U.S. patent application number 09/732881 was filed with the patent office on 2001-05-03 for method and apparatus for providing prepaid telecommunications services.
This patent application is currently assigned to Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson. Invention is credited to Lesley, Ulf.
Application Number | 20010000808 09/732881 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25005005 |
Filed Date | 2001-05-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010000808 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lesley, Ulf |
May 3, 2001 |
Method and apparatus for providing prepaid telecommunications
services
Abstract
Instead of requiring a customer to carry around one or more
prepaid telephone calling cards (such cards are effectively
functioning as limited, fixed amounts of money), a communications
network-based solution is provided that facilitates both prepayment
and use of prepay telecommunications services. A subscriber is
assigned a record in a network database. The database record
includes an account number and an associated prepaid monetary
value. Then when the subscriber calls from a prepaid
telecommunications terminal (e.g., a public telephone), requesting
a telecommunications service (e.g., a long distance telephone
call), the communications network processes the request by
analyzing the subscriber database record. If the prepaid monetary
value in the subscriber's record is sufficient for the requested
service, the service is authorized. The prepaid monetary value in
the subscriber's record is decreased in accordance with the service
rendered. Accordingly, a subscriber does not need to purchase any
prepaid calling card, remember to carry the prepaid calling card,
or remember the amount stored on the calling card. Rather; prepaid
calling services are obtained simply by subscribing to the network
prepayment service. The subscriber also easily adds monetary value
to the subscriber's prepaid account by accessing the prepaid
network service, (e.g., by dialing the appropriate network service
number), indicating the desire to add monetary value to the
subscriber's prepaid account in the database. The subscriber is
prompted to enter a desired amount of money which is then added to
the prepaid monetary value field in the subscriber's database
record. There is no need to travel to a card distribution center or
the like to obtain a new or recharged prepaid calling card.
Inventors: |
Lesley, Ulf; (Danderyd,
SE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Nixon & Vanderhye P.C.
1100 North Glebe Road 8th Floor
Arlington
VA
22201
US
|
Assignee: |
Telefonaktiebolaget LM
Ericsson
|
Family ID: |
25005005 |
Appl. No.: |
09/732881 |
Filed: |
December 11, 2000 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09732881 |
Dec 11, 2000 |
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08747424 |
Nov 12, 1996 |
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6188752 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/39 ;
705/41 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04Q 2213/1313 20130101;
G06Q 20/105 20130101; G06Q 20/10 20130101; H04Q 2213/13517
20130101; H04Q 2213/13534 20130101; H04M 2215/016 20130101; H04M
2017/24 20130101; H04M 17/204 20130101; H04Q 3/0029 20130101; H04M
15/90 20130101; H04M 17/00 20130101; H04M 17/20 20130101; H04Q
2213/13547 20130101; H04M 15/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/39 ;
705/41 |
International
Class: |
G06F 017/60 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. In a communications network, a method for facilitating
prepayment for communication services, comprising the steps of:
providing a subscriber with a prepaid account number having
associated therewith a prepaid monetary value; using the prepaid
account number at a communications terminal coupled to the
communications network to pay for a communications service
requested from the communications network, the prepaid monetary
value being decreased in accordance with the communications service
rendered by the communications network; calling a network service
number requesting that a specified monetary value be added to the
prepaid account number; in response to the request, adding the
specified monetary value to the prepaid monetary value associated
with the prepaid account number; and subsequently using the added
monetary value to pay for a subsequent communications service.
2. The method in claim 1, further comprising in response to the
request: determining the prepaid account number associated with the
request; and authenticating the prepaid account number.
3. The method in claim 2, wherein the authenticating step includes:
confirming that the caller making the request is authorized to add
monetary value to the prepaid account number.
4. The method in claim 3, wherein confirming step includes
determining if the call has been placed from the subscriber's home
or residence.
5. The method in claim 3, wherein the confirming step includes:
requesting entry of an authentication number; checking an entered
authentication number; and if the entered authentication number is
valid, proceeding with adding the specified monetary value
associated with the prepaid account number.
6. The method in claim 1, further comprising: including in a next
bill to the subscriber, charges corresponding to the added monetary
value.
7. The method in claim 1, wherein the communications terminal is a
requested communications device that requires payment for the
telecommunications service before, during, or immediately after the
telecommunications service is provided.
8. The method in claim 7, further comprising: entering the prepaid
account number at the communications terminal, and determining if
the monetary value associated with prepaid account number is
sufficient to pay for the telecommunications service.
9. The method in claim 7, further comprising: issuing the
subscriber a card having card information including the prepaid
account number, wherein the card information is input at the
communications terminal and the communications network determines
if the monetary value associated with prepaid account number is
sufficient to pay for the communications service being
requested.
10. A method of operating a communications network where
communication services provided by the system may be paid for in
advance, comprising: creating a record in a database assigned to a
network subscriber, the database record including a prepaid account
number and an associated prepaid monetary value; the subscriber
requesting a communications service from a prepay communications
terminal; processing the request and checking if the prepaid
monetary value in the subscriber's record is sufficient for
authorizing the requested service, and if so, authorizing the
requested service; decreasing the prepaid monetary value in the
subscriber's record in accordance with the service rendered; and
adding prepaid value to the subscriber's record in response to a
subsequent subscriber request.
11. The method in claim 10, wherein the adding step includes
automatically adding a preset amount of monetary value to the
subscriber's record in response to the subsequent subscriber
request.
12. The method in claim 10, further comprising: in response to the
subscriber request to add monetary value to the subscriber's
prepaid account number in the database; prompting the subscriber to
enter an amount of money to be added to the prepaid monetary value
in the database; adding to the prepaid monetary value in the
database an amount of money entered by the subscriber to generate a
new prepaid monetary value in the database associated with the
prepaid account number; and authorizing a subsequent prepayment
communication service associated with the prepaid account number
based on the new prepaid monetary value.
13. The method in claim 12, further comprising: the subscriber
initiating a communication service from a telecommunications device
coupled to the network and indicating that the communication
service will be paid for using the prepaid account number;
prompting input of the prepaid account number; inputting the
prepaid account number for processing by the network; authorizing
the communications service if the prepaid monetary value associated
with the input prepaid account number stored in the database is
sufficient to cover at least part of the communications service;
and reducing the prepaid monetary value in the database in
accordance with the communications service rendered.
14. The method in claim 12, further comprising: generating a
billing record for the subscriber which includes the amount of
money added to the prepaid monetary value in the database.
15. The method in claim 12, wherein the database record includes an
associated subscriber number, the method further comprising:
confirming the subscriber number before the prompting step.
16. The method in claim 15, wherein the subscriber number is
automatically confirmed when the subscriber calls from a
communications device that is assigned the subscriber number.
17. The method in claim 15, further comprising: prompting entry of
a security number after confirming the subscriber number; checking
an entered security number; and if the entered security number is
valid, proceeding with adding the prepaid monetary value associated
with the prepaid account number.
18. A communications system, comprising: a communications network
providing communication services including a computer storing in a
database records assigned to network subscribers, each database
record including a prepaid account number and an associated prepaid
monetary value for each network subscriber; a plurality of
communication terminals having access to the communications
network, at least one of the communications terminals being a
prepay terminal requiring payment before a desired communications
service is rendered; wherein the computer processes calls on the
communications network to detect when a communication terminal
accesses the communications network requesting a communications
service that requires prepayment using prepaid monetary value
associated with an identified prepaid account number, the computer
authorizing the requested communications service if the prepaid
monetary value is sufficient to pay for the requested
communications service.
19. The communications system in claim 18, wherein the computer
processes calls on the communications network to detect when a
communications terminal accesses the communications network
requesting addition of monetary value to the prepaid account number
in the database, and in response, prompts the caller to enter an
amount of money to be added to the prepaid monetary value in the
database and adds to the prepaid monetary value in the database an
amount of money entered by the caller to generate a new prepaid
monetary value in the database associated with the prepaid account
number such that a subsequent pre-payment communication service may
be requested and rendered using the new prepaid monetary value.
20. The communications system in claim 18, wherein the prepay
terminal is one of a prepay public telephone, a prepay cellular
telephone, and a prepay data communications device.
21. The communications system in claim 19, wherein before adding to
the prepaid monetary value, the computer authorizes a subscriber
number associated with the request.
22. The communications system in claim 18, further comprising: a
billing computer coupled to the network computer for including as a
charge on a subscriber billing record the amount of prepaid
monetary value added to the subscriber's prepaid account
number.
23. The communications system in claim 22, further comprising: a
billing computer including a surcharge for the service of provided
in permitting addition of monetary value to the prepaid account
number in the database from the communications terminal.
24. A communications system comprising: a plurality of
communication terminals having access to a communications network,
at least one of the communications terminals being a prepay
terminal requiring payment before a desired communications service
is rendered, an intelligent network node connected to the
communications network providing a prepayment communications
service including: a service control point storing records in a
database assigned to network subscribers, each database record
including a prepaid account number and an associated prepaid
monetary value for each network subscriber, and a service switching
point, connected to the service control processor, detects and
routes calls directed to prepayment of communications services
involving network subscribers to the service control processor;
wherein when the service switching point detects an intelligent
network call from a subscriber for the prepayment service and
signals the service control point, the service control point
interfacing with the subscriber through the service switching point
to permit the subscriber to add to the prepaid monetary value
associated with the subscriber in the database an amount of money
entered by the caller to generate a new prepaid monetary value in
the database associated with the prepaid account number such that a
subsequent prepayment communication service may be requested and
rendered using the new prepaid monetary value.
25. The communications system in claim 24, wherein a subsequent
prepayment, communication service may be requested and rendered
using the new prepaid monetary value.
26. The communications system in claim 24, wherein the service
switching point includes an intelligent peripheral that generates
synthesized electronic voice messages transmitted through the
communications network to facilitate the interface with the
subscriber.
27. The communications system in claim 24, wherein the service
switching point includes an intelligent peripheral that detects
DTMF tone or voice recognition responses entered from a subscriber
communications device corresponding to the amount of money to be
added and conveys that amount of money to the service control
point.
28. The communications system in claim 24, further comprising: a
billing processor connected to the network including a billing
database, wherein the intelligent network node communicates the
amount of money added to the prepaid monetary value, the billing
processor adding the amount of money added to a bill issued to the
subscriber.
29. A method of operating a communications network where
communication services provided by the network may be paid for in
advance, comprising the steps of: creating a record in a database
assigned to a network subscriber, the database record including a
prepaid account number and an associated prepaid monetary value;
the subscriber accessing the network using a predetermined prepay
communications service telephone number; and automatically adding
prepaid value to the subscriber's record.
30. The method in claim 29, wherein the subscriber accesses the
network from the subscriber's residence or business telephone.
31. The method in claim 30, further comprising: checking if the
requested service is authorized using the subscriber's residence or
business telephone number, wherein the automatically adding step is
performed when the subscriber's residence or business telephone
number is detected in the database.
32. The method in claim 30, further comprising: charging the
automatically added prepaid value to a telephone bill associated
with the subscriber's residence or business telephone number.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
1. The present invention relates to telecommunications services,
and more particularly to a method and system for providing prepaid
telecommunications services.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
2. Prepaid telephone calling cards are known. Cards are batch
activated by the card provider in a limited number of predetermined
values. Such cards are purchased from vending machines, point of
sale terminals, or other distribution centers, in fixed value
increments, such as $10, $20, etc. A $10 card, for example,
provides the cardholder with $10 worth of telephone time to make
telephone calls. If during the call, the time remaining on the card
is about to expire, the customer may be prompted that only a
certain amount of time remains. When the designated time has
expired, the call is automatically terminated. Because charges are
limited to the card's face value, neither the customer nor anyone
who obtains possession of the card can run up a large bill.
3. These types of prepaid calling cards have been successful
because prepaid calling card customers avoid collect and operator
assistance surcharges, and they can obtain local and long distance
calling without credit and without payment of monthly bills.
Further, no coins are necessary to place a call. Another bonus is
that the operator does not have to collect coins from public
telephones which also reduces vandalism and theft. However, these
prepaid cards have significant drawbacks. Such calling cards are
inconvenient because the customer must physically carry the card on
his/her person. If the card is forgotten, the customer is further
inconvenienced when a call needs to be made. In addition, the
prepaid calling cards issued with fixed/preset amounts do not
necessarily correspond with the amount of telephone time a user
needs or ends up using. If the allotted amount is too little, the
customer's call is prematurely terminated. The only solution is for
the customer is the further inconvenience of carrying multiple
cards that also may be stolen or lost. Moreover, if a caller uses
less than the allotted amount on the card, the remaining amount may
be essentially useless if (1) it is less than the basic amount
required to make a particular call or (2) it is so little that the
call will be for too short a period of time. Another serious
problem is that even the process of obtaining a new card is
cumbersome and time consuming because the customer is required to
physically travel to a sales office or other distributor where
these cards are issued or recharged. Still further are the
environment drawbacks associated with disposing of all the used
prepaid calling cards.
4. Thus there is a need for an improved approach to prepaid
telecommunications systems that overcomes these and other
problems.
5. It is an object of the present invention to provide prepaid
telecommunications services where prepayment,(on one or repeated
occasions) is easy and quick.
6. It is another object of the present invention to provide prepaid
telecommunications services which can be prepaid using the
telecommunications network.
7. It is another object of the present invention to provide prepaid
telecommunications services where prepayment can be made in
variable user designated amounts.
8. It is another object of the present invention to provide prepaid
telecommunications services where prepayment of telecommunications
services and use of such prepaid telecommunications services does
not require cards.
9. It is a further object of the present invention to eliminate the
need for a customer to have to obtain a new or renewed card for
continued use of prepay services.
10. To meet these and other objectives, the present invention takes
a completely different approach to providing prepaid
telecommunications services. Instead of requiring a customer to
carry around one or more cards where the cards are effectively
functioning as limited, fixed amounts of money, the present
invention provides a network-based solution that facilitates both
prepayment and use of telecommunications services. A subscriber is
assigned a record in a database. The database record includes an
account number and an associated prepaid monetary value. When the
subscriber calls from a prepaid telecommunications terminal (e.g.,
a public telephone), requesting a telecommunications service (e.g.,
a long distance telephone call), the communications network
processes the request by analyzing the subscriber's database
record. If the prepaid monetary value in the subscriber's record is
sufficient for the requested service, the service is authorized.
The prepaid monetary value in the subscriber's record is decreased
in accordance with the service rendered. Accordingly, a subscriber
does not need to purchase any prepaid calling card, remember to
carry the prepaid calling card, or remember the amount stored on
the calling card. Rather, prepaid calling services are obtained
simply by subscribing to the network prepayment service.
11. In accordance with the present invention, a subscriber may
easily add monetary value to the subscriber's prepaid account. The
user simply accesses the prepaid network service (e.g., by dialing
the appropriate network service number), and indicates the desire
to add monetary value to the subscriber's prepaid account in the
database. Once the account and/or caller is/are identified and
preferably authenticated, the subscriber is prompted to enter a
desired amount of money to be added to the prepaid monetary value
field in the subscriber's database record. The amount to be added
may be fixed or variably determined by the subscriber. A fixed
amount may make prepayment particularly easy since the subscriber
could simply call the service and the fact of making the call would
add a fixed amount to his prepaid account. The network therefore
generates a new prepaid monetary value in the database associated
with the prepaid account number. Immediately thereafter, the user
can request and receive prepaid telecommunications services without
a card and without concern whether a prepaid calling card has
sufficient remaining finds to pay for the desired
telecommunications service.
12. Another significant feature of the present invention is that
the communications network takes care of generating a billing
record for the subscriber which includes the amount of money, added
to the prepaid monetary value of the database. At the end of a
billing cycle when the subscriber receives his regular telephone
bill, an entry is included corresponding to the prepaid monetary
value added to the subscriber's prepaid account number.
13. While the present invention may be implemented in a number of
different ways, a preferred example embodiment employs an
intelligent network. An intelligent network node connected to the
communications network provides the prepayment telecommunications
service. The intelligent network node includes a service control
processor that stores database records assigned to network
prepayment service subscribers. Each database record includes a
prepaid account number and an associated prepaid monetary value for
each network subscriber. A service switching processor, coupled to
either directly to the subscriber or to the subscriber's local
switch and then to the service control processor, detects and
routes calls directed to prepayment of communications services
involving network subscribers to the service control processor. The
service control processor makes necessary prepayment decisions,
e.g., whether the caller has a prepay account, whether the account
have sufficient current finds, whether the caller is authorized to
alter the account amount, etc. The service control and/or switching
processors also coordinate commands to the network, e.g.,
authorizing a prepaid call, updating billing records, etc.
14. The intelligent node interfaces with the subscriber over the
network using any number of techniques including speech synthesis,
speech recognition, DTMF tones, etc. to permit the subscriber to
add to the prepaid monetary value associated with the subscriber in
the is database an amount of money entered by the caller, or
alternatively, add a fixed amount per each service call. The newly
generated prepaid monetary value in the database associated with a
subscriber's prepaid account number can be immediately used to pay
for a subsequent prepayment communications service.
15. Accordingly, the present invention provides a number of
advantages to both the telecommunications subscriber and the
telecommunications operator. For the telecommunications subscriber,
there is no need to buy or renew one or more prepaid calling cards
once the call value of an existing card is expired. Therefore,
there is no need for the subscriber to travel to a
telecommunications sales outlet or other distributor of prepaid
calling cards. Significantly, the need for even carrying a card is
eliminated. Of course, if desired, a single card having a
prepayment network service's telephone number and/or the
subscriber's prepaid account number may be issued until such
numbers are memorized. Also the subscriber does not need to have
cash handy to buy new prepaid calling cards since the prepayment
amount requested via telephone is included on the subscriber's
monthly telephone bill.
16. For the telecommunications operator, because the present
invention permits a subscriber to always have access to prepaid
telecommunications services, prepaid telecommunications services
are used more frequently, and therefore, more revenue is generated
for the telecommunications operator. By eliminating the need for
conventional prepaid calling cards, overhead associated with the
manufacture, servicing and distribution of those cards is
eliminated. Prepay accounting and administration are considerably
reduced since the newly added prepayment value is billed
automatically to the subscriber's monthly phone bill.
Environmentally, there is not excess waste associated with plastic
cards; nor will there be any future problems if companies are
ultimately held responsible for disposing of waste associated with
their discarded products. Moreover, telecommunications operators
also have the option of charging for the prepayment network service
itself.
17. These and other objects, advantages, and features of the
present invention will now be described in more detail below in
conjunction with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
18. FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a telecommunications
system in which the present invention is implemented in a
preferred, intelligent network example embodiment;
19. FIG. 2 is a simplified representation of a database record
maintained for a subscriber to a prepayment network service in
accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention;
20. FIG. 3 is a conceptual representation of a formatted record
received by the billing node in FIG. 1 in accordance with an
example embodiment of the present invention;
21. FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b) are flow diagrams illustrating example
methods of implementing a prepaid network-based service in
accordance with example embodiments of the present invention;
and
22. FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of example functions performed by
different elements of the example embodiment of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
23. In the following description, for purposes of explanation and
not limitation, specific details are set forth, such as specific
components, interfaces, techniques, etc. in order to provide a
thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will
be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention
may be practiced in other embodiments that depart from these
specific details. In other instances, detailed descriptions of
well-known methods, devices, and circuits are omitted so as not to
obscure the description of the present invention with unnecessary
detail.
24. Referring to FIG. 1, a simplified telecommunications system 10
is shown in which a non-limiting, preferred example embodiment for
implementing the present invention is described. A simplified
telecommunications network 12 includes a plurality of optional
local telephone exchanges 16a-16e (alternatively, subscribers can
use the intelligent service switching processor as their local
exchange), intelligent network nodes 18, billing system 40, and a
plurality of telecommunications devices 14a-14f. Since wireline
telecommunications devices including public pay telephones 14a,
subscriber telephones at the subscriber's home or residence 14d,
portable personal computers (laptops), personal digital assistants
and the like 14c, and personal computers and facsimile machines
14e, and wireless telecommunications devices such as cellular radio
telephones 14b can all be connected or otherwise coupled to the
communications network 12 (either directly or indirectly, e.g., via
the internet 11), the term "telecommunications device" or
"communications device" includes all such devices. Likewise, the
term "communications service or services" includes any
communications service that is provided by the telecommunications
network 12 including but not limited to communication processes
(both voice and data) conducted between two or more
telecommunications devices that involve a telecommunications
network. While prepaid telecommunications services are most
commonly viewed today in the context of public pay telephones, the
present invention is applicable to any communications service for
which payment must be rendered before, during, or immediately after
the telecommunications service is provided. Moreover, while the
present invention is sometimes described in the specification in
the context of an intelligent network (IN) implementation, the
present invention is in no way limited to an IN implementation or
apparatus.
25. An "intelligent network" denotes a telecommunications network
that provides services in addition to basic call routing and
switching. Referring to FIG. 1, intelligent network nodes 18
interface with a traditional telecommunications network 12 that
includes local and other switching exchanges, cross-connects,
asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) nodes, etc. The intelligent
network nodes 18 include a service switching processor 28 sometimes
referred to in the industry as a service switching point (SSP). A
service switching point is essentially a local exchange with
additional software used to identify IN calls. The service
switching point in turn is connected to a service control processor
20 sometimes referred to in the industry as a service control point
(SCP).
26. Service switching point 28 includes a computer 30, an
intelligent peripheral 34 that performs a number of advanced
functions such as voice recognition, a triggering function 30, a
switching function 32 (as mentioned above the SSP is essentially a
local exchange with extra functionality), and a traffic processing
and call control function 36. The service control point 20 includes
a computer 22 and service logic 24 for implementing various
advanced services provided by the intelligent network nodes 18. If
desired, the two intelligent nodes 20 and 28 could be integrated
into a single service switching and control point processor (SSCP).
In either configuration, the service logic 24 is independent of
network access and transport implementation.
27. The service switching point 28 provides subscribers access via
communications network 12 to a prepayment network service provided
by the service control point 20. While signaling information is
generally indicated as being communicated to the service switching
point 28 by dashed lines in FIG. 1, it is to be understood that
such signaling information is communicated to the switching and
call control functions (32 and 36) of the service switching point
28. The service switching point 28 forwards a prepayment service
request to the service control point 20 (using an appropriate data
transaction protocol) to establish interaction between the
prepayment network service and a caller/telecommunications device.
Thus, the service switching point 28 interfaces various calls in
the network 12 by way of its digital switching function 38 and the
prepayment network services available from the service control
point 20.
28. "Triggering points" in the call switching process are detected
at the service switching point 28. A basic example of triggering
point is a call attempt to a specific number. As applied to the
present invention, such a triggering point might be detection of
detected prepayment network services telephone number, e.g., a
special "800" number. When such a triggering point is detected by
triggering function 31, the service switching point computer 30
immediately informs the service control point 20 about the
triggering event and forwards various associated call connection
data such as the telephone number of the calling terminal and the
destination number. The service control point 20 responds by
processing the information in computer 22 in accordance with
service logic 24 and returns control orders to the service
switching point computer 30 which translates those orders into
appropriate switching (32) and traffic processing and call control
processing (36) for controlling digital switching.
29. More specifically, the service switching point 28 detects
triggering conditions, i.e., identifies network signals related to
services and the handling of these signals; transfers calls to the
service control processor; receives responses from the service
control processor; checks at the request of the service control
processor whether specific conditions arise, and if so, transmits
corresponding messages to the service control processor; orders
setup and release of connections in the transport network; and
interacts with intelligent peripheral (IP) equipment. The
intelligent peripheral 34 may used for example in the present
invention to provide different voice synthesis announcements to
subscribers and receive/decode digits from dual-tone
multi-frequency (DTMF) telephones. In addition, the intelligent
peripheral 34 may also receive voice inputs (rather than only DTMF
tones) and employ suitable voice recognition software to decode
subscriber responses. While the intelligent peripheral 34 may be
included in the service switching point 28, it may also be provided
as a separate node accessible by the service switching point 28 via
its switching function 32.
30. In operation, a subscriber places a call from one of the
telecommunications devices 14a-14e. The signaling and information
(including voice tones and/or data) from some of the devices may
optionally be interfaced to the communications network 12 through
an appropriate local exchange 16a-16d. Alternatively, the
subscriber may be directly connected to the service switching point
28. Service switching point 28 monitors the call request on the
network and detects a prepayment network service trigger condition,
e.g., the dialed special prepay network services number, and
establishes the necessary signaling path to communicate this
request along with other information about the subscriber and the
specific request to the service control point computer 22.
31. In response to the prepayment network service request, the
service point computer 22, using service logic 24, processes the
request, accesses the necessary record from database 26 using
service logic 24, checks that record as appropriate, and sends
various orders including voice prompts, voice communications,
authorizations, security messages, etc. for implementation by the
service switching processor all in accordance with the service
logic 24. The service switching computer 30 implements the
requested orders from the service control point 20 using an
appropriate function such as the traffic processing and call
control function 36 or requests that the function be implemented
using for example the intelligent peripheral 34.
32. Once the requested prepaid call service is authorized, the
service is provided. For example, if the request is to make a
normal call connection across the network 12 using a prepay
telecommunications device 14a, 14b, 14c, or 14e to connect to the
telecommunications device 14f, the switch service point 28
initiates setting up the call connection via its switching function
32 and corresponding local exchange 16e. After the call is
terminated, the SCP computer 22 modifies the database 26 reducing
the prepaid monetary value by an appropriate amount corresponding
to the service rendered.
33. Another prepay communications service relates to a subscriber
automatically adding monetary value to his prepay account using,
for example, his residence telephone 14d or personal computer 14e
linked for example to the communications network via the internet
11. Of course, call connections may be set up through other nodes,
exchanges, and networks in addition to the communications network
12 including for example the packet-switched data network, radio
telephone networks, etc. In addition, billing information generated
as a result of the prepayment network service is provided to a
billing system 40 which includes its own computer 42 and database
44. Billing system database 44 contains records for subscribers to
the network.
34. FIG. 2 illustrates a representative database record 50 stored
in service control point database 26 for use in implementing the
prepayment network service in accordance with this example
embodiment of the present invention. Database record 50 includes a
subscriber account number field 52, a prepaid account number field
54, an optional personal identification number (PIN) or other
security code field 56, and a current prepayment monetary amount
field 58.
35. The subscriber account number corresponds to the number used to
identify a subscriber's basic subscription to the communications
network 12. For example, the subscriber account number might
correspond to the subscriber's home residence telephone number or
business telephone number. This subscriber unique number is used to
coordinate prepayment billing with the subscriber's normal monthly
telephone bill. Moreover, whenever the subscriber makes a call from
his residence or business telephone, the intelligent network nodes
18 immediately know the caller's subscriber account number as the
telephone number of the originating telecommunications device. If
the caller accesses the network from another telecommunications
device and as an extra security/authentication measure, the caller
may be prompted to enter his subscriber account number, e.g., the
subscriber's residence or business telephone number.
36. The prepaid account number is a number which specifically
identifies the subscriber's subscription to the prepayment network
service. Of course, those in the art will appreciate that only one
or both of the subscriber and prepay account numbers may be used in
database record 50 depending on how the prepayment network service
is to be accessed and implemented. Preferably, there is some sort
of authentication or other security procedure along with
identification of the subscriber and/or prepay account number(s).
To this end, requiring the caller to enter an additional security
code such as a PIN increases the security and integrity of the
prepay network service.
37. The current prepayment monetary amount is a variable field
which is adjusted by service control point 22 either when an
authorized, prepay telecommunications service is to be, is
currently, or has just been rendered for this subscriber. In
addition, the current prepay monetary value amount field may be
adjusted in accordance with a subscriber request, e.g., from a
telephone or other data communications terminal.
38. FIG. 3 is an example data billing record created by the service
control point 22 and forwarded to the billing system computer 42.
The originating telephone number 72 is the telephone number
associated with the telecommunications device originating the call.
The destination telephone number 74 is the telephone number
associated with a recognized destination in the communications
network such as the special prepay network service number in
intelligent network nodes 18 or another telecommunications device
14f outside of the communications network 12. The subscriber and
prepay account numbers are included in one or more fields 76. For
calls which are made to other telecommunications devices, start
time 78 and lapsed time 80 of the call may be useful information to
be included on the billing report. Geographic information such as
the call origination location 82, and if relevant, the call
destination location 84 may also be included. The other billing
information field 86 may be included in the message as needed or
otherwise desired. Such a billing record is sent to billing system
40 from the service switching point 28 by way for example of a
dedicated link and is then processed by the billing system computer
42. The received billing record is correlated with the subscriber
billing information already logged in its database 44 in order to
generate an appropriate billing statement to the subscriber to
include a description of prepayment network services rendered
during that billing cycle and the charges therefor.
39. Example methods for providing a communications network-based,
prepaid telecommunications service are now described in conjunction
with the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b). It is to be
understood that while the method may be used by the specific
apparatus in the illustrative example embodiment shown in FIG. 1,
the method is not limited to that specific implementation.
40. Initially, a decision is made at the network whether a
subscriber is requesting a prepaid telecommunications service
(block 83). One example way in which such a service might be
requested would be the dialing of a prepay network service
telephone number. Another example might be for a caller to simply
request a prepayment service from a prepayment telecommunications
device which prompts the caller to input payment. In response to
the prompt, the caller enters an appropriate account number (either
a subscriber account number or prepay account number) which is
detected by the network. If a prepay network service is requested,
the network requests entry of a prepay calling account number or
receives some other input which permits identification of the
appropriate account number and authenticates or otherwise
authorizes the request (block 85). For example, the network may
require the caller to enter a security code or personal
identification number (PIN) in order to make sure the service
request is legitimate and authorized. In one particular instance,
if the caller is calling from the subscriber telecommunications
device (e.g., a residence or business telephone), the network is
already aware of the subscriber account number. If the request is
somehow invalid or not authorized as determined in block 87, the
network sends an appropriate message (block 92) back to the
caller.
41. Assuming that the prepay network service request is valid and
authorized, the subscriber's database record is checked to
determine whether there is sufficient prepaid value in subscriber's
database record to pay for the requested telecommunications
service. If not, an appropriate message is sent to the caller
(block 90). If there is sufficient prepaid value in the subscriber
database record, the network authorizes the requested
telecommunications service up to the prepaid amount currently
stored in the subscriber database record (block 94). The network
appropriately monitors parameters related to any fee to be charged
for the service such as start time, elapsed time, origination
location, destination location, rate information, etc. Preferably
this monitoring service is conducted in real time so that the
network immediately detects when the caller has consumed or nearly
consumed the existing monetary value stored in the subscriber's
database record. Once that point has been reached, the network may
then warn the caller of the nearing expiration of value/service and
encourage the addition of new value to the subscriber database
record either immediately or at some later time.
42. The network then updates the subscriber's prepaid calling
service record by debiting the prepaid amount stored in the record
by the fee associated with the telephone communications service to
be or having been rendered. An appropriate billing record such as
that shown in FIG. 3 is generated and forwarded to the billing
computer (step 98) and correlated in the billing system subscriber
database for use in generating the subscriber's monthly bill.
43. Returning to decision block 99, if the prepay network
communications service request is to add to the subscriber's
existing prepayment amount in a subscriber's database record, the
network prompts the subscriber for the monetary amount to be added
(block 100). Such a prompt could be a for example synthesized voice
prompt. The subscriber then inputs a desired amount either by
depressing corresponding keys on the telecommunications device or
by a voice input that is detected and decoded by appropriate voice
recognition software in the network. The subscriber's database
record is then updated by adding the input amount to generate a new
prepaid monetary amount. The network confirms that amount using for
example a synthetic voice message as well as informs the subscriber
of the current prepaid balance (block 102). An appropriate billing
record or other similar message is generated by the network to
include the newly added prepay value to the subscriber's regular
telephone bill under a line item such as "Prepay Services" (block
98).
44. FIG. 4(b) shows a flowchart of a more streamlined approach to
adding pre-pay value to a subscriber account when a call is placed
from the subscriber's residence or business telephone or other
device associated with the subscriber's account number. Initially,
a decision is made whether the subscriber has dialed the pre-pay
calling service number, e.g., an "800" number for accessing the
pre-pay calling service (block 110). The call from the subscriber's
residence or business telephone to the pre-pay calling service
number is interpreted as a request to add monetary value to that
subscriber's pre-pay account. The request is checked for validity
and authorization (block 112). If the request is invalid or not
authorized as determined in block 87, the network sends an
appropriate message (block 114) back to the caller. Assuming that
the prepay network service request is valid and authorized, a
preset amount of money, e.g., $10, is automatically added to the
subscriber's account in the database (block 116). The amount
automatically added to the subscriber's pre-pay account is
confirmed to the caller, e.g., via voice synthesized message, along
with the subscriber's current pre-pay account balance (block 118).
An appropriate billing record such as that shown in FIG. 3 is
generated and forwarded to the billing computer (block 120) and
correlated in the billing system subscriber database for use in
generating the subscriber's monthly bill.
45. An illustration of how a subscriber increases his prepaid
account balance using the example intelligent network node
implementation in FIG. 1 is now described in conjunction with FIG.
5. In step 1, the subscriber dials from a subscriber terminal a
prepay network service number. The local exchange routes the call
to the service switching point 28 which registers this as an
intelligent network call by detecting these dialed digits. The
triggering function 31 is also used to collect necessary call data
which is then forwarded to the service control point 20 as
indicated in step 2. The service logic 24 in service control point
20 is used by computer 22 to analyze the information from the
service switching point 28 in step 3.
46. More particularly, the service control processor detects the
subscriber account number associated with this subscriber terminal,
retrieves the subscriber's database record from database 26, checks
the current prepaid balance in the database record, and preferably
performs some type of authentication. In this example, the service
control processor 20 sends a message to the service switching point
28 instructing it to prompt the subscriber terminal for entry of a
security code such as a PIN (step 4). The switching service
intelligent peripheral 34 transmits via switching function 32 a
corresponding synthesized voice prompt such as "ENTER PIN" in step
5. The subscriber then enters his PIN number (step 6) which is
passed via switching function 32 to the intelligent peripheral 34
which transforms the tones into data (step 7). This data is then
forwarded to the service control point 20. The service control
point 28 checks the entered PIN number, and if it does not match
the PIN stored in the subscriber database record, either requests
re-entry of the PIN or aborts the transaction (step 8).
47. Assuming that the subscriber properly enters his PIN code, the
service control point 20 instructs the service switching point 28
to prompt the subscriber telecommunications device 14d for a
monetary value to be added to his prepaid account. Again, the
intelligent peripheral 34 generates a voice prompt communicated to
the subscriber terminal via switch function 32 such as "ENTER
DOLLAR VALUE TO BE ADDED TO YOUR PREPAID CALLING ACCOUNT." Then in
step 11, the subscriber enters the dollar amount (e.g., using
numbers entered by DTMF keypad), which is detected by the
intelligent peripheral 34 via switching function 32, converts the
DTMF tones into appropriate digital format, and forwards the amount
to the service control point 20.
48. The service control point 20 updates the subscriber record
stored in database 26 (step 13). The service control point 20 then
signals the billing system to update the subscriber's account in
the billing system database 44 to reflect the amount added by the
subscriber during this transaction and any associated service (step
14). The service switching point 28 is also instructed to confirm
the transaction with the subscriber terminal. In response, the
intelligent peripheral 34 generates a voice message routed to the
subscriber terminal via switching function 32 to the effect "YOUR
PREPAID CALLING ACCOUNT HAS BEEN INCREASED BY (the amount the
subscriber entered). YOUR NEW PREPAID ACCOUNT BALANCE IS (the total
amount)" (step 15).
49. As described earlier, the present invention provides a number
of advantages to the subscriber. Significantly, the subscriber does
not need to continually purchase prepaid calling cards. This task
is quite time consuming in that the subscriber must travel to a
telecommunications sales outlet or other distributor. Instead,
prepay services are only a telephone call away. For the operator,
the invention not only reduces costs in terms of the overhead
associated with generating and administering this card creation and
distribution, but also reduces costs associated with the
manufacture, installation, and maintenance of card readers at
prepaid telecommunications devices. In addition, by providing an
extremely convenient way for a subscriber to add money to his
prepaid services account ultimately results in higher network usage
and therefore more network operator revenue.
50. Although the invention is described in FIGS. 1 and 5 in the
context of intelligent network nodes, the present invention may be
implemented using any other type of node coupled to the network.
Such a node need only contain a computer, a database, and some
mechanism to interface with the network. Therefore, while the
invention has been described in connection with what is presently
considered to be practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be
understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed
embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various
modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the
spirit and scope of the appended claims.
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