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Communications system and method with call expenditure control

  • US 5,946,380 A
  • Filed: 11/06/1997
  • Issued: 08/31/1999
  • Est. Priority Date: 11/06/1997
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. In a communication system including at least one network switch coupled, in part, to at least one caller via a telephone line uniquely associated with that caller for receiving a call from that caller to a destination and for establishing the caller'"'"'s identity in accordance with a number associated with the caller'"'"'s telephone line, comprising:

  • a) a database storing information in accordance with said caller'"'"'s telephone line number, said information indicating a budgeted calling amount for said caller;

    b) a control processor responsive to a call initiated by the caller for accessing the data base to obtain said information in accordance with said caller'"'"'s telephone line number and for establishing a maximum allowable time length for the caller based on said information and on said destination of said caller'"'"'s call, said processor further monitoring said call in progress to determine how much time has elapsed for said call; and

    c) a voice response unit coupled to the processor and to the network for sending at least one message to the caller indicative of the amount of time available to the caller.

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