| QWEST COMMUNICATIONS INTERNATIONAL INC. Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
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| 20120127986 | Converged Voice Services - Novel tools and techniques for providing a subscriber with converged voice services, in which calls to one of the subscriber's telephone numbers is routed to some or all of the subscriber's telephone numbers (e.g., sequentially or simultaneously, depending on system configuration and/or subscriber preference). Some implementations employ a VoIP switch to handle call distribution among the subscriber's various phone lines, even if some (or all) of the subscribers telephone lines are not VoIP lines. In such implementations, upon receiving an incoming call directed to one of the subscriber's lines, a service switching point will route the call to a VoIP switch. Instructed by an application server, the VoIP switch will set up call legs (e.g., via the PSTN) to one or more of the subscribers' telephone numbers. Optionally, when one of the call legs is answered, the application server will instruct the VoIP switch to disconnect the other call legs. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120127942 | Simultaneous Multi-Mode WiFi Differentiated By SSID - Embodiments provide a wireless network with several access points connected to a communication infrastructure. Residential or business customers of the Internet arc provided an Internet interface (e.g., a digital subscriber line (DSL) modem) having a wireless transceiver. Two or more users may access the Internet or other network through the Internet interface. Each user can be assigned a unique Service Set-Identifier (SSID) with each SSID associated with a type of service (e.g., user video service, backhaul service, etc.). The amount of bandwidth assigned to the type of service (and user) may be governed by the equipment according to the assigned SSID. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120113978 | Converged Voice Mail Services - Novel tools and techniques for providing enhanced services to telephone subscribers with multiple telephone lines, which can include one or more traditional telephone lines, wireless telephone lines, Internet protocol-based telephone lines, and/or the like. For example, certain tools can provide a subscriber with a unified voice mailbox for a plurality of the subscriber's telephone lines. In some cases, the subscriber does not need to check multiple voice mailboxes (each associated with one of the subscriber's telephone numbers) in order to ensure that the subscriber has received all messages intended for that subscriber. Instead, any incoming call on any of the subscriber's lines can be routed to a converged voice mailbox for easy retrieval by the subscriber of all messages from one location. Some tools employ a VoIP switch to handle routing of the incoming call to the correct voice mailbox. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120093049 | System and Method for Dynamic Distributed Communication - Growth of a distributed communication system is facilitated through dynamic addition of routing elements. A new routing element may be added to a network of routing elements by first establishing a connection between the new routing element and an existing routing element in the network. The connection may be either wireless or wireline. At least one address is assigned to the new routing element. Each assigned address comes from a pool of addresses maintained at the existing routing element. At least one pool of addresses is issued to the new routing element, permitting the new routing element to dynamically add yet another new routing element to the network of routing elements. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120014657 | Docking Port Optical Cover - According to the invention, a system for covering the docking port of an optical communication device and protecting a terminating end of an optical fiber at the optical communication device is disclosed. The system may include body, where the body is configured to be at least partially received by the docking port of the optical communication device. The body may also be configured at partially receive the optical fiber. The body may not allow communication between the optical fiber and the optical communication device. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120013451 | Alert Gateway, Systems and Methods - Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for distributing urgent public information. Merely by way of example, urgent public information, such as an alert message, may be received by, inter alia, an alert gateway device. The alert message may then be distributed to a subscriber in any of a variety of ways, including by telephone, by data message (e.g., to a computer), by video message (e.g., via a television), by display on an alert notification device. In some embodiments, the alert gateway device may process the alert message and/or may determine how to provide the alert message to the subscriber. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20110302496 | Network Management System and Graphical User Interface - A network management system and graphical user interface for configuring a network connection between first and second service access points utilizes a configuration manager and information manager to provide a generic set of models so that different manufacturer's nodal processors and other network hardware can be inserted into the network with minimal changes to the software which controls the device. The system comprises an information manager including routing information for the network. The configuration manager operates to establish a connection across each subnet on the route by sending requests to element managers to program the subnet elements. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110299511 | METHOD AND SYSTEM OF IMPLEMENTING A RADIO NETWORK IN UNLICENSED SPECTRUM - Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for wireless communication over unlicensed spectrum using a femto cell. In an implementation of the system, a dualmode mobile device adapted to communicate over a licensed frequency spectrum and over an unlicensed frequency spectrum is provided. The dual-mode mobile device detects the presence of a femto cell communicating over an unlicensed spectrum and in response, initiates a communication connection with the unlicensed spectrum femto cell. Subsequently, the connection over a license spectrum may be disconnected upon successful establishment of the connection over the unlicensed spectrum. In yet another implementation, a femto cell communicating over an unlicensed spectrum may be adapted to communicate with a mobile switching center and/or with a voice over IF switch. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110299494 | Mobile Caching and Data Relay Vectoring Systems and Methods - The present invention provides systems and methods for providing mobile users with requested resources. In one such method, first and second location indicators for the mobile user are received, with each of the location indicators having a time associated therewith. The method includes calculating a mobile vector of the mobile user using the first and second location indicators, and associating the mobile vector with a first network region and a second network region. A first portion of the requested resource is sent to a first storage device in the first network region, and a second portion of the requested resource is sent to a second storage device in the second network region. The first and second resource portions are sent to the user when the user is in the first and second network regions, respectively. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110298686 | ANTENNA INSTALLATION APPARATUS AND METHOD - Methods and systems are disclosed for enabling installation of antennas in a cost effective and efficient manner. The methods and systems disclosed herein provide a hollow pole and an elevating mechanism, wherein the elevating mechanism can be used to position antenna equipment located in one or more capsules attached to the elevating mechanism. The antenna equipment may be attached to a removable power source located in the capsule or to a non-removable power source located at the base of the hollow pole. Additionally, the antenna equipment may also be attached to communications equipment adapted to communicate with one or more communications networks. In an embodiment disclosed herein, the capsules may be adapted to rotate around a one or more axis in response to received commands and/or in accordance with instructions stored on a memory module attached to the capsules. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110296354 | Content-Driven Navigation - Solutions for providing intuitive, content-driven navigation through communications and multimedia services offered through, e.g., a user supersystem as a communications hub. For example, in some implementations, various data flows are traversed to move between applications according to interactions with content on those screens, rather than by using icons. In some cases, a small, static set of icons is used to navigate between a set of landing screens representing broad categories of functionality. Within each landing screen environment, content is used to drive navigation to and through application functionality. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110290521 | UNIVERSAL CABLE ADAPTER - According to the invention, a system for interconnecting communication cables is disclosed. The system may include an input cable, an output cable, and a cable adapter. The input cable may include a plurality of input wires, each of the plurality of input wires communicatively connected to an input port. The output cable may include a plurality of output wires, each of the plurality of output wires communicatively connected to an output port, The cable adapter may be for communicatively interconnecting the input cable and the output cable. The cable adapter may include a container, a lid and a plurality of attachment mechanisms. The lid may be movably attached to the container. The plurality of attachment mechanisms may be located in the container, each of the plurality of attachment mechanisms capable of communicatively and reversibly connecting one of the plurality of input wires with one of the plurality of output wires. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110276923 | Photo Stack - Solutions for providing iconography to entice users to interact with multimedia services. Some such solutions use a user supersystem as an interactive media enticement system. Dynamic, interactive “photo stack” iconography can presented on the user supersystem for enticing users to interact with multimedia functionality of the user supersystem. For example, a “photo stack” icon dynamically displays a “most recent” photo as a top photo on a virtual photo stack. In certain cases, clicking on the “photo stack” icon brings the user to a photo booth application, through which the user may create, edit, post, etc. photos. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110276904 | DOODLE-IN-CHAT-CONTEXT - Solutions for providing integrated media services, e.g., in the context of communications services offered through a user supersystem configured as an interactive graphical communications hub. For example, interactions with a messaging interface may provide access to media creation functionality, including doodle functionality, in the context of the messaging and/or in the context of other media. In one implementation, the communications interface allows a user to doodle in the context of an image file (e.g., a photo) while in the context of a chat application. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110276903 | Integrated Multi-Modal Chat - Solutions for providing context-driven communications mode determinations. Some such solutions use a communications hub located in a home (e.g., a user supersystem) to facilitate context-driven, multi-modal communications. For example, a tablet system may be used as a graphical communications hub in a family's home, used by the family to communicate to and from the home via multiple communications modes (e.g., family chat, family activities, user-based messaging, etc.) over one or more communications channels. Determination of an appropriate mode for communications may be driven by contextual (rather that channel-based) factors relating to the communications. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110276901 | FAMILY CHAT - Systems and methods are described for handling graphical interfacing with a group conversation involving a communications hub and multiple member devices. Embodiments provide a “family chat” communications mode for facilitating a synchronous conversation among all the members of the designated family group. Typically, the conversation may involve a user supersystem (e.g., including one or more graphical communications devices) associated with the family and disposed with the family's local network, and member devices associated with each member of the family group (e.g., cell phones, etc). In some embodiments, the family chat conversation is displayed (e.g., rendered) as a substantially continuous feed graphically indicating the party contributing each message to the feed, the temporal relationship of the various contributions, and other useful information. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110276898 | Integrated Messaging Interface - Solutions for providing an integrated, interactive graphical messaging interface, e.g., through a user supersystem as a communications hub. For example, interactions with the messaging interface may provide access to many different types of messaging functionality and multiple communications channels. Some solutions may intuitively list all the different types of messaging communications in a single integrated listing format with intuitive interaction design. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110276896 | Multi-User Integrated Task List - Solutions for providing integrated task list functionality. Some such solutions use a user supersystem as a communications hub to generate, display, and/or handle user-based tasks for a family group. For example, tasks may be assigned to one or more members of the family and associated with various types of dates, rewards, audits, etc. Family members may then interact with the tasks through the communications hub and/or through other devices (e.g., cell phones, etc.). | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110276895 | Conversation Capture - Solutions for capturing and displaying conversation history for providing conversation capture functionality. Some such solutions use a user supersystem as a communications hub to capture and/or generate relevant information for enhancing conversations with contacts, including address book information, contact notes, conversation history information, and/or conversation anchors. The information may then be processed for display to the user via a graphical interface. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110276885 | MULTI-CLIENT LOCAL NETWORK BASE STATION - Systems and methods are described for providing integrated, interactive communications services among multiple client devices in a local network. In one embodiment, a supersystem provides interactive communications services within a local network through a tablet, a handset, and a base station. The tablet includes a first client and a first user interface configured to provide interactivity with first communications services. The handset includes a second client and a second user interface configured to provide interactivity with second communications services. The first and second clients are in communication with the local network and with each other (e.g., either directly, or through the base station or other path). The base station includes interface subsystems configured to removably couple with the tablet and/or handset. The supersystem may allow multiple client devices to be used in an integrative fashion to provide home management, messaging, videoconferencing, cloud network interaction, media sharing, and/or other functionality. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110273576 | Video Recording Environment - Solutions for providing an interactive and intuitive video environment. Some such solutions use a user supersystem as an interactive multimedia system, including various features relating to video capture and processing. In some cases, a “live video thumbnail” is provided as part of a media album application, for example, to entice users to capture video (e.g., a photo or video file) using components of the user supersystem. Other implementations facilitate video processing functionality, such as “best frame” selection and auto-cropping of video data. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110273526 | Video Call Handling - Solutions for facilitating enhanced video calling functionality. Embodiments include functionality for handling video calling through a communications hub. According to some embodiments, the communications hub is a user supersystem having multiple clients, each with an integrated camera and display, capable of seamlessly handing off video call functionality among the clients. Other embodiments integrate other functionality of the communications hub (e.g., web browsing, multimedia, etc.) into the video call environment. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110254697 | Utility Monitoring - Novel tools and techniques that can allow utility customers, utility providers, and/or other parties to more effectively monitor utility usage at a customer premises utilizing utility monitoring devices, systems, and methods. A utility monitoring device might provide real time (or non-real time) data regarding utility usage for one or more different types of utilities, such as natural gas, electricity, and/or water, to name but a few examples. In some cases, a utility monitoring device can receive and/or process usage data directly from a utility meter (and/or might be incorporated within a utility meter). In other cases, such a device can receive and/or process data from smart appliances, smart power distribution devices, etc. Utility monitoring devices in accordance with various embodiments can send and/or receive using a variety of techniques and/or media, including without limitation via a broadband network, via a wireless network, and/or the like. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110237271 | MULTI-MVNO WIRELESS SERVICE - Systems and methods for determining an optimal range of frequencies of electromagnetic waves are described. In some embodiments, mobile voice communications devices measure average power received from certain ranges of such frequencies, each range associated with a communications service provider. A cost may be associated with each range. An optimal range of frequencies may be determined based on these factors. Each device may also receive a set of data identifying the location of the device. Each device may transmit one or more communications signals to a CIP with such measurements and location information, and some of this information may be stored in a database. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110218853 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ADVERTISING USING PAY-PER-CALL - Methods and systems are disclosed for providing online advertisements to consumers. A method disclosed herein allows a consumer to provide contact information to a business in response to a search request submitted to a search engine. Subsequently, the business may initiate a communication to the consumer at the contact information provided by the consumer. As a result, the business has better assurance that the advertisement fees provided to the search engine is in fact generating better consumer contacts for the business. In an embodiment of the system disclosed herein a telecommunications service provider may receive the contact information from the consumer and establish a line of communication between the consumer and the business. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110217919 | Wireless Telecommunications Signal Inhibition - Wireless telecommunications is inhibited within a limited region by generating a noise signal within a frequency range of the wireless telecommunications and broadcasting the noise signal into the limited region. A system for inhibiting wireless communications includes a radio frequency noise generator generating a noise signal within a frequency range of the wireless telecommunication. At least one antenna broadcasts the noise signal into the region. Control logic initiates or suspends broadcasting of the noise signal based on at least one control input. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110210654 | TIPPABLE SHELF FOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS RACK - A telecommunications cabinet systems and methods provide a cabinet enclosure coupled with a tippable shelf assembly. Exemplary tippable shelf assemblies include a support mechanism having a mounting connection coupled with the telecommunication cabinet, and a pivoting tray mechanism having a component connection attached with a telecommunications or electronics component. The pivoting tray mechanism is pivotably and translatably coupled with the support mechanism and provides access to the telecommunications component during an installation or maintenance procedure. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20110206335 | OPTICAL CABLE CONNECTOR - Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for interconnecting two optical fibers using a protective insert, wherein the protective insert includes a connective segment that provides optical communication connection between the two optical fibers. Furthermore the protective insert includes two attachment mechanisms adjacent to the connective segment with each of the two attachment mechanisms adapted to removably attach one of the two optical fibers to the connective segment. Such a protective insert may be implemented inside a network interface device (NID) or with a wall-plate to be installed inside customer premises in a manner that allows a customer to easily interconnect a home network cable to an optical network terminal. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110179092 | Information Organization and Navigation by User-Generated Associative Overlays - Digital information objects in a digital information space are linked through the use of an overlay. A dynamic association between an accessed digital information object and each concept node in the overlay is established if the accessed digital information object and the overlay include at least one common concept. Links to other digital information objects are displayed if those objects are represented by information nodes within the overlay linked to a concept node expressing a common concept. At least a portion of the overlay may be exported for incorporation into other overlays or for various information processing functions. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110103561 | Dynamic Modem Bandwidth Checking - Methods, systems, devices, and software are disclosed for providing controlled access to network characteristic data stored at a subscriber premises. In one embodiment, Internet services are provided to a subscriber through a subscriber's modem, connected to the Internet through an access network, and to a number of data terminals on a local network. The modem is adapted to receive and/or generate data from the connected networks and devices for use in generating network characteristic data. This data is stored in an access-controlled data storage module. Content providers may then login to the modem and query network characteristic data. The modem is configured to authenticate the content provider, and, if authorized and available, return the queried data to the content provider. The content provider may then communicate information to the subscriber's data terminal through the modem, according to the network characteristic data returned by the query. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110080843 | Transparent Network Traffic Inspection - Methods and systems are disclosed for providing parties with levels of transparency into filtering functionality of network traffic inspection implementations. Embodiments include receiving a filter change request from a subscriber over a network that defines a modification to a set of filter criteria for filtering network traffic, the filter criteria being stored in association with the subscriber in a filter criteria data store; updating the set of filter criteria in the filter criteria data store as a function of the filter change request; receiving a content dataset relating to the network traffic; identifying the content dataset as being associated with the subscriber; retrieving the set of filter criteria associated with the subscriber from the data store; and filtering the network traffic as a function of the set of filter criteria. Embodiments further provide layers of access for different entities to the filtered traffic. | 04-07-2011 |
| 20110055092 | Electronic Systems and Methods for Aggregating and Distributing Environmental Credits - An electronic system for offering and allocating environmental offset credits by a service provider comprises an environmental credit management server in communication with the service provider and adapted to manage a consumer's selection and allocation of environmental offset credits. The system includes, in one embodiment, a database management server in communication with the service provider and the consumer and a plurality of environmental offset credit providers in communication with the database management server. The database management server is adapted to store information concerning the plurality of environmental credit service providers and the application management server is adapted to selectively provide information to the consumer concerning the plurality of environmental credit providers. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110053584 | System, Method, and Apparatus for Automatic Scheduled Silencing of Wireless Transmitters - A wireless telecommunication system that automatically enforces a quiet time mode of operation for a wireless handset comprises a cellular telecommunication network, and a wireless handset configured to transmit voice and data information to, and configured to receive voice and data information from the cellular telecommunication network. The wireless handset comprises a quiet time controller configured to disable the wireless handset from issuing the audible notification during scheduled quiet time periods. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110053572 | System, Method and Apparatus for Automatic Location-Based Silencing of Wireless Transceivers - A wireless telecommunication system that automatically enforces a quiet mode of operation for a wireless handset comprises a cellular telecommunication network, and a wireless handset configured to transmit voice and data information to, and configured to receive voice and data information from the cellular telecommunication network. The wireless handset comprises a quiet mode controller configured to disable the wireless handset from issuing the audible notification when the wireless handset is in a designated quiet zone location. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20100306375 | Method and System for Verifying Modem Status - A system for verifying modem status for a telecommunications service provider in a broadband network serviced by a central office. The system comprising an interne interface for receiving a modem status request from the telecommunications service provider via a telecommunications network and an integrator capable of retrieving subscriber information and a server connected to the internet interface for receiving the modem status request and transmitting the modem status request to the integrator. The integrator interprets the modem status request and retrieves corresponding subscriber information and transmits the corresponding subscriber information to the server, the server thereby converting the corresponding subscriber information to a central office request and sending the central office request to the central office. The central office responding to the request and transmitting a status signal to the server and the server transmitting the signal to the interne interface which converts the status signal to a readable format for the telecommunications service provider. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100299407 | Systems and Methods for Integrating Microservers with a Network Interface Device - A network interface device has an isolation device adapted to isolate a transport medium internal to a customer premises from a transport medium external to the customer premises such that operational changes to one of the internal and external transport media do not affect the other of the internal and external transport media. A first interface is coupled with the isolation device and adapted to communicate with the external transport medium, which is in communication with a distribution point. A second interface is coupled with the isolation device and adapted to communicate with the internal transport medium. A microserver is disposed external to the customer premises and coupled with the first and second interfaces. The microserver is adapted to receive telecommunication information from the external transport medium and includes software for implementing a predetermined function over the internal transport medium by processing the received telecommunication information. | 11-25-2010 |
| 20100293599 | Systems and Methods for Controlled Transmittance in a Telecommunication System - Systems and methods for authenticating digital assets in relation to a telecommunications network. In various cases, the systems include a network interface device associated with a customer premises. The network interface device includes a local authentication authority operable to authenticate one or more digital assets maintained in relation to the customer premises. In some cases, a global authentication authority can authenticate the network interface device, and implicitly authenticate the one or more digital assets. Many other cases and/or embodiments are disclosed herein. | 11-18-2010 |
| 20100223329 | PORTABLE WIRELESS PLAYER PROGRAMMING - A method of providing programming to a portable wireless music player includes connecting to a music service provider from a remote client and defining a play list at the music service provider through user interaction at the remote client. The player connects to the music service provider over a wireless service network and downloads music to the player from the music service provider in accordance with the previously defined play list. The music or other programming is played at the player. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100208433 | PROTECTIVE TELECOMMUNICATIONS ENCLOSURE SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Protective containers for electronic equipment, and methods of testing and manufacture thereof, are provided. The cabinets provide a HEMP protection level to electronic equipment housed therein that meets a HEMP protection level according to MIL-STD-188-125-1. | 08-19-2010 |
| 20100162359 | NETWORK USER USAGE PROFILING - Methods, systems, devices, and software are disclosed for generating a network usage profile. Certain embodiments of the network usage profile include a devices-by-node profile, indicating the set of customer devices available for use in communicating with a customer-side network node located at a customer side of an access network over a period of time, where some of the customer devices are not in operative communication with the customer-side network node during a portion of that time. Other embodiments associate the network usage profile with customer information to generate device-by-customer profiles. Still other embodiments associate the network usage profile with network traffic information to generate traffic-by-device profiles. Even other embodiments associate the multiple sources and types of information to generate traffic-by-customer profiles and/or traffic-by-device-by-customer profiles. Any of the profiles may then be accessed by one or more parties for use in affecting various network services, including targeting content delivery. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100158516 | Integrated Fiber Management for FTTx Architectures - According to the invention, a system for providing telecommunication services to a plurality of customer premises is disclosed. The system may include a central office and a first plurality of optical fibers. The central office may include a trunk line-out and a first optical line terminal. The first optical line may be in communication with the trunk line-out via at least a first optical line. The first optical line terminal may also include a first optical splitter, internal to the first optical line terminal, configured to split a first communication travelling across the first optical line into a first plurality of sub-communications. Each of the first plurality of optical fibers may receive one of the first plurality of sub-communications from the first optical line terminal and provides it to one of the plurality of customer premises. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100158235 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING DYNAMIC SPEED-DIAL LIST - Methods are provided for managing communications over a communications routing network. A data store is maintained of records of communications links established over the communications routing network between a first endpoint of the communications routing network and multiple second endpoints of the communications routing network distinct from the first endpoint. A frequency analysis is performed of the second endpoints to identify a frequency of establishing a communications link between the first endpoint and each of the second endpoints. A list is generated of a subset of the second endpoints in accordance with a result of the frequency analysis. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100157802 | TRANSPARENT NETWORK TRAFFIC INSPECTION - Methods and systems are disclosed for providing parties with levels of transparency into filtering functionality of network traffic inspection implementations. Embodiments include receiving a filter change request from a subscriber over a network that defines a modification to a set of filter criteria for filtering network traffic, the filter criteria being stored in association with the subscriber in a filter criteria data store; updating the set of filter criteria in the filter criteria data store as a function of the filter change request; receiving a content dataset relating to the network traffic; identifying the content dataset as being associated with the subscriber; retrieving the set of filter criteria associated with the subscriber from the data store; and filtering the network traffic as a function of the set of filter criteria. Embodiments further provide layers of access for different entities to the filtered traffic. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100074123 | DYNAMIC MODEM BANDWIDTH CHECKING - Methods, systems, devices, and software are disclosed for providing controlled access to network characteristic data stored at a subscriber premises. In one embodiment, Internet services are provided to a subscriber through a subscriber's modem, connected to the Internet through an access network, and to a number of data terminals on a local network. The modem is adapted to receive and/or generate data from the connected networks and devices for use in generating network characteristic data. This data is stored in an access-controlled data storage module. Content providers may then login to the modem and query network characteristic data. The modem is configured to authenticate the content provider, and, if authorized and available, return the queried data to the content provider. The content provider may then communicate information to the subscriber's data terminal through the modem, according to the network characteristic data returned by the query. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20090322556 | TRANSMISSION OF UTILITY DATA - Certain embodiments are directed at methods and systems for transmitting utility usage data using a public switched telephone network (“PSTN”). The methods and systems may include collecting utility usage data pertaining to a customer premises with a utility meter at the customer premises. The utility usage data may be transmitted automatically from the utility meter to an access point of a public broadband network. The utility usage data may be received at the access point. A digital subscriber line (“DSL”) modem in communication with the access point may modulate the utility usage data at the access point. The utility usage data may be transmitted securely through the public switched telephone network to an Internet point of presence. The utility usage data may be received at the Internet point of presence. The utility usage data may be transmitted from the Internet point of presence to a utility provider via the Internet. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090296702 | BANDWIDTH RESERVATION FOR AUTHENTICATED APPLICATIONS - Methods, systems, devices, and software are disclosed for providing application levels of service over a network. Embodiments of the invention maintain a list of registered applications (or application providers) that have registered with a network resources provider. Customers of the network resources provider may authenticate some or all of the registered applications, indicating a desire to allow traffic relating to those applications over their access networks. Customers may further set application levels of service with respect to those authenticated applications. Certain embodiments may manage network traffic to accord with the application levels of service. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090296700 | APPLICATION LEVELS OF SERVICE OVER A NETWORK - Methods, systems, devices, and software are disclosed for providing application levels of service over a network. Embodiments of the invention maintain a list of registered applications (or application providers) that have registered with a network resources provider. Customers of the network resources provider may authenticate some or all of the registered applications, indicating a desire to allow traffic relating to those applications over their access networks. Customers may further set application levels of service with respect to those authenticated applications. Certain embodiments may use the registrations, authentications, service level settings, and/or other related information to generate application service level protocol data. This ASLP data may then be used to make data handling determinations for managing the flow of network traffic according to agreed service levels at the application level. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090259985 | SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT PLANNING TOOL - A system for planning and managing a software development project uses an extreme programming (XP) process and includes a graphical user interface (GUI) for displaying graphs and for entering, displaying and modifying underlying planning data. In one embodiment, the GUI includes first, second and third windows. The first window displays bar graphs reflecting both estimated development work and available resources (developer hours) for working on development. The second window displays bar graphs representing both estimated testing work and available resources for working on testing. The third window displays underlying data (e.g., project components and assignment of project components to scheduled development periods). A project manager may use the third window to adjust underlying data in order to better balance work and resources displayed in the first and second windows. Additional underlying data (individual developers, assigned hours, estimates of work on individual project components, etc.) may be displayed in other windows. | 10-15-2009 |
| 20090252329 | IPTV FOLLOW ME CONTENT SYSTEM AND METHOD - Tools are provided for distributing access-restricted content in an internet protocol television (“IPTV”) environment based on portable entitlement keys. Such tools can include a decoder, an encoder, and a network entitlement handler. The decoder may be configured to receive a key associated with entitlement information, and transmit the entitlement information over a network. The encoder may be configured to receive content from content providers, and to encode the content to create IP-compatible content, with access restrictions based on entitlement. The network entitlement handler may be configured to receive a request for requested content from the decoder; receive the access-restricted content including (including the requested content) from the encoder; and transmit the requested content over the network to the decoder using IP, when the decoder is entitled to receive the requested content. | 10-08-2009 |
| 20090222788 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CREATING NETWORK ARCHITECTURE PLANNING TOOLS - A method of creating a network architecture planning tool includes receiving at a host computer system a request from a user computer to display a first object template, transmitting an electronic file comprising the object template to a user computer, receiving at the host computer system information defining a first object comprising at least a function defining a next object, receiving at the host computer system a request from a user computer to display at least a second object template, transmitting an electronic file comprising the at least a second object template to the user computer, receiving at the host computer system information defining at least a second object relating to a network, and storing the information defining the first object and the information defining at least the second object. | 09-03-2009 |
| 20090212971 | TRANSMITTING UTILITY USAGE DATA VIA A NETWORK INTERFACE DEVICE - Tools and techniques for transmitting utility usage data. In some cases, the tools receive utility usage data provided by a utility meter and transmit that data for reception by a utility provider. In particular cases, the utility usage data may be received at a network interface device. The network interface device might, in some instances, include a broadband modem, such as a digital subscriber line modem, which can be used to transmit the utility usage data to the utility provider. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090182768 | MULTI-MVNO WIRELESS SERVICE - Systems and methods for determining an optimal range of frequencies of electromagnetic waves are described. In some embodiments, mobile voice communications devices measure average power received from certain ranges of such frequencies, each range associated with a communications service provider. A cost may be associated with each range. An optimal range of frequencies may be determined based on these factors. Each device may also receive a set of data identifying the location of the device. Each device may transmit one or more communications signals to a CIP with such measurements and location information, and some of this information may be stored in a database. | 07-16-2009 |
| 20090168988 | IMPLEMENTING FEATURE INTERACTIONS BETWEEN AN AIN-BASED SERVICE AND A SWITCH-BASED FORWARDING SERVICE - The present, invention provides a method and system for implementing feature interactions between an AIN-based service and a switch-based call-forwarding service. In the present invention, the switch-based call-forwarding generates an Off-Hook Delay (OHD) trigger. In response, the SSP suspends call processing and sends the forward-to number to the SCP. Based upon the SCP's determination of whether the forward-to number is for voicemail and other criteria such as time of day, day of the week, etc, the SCP determines whether the switch-based call-forward should be permitted or inhibited. | 07-02-2009 |
| 20090164619 | MANAGEMENT OF VIRTUAL AND PHYSICAL NETWORK INVENTORIES - A method for managing a network element inventory for a video and data network is provided. The method includes self-discovering a physical network inventory of the video and data network. Additionally, a logical network inventory of the video and data network is self-discovered. Further, a planned network inventory of the video and data network is provided. Once the planned, logical, and physical network inventories are collected, the physical network inventory, logical network inventory, and planned network inventory are loaded into the network element inventory. After loading, synchronization of the physical network inventory, logical network inventory, and planned network inventory in the network element inventory is performed. A view is then provided using the synchronized physical network inventory, logical network inventory, and planned network inventory when a request for the view of the network element inventory is received. | 06-25-2009 |
| 20090021925 | PROTECTIVE TELECOMMUNICATIONS ENCLOSURE SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Protective containers for electronic equipment, and methods of testing and manufacture thereof, are provided. Enclosure systems and methods for protecting telecommunications equipment from electromagnetic fields include cabinets having a maximum width dimension that does not exceed about 26 inches and a maximum depth dimension that does not exceed about 22⅜ inches. The cabinets provide a HEMP protection level to electronic equipment housed therein that meets a HEMP protection level according to MIL-STD-188-125-1. | 01-22-2009 |
| 20090007176 | CONTENT SYNDICATION TO SET TOP BOX THROUGH IP NETWORK - Tools are provided for supporting content syndication to a set top box. The set top box requests a syndicated feed at regularly scheduled times, and receives the syndicated feed through an Internet Protocol (“IP”) network. Hence, a syndicated feed is distributed to the set top box that subscribes to the syndicated feed. Additionally, the set top box converts the syndicated feed for use by the set top box, and causes at least one image based at least in part on the syndicated feed to be displayed on a display device for a user. | 01-01-2009 |
| 20090007171 | DYNAMIC INTERACTIVE ADVERTISEMENT INSERTION INTO CONTENT STREAM DELIVERED THROUGH IP NETWORK - Tools are provided for supporting dynamic insertion of advertisements into a content stream delivered to a viewer through an Internet Protocol (“IP”) network. A viewer profile that includes at least one item of interest and an advertisement profile that includes a mapping from one or more items to at least one advertisement are maintained. An item in the viewer profile is matched to one or more advertisements based on the advertisement profile. The content stream is retrieved and an advertisement slot into which an advertisement should be inserted is identified. The advertisement to be inserted is selected from the one or more advertisements and the content of the advertisement is inserted into the advertisement slot in the content stream. A video component of the content stream with the content of the advertisement inserted is displayed on a display device. | 01-01-2009 |
| 20080317043 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DYNAMIC DISTRIBUTED COMMUNICATION - Growth of a distributed communication system is facilitated through dynamic addition of routing elements. A new routing element may be added to a network of routing elements by first establishing a connection between the new routing element and an existing routing element in the network. The connection may be either wireless or wireline. At least one address is assigned to the new routing element. Each assigned address comes from a pool of addresses maintained at the existing routing element. At least one pool of addresses is issued to the new routing element, permitting the new routing element to dynamically add yet another new routing element to the network of routing elements. | 12-25-2008 |
