System and method for managing communications
First Claim
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1. A method for establishing preferences for a communications service and for providing the communications service comprising the steps of:
- receiving identifying data from a probable subscriber of a service through computer interface system;
determining if the probable subscriber is a valid subscriber by comparing the identifying data to an identifying-data record;
if the probable subscriber is a valid subscriber, sending stored and default information to the subscriber through the computer interface system, wherein the stored and default information is displayed to the subscriber on a graphical user interface (GUI) executing on a computer and comprises at least encumbered-line bypass list data, forwarding numbers, an on/off setting for the entire communications service and links to one or more other available services, wherein further the encumbered-line bypass list data comprises bypass times for one or more phone numbers and one or more pass-codes;
receiving a second item of information from the subscriber through the computer interface system, wherein the second item of information is related to a calling party that has been preselected to by-pass an encumbered line; and
storing the second item of information in a database accessible by a communications network thereby updating the stored and default information.
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Abstract
A communications network-based system and service is disclosed. The service permits subscribers to control and manage incoming telephone calls. Subscribers can establish preferences and set encumbrances. The service also connects calls to a called party otherwise prevented from receiving calls due to line encumbrances, permitting preselected or predesignated parties to by-pass line encumbrances.
85 Citations
24 Claims
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1. A method for establishing preferences for a communications service and for providing the communications service comprising the steps of:
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receiving identifying data from a probable subscriber of a service through computer interface system; determining if the probable subscriber is a valid subscriber by comparing the identifying data to an identifying-data record; if the probable subscriber is a valid subscriber, sending stored and default information to the subscriber through the computer interface system, wherein the stored and default information is displayed to the subscriber on a graphical user interface (GUI) executing on a computer and comprises at least encumbered-line bypass list data, forwarding numbers, an on/off setting for the entire communications service and links to one or more other available services, wherein further the encumbered-line bypass list data comprises bypass times for one or more phone numbers and one or more pass-codes; receiving a second item of information from the subscriber through the computer interface system, wherein the second item of information is related to a calling party that has been preselected to by-pass an encumbered line; and storing the second item of information in a database accessible by a communications network thereby updating the stored and default information. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A method for receiving encumbered-line bypass list information through an IVR system, comprising the steps of:
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receiving identifying data from a probable subscriber of a service through an IVR system; determining if the probable subscriber is a valid subscriber by comparing the identifying data to an identifying-data record; providing an option choice to the subscriber comprising toggling the service between on and off, setting a schedule for the service, setting an encumbered-line bypass list and selecting a forwarding number; if setting a schedule for the service is selected, then playing the schedule to the subscriber through the IVR system, wherein the subscriber sets a time of day during which encumbrance-line bypass list is enabled; if setting an encumbered-line bypass list is selected, then playing information in the encumbered-line bypass list to the subscriber through the IVR system; receiving modifications to the encumbered-line bypass list information from the subscriber through the IVR system; and storing the modified encumbered-line bypass list information in a database accessible by a communications network. - View Dependent Claims (8)
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9. A method of connecting a calling party with a called party comprising the steps of:
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receiving a call from a calling party over a telecommunications system which includes a database containing subscriber information, wherein the subscriber information includes an encumbered-line bypass list of phone numbers; determining that a line associated with the called party is encumbered; communicating one or more identifiers related to the calling party to the called party where the identifiers are presented to the called party and wherein further the identifiers include the calling party'"'"'s phone number, the calling party'"'"'s name, the time the calling party called, pass-code and any additional information input by the calling party including audible input; querying the database for the called party'"'"'s call reception status, wherein if the call reception status is a restricted status then the call is connected to a third party and if the call receptions status is not a restricted status then the call is placed to the called party, wherein the method further comprises determining whether an instruction is received from the called party to set the call reception status to a restricted status after the one or more identifiers are received by the called party; if the call reception status is set to a restricted status, comparing one or more identifiers of the calling party with the encumbered-line bypass list of phone numbers; and if one of the identifier(s) of the calling party matches an identifier in the encumbered-line bypass list, then connecting the calling party to the called party by bypassing the encumbrance unless the called party has prevented the call from bypassing a restricted status by imposing a restriction on all calls based on time of day. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method of directing a call comprising the steps of:
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receiving a call from a calling party; determining the identity of a called party; communicating one or more identifiers related to the calling party to the called party where the identifiers are presented to the called party and wherein further the identifiers include the calling party'"'"'s phone number, the calling party'"'"'s name, the time the calling party called, pass-code and any additional information input by the called party including audible input; comparing one or more identifiers of the calling party with information received from the called party; querying the database for the called party'"'"'s call reception status, wherein if the call reception status is a restricted status then the call is connected to a third party and if the call receptions status is not a restricted status then the call is placed to the called party, wherein the method further comprises determining whether the called party has set the call reception status to a restricted status after the one or more identifiers are received by the called party; and connecting the call to the called party if one of the identifier(s) corresponds to the information received from the called party, unless the called party has prevented the call from bypassing a restricted status by imposing a restriction on all calls based on time of day, and connecting the call to a third party if none of the identifier(s) corresponds to the information received from the called party. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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Specification