Customized, billing-controlled call bridging system

• US 5,581,607 A
• Filed: 06/06/1994
• Issued: 12/03/1996
• Est. Priority Date: 10/01/1990
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Intel Corporation
• Original Assignee: United States Advanced Network, Inc.
• Inventors: Billingsley, Samuel F. III, Richardson, Charles T. Jr., Austin, Kevin L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Zele, Krista M.
• Assistant Examiner(s): TSANG, FAN S
• Application Number:
  US08/254,166
• Time in Patent Office: 911 Days
• Field of Search: 379/67, 379/88, 379/89, 379/91, 379/95, 379/34, 379/112, 379/202, 379/203, 379/213, 379/210, 379/211, 379/212, 379/230, 379/231, 379/232, 379/233, 379/36
• US Class Current: 379/88.22
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/00 Arrangements for metering, time-control or time indication ; Metering, charging or billing arrangements for voice wireline or wireless communications, e.g. VoIP
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/08 Metering calls to called party , i.e. B-party charged for the communication
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/47 Fraud detection or prevention means
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/745 Customizing according to wishes of subscriber, e.g. friends or family
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/88 Provision for limiting connection, or expenditure
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/00 Metering arrangements; Time controlling arrangements; Time indicating arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/0108 Customization according to wishes of subscriber, e.g. customer preferences, friends and family, selecting services or billing options, Personal Communication Systems [PCS]
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/0116 Provision for limiting expenditure, e.g. limit on call expenses or account
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/0148 Fraud detection or prevention means
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/62 Called party billing, e.g. reverse billing, freephone, collect call, 0800 or 0900
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2242/22 Automatic class or number identification arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/2281 Call monitoring, e.g. for law enforcement purposes; Call tracing; Detection or prevention of malicious calls
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/36 Statistical metering, e.g. recording occasions when traffic exceeds capacity of trunks
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/38 Graded-service arrangements, i.e. some subscribers prevented from establishing certain connections queuing arrangements H04Q3/64
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/382 using authorisation codes or passwords
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/42 Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers specially adapted for wireless communication networks H04W4/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/42042 Notifying the called party of information on the calling party details within substation equipment H04M1/57, signalling details H04Q3/72
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/42059 Making use of the calling party identifier
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/42102 Making use of the called party identifier
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/42221 Conversation recording systems at the subscriber's set H04M1/656
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/4228 : in networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/436 : Arrangements for screening incoming calls , i.e. evaluating the characteristics of a call before deciding whether to answer it based on the calling party profile H04M3/42059; based on location H04M3/42348; based on presence H04M3/42365; diversion H04M3/54
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/4878 : Advertisement messages
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/493 : Interactive information services, e.g. directory enquiries ; Arrangements therefor, e.g. interactive voice response [IVR] systems or voice portals
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/50 : Centralised arrangements for answering calls; Centralised arrangements for recording messages for absent or busy subscribers H04M3/487 takes precedence; centralised dictation systems H04M11/10; Centralised arrangements for recording messages
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/51 : Centralised call answering arrangements requiring operator intervention , e.g. call or contact centers for telemarketing
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/527 : Centralised call answering arrangements not requiring operator intervention
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/533 : Voice mail systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/53325 : Interconnection arrangements between voice mail systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 7/00 : Arrangements for interconnection between switching centres
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13091 : CLI, identification of calling line
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13095 : PIN / Access code, authentication
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13103 : Memory
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13106 : Microprocessor, CPU
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/1313 : Metering, billing
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13204 : Protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/1324 : Conference call
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13299 : Bus
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/1337 : Operator, emergency services
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13376 : Information service, downloading of information, 0800/0900 services
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13377 : Recorded announcement
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 3/0016 : Arrangements providing connection between exchanges
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 3/72 : Finding out and indicating number of calling subscriber

Abstract

Method and apparatus for providing customized, billing-controlled call bridging services through a bridging node which includes a node interface for connection through incoming and outgoing telephone trunks to a carrier switch of a public switched network, an audio peripheral for recording, playing, and analyzing audio signals, and a node controller for controlling operation of the node interface and the audio peripheral.

Claims

1. A method of bridging a call between an origination telephone having an origination number and a destination telephone having a destination number, said method comprising the steps of:

connecting a self-controlled bridging node to a telecommunications switch of a public switched network;

receiving the call at the bridging node through a first communication path from the telecommunications switch, including receiving the origination number and the destination number, wherein the origination number is generated automatically within the public switched network upon initiation of the call;

forcing the call to be a collect call, including the steps of

calling the destination number from the bridging node, including a step of transmitting the destination number through a second communication path from the bridging node to the telecommunications switch, and

transmitting a collect call prompt to the destination telephone requesting an indication of acceptance of billing charges; and

bridging together the first communication path and the second communication path by the bridging node to provide a connection between the origination telephone and the destination telephone.

2. A method of bridging a call between an origination telephone having an origination number and a destination telephone having a destination number, said method comprising the steps of:

connecting a self-controlled bridging node to a telecommunications switch of a public switched network;

receiving the call at the bridging node through a first communication path from the telecommunications switch, including receiving the origination number and the destination number, wherein the origination number is generated automatically within the public switched network upon initiation of the call;

comparing the origination number to an origination number table to control access to the bridging node;

forcing the call to be a collect call, including the steps of

calling the destination number from the bridging node, including a step of transmitting the destination number through a second communication path from the bridging node to the telecommunications switch, and

transmitting a collect call prompt to the destination telephone requesting an indication of acceptance of billing charges; and

bridging together the first communication path and the second communication path by the bridging node to provide a connection between the origination telephone and the destination telephone.

3. A method of bridging a call between an origination telephone having an origination number and a destination telephone having a destination number, said method comprising the steps of:

connecting a self-controlled bridging node to a telecommunications switch of a public switched network;

receiving the call at the bridging node through a first communication path from the telecommunications switch, including receiving the origination number and the destination number;

forcing the call to be a collect call, including the steps of

calling the destination number from the bridging node, including a step of transmitting the destination number through a second communication path from the bridging node to the telecommunications switch, and

transmitting a collect call prompt to the destination telephone requesting an indication of acceptance of billing charges; and

bridging together the first communication path and the second communication path by the bridging node to provide a connection between the origination telephone and the destination telephone,

wherein the origination number is received at the bridging node before calling the destination number from the bridging node and before any prompts or tones are transmitted from the bridging node to the origination telephone.

4. A method of bridging a call between an origination telephone having an origination number and a destination telephone having a destination number, said method comprising the steps of:

connecting a self-controlled bridging node to a telecommunications switch of a public switched network;

receiving the call at the bridging node through a first communication path from the telecommunications switch, including receiving the destination number;

transmitting a prompt from the bridging node to the origination telephone requesting input of a personal identification number;

receiving at the bridging node the personal identification number from the origination telephone;

comparing at the bridging node the origination number to an origination number table to control access to the bridging node;

forcing the call to be a collect call, including the steps of

calling the destination number from the bridging node, including a step of transmitting the destination number through a second communication path from the bridging node to the telecommunications switch, and

transmitting a collect call prompt to the destination telephone requesting an indication of acceptance of billing charges; and

bridging together the first communication path and the second communication path by the bridging node to provide a connection between the origination telephone and the destination telephone.

5. A method of bridging a call between an origination telephone having an origination number and a destination telephone having a destination number, said method comprising the steps of:

connecting a self-controlled bridging node to a telecommunications switch of a public switched network;

receiving the call at the bridging node through a first communication path from the telecommunications switch, including receiving the destination number;

forcing the call to be a collect call, including the steps of

calling the destination number from the bridging node, including a step of transmitting the destination number through a second communication path from the bridging node to the telecommunications switch, and

transmitting a collect call prompt to the destination telephone requesting an indication of acceptance of billing charges;

bridging together the first communication path and the second communication path by the bridging node to provide a connection between the origination telephone and the destination telephone; and

recording conversation at the bridging node between the origination telephone and the destination telephone.

6. A method of bridging a call between an origination telephone having an origination number and a destination telephone having a destination number, said method comprising the steps of:

connecting a self-controlled bridging node to a telecommunications switch of a public switched network;

receiving the call at the bridging node through a first communication path from the telecommunications switch, including receiving the destination number;

forcing the call to be a collect call, including the steps of

calling the destination number from the bridging node, including a step of transmitting the destination number through a second communication path from the bridging node to the telecommunications switch, and

transmitting a collect call prompt to the destination telephone requesting an indication of acceptance of billing charges;

bridging together the first communication path and the second communication path by the bridging node to provide a connection between the origination telephone and the destination telephone;

accepting at the bridging node a monitoring call through the telecommunications switch from a monitor telephone; and

connecting at the bridging node the monitor telephone to the origination telephone.

7. A call bridging apparatus for bridging a call from an origination telephone having an origination number to a destination telephone having a destination number, said apparatus comprising:

means for receiving the call through a first communication path with a telecommunications switch of a public switched network, said means for receiving including,

means for receiving the origination number from the telecommunications switch, and

means for analyzing the origination number to control access to said call bridging apparatus;

means for forcing the call to be a collect call, said means for forcing including,

means for initiating a call to the destination telephone through a second communication path with the telecommunications switch, and

means for transmitting a collect call prompt to the destination telephone requesting an indication of acceptance of billing charges; and

means for bridging together the first communication path and the second communication path to provide a connection between the origination telephone and the destination telephone.

8. A call bridging apparatus for bridging a call from an origination telephone having an origination number to a destination telephone having a destination number, said apparatus comprising:

means for receiving the call through a first communication path with a telecommunications switch of a public switched network;

means for forcing the call to be a collect call, said means for forcing including,

means for initiating a call to the destination telephone through a second communication path with the telecommunications switch, and

means for transmitting a collect call prompt to the destination telephone requesting an indication of acceptance of billing charges;

means for bridging together the first communication path and the second communication path to provide a connection between the origination telephone and the destination telephone; and

means for recording audio signals transmitted between the origination telephone and the destination telephone.

9. A call bridging apparatus for bridging a call from an origination telephone having an origination number to a destination telephone having a destination number, said apparatus comprising:

means for receiving the call through a first communication path with a telecommunications switch of a public switched network;

means for forcing the call to be a collect call, said means for forcing including,

means for initiating a call to the destination telephone through a second communication path with the telecommunications switch, and

means for transmitting a collect call prompt to the destination telephone requesting an indication of acceptance of billing charges;

means for bridging together the first communication path and the second communication path to provide a connection between the origination telephone and the destination telephone; and

means for accepting a call from a monitoring telephone along a third communication path with the telecommunications switch and for connecting the second communication path with the third communication path to connect the monitoring telephone to the origination telephone.

10. A call bridging apparatus for bridging a call from an origination telephone having an origination number to a destination telephone having a destination number, said apparatus comprising:

means for receiving the call through a first communication path with a telecommunications switch of a public switched network, said means for receiving including means for receiving the origination number from the telecommunications switch, wherein the origination number is generated automatically within the public switched network upon initiation of the call;

means for forcing the call to be a collect call, said means for forcing including,

means for initiating a call to the destination telephone through a second communication path with the telecommunications switch, and

means for transmitting a collect call prompt to the destination telephone requesting an indication of acceptance of billing charges; and

means for bridging together the first communication path and the second communication path to provide a connection between the origination telephone and the destination telephone.

11. A call bridging apparatus for bridging a call from an origination telephone having an origination number to a destination telephone having a destination number, said apparatus comprising:

means for receiving the call through a first communication path with a telecommunications switch of a public switched network, said means for receiving including means for receiving the origination number from the telecommunications switch before any prompts or tones are transmitted from said call bridging apparatus to the origination telephone;

means for forcing the call to be a collect call, said means for forcing including,

means for initiating a call to the destination telephone through a second communication path with the telecommunications switch, and

means for transmitting a collect call prompt to the destination telephone requesting an indication of acceptance of billing charges; and

means for bridging together the first communication path and the second communication path to provide a connection between the origination telephone and the destination telephone.

12. A call bridging apparatus for bridging a call from an origination telephone having an origination number to a destination telephone having a destination number, said apparatus comprising:

means for receiving the call through a first communication path with a telecommunications switch of a public switched network, said receiving means including means for receiving the origination number from the telecommunications switch;

means for forcing the call to be a collect call, said means for forcing including,

means for initiating a call to the destination telephone through a second communication path with the telecommunications switch, and

means for transmitting a collect call prompt to the destination telephone requesting an indication of acceptance of billing charges;

means for bridging together the first communication path and the second communication path to provide a connection between the origination telephone and the destination telephone;

means for providing a plurality of various types of audio response services; and

means for analyzing the origination number to select a particular audio response service from the plurality of various types of audio response services.