Method for processing collect calls
First Claim
1. A method for use in processing a collect call initiated by a calling party at a calling station to a called party at a called station, comprising the steps ofquerying a database using at least a portion of information identifying said calling station and at least a portion of information identifying said called station to determine the anticipated cost for the collect call;
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Accused Products
Abstract
When a collect call is initiated by a calling party, and the call is routed to an operator services position, an automated attendant, or other system in the telephone network. In addition to playing an announcement to the called party to determine if he or she will accept the call, information is furnished to the called party, preferably by an announcement, indicating (a) the anticipated cost for the call, and, optionally, (b) the relative cost of the call, as compared to the cost that would be imposed if another carrier carried the call. This information may be obtained using the dialed number and information identifying the calling party location, and by querying a database containing (a) rate information, and optionally (b) comparative information setting forth the rates of different carriers offering collect call service in the same calling area. The invention can be practiced in an automated attendant, sometimes referred to as an interactive telecommunications services platform, which may be part of (a) a switch in a local exchange network, or (b) a switch in an interexchange (long distance) network. The collect calls may be originated by dialing a 0+call, or by calling a predetermined 800 number such as 1-800-CALL ATT.
123 Citations
17 Claims
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1. A method for use in processing a collect call initiated by a calling party at a calling station to a called party at a called station, comprising the steps of
querying a database using at least a portion of information identifying said calling station and at least a portion of information identifying said called station to determine the anticipated cost for the collect call; - and
furnishing information to said called party providing the anticipated cost for the collect call. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method for use in processing a collect call initiated by a calling party at a calling station to a called party at a called station, comprising the steps of
receiving said call in an automated attendant in a telephone network; -
querying a database using at least a portion of information identifying said calling station and at least a portion of information identifying said called station to determine the anticipated cost for the collect call; determining if said anticipated cost is the lowest cost available for a collect call placed from said calling station to said called station; if said anticipated cost is the lowest cost available for a collect call placed from said calling station to said called station, announcing that fact and said anticipated cost to said called party; and if said anticipated cost is not the lowest cost available for a collect call placed from said calling station to said called station, announcing only said anticipated cost to said called party. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14)
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15. A method for use in processing a collect call initiated by a calling party at a calling station intended for a called party at a called station, said collect call being carried by a first carrier, the method comprising the steps of:
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querying a database using at least a portion of information identifying the calling station and at least a portion of information identifying the called station to determine an anticipated cost to be charged by the first carrier for carrying the collect call and an anticipated cost which a second carrier would charge for carrying the collect call; and furnishing cost information to the called party, the furnished cost information based on the anticipated costs for the collect call. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17)
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Specification