originator.

A telecommunications network that handles call center calls by providing advanced interactive voice response (IVR) services using a next generation service node (NGSN). The NGSN nodes combine with several other interacting network components to provide a scaleable architecture which allows several different, customized and flexible call center services to be performed for telecommunications service provider customers. In addition the network includes virtual call routers, parking managers, host connect gateways, report servers, advanced network databases, data access points, and data gateways to deliver calls to customer call centers with various features enabled.

A private wireless network is able to provide wireless telecommunication services to subscriber mobile stations that also subscribe to a public wireless network. The private wireless network includes a private base transceiver station (BTS), a private mobile switching center (MSC), and a gateway service control point (SCP). The private BTS provides a private network wireless coverage area within which the mobile station can communicate with the base transceiver station over an air interface. The gateway SCP has a private network database containing private network data records for subscribing mobile stations. A private network data record includes a private network service profile and a private network locator address. The public wireless network has a home location register (HLR) with a public network database containing public network data records for subscribing mobile stations. A public network data record includes a public network service profile and a public network locator address. When a subscriber mobile station is active on the private wireless network, the private network locator address identifies the private MSC, and the public network locator address identifies the gateway SCP. By providing the private network wireless coverage area so that it overlaps the public network's wireless coverage area, the subscriber mobile station may be handed off between the private and public wireless networks.

A communication remote control system allows a user to remotely configure call management functions across various phone networks using a client device. The communication remote control system centrally handles call management for the user's telephones. The communication remote control system may provide a centralized address book, call log, and voicemail. The user can specify various parameters including modes, filters, schedules, and the like, which are stored in the communication remote control system. The communication remote control system routes incoming calls made to the phone networks to the user's delivery device, which may be part of the client device. Incoming calls are routed to a specified telephone number, sent to voicemail, or otherwise disposed of or users can change modes manually or can specify automatic mode selection based on time of date, day of week, location, and/or other factors.

The present invention sets forth a network-centric service distribution architecture and method that integrates a wireless access system/service in the residence, SOHO, business or public environment through the use of a local broadband network, such as a Residential-Business Broadband Network (RBN), to the service provider's broadband transport network and to a service provider's broadband packet network that facilitates end-to-end packet telecommunication services. Access functions for connecting said service provider's broadband packet network to the RBN via said service provider's broadband transport network are provided. Call and service termination functions to a plurality of local RBN devices are also provided. Signals from a plurality of wireless devices are accepted and forwarded to an IEEE 802.11b interface for a wireless modem and/or to an Ethernet interface for a Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP)/Ethernet Processor, where the forwarded signals comprise intranet telephony and data. Voice signals are also accepted from a plurality of tip/ring interfaces and forwarded to a broadband transport interface for back haul of data and voice packets. A service provider can deploy services in an integrated voice, data and multimedia environment cost-effectively based on one broadband packet network.

System and method for putting control of incoming telephone calls in the hands of subscribers with the aid of computer software and the Internet. In effect, a very efficient multiplexer is provided that does not require a change in the behavior of the called party or the calling party. This system permits the called party to hear a spoken message by the calling party in real time, and the content of the spoken message permits the called party to decide how to handle the call. The system adaptively learns and captures the rules of the called party for handling calls, and learns which callers the called party always wishes to talk to. The system uses special control software on the called party's computer which is connected to the Internet. The system employs a central server in which all of the required intelligence is resident. Audio signals are exchanged via non-data channels provided by the telephone companies and by the Internet. Either a very simple Internet busy pick-up is provided, or a very complex messaging system is provided, as desired. A feature is the monitoring and screening of incoming calls before deciding how to handle them. Another feature is the capturing and storage of the decision making profile.

A method of determining the language of a text message received by a mobile telecommunications device indicates receiving an input text message at a mobile telecommunications device; analyzing the input text message using language information stored in the mobile telecommunications device; selecting, from a group of languages defined by the language information, a most likely language for the input text message; and outputting, from the mobile telecommunications device, speech signals corresponding to the input text message, in the selected language.

A system and method for providing operator and customer services for automated telecommunications services on an intelligent overlay network (104) is disclosed. Operator and customer services are provided by an intelligent network (102). The intelligent network (102) comprises an automated call distributor (116); an application processor (118); an advanced intelligent network gateway (AIN Gateway) (120); a validation gateway (122); and enhanced operator consoles (126). The AIN Gateway provides the intelligent network with an interface to the intelligent overlay network. This allows components within the intelligent network to communicate with components in the intelligent overlay network, and vice-versa. The validation gateway provides the intelligent network with an interface to credit card validation systems (114), and is used to apply charges to customer credit cards. Enhanced operator consoles provide for efficient and seamless integration of operator and customer services to automated services running on the intelligent overlay network. Such enhanced operator consoles are provided in the form of customized application programs that are executed by the operator consoles based on the context of calls that are transferred from the intelligent overlay network.

A system includes at least one telecommunications terminal having data processing capabilities, the telecommunications terminal being susceptible of having installed thereon software applications, wherein each software application has associated therewith a respective indicator adapted to indicate a level of security of the software application, the level of security being susceptible of varying in time; a software agent executed by the at least one telecommunications terminal, the software agent being adapted to conditionally allow the installation of software applications on the telecommunications terminal based on the respective level of security; a server in communications relationship with the software agent, the server being adapted to dynamically calculate the level of security of the software applications, and to communicate to the software agent the calculated level of security of the software applications to be installed on the telecommunications terminal.

Management of the bandwidth capacity of tunnels through a network may be automated such that the network is adaptive to the stochastic nature of incoming traffic. An edge node in the network includes four main elements. Three of the elements, namely tunnel signaling, admission control and path selection, are derived from known technologies, generalized from their particular technologies and enhanced. With the addition of a fourth element, called capacity management, the four elements cooperate to accommodate the capacity needs of the traffic incoming to the network at the edge node. This accommodation is performed by estimating the traffic demand and dynamically adapting tunnels to the traffic demand.

A portable adapter that provides non-repudiable telecommunications services to bar-code reading hand-held computers and palm-top or tablet-type mobile computers is disclosed. The adapter provides supplemental power supply and processing capacity that supports API communications functions, such as interactive voice recognition, conference calling, data encryption, VoIP packetization and other signal-format conversions that are not implemented on mobile computers. In particular, the device automatically logs IP packet identifiers and DOV dialing and status signals, without the user having access to edit this information, thereby providing a "non-repudiation" record of all communications. The adapter also supports intensive use of the host computer's serial port by supplementing the power available from the host computer's battery, or replacing that battery with a connector. For plant inspection and inventory auditing, ground-based cellular communications are implemented for supporting on-site work, including conference calling to discuss apparent pilferage or imminent safety hazards, and removable WORM recording media for documenting these discussions. For repair shop use, a standard phone jack or 10-base-T connector allows the device to upload engine test-data, with reports or estimates dictated by the mechanic to the repair shop's LAN server. For hospital use, the device includes removable WORM media for logging patient test results and examination reports. The hospital device also uses a dedicated local-area RF or IR transmitter, with location-specific encryption, to protect the privacy of lab reports received by the device, and to limit use of these devices to hospital's own premises.

A method includes receiving by a first inter network interface (INI) a control message from an entity in a first network, the first INI being located at a border between the first network and networks external to the first network. The first INI translates the control message from a first format used internally in the first network to a second format used to communicate between the first INI and a second INI located at a border between a second network and networks exterior to the second network. The first INI then transmits the translated control message to the second INI. The method can also include translating, by the second INI, the received control message from the second format to a third format used internally in the second network, and forwarding the received and translated control message to an entity in the second network.

Payment-based audiovisual playback system characterized by comprising a microprocessor device associated with a payment device primarily including means for storing, inter alia, in digital format the visual and sound information to be used. The system is associated through interfaces with display means and sound playback means for providing a multimedia environment. The system is controlled by a multitask operating system including a tool and service library integrated into the storage means. The system, which is also associated through an interface with a telecommunications modem, is optionally connected to an audiovisual data distribution network by a telecommunications modem and telecommunications links, said telecommunications function also being controlled by said multitask operating system.

The present invention provides flexible call processing. For example, a call processor system can receive an inbound call intended for a called party and place an outbound call to the called party. The call processing system can provide the called party with a call transfer option.

A system and method for tracking and processing Service Orders for a telecommunications company. Workflows are used to model business procedures used for processing Service Orders. Each Workflow comprises a plurality of Workflow steps. Business process models are depicted as Workflow diagrams. The Workflow diagrams are stored in a library in a database. Work plans comprising a plurality of Workflow steps and associated data and are derived from information found in the Workflow diagrams. Upon receipt of a Service Order, an appropriate work plan is selected based on information within the Service Order. Each Workflow step is assigned a resource and is scheduled for completion with a start and a stop date and placed in the in-boxes associated with the selected resource. Users log-on to remote workstations coupled with a company-wide Intranet or the like. From the remote workstations, users from various organizations view their in-boxes and other information about current Service Orders. Such information includes detailed information about the Service Orders including, progress data, current, future and past Workflow step data, responsible groups, computer systems and organizations, whether schedules are maintained, and whether jeopardy points have been missed. If a Service Order is delayed, users can immediately determine information about the delay and take corrective action before it becomes critical. Workflow steps can be transferred and re-assigned using the remote workstations. Detailed statistical information is maintained for audit and reporting purposes. Reports reflecting the effectiveness of workforce management and work administration is obtained.

Systems and methods for managing telecommunication services using proximity-based technologies are described. In some embodiments, a method may include detecting, by a first communication device (e.g., a laptop computer, a netbook computer, a tablet computer, a cellular phone, a smartphone, etc.), a proximity device (e.g., a Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tag, a Near Field Communications (NFC) tag, etc.) coupled to or integrated within a second communication device. The method may also include triggering an operation configured to manage a telecommunication service based, at least in part, upon the detection of the proximity device. In some implementations, the operation may be configured to reduce a number of manual operations that would otherwise be involved in managing the telecommunication service. For instance, in a non-limiting example, the operation may cause a routing of a communication directed at the first communication device to the second communication device. Numerous other telecommunication services are described herein.

A system and method of providing a subscriber service to service users in a telecommunications network. In networks utilizing Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) control signaling for call setup and control, the SIP REGISTER message is modified to indicate service capability information and optionally a traffic load indication for service providers. The REGISTER message is sent to a modified Presence and Instant Messaging (PIM) server that stores presence information and the service capability information for registered service providers. The PIM server then notifies subscribing service users of the identity of the service provider that is registered on the network. The PIM server may utilize the traffic load information to balance the traffic load between service providers by providing users with the identity of the service provider that is the most lightly loaded.

A mapping function and method for mapping a Signaling System 7 (SS7) telecommunication signaling message from a Signaling Connection Control Part (SCCP) protocol layer to an Internet Protocol (IP) protocol layer in order to transmit the SS7 signaling message over a data network from an origination node to a destination node. The mapping function receives the SS7 signaling message from the SCCP protocol layer by sending and receiving Message Transfer Protocol (MTP) primitives from the mapping function to the SCCP protocol layer. The mapping function then maps the received SS7 signaling message into an IP message by mapping MTP primitives into IP primitives, mapping the SS7 message address into an IP message address, and utilizing a user interface to set IP protocol parameters that cannot be transferred by the SCCP protocol layer. The mapping function then sends the mapped IP message to the IP protocol layer by sending and receiving IP primitives from the mapping function to the IP protocol layer.

A method and apparatus which determines that a vehicle operator is in physical possession of a given mobile telecommunications device and that the vehicle is moving at a speed greater than a given threshold speed (which may be zero), and thereby restricts the use of the mobile communications device. Illustratively, the device may be restricted from placing and receiving calls, and sending and receiving text messages. It may be determined that the vehicle operator is in physical possession of the device based on near field communication (NFC) technology whereby a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) transceiver is attached to or embedded in the steering wheel or driver's seat of the vehicle. The vehicle's speed may be determined using a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver or an Assisted GPS (A-GPS) technique, or from speed data determined by the vehicle itself and communicated to the mobile communications device thereby.

A telecommunications system uses software applications called user agents, that are preferably Internet-based and that operate on behalf of users in a telecommunications hosting server to control call connections under control of a telecommunications network server that interfaces with the telecommunications hosting server as well as a connection-based public telephone network. The telecommunications hosting server operates on a computer network on behalf of the user agents to provide call signaling in support of many advanced calling and telecommunications services. The functionality and performance (e.g., execution) of the user agent(s) preferably takes place primarily within the telecommunications hosting server, though user client computers can provide some and possibly all of the user agent functionality, depending upon the particular implementation chosen.

A communications system includes a telecommunications link (3) between a remote terminal (CPa-c) (such as a burglar alarm control panel) and a control station (1). Polling requests are transmitted on a digital messaging channel which is carried by the telecommunications link. The remote terminal (CPa-c) generates a poll response message which is partially encrypted and is returned on the digital messaging channel to the control station where it is decoded.

A telecommunications system and method for rapid start-up of a Global Position System (GPS) receiver integrated with a mobile terminal is disclosed. The location of a reference GPS receiver associated with a Base Transceiver Station (BTS) within the cell that the mobile terminal is currently located is used as the local position estimate for that mobile terminal. The GSM TDMA frame numbers are first correlated with the GPS clock signal. Optionally, this correlation is adjusted using the adaptive frame alignment mechanism. This local position estimate is used to ascertain the location of the GPS receiver. The correlation data is then sent to the GPS-capable mobile terminal through the Short Messaging Service (SMS) cell broadcast facility or the Broadcast Control Channel (BCCH) facility of the GSM network to enable the built-in GPS receiver to calculate its position relatively quickly.

A method of negotiating a call capability between signalling points in a telecommunications system. The method comprises sending a capability preference or prioritised list of preferences from an originating signalling point to a terminating signalling point or signalling transfer point, at the Call Control level. A capability acceptance is returned from the terminating signalling point or signalling transfer point to the originating signalling point at the Call Control level, if the terminating signalling point or signalling transfer point accepts a preference sent by the originating signalling point.

The present invention provides flexible call processing. For example, a call processor system can receive an inbound call intended for a called party and place an outbound call to the called party. The call processing system can provide the called party with a call transfer option.