Method and apparatus facilitating the placing, receiving, and billing of telephone calls
First Claim
1. An apparatus facilitating the placing conferenced multiple outbound telephone calls, comprising:
- a. an internet-connected computer for receiving dialing information over the internet;
b. an outbound call engine capable for placing a plurality of outbound telephone calls, said call engine responsive to said dialing information;
c. call conferencing means capable of connecting a plurality of outbound telephone calls together.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus facilitating web-initiated communication by telephone, providing for both anonymous and non-anonymous communication, which allows users to contact each other through a trusted central connecting facility provides breakthroughs in personal control, privacy, and safety for people communicating over the telephone. All calls are incoming calls, both to callers and call recipients. Users may control what time windows they can receive calls from other users, on an individual basis. Billing for professional services delivered over the phone may be done automatically through the call delivery system. Both one-to-one and group calls are provided. An auction feature allows customers to bid for phone time with desired personalities. Calls may be scheduled to happen automatically at pre-arranged times. Use of PIN codes prevents unintended recipients from receiving a call. Users may generate temporary contact number cards which an be given out to people they meet, such that calling access will be controllable and traditional contact information (such as phone number and address, full name, etc.) can be kept private. Users may sign up for paid accounts or free accounts. Free accounts may only receive calls and make collect calls. Applications include dating websites, on-line greeting cards with a phone call contained, phone connection during on-line chat, customer service, time-controlled phone contact for on-line auctions, supplemental long-distance and international calling, and fund-raising.
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Citations
76 Claims
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1. An apparatus facilitating the placing conferenced multiple outbound telephone calls, comprising:
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a. an internet-connected computer for receiving dialing information over the internet;
b. an outbound call engine capable for placing a plurality of outbound telephone calls, said call engine responsive to said dialing information;
c. call conferencing means capable of connecting a plurality of outbound telephone calls together. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 48)
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46. The apparatus of
claim 46 , wherein said database further comprises for each customer professional services rate information, and further comprising means to charge customers for professional service time of a called party in addition to connection charges.
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49. A method of doing business comprising auctioning professional service time on the web.
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50. A method of fund-raising comprising auctioning teleconference time with celebrities on the web, automatically calling high bidders and connecting them to said teleconference, and automatically billing teleconference participants the amounts they bid to be on said teleconference.
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51. A method for placing conferenced multiple outbound telephone calls, comprising:
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a. An receiving dialing information over the internet;
b. placing a plurality of outbound telephone calls in response to said dialing information;
c. connecting said multiple outbound calls together as a conference call. - View Dependent Claims (52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76)
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Specification