Multi-stage telephone number dialing system and method for providing limited access to a telephone subscriber
First Claim
1. A method for performing caller classification of a telecommunications call made to a called party, the method comprising the steps of:
- receiving an incoming call from a caller;
receiving an authorization code from the caller; and
performing at least one of a set of predetermined actions, said at least one action having been selected based on the authorization code received from the caller, the set of predetermined actions including at least two different actions selected from the group comprising (i) connecting the incoming call through to the called party, (ii) redirecting the incoming call to a voice mailbox, (iii) providing a recorded message to the caller, and (iv) disconnecting the call, wherein at least a first authorization code results in performing one of said at least two different actions selected from said group and wherein at least a second authorization code different from said first authorization code results in performing the other one of said at least two different actions selected from said group.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A multi-stage telephone number dialing system and method of “semi-listed” numbers provides limited and selective access of individuals to a telephone subscriber. When a semi-listed number is called, a recorded announcement is played to the caller requesting that the caller enter an authorization code or “PIN” (Personal Identification Number). One of a number of possible actions is then performed based on the entered PIN, illustratively determined by a database lookup. Actions which may be taken include (i) connecting the incoming call through to the subscriber, (ii) directing the incoming call to a voice mailbox, (iii) providing a recorded message to the caller, and (iv) disconnecting the call.
28 Citations
24 Claims
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1. A method for performing caller classification of a telecommunications call made to a called party, the method comprising the steps of:
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receiving an incoming call from a caller;
receiving an authorization code from the caller; and
performing at least one of a set of predetermined actions, said at least one action having been selected based on the authorization code received from the caller, the set of predetermined actions including at least two different actions selected from the group comprising (i) connecting the incoming call through to the called party, (ii) redirecting the incoming call to a voice mailbox, (iii) providing a recorded message to the caller, and (iv) disconnecting the call, wherein at least a first authorization code results in performing one of said at least two different actions selected from said group and wherein at least a second authorization code different from said first authorization code results in performing the other one of said at least two different actions selected from said group. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. An apparatus for performing caller classification of a telecommunications call made to a called party, the apparatus comprising an interception module adapted to:
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receive an incoming call from a caller;
receive an authorization code from the caller; and
initiate the performance of at least one of a set of predetermined actions, said at least one action having been selected based on the authorization code received from the caller, the set of predetermined actions including at least two different actions selected from the group comprising (i) connecting the incoming call through to the called party, (ii) redirecting the incoming call to a voice mailbox, (iii) providing a recorded message to the caller, and (iv) disconnecting the call, wherein at least a first authorization code results in performing one of said at least two different actions selected from said group and wherein at least a second authorization code different from said first authorization code results in performing the other one of said at least two different actions selected from said group. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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Specification