US20140314221A1 - System, method and apparatus for placing a telephone call - Google Patents
System, method and apparatus for placing a telephone call Download PDFInfo
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- US20140314221A1 US20140314221A1 US14/320,568 US201414320568A US2014314221A1 US 20140314221 A1 US20140314221 A1 US 20140314221A1 US 201414320568 A US201414320568 A US 201414320568A US 2014314221 A1 US2014314221 A1 US 2014314221A1
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- Prior art keywords
- caller
- telephone number
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- call
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
- H04M3/42—Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
- H04M3/42025—Calling or Called party identification service
- H04M3/42034—Calling party identification service
- H04M3/42059—Making use of the calling party identifier
- H04M3/42068—Making use of the calling party identifier where the identifier is used to access a profile
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
- H04M3/42—Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
- H04M3/42025—Calling or Called party identification service
- H04M3/42034—Calling party identification service
- H04M3/42059—Making use of the calling party identifier
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M15/00—Arrangements for metering, time-control or time indication ; Metering, charging or billing arrangements for voice wireline or wireless communications, e.g. VoIP
- H04M15/10—Metering calls from calling party, i.e. A-party charged for the communication
- H04M15/12—Discriminative metering, charging or billing
- H04M15/16—Discriminative metering, charging or billing according to connection obtained
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M15/00—Arrangements for metering, time-control or time indication ; Metering, charging or billing arrangements for voice wireline or wireless communications, e.g. VoIP
- H04M15/10—Metering calls from calling party, i.e. A-party charged for the communication
- H04M15/12—Discriminative metering, charging or billing
- H04M15/18—Discriminative metering, charging or billing according to duration of the call, or the communication
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M15/00—Arrangements for metering, time-control or time indication ; Metering, charging or billing arrangements for voice wireline or wireless communications, e.g. VoIP
- H04M15/47—Fraud detection or prevention means
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M17/00—Prepayment of wireline communication systems, wireless communication systems or telephone systems
- H04M17/10—Account details or usage
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M17/00—Prepayment of wireline communication systems, wireless communication systems or telephone systems
- H04M17/10—Account details or usage
- H04M17/103—Account details or usage using SIMs (USIMs) or calling cards
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
- H04M3/42—Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
- H04M3/42025—Calling or Called party identification service
- H04M3/42085—Called party identification service
- H04M3/42102—Making use of the called party identifier
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
- H04M3/42—Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
- H04M3/54—Arrangements for diverting calls for one subscriber to another predetermined subscriber
- H04M3/543—Call deflection
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M17/00—Prepayment of wireline communication systems, wireless communication systems or telephone systems
- H04M2017/12—Prepayment of wireline communication systems, wireless communication systems or telephone systems using calling, telephone credit/debit cards
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to placing a telephone call and, more particularly, to placing a telephone call that is forwarded to another location.
- Calling cards have been utilized by calling card caller to complete their telephone calls. There are many benefits for using a calling card. By using a calling card, the caller is able to negotiate a favorable per minute rate to complete these telephone calls. Further, besides the amount of minutes pre-purchased through a calling' card plan, there is typically no long term obligation to continue with a calling card plan. In addition, a calling card caller is typically able to utilize any telephone within a general geographic area to complete the telephone call without incurring any toll charges to the originating telephone.
- utilizing a calling card is often times more difficult than directly dialing the recipient's telephone number.
- some calling card plans require the calling party to initially dial a general toll free number to the calling card center. After calling the calling card center, the calling party enters the calling party's identification code, and then finally dials the recipient's telephone number. Further, if the calling card is lost or stolen, a person possessing the calling card is typically capable of using this calling card to complete his/her own telephone calls.
- the methods and apparatuses detect an identity of a caller; receive an assigned incoming telephone number; identify a recipient associated with the assigned incoming telephone number and the identity; and connect the caller and the recipient.
- FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an environment within which the methods and apparatuses placing a telephone call are implemented
- FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram illustrating one embodiment in which the methods and apparatuses for placing a telephone call are implemented
- FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram illustrating a system, consistent with one embodiment of the methods and apparatuses placing a telephone call;
- FIG. 4 is an exemplary record for use with the methods and apparatuses for placing a telephone call
- FIG. 5 is a simplified block diagram illustrating a system, consistent with one embodiment of the methods and apparatuses placing a telephone call.
- FIG. 6 is a flow diagram consistent with one embodiment of the methods and apparatuses for placing a telephone call.
- FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an environment within which the methods and apparatuses for placing a telephone call are implemented.
- the environment includes an electronic device 110 (e.g., a land line telephone, a cellular telephone, a satellite telephone, and the like), a caller interface 115 , a network 120 (e.g., a local area network, a home network, the Internet, telephone network), and a server 130 (e.g., a computing platform configured to act as a server).
- an electronic device 110 e.g., a land line telephone, a cellular telephone, a satellite telephone, and the like
- a caller interface 115 e.g., a caller interface 115 , a network 120 (e.g., a local area network, a home network, the Internet, telephone network), and a server 130 (e.g., a computing platform configured to act as a server).
- a network 120 e.g., a local area network, a home network, the Internet
- one or more caller interface 115 components are made integral with the electronic device 110 (e.g., keypad, video display screen, telephone, and speaker).
- one or more caller interface 115 components such as a keyboard, a pointing device (e.g., mouse and trackball) a display, and a camera are physically separate from, and are conventionally coupled to, electronic device 110 .
- the caller utilizes interface 115 to access and control content and applications stored in electronic device 100 , server 130 , or a remote storage device (not shown) coupled via network 120 .
- embodiments of placing a telephone call below are executed by an electronic processor in electronic device 110 , in server 130 , or by processors in electronic device 110 and in server 130 acting together.
- Server 130 is illustrated in FIG. 1 as being a single computing platform, but in other instances are two or more interconnected computing platforms that act as a server.
- the methods and apparatuses for placing a telephone call are shown in the context of exemplary embodiments of applications in which a caller dials an assigned incoming telephone number to reach a recipient that is associated with this assigned incoming telephone number.
- the methods and apparatuses for placing a telephone call utilize a record associated with a caller to track caller information such as the caller's selected telephone numbers, recipients associated with assigned incoming telephone numbers, and funds.
- FIG. 2 is a simplified diagram illustrating an exemplary architecture in which the methods and apparatuses for placing a telephone call are implemented.
- the exemplary architecture includes a plurality of devices 110 , a server device 130 , and a network 120 connecting devices 110 to server 130 and each device 110 to each other.
- the plurality of devices 110 are each configured to include a speaker 208 and a microphone 209 .
- each of the plurality of devices 110 is associated with a unique telephone number.
- multiple devices 110 share the same telephone number.
- a unique caller operates each electronic device 110 via an interface 115 as described with reference to FIG. 1 .
- the server device 130 includes a processor 211 coupled to a computer-readable medium 212 .
- the server device 130 is coupled to one or more additional external or internal devices, such as, without limitation, a secondary data storage element, such as database 240 .
- processor 211 is manufactured by Intel Corporation, of Santa Clara, Calif. In other instances, other microprocessors are used.
- the plurality of devices 110 and the server 130 include instructions for a customized application for placing a telephone call.
- the computer-readable media 212 contains, in part, the customized application.
- the plurality of devices 110 and the server 130 are configured to receive and transmit electronic signals for use with the customized application.
- the network 120 is configured to transmit electronic messages for use with the customized application and is configured to transmit voice signals between multiple devices 110 .
- FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of a system 300 .
- the system 300 is embodied within the server 130 .
- the system 300 is embodied within the device 110 .
- the system 300 is embodied within both the device 110 and the server 130 .
- the system 300 includes a telephone number detection module 310 , a caller identification detection module 320 , a storage module 330 , an interface module 340 , a control module 350 , a call connection module 360 , and an accounting module 370 .
- control module 350 communicates with the telephone number detection module 310 , the caller identification detection module 320 , the storage module 330 , the interface module 340 , the call connection module 360 , and the accounting module 370 . In one embodiment, the control module 350 coordinates tasks, requests, and communications between the telephone number detection module 310 , the caller identification detection module 320 , the storage module 330 , the interface module 340 , the call connection module 360 , and the accounting module 370 .
- the telephone number detection module 310 detects the telephone number dialed by the caller.
- the telephone number dialed by the caller is an assigned incoming telephone number that corresponds with a recipient.
- the particular recipient associated with the assigned incoming telephone number is predetermined by the caller. By uniquely identifying the assigned incoming telephone number dialed by the caller, the system 300 is able to determine, in part, which recipient should receive the telephone call initiated by the caller.
- the caller identification detection module 320 determines the originating telephone number that the caller is utilizing when making the telephone call. In one embodiment, the caller's telephone number is detected by the caller identification module 320 through a caller ID service. In this embodiment, the caller identification module 320 automatically senses the caller's telephone number through the caller ID service. In another embodiment, the caller's originating telephone number is manually entered by the caller.
- the caller identification module 320 detects the caller's telephone number.
- the caller's telephone number identifies the identity of the caller. For example, the caller assigns one or more telephone numbers such that when these assigned telephone numbers are detected by the caller identification module 320 , the caller's identity is identified upon placing the telephone call from one of the telephone numbers assigned by the caller.
- the storage module 330 stores a record including information associated with a particular caller. Each record illustrates a profile for the particular caller. An exemplary embodiment of the information contained within the record associated with a caller is illustrated in FIG. 4 .
- the interface module 340 receives a signal from one of the devices 110 indicating the assigned incoming telephone number that is dialed by the caller. In another embodiment, the interface module 340 indicating the telephone number that is being utilized by the caller to initiate the telephone call.
- the call connection module 360 connects the caller with a recipient. In one embodiment, the call connection module 360 selects a particular recipient based on the profile information associated with the caller. For example, the caller programs the system 300 to connect with a particular recipient when the caller dials one of the assigned incoming telephone numbers.
- the call connection module 360 dials the particular recipient's telephone number and connects the caller with the particular recipient.
- the assigned incoming telephone number dialed by the caller is associated with the recipient within the system 300 .
- the assigned incoming telephone number is configured to reach the recipient at the recipient's telephone number when the particular caller dials the assigned incoming telephone number.
- the call connection module 360 connects the caller with a particular recipient based on the identity of the caller, the caller's profile, and the assigned incoming telephone number dialed by the caller. For example, Caller #1 dials a telephone number 555-1212. The call connection module 360 connects Caller #1 with Recipient #1, based on the identity of Caller #1, Caller #1's profile, and the assigned incoming telephone number dialed by Caller #1. In this example, Caller #2 dials the same telephone number (555-1212). The call connection module 360 connects Caller #2 with Recipient #2, based on the identity of Caller #2, Caller #2's profile, and the assigned incoming telephone number dialed by Caller #2.
- the same assigned incoming telephone number is associated with multiple recipients. However, the recipients associated with this same assigned incoming telephone number are unique based on the identity of the caller. In this embodiment, the particular recipient is selected based on the caller's identity and the caller's profile.
- the accounting module 370 tracks the length of time that the caller stays connected to various recipients. By tracking the length of time, the system 300 is capable of subtracting the correct amount of money from the prepaid amount purchased by the caller and prevents the caller from exceeding the prepaid amount.
- the accounting module 370 tracks the length of time the caller stays connected to various recipients and bills the caller for the amount of time utilized by the caller.
- the accounting module 370 tracks the location of the various recipients and charges the caller based on the geographical location of the recipient. For example, if the recipient is located in a foreign country, then the caller is billed at a higher rate per minute. On the other hand, if the recipient is located domestically, then the caller is billed at a lower rate per minute.
- the system 300 in FIG. 3 is shown for exemplary purposes and is merely one embodiment of the methods and apparatuses for placing a telephone call. Additional modules may be added to the system 300 without departing from the scope of the methods and apparatuses for placing a telephone call. Similarly, modules may be combined or deleted without departing from the scope of the methods and apparatuses for placing a telephone call.
- FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary record 400 identifying attributes or profile information of a particular caller for use with the system 300 .
- there are multiple records such that each record 400 is associated with a particular caller.
- the record 400 includes an identity of funds field 440 .
- the identity of the caller field 410 uniquely identifies the caller.
- the caller is identified by the caller's name.
- the caller is identified by a log-in identification.
- the number of the caller field 420 identifies a telephone number specified by the caller that allows the caller to originate calls utilizing the system 300 .
- the caller specifies multiple numbers. By specifying multiple numbers, the caller is recognized by the system 300 when originating a call from any of these specified numbers. In one embodiment, when a call is originated from any of the numbers specified within the number of the caller field 420 , the system 300 recognizes the particular caller's identity associated with the record 400 .
- the recipient field 430 identifies a particular assigned incoming telephone number that is associated with a particular recipient. Further, each recipient is associated with a unique assigned incoming telephone number. For example, if a particular recipient is associated with a particular assigned incoming telephone number, the particular recipient is connected to the caller when the caller dials the particular assigned incoming telephone number from a telephone number that is specified in the number of the caller field 430 .
- the recipient field 430 also identifies the recipient's true telephone number that allows the system 300 to connect the caller with the recipient.
- the recipient's true telephone number is dialed to reach the recipient.
- the caller dials the particular incoming telephone number to be connected to the recipient.
- the funds field 440 identifies the funds that the caller has available. In one embodiment, the caller prepays an amount such that each time a call is made, an amount is deducted based on details of the call. In this embodiment, the funds field 440 represents a current balance of the prepaid amount.
- the caller pays a monthly bill based on the volume of calls made.
- the funds field 440 represents a current balance for the caller.
- the caller is a user of the system with an associated record 400 .
- this record 400 makes it possible for a user to dial an assigned incoming call (call identifier) from an originating device with a corresponding originating device number (origination device identifier) stored in caller field 420 and get connected to a recipient communication device with a corresponding communication device number (recipient device identifier) stored in recipient field 430 , without requiring the user to enter any access code or secondary telephone number.
- call identifier assigned incoming call
- recipient communication device with a corresponding communication device number (recipient device identifier) stored in recipient field 430
- FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of the relationship between the callers, assigned incoming numbers, and recipients.
- the elements within FIG. 5 are shown for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention.
- a group of assigned incoming numbers 510 includes an assigned incoming #1 515 , an assigned incoming #2 520 , and an assigned incoming #N 530 .
- N is represented by various integers.
- each of these assigned incoming numbers is represented by a unique, conventional telephone number.
- a caller #1 540 and a caller #X 550 are shown to represent individual callers. In one embodiment, X is represented by various integers.
- a recipient #1/caller #1 560 , a recipient #2/caller #1 570 , and a recipient #N/caller #X 580 represent different recipients.
- the recipient #1/caller #1 560 is associated with the caller #1 540 through the assigned incoming #1 515 . Accordingly, if caller #1 540 dials the assigned incoming #1 515 , then a recipient #1/caller #1 560 is contacted. Similarly, the recipient #2/caller #1 570 is associated with the caller #1 540 through the assigned incoming #2 520 . Accordingly, if caller #1 540 dials the assigned incoming #2 520 , then a recipient #2/caller #1 570 is contacted. In another example, if caller #X 550 dials the assigned incoming #2 520 , then a recipient #2/caller #X (not shown) is contacted.
- the recipient #N/caller #X 580 is associated with the caller #X 550 through the assigned incoming #N 530 . Accordingly, if caller #X 550 dials the assigned incoming #N 530 , then a recipient #N/caller #X 580 is contacted.
- the flow diagram as depicted in FIG. 6 is one embodiment of the methods and apparatuses for placing telephone calls.
- the blocks within the flow diagram can be performed in a different sequence without departing from the spirit of the methods and apparatuses for placing telephone calls. Further, blocks can be deleted, added, or combined without departing from the spirit of the methods and apparatuses for placing telephone calls.
- the flow diagram in FIG. 6 illustrates selecting a meeting location based on multiple factors according to one embodiment of the invention.
- the caller's telephone number is detected.
- the caller identification module 320 detects the caller's telephone number.
- the caller's telephone number is automatically number from which the telephone call is placed.
- the caller enters a telephone number that identifies the caller.
- the assigned incoming telephone number is detected.
- the telephone number detection module 310 detects the assigned incoming telephone number.
- a caller profile is searched.
- a database containing multiple caller profiles is searched.
- the database is illustrated in the storage module 330 .
- an exemplary caller profile is illustrated in the record 400 .
- the correct caller profile that corresponds with the caller is found by matching the caller's telephone number as detected in the Block 620 with the number of the caller field 420 .
- the caller enters a password or personal identification number that identifies the caller.
- the recipient is determined. In one embodiment, the recipient is determined, in part, based on the assigned incoming telephone number dialed by the caller. In another embodiment, the recipient is determined, in part, by the recipient selected by the caller to be associated with the specific assigned incoming telephone number as shown in the recipient field 430 within the caller's profile. For example, the recipient of the telephone call initiated by the caller depends on the assigned incoming telephone number dialed by the caller and the recipient that the caller selected for the particular assigned incoming telephone number.
- the funds available to the caller are checked.
- the available funds to the caller are equal to the amount of prepaid funds that have not been utilized.
- the available funds to the caller are equal to the amount of remaining credit available to the caller.
- the available funds are stored at the funds field 440 .
- the caller is connected with the recipient in Block 670 .
- the recipient is determined in the Block 650 .
- the available funds are updated based on the amount subtracted in response to the telephone call connecting the caller and the recipient in the Block 670 .
- a caller customizes the caller's profile by selecting particular recipients to be associated with corresponding assigned incoming telephone numbers in one embodiment.
- the caller also customizes the caller's profile by selecting telephone numbers to be associated with the caller.
- the caller dials one of the assigned incoming telephone numbers from one of the caller's telephone numbers associated with the caller. Based on the dialed assigned incoming telephone number and the telephone call initiated from one of the caller's telephone numbers, the caller is connected with the recipient without further action from the caller. In one embodiment, the recipient is determined based on the caller's profile that associates a recipient with the dialed assigned incoming telephone number.
- multiple recipients are associated with the same assigned incoming telephone number.
- the specific recipient that receives a telephone call directed to the same assigned incoming telephone number depends on the identity of the caller. In one embodiment, the identity of the caller is determined by the caller's telephone number when initiating the telephone call.
- the assigned incoming telephone numbers are in the same local calling area of the caller. For example, the caller does not incur long distance or toll charges when dialing one of the assigned incoming telephone numbers.
- the assigned incoming telephone numbers are toll free numbers that do not charge the caller with a toll charge and are often called “800” numbers.
- the recipients associated with the assigned incoming telephone numbers are located outside the local calling area of the caller.
- the caller is charged for the call based on the length of the call. In another embodiment, the caller is charged for the call based on the location of the recipient of the call.
Abstract
In one embodiment, the methods and apparatuses detect an identity of a caller; receive an assigned incoming telephone number; identify a recipient associated with the assigned incoming telephone number and the identity; and connect the caller and the recipient.
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/863,832 filed on Apr. 16, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,767,940, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/049,917 filed on Mar. 17, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,422,655, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/045,460 filed on Jan. 27, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,346,156, which claims the benefit of U.S. application No. 60/540,302 filed on Jan. 29, 2004, the content of each of which is expressly incorporated by reference thereto.
- The present invention relates generally to placing a telephone call and, more particularly, to placing a telephone call that is forwarded to another location.
- Calling cards have been utilized by calling card caller to complete their telephone calls. There are many benefits for using a calling card. By using a calling card, the caller is able to negotiate a favorable per minute rate to complete these telephone calls. Further, besides the amount of minutes pre-purchased through a calling' card plan, there is typically no long term obligation to continue with a calling card plan. In addition, a calling card caller is typically able to utilize any telephone within a general geographic area to complete the telephone call without incurring any toll charges to the originating telephone.
- However, utilizing a calling card is often times more difficult than directly dialing the recipient's telephone number. For example, some calling card plans require the calling party to initially dial a general toll free number to the calling card center. After calling the calling card center, the calling party enters the calling party's identification code, and then finally dials the recipient's telephone number. Further, if the calling card is lost or stolen, a person possessing the calling card is typically capable of using this calling card to complete his/her own telephone calls.
- In one embodiment, the methods and apparatuses detect an identity of a caller; receive an assigned incoming telephone number; identify a recipient associated with the assigned incoming telephone number and the identity; and connect the caller and the recipient.
- The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate and explain one embodiment of the methods and apparatuses for placing a telephone call. In the drawings,
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FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an environment within which the methods and apparatuses placing a telephone call are implemented; -
FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram illustrating one embodiment in which the methods and apparatuses for placing a telephone call are implemented; -
FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram illustrating a system, consistent with one embodiment of the methods and apparatuses placing a telephone call; -
FIG. 4 is an exemplary record for use with the methods and apparatuses for placing a telephone call; -
FIG. 5 is a simplified block diagram illustrating a system, consistent with one embodiment of the methods and apparatuses placing a telephone call; and -
FIG. 6 is a flow diagram consistent with one embodiment of the methods and apparatuses for placing a telephone call. - The following detailed description of the methods and apparatuses for placing a telephone call refers to the accompanying drawings. The detailed description is not intended to limit the methods and apparatuses for placing a telephone call. Instead, the scope of the methods and apparatuses for placing a telephone call is defined by the appended claims and equivalents. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many other implementations are possible, consistent with the present invention.
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FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an environment within which the methods and apparatuses for placing a telephone call are implemented. The environment includes an electronic device 110 (e.g., a land line telephone, a cellular telephone, a satellite telephone, and the like), acaller interface 115, a network 120 (e.g., a local area network, a home network, the Internet, telephone network), and a server 130 (e.g., a computing platform configured to act as a server). - In one embodiment, one or
more caller interface 115 components are made integral with the electronic device 110 (e.g., keypad, video display screen, telephone, and speaker). In other embodiments, one ormore caller interface 115 components such as a keyboard, a pointing device (e.g., mouse and trackball) a display, and a camera are physically separate from, and are conventionally coupled to,electronic device 110. In one embodiment, the caller utilizesinterface 115 to access and control content and applications stored in electronic device 100,server 130, or a remote storage device (not shown) coupled vianetwork 120. - In accordance with the invention, embodiments of placing a telephone call below are executed by an electronic processor in
electronic device 110, inserver 130, or by processors inelectronic device 110 and inserver 130 acting together.Server 130 is illustrated inFIG. 1 as being a single computing platform, but in other instances are two or more interconnected computing platforms that act as a server. - The methods and apparatuses for placing a telephone call are shown in the context of exemplary embodiments of applications in which a caller dials an assigned incoming telephone number to reach a recipient that is associated with this assigned incoming telephone number.
- In one embodiment, the methods and apparatuses for placing a telephone call utilize a record associated with a caller to track caller information such as the caller's selected telephone numbers, recipients associated with assigned incoming telephone numbers, and funds.
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FIG. 2 is a simplified diagram illustrating an exemplary architecture in which the methods and apparatuses for placing a telephone call are implemented. The exemplary architecture includes a plurality ofdevices 110, aserver device 130, and anetwork 120 connectingdevices 110 toserver 130 and eachdevice 110 to each other. - The plurality of
devices 110 are each configured to include aspeaker 208 and amicrophone 209. In one embodiment, each of the plurality ofdevices 110 is associated with a unique telephone number. In another embodiment,multiple devices 110 share the same telephone number. In one embodiment, a unique caller operates eachelectronic device 110 via aninterface 115 as described with reference toFIG. 1 . - The
server device 130 includes aprocessor 211 coupled to a computer-readable medium 212. In one embodiment, theserver device 130 is coupled to one or more additional external or internal devices, such as, without limitation, a secondary data storage element, such asdatabase 240. - In one instance,
processor 211 is manufactured by Intel Corporation, of Santa Clara, Calif. In other instances, other microprocessors are used. - In one embodiment, the plurality of
devices 110 and theserver 130 include instructions for a customized application for placing a telephone call. In one embodiment, the computer-readable media 212 contains, in part, the customized application. Additionally, the plurality ofdevices 110 and theserver 130 are configured to receive and transmit electronic signals for use with the customized application. Similarly, thenetwork 120 is configured to transmit electronic messages for use with the customized application and is configured to transmit voice signals betweenmultiple devices 110. -
FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of asystem 300. In one embodiment, thesystem 300 is embodied within theserver 130. In another embodiment, thesystem 300 is embodied within thedevice 110. In yet another embodiment, thesystem 300 is embodied within both thedevice 110 and theserver 130. - In one embodiment, the
system 300 includes a telephonenumber detection module 310, a calleridentification detection module 320, astorage module 330, aninterface module 340, acontrol module 350, acall connection module 360, and anaccounting module 370. - In one embodiment, the
control module 350 communicates with the telephonenumber detection module 310, the calleridentification detection module 320, thestorage module 330, theinterface module 340, thecall connection module 360, and theaccounting module 370. In one embodiment, thecontrol module 350 coordinates tasks, requests, and communications between the telephonenumber detection module 310, the calleridentification detection module 320, thestorage module 330, theinterface module 340, thecall connection module 360, and theaccounting module 370. - In one embodiment, the telephone
number detection module 310 detects the telephone number dialed by the caller. In one embodiment, the telephone number dialed by the caller is an assigned incoming telephone number that corresponds with a recipient. In one embodiment, the particular recipient associated with the assigned incoming telephone number is predetermined by the caller. By uniquely identifying the assigned incoming telephone number dialed by the caller, thesystem 300 is able to determine, in part, which recipient should receive the telephone call initiated by the caller. - In one embodiment, the caller
identification detection module 320 determines the originating telephone number that the caller is utilizing when making the telephone call. In one embodiment, the caller's telephone number is detected by thecaller identification module 320 through a caller ID service. In this embodiment, thecaller identification module 320 automatically senses the caller's telephone number through the caller ID service. In another embodiment, the caller's originating telephone number is manually entered by the caller. - In both embodiments, the
caller identification module 320 detects the caller's telephone number. In one embodiment, the caller's telephone number identifies the identity of the caller. For example, the caller assigns one or more telephone numbers such that when these assigned telephone numbers are detected by thecaller identification module 320, the caller's identity is identified upon placing the telephone call from one of the telephone numbers assigned by the caller. - In one embodiment, the
storage module 330 stores a record including information associated with a particular caller. Each record illustrates a profile for the particular caller. An exemplary embodiment of the information contained within the record associated with a caller is illustrated inFIG. 4 . - In one embodiment, the
interface module 340 receives a signal from one of thedevices 110 indicating the assigned incoming telephone number that is dialed by the caller. In another embodiment, theinterface module 340 indicating the telephone number that is being utilized by the caller to initiate the telephone call. - In one embodiment, the
call connection module 360 connects the caller with a recipient. In one embodiment, thecall connection module 360 selects a particular recipient based on the profile information associated with the caller. For example, the caller programs thesystem 300 to connect with a particular recipient when the caller dials one of the assigned incoming telephone numbers. - In one embodiment, the
call connection module 360 dials the particular recipient's telephone number and connects the caller with the particular recipient. In this example, the assigned incoming telephone number dialed by the caller is associated with the recipient within thesystem 300. The assigned incoming telephone number is configured to reach the recipient at the recipient's telephone number when the particular caller dials the assigned incoming telephone number. - In one embodiment, the
call connection module 360 connects the caller with a particular recipient based on the identity of the caller, the caller's profile, and the assigned incoming telephone number dialed by the caller. For example,Caller # 1 dials a telephone number 555-1212. Thecall connection module 360 connectsCaller # 1 withRecipient # 1, based on the identity ofCaller # 1,Caller # 1's profile, and the assigned incoming telephone number dialed byCaller # 1. In this example,Caller # 2 dials the same telephone number (555-1212). Thecall connection module 360 connectsCaller # 2 withRecipient # 2, based on the identity ofCaller # 2,Caller # 2's profile, and the assigned incoming telephone number dialed byCaller # 2. In one embodiment, the same assigned incoming telephone number is associated with multiple recipients. However, the recipients associated with this same assigned incoming telephone number are unique based on the identity of the caller. In this embodiment, the particular recipient is selected based on the caller's identity and the caller's profile. - In one embodiment, the
accounting module 370 tracks the length of time that the caller stays connected to various recipients. By tracking the length of time, thesystem 300 is capable of subtracting the correct amount of money from the prepaid amount purchased by the caller and prevents the caller from exceeding the prepaid amount. - In another embodiment, the
accounting module 370 tracks the length of time the caller stays connected to various recipients and bills the caller for the amount of time utilized by the caller. - In yet another embodiment, the
accounting module 370 tracks the location of the various recipients and charges the caller based on the geographical location of the recipient. For example, if the recipient is located in a foreign country, then the caller is billed at a higher rate per minute. On the other hand, if the recipient is located domestically, then the caller is billed at a lower rate per minute. - The
system 300 inFIG. 3 is shown for exemplary purposes and is merely one embodiment of the methods and apparatuses for placing a telephone call. Additional modules may be added to thesystem 300 without departing from the scope of the methods and apparatuses for placing a telephone call. Similarly, modules may be combined or deleted without departing from the scope of the methods and apparatuses for placing a telephone call. -
FIG. 4 illustrates anexemplary record 400 identifying attributes or profile information of a particular caller for use with thesystem 300. In one embodiment, there are multiple records such that each record 400 is associated with a particular caller. In one embodiment, therecord 400 includes an identity of funds field 440. - In one embodiment, the identity of the
caller field 410 uniquely identifies the caller. In one example, the caller is identified by the caller's name. In another example, the caller is identified by a log-in identification. - In one embodiment, the number of the caller field 420 identifies a telephone number specified by the caller that allows the caller to originate calls utilizing the
system 300. In one embodiment, the caller specifies multiple numbers. By specifying multiple numbers, the caller is recognized by thesystem 300 when originating a call from any of these specified numbers. In one embodiment, when a call is originated from any of the numbers specified within the number of the caller field 420, thesystem 300 recognizes the particular caller's identity associated with therecord 400. - In one embodiment, the
recipient field 430 identifies a particular assigned incoming telephone number that is associated with a particular recipient. Further, each recipient is associated with a unique assigned incoming telephone number. For example, if a particular recipient is associated with a particular assigned incoming telephone number, the particular recipient is connected to the caller when the caller dials the particular assigned incoming telephone number from a telephone number that is specified in the number of thecaller field 430. - In one embodiment, the
recipient field 430 also identifies the recipient's true telephone number that allows thesystem 300 to connect the caller with the recipient. The recipient's true telephone number is dialed to reach the recipient. However, while utilizing the methods and apparatuses for placing a telephone call, the caller dials the particular incoming telephone number to be connected to the recipient. - In one embodiment, the funds field 440 identifies the funds that the caller has available. In one embodiment, the caller prepays an amount such that each time a call is made, an amount is deducted based on details of the call. In this embodiment, the funds field 440 represents a current balance of the prepaid amount.
- In another embodiment, the caller pays a monthly bill based on the volume of calls made. In this embodiment, the funds field 440 represents a current balance for the caller.
- As shown in
FIG. 4 , the caller is a user of the system with an associatedrecord 400. In one embodiment, thisrecord 400 makes it possible for a user to dial an assigned incoming call (call identifier) from an originating device with a corresponding originating device number (origination device identifier) stored in caller field 420 and get connected to a recipient communication device with a corresponding communication device number (recipient device identifier) stored inrecipient field 430, without requiring the user to enter any access code or secondary telephone number. -
FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of the relationship between the callers, assigned incoming numbers, and recipients. The elements withinFIG. 5 are shown for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention. A group of assignedincoming numbers 510 includes an assignedincoming # 1 515, an assignedincoming # 2 520, and an assignedincoming #N 530. In one embodiment, N is represented by various integers. In one embodiment, each of these assigned incoming numbers is represented by a unique, conventional telephone number. - A
caller # 1 540 and acaller #X 550 are shown to represent individual callers. In one embodiment, X is represented by various integers. - A
recipient # 1/caller # 1 560, arecipient # 2/caller # 1 570, and a recipient #N/caller #X 580 represent different recipients. - The
recipient # 1/caller # 1 560 is associated with thecaller # 1 540 through the assignedincoming # 1 515. Accordingly, ifcaller # 1 540 dials the assignedincoming # 1 515, then arecipient # 1/caller # 1 560 is contacted. Similarly, therecipient # 2/caller # 1 570 is associated with thecaller # 1 540 through the assignedincoming # 2 520. Accordingly, ifcaller # 1 540 dials the assignedincoming # 2 520, then arecipient # 2/caller # 1 570 is contacted. In another example, ifcaller #X 550 dials the assignedincoming # 2 520, then arecipient # 2/caller #X (not shown) is contacted. - The recipient #N/
caller #X 580 is associated with thecaller #X 550 through the assignedincoming #N 530. Accordingly, ifcaller #X 550 dials the assignedincoming #N 530, then a recipient #N/caller #X 580 is contacted. - The flow diagram as depicted in
FIG. 6 is one embodiment of the methods and apparatuses for placing telephone calls. The blocks within the flow diagram can be performed in a different sequence without departing from the spirit of the methods and apparatuses for placing telephone calls. Further, blocks can be deleted, added, or combined without departing from the spirit of the methods and apparatuses for placing telephone calls. - The flow diagram in
FIG. 6 illustrates selecting a meeting location based on multiple factors according to one embodiment of the invention. - In
Block 610, a telephone call is detected. - In
Block 620, the caller's telephone number is detected. In one embodiment, thecaller identification module 320 detects the caller's telephone number. In one embodiment, the caller's telephone number is automatically number from which the telephone call is placed. In another embodiment, the caller enters a telephone number that identifies the caller. - In
Block 630, the assigned incoming telephone number is detected. In one embodiment, the telephonenumber detection module 310 detects the assigned incoming telephone number. - In
Block 640, a caller profile is searched. In one embodiment, a database containing multiple caller profiles is searched. In one embodiment, the database is illustrated in thestorage module 330. In one embodiment, an exemplary caller profile is illustrated in therecord 400. - In one embodiment, the correct caller profile that corresponds with the caller is found by matching the caller's telephone number as detected in the
Block 620 with the number of the caller field 420. In another embodiment, the caller enters a password or personal identification number that identifies the caller. - In
Block 650, the recipient is determined. In one embodiment, the recipient is determined, in part, based on the assigned incoming telephone number dialed by the caller. In another embodiment, the recipient is determined, in part, by the recipient selected by the caller to be associated with the specific assigned incoming telephone number as shown in therecipient field 430 within the caller's profile. For example, the recipient of the telephone call initiated by the caller depends on the assigned incoming telephone number dialed by the caller and the recipient that the caller selected for the particular assigned incoming telephone number. - In
Block 660, the funds available to the caller are checked. In one embodiment, the available funds to the caller are equal to the amount of prepaid funds that have not been utilized. In another embodiment, the available funds to the caller are equal to the amount of remaining credit available to the caller. In one embodiment, the available funds are stored at the funds field 440. - If there are funds available to the caller, the caller is connected with the recipient in
Block 670. In one embodiment, the recipient is determined in theBlock 650. InBlock 680, the available funds are updated based on the amount subtracted in response to the telephone call connecting the caller and the recipient in theBlock 670. - In use, a caller customizes the caller's profile by selecting particular recipients to be associated with corresponding assigned incoming telephone numbers in one embodiment. In this embodiment, the caller also customizes the caller's profile by selecting telephone numbers to be associated with the caller.
- In one embodiment, the caller dials one of the assigned incoming telephone numbers from one of the caller's telephone numbers associated with the caller. Based on the dialed assigned incoming telephone number and the telephone call initiated from one of the caller's telephone numbers, the caller is connected with the recipient without further action from the caller. In one embodiment, the recipient is determined based on the caller's profile that associates a recipient with the dialed assigned incoming telephone number.
- In one embodiment, multiple recipients are associated with the same assigned incoming telephone number. The specific recipient that receives a telephone call directed to the same assigned incoming telephone number depends on the identity of the caller. In one embodiment, the identity of the caller is determined by the caller's telephone number when initiating the telephone call.
- In one embodiment, the assigned incoming telephone numbers are in the same local calling area of the caller. For example, the caller does not incur long distance or toll charges when dialing one of the assigned incoming telephone numbers. In another embodiment, the assigned incoming telephone numbers are toll free numbers that do not charge the caller with a toll charge and are often called “800” numbers.
- In one embodiment, the recipients associated with the assigned incoming telephone numbers are located outside the local calling area of the caller.
- In one embodiment, the caller is charged for the call based on the length of the call. In another embodiment, the caller is charged for the call based on the location of the recipient of the call.
- The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The invention may be applied to a variety of other applications. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise embodiments disclosed, and naturally many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the Claims appended hereto and their equivalents.
Claims (20)
1. A method comprising:
detecting an identity of a caller;
receiving an assigned incoming telephone number;
identifying a recipient associated with the assigned incoming telephone number and the identity; and
connecting the caller and the recipient.
2. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising searching for a profile information associated with the identity of the caller.
3. The method according to claim 2 , wherein the profile information includes an originating telephone number associated with the caller.
4. The method according to claim 2 , wherein the profile information includes the assigned telephone number associated with the recipient.
5. The method according to claim 2 , wherein the profile information includes a list of funds associated with the caller.
6. The method according to claim 1 , wherein detecting the identity of the caller further comprises detecting an originating telephone number of the caller.
7. The method according to claim 6 , wherein detecting the originating telephone number utilizes a caller identification service.
8. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the recipient is located outside of a local calling area of the caller.
9. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising checking for availability of funds prior to connecting the caller and the recipient.
10. The method according to claim 9 , wherein the availability of funds is based on an amount of money pre-purchased by the caller.
11. The method according to claim 9 , wherein the availability of funds is based on an amount of credit extended to the caller.
12. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising charging for a call connecting the caller and recipient based on a length of the call.
13. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising charging for a call connecting the caller and recipient based on a location of the recipient.
14. A system comprising:
means for detecting an identity of a caller;
means for receiving an assigned incoming telephone number;
means for identifying a recipient associated with the assigned incoming telephone number and the identity; and
means for connecting the caller and the recipient.
15. A system, comprising:
an originating telephone number module to an originating telephone number of a caller;
a telephone number detection module for detecting an assigned telephone number dialed by the caller; and
a call connection module for connecting the caller with a recipient based on the assigned telephone number and the originating telephone number.
16. The system according to claim 15 , further comprising a storage module to store a record containing profile information associated with the caller.
17. The system according to claim 16 , wherein the profile information includes the assigned telephone number assigned to the recipient.
18. The system according to claim 16 , wherein the profile information includes the originating telephone number assigned to the caller.
19. The system according to claim 15 , further comprising an accounting module for charging for a connection between the caller and the recipient.
20. The system according to claim 15 , wherein the recipient is located outside a local calling area of the caller.
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US20160127543A1 (en) | 2016-05-05 |
US20080159517A1 (en) | 2008-07-03 |
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