Paging system

• US 6,597,904 B1
• Filed: 11/02/2000
• Issued: 07/22/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 07/06/1990
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Simon Neustein
• Original Assignee: Simon Neustein
• Inventors: Neustein, Simon
• Primary Examiner(s): MAUNG, NAY AUNG
• Application Number:
  US09/703,935
• Time in Patent Office: 992 Days
• Field of Search: 455/31.1, 455/31.2, 455/31.3, 455/406, 455/408, 455/414, 455/426, 455/458, 340/825.44, 340/7.1, 340/7.2, 340/7.21, 340/7.22, 340/7.23
• US Class Current: 455/406
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 3/1016 using wireless transmission calling systems using transmission by inductive loop H04B5/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/022 One-way selective calling networks, e.g. wide area paging

Abstract

A paging system, including a number of central stations, each of which contains a number of pagers associated with it. Each pager responds to one or more identifying numbers so that a caller may send a paging message to one or more pagers, all of which respond to the same identifying number. The central station includes a profile of information for each pager. Paging information includes various identification numbers to which the pager responds, as well as selected types of services. Pagers can additionally restrict receiving certain pages, limit the number of received calls, and arrange for a transfer of their calls from one central station to another. The central station can also store voice messages providing an indication to the selected pager to retrieve voice messages. The central station utilizes a protocol which synchronizes the data and the time for each pager, and can then address messages to one or a plurality of pagers simultaneously, send messages to the pagers or control signals which can override local controls and enable or disable the local pager operation. Authorization can be required for a transaction. Billing for the processing and transmission of paging data is provided on a per call basis. Verification of transmission or a transaction for billing purposes can be via a page or over the telephone network to the caller or to a third party.

Claims

1. A method of paging a paged party by a page initiator, comprising:

transmitting a one-way paging signal to a paged party pager responsive to a paging request by the page initiator;

determining an identity of the page initiator; and

billing the page initiator for the paging signal transmission responsive to the determining.

2. A method of paging a called party by a caller, comprising:

transmitting a one-way paging signal to a called party pager responsive to a paging request by the caller; and

billing the caller for the paging signal transmission.

3. A method as recited in claim 2, further comprising determining a billing account from a telephone number of the caller.

4. A method of paging a called party by a caller, comprising:

transmitting a one-way paging signal to a called party pager responsive to a paging request by the caller;

billing the caller for the paging signal transmission; and

determining a billing account from an account identification entered by the caller at a telephone of the caller.

5. A method of paging a called party by a caller, comprising:

transmitting a one-way paging signal to a called party pager responsive to a paging request by the caller; and

billing the caller for the paging signal transmission comprising;

determining that the paging transaction is an uncompleted telephone transaction; and

billing prior to the completion of the transaction.

6. An apparatus, comprising:

means for transmitting a one-way paging signal to a called party pager responsive to a paging request by a caller; and

means for billing the caller for the paging signal transmission.

7. A method of paging a called party by a caller, comprising:

transmitting a one-way paging signal to a called party pager responsive to a paging request by the caller; and

billing the caller for the paging signal transmission by determining that the paging transaction is an uncompleted telephone transaction, determining a billing account from caller information and billing prior to the completion of the transaction.