U.S. patent application number 10/488104 was filed with the patent office on 2005-06-02 for telephone call dialling.
Invention is credited to Beer, Leon De.
Application Number | 20050117724 10/488104 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 9921802 |
Filed Date | 2005-06-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050117724 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Beer, Leon De |
June 2, 2005 |
Telephone call dialling
Abstract
A communications device such as a mobile telephone responds to
the input of a dialed number for a call destination by generating
and outputting a request message transmitted to a control center by
a telecommunications system. The device receives a response message
from the control center containing routing data and credit data
representing remaining credit within an account limit of the
subscriber. An outgoing communications session is then initiated
using the routing data which may for example enable a dialed
telephone number to be modified to achieve optimum routing to the
call destination by one or more preferred networks. The device also
includes a credit control application for limiting the duration of
the communication in accordance with the credit data. Mobile
telephones may thereby be used with a prepayment subscription
account even during a roaming operation in which the mobile
telephone registers with a network other than the subscriber's home
network.
Inventors: |
Beer, Leon De; (Newbury,
GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OBLON, SPIVAK, MCCLELLAND, MAIER & NEUSTADT, P.C.
1940 DUKE STREET
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22314
US
|
Family ID: |
9921802 |
Appl. No.: |
10/488104 |
Filed: |
February 1, 2005 |
PCT Filed: |
September 6, 2002 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/GB02/04077 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
379/114.01 ;
379/114.19; 379/114.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04M 2215/46 20130101;
H04M 2215/7442 20130101; H04M 15/854 20130101; H04M 2215/34
20130101; H04M 2215/32 20130101; H04M 2215/48 20130101; H04M 15/30
20130101; H04M 15/8038 20130101; H04M 2215/8166 20130101; H04M
17/026 20130101; H04M 15/00 20130101; H04M 15/8044 20130101; H04M
17/00 20130101; H04M 2215/745 20130101; H04M 15/67 20130101; H04M
15/83 20130101; H04M 2215/42 20130101; H04M 17/20 20130101; H04M
2215/0116 20130101; H04M 15/49 20130101; H04M 15/88 20130101; H04M
2215/82 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
379/114.01 ;
379/114.19; 379/114.2 |
International
Class: |
H04M 015/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 10, 2001 |
GB |
0121824.7 |
Claims
1. A device for communication in use with a call destination via a
telecommunications system using a credit controlled subscription
account, the device comprising; input means for receiving input
data defining the call destination; message generating means for
generating a request message comprising the input data; output
means operable to output the request message in use to a control
centre; receiving means operable to receive in use from the control
centre a response message comprising routing data defining a
preferred route for routing the call to the call destination via
the telecommunications system and credit data representative of
remaining credit within an account limit of the subscription
account; initiating means for initiating communication with the
call destination using the routing data; and credit control means
for controlling the duration of the communication in accordance
with the credit data.
2. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the credit control means
comprises means to prevent initiation of communication with the
call destination if the credit data is representative of a minimum
value credit remaining in the account.
3. A device as claimed in any preceding claim 1 wherein the credit
data is representative of a maximum call duration corresponding to
the remaining credit in the account and wherein the device
comprises terminating means for terminating the communication with
the call destination when the maximum call duration has
elapsed.
4. A device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the terminating means
comprises means for calculating an elapsed time measured from the
start of communication with the call destination as indicated by a
clock of the device and determining means for determining when the
elapsed time reaches the maximum call duration.
5. A device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the credit data
comprises a value representing a number of units determined by the
control centre, the terminating means comprising means for
measuring a time interval corresponding to one unit and counter
means for counting said intervals from the start of communication
with the call destination and determining means for determining
when the number of intervals equals the number of units.
6. A device as claimed in any preceding claim 1, wherein the input
data comprises a telephone number of the call destination, wherein
the routing data is representative of at least part of a preferred
telephone number defining the preferred route, and wherein the
initiating means is operable to initiate communication using the
preferred telephone number.
7. A device as claimed in claim 6 wherein the routing data is
representative of the entire preferred telephone number for use by
the initiating means.
8. A device as claimed in claim 6 wherein the routing data is
representative of a prefix code and wherein the initiating means
comprises means for adding the prefix code to the input telephone
number to obtain the preferred telephone number.
9. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the response message
comprises protocol information and wherein the initiating means is
responsive to the protocol information when initiating
communication with the call destination using the routing data.
10. A device as claimed in claim 9 wherein the protocol information
defines a wait period to be inserted between outputting an initial
portion and a remaining portion of the preferred telephone
number.
11. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the input data
comprises a network address of the call destination.
12. A device as claimed in claim 1 comprising means for storing
identification information for identifying the device in use to the
control centre and wherein the message generating means is operable
to include the identification information in the request
message.
13. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the initiating means is
operable to initiate communication in use with the control centre
whereby the output means is operable to output the request message
via the telecommunications system.
14. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the output means is
operable to output the request message using a first communications
channel which is separate and distinct from a second communications
channel used by the initiating means.
15. A device as claimed in claim 14 wherein the first
communications channel comprises one of: (a) the Internet; (b) a
public data network; and (c) a private data network.
16. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the device is
constituted by a telecommunications terminal and wherein the input
means comprises a keypad for the input of the input data by a
user.
17. A device as claimed in claim 14 wherein the terminal comprises
a mobile telephone for wireless communication in use with a mobile
telephone network of the telecommunications system.
18. A device as claimed in claim 15 wherein the output means is
operable to output the request message in a text message format
corresponding to a text message protocol of the mobile telephone
network.
19. A device as claimed in claim 17 wherein the receiving means is
operable to receive the response message in a text message format
corresponding to a text message protocol of the mobile telephone
network and wherein the mobile telephone is operable to inhibit
display to the user of text corresponding to the response
message.
20. A device as claimed in claim 17 further comprising means for
updating at least one of a preferred network table and a barred
network table using updating information contained in the response
message.
21. A device as claimed in claim 17, wherein the credit control
means comprises an application processed by a SIM card of the
mobile telephone.
22. A device as claimed in claim 16 wherein the device is
constituted by a telephone for land line communication.
23. A device as claimed in claim 16 comprising a facsimile
machine.
24. A device as claimed in claim 16 comprising a computer apparatus
having a modem.
25. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the device is
constituted by an interface apparatus having means for connection
to at least one user operable terminal, wherein the input means is
operable to receive the input data via said connection means from
the user operable terminal.
26. A device as claimed in claim 25 wherein the device is
constituted by a routing device having means for connection to a
user operable terminal and wherein the input means is operable to
receive the input telephone number via the connection means.
27. A device as claimed in claim 22 further comprising an interface
module for communicating with a local area network to which the
control centre is connected in use.
28. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the subscription account
is a prepaid subscription account and wherein the account data
representative of remaining credit corresponds to call charges for
which prepayment has been made.
29. A method of operating a telecommunications device for
communication with a call destination via a telecommunications
system using a credit controlled subscription account, the method
comprising the steps of; receiving an input telephone number
defining the call destination; generating a request message
comprising data representative of the input telephone number;
outputting the request message to a control centre; receiving a
response message from the control centre, the response message
comprising routing data defining a preferred route for routing the
call to the call destination via the telecommunications system and
credit data representative of remaining credit within an account
limit of the subscription account; initiating a telephone call
connection to the call destination using the routing data; and
controlling the duration of communication in accordance with the
credit data.
30. A method as claimed in claim 29, comprising preventing
initiation of communication with the call destination if the credit
data is representative of a minimum value credit remaining in the
account.
31. A method as claimed in claim 29, wherein the credit data is
representative of a maximum call duration corresponding to the
remaining credit in the account and wherein the method comprises
the step of terminating the communication with the call destination
when the maximum call duration has elapsed.
32. A method as claimed in claim 31, wherein the terminating step
comprises calculating an elapsed time measured from the start of
communication with the call destination as indicated by a clock of
the device and determining when the elapsed time reaches the
maximum call duration.
33. A method as claimed in claim 31, wherein the credit data
comprises a value representing a number of units determined by the
control centre, the terminating step comprising measuring a time
interval corresponding to one unit and counting said intervals from
the start of communication with the call destination and
determining when the number of intervals equals the number of
units.
34. A method as claimed in claim 29 wherein the input data
comprises a telephone number of the call destination, wherein the
routing data is representative of at least part of a modified
telephone number defining the preferred route, and wherein the
initiating step initiates communication using the modified
telephone number.
35. A method as claimed in claim 34 wherein the routing data is
representative of the entire preferred telephone number for use in
the initiating step.
36. A method as claimed in claim 34 wherein the routing data is
representative of a prefix code and wherein the initiating step
comprises adding the prefix code to the input telephone number to
obtain the preferred telephone number.
37. A method as claimed in claim 33 wherein the response message
comprises protocol information and wherein the initiating step is
made responsive to the protocol information when initiating
communication with the call destination using the routing data.
38. A method as claimed in claim 37 wherein the protocol
information defines a wait period to be inserted between outputting
of an initial portion and a remaining portion of the modified
telephone number.
39. A method as claimed in claim 33 wherein the input data
comprises a network address of the call destination.
40. A method as claimed in claim 29 comprising storing
identification information for identifying the device in use to the
control centre and wherein the message generating step includes the
identification information in the request message.
41. A method as claimed in claim 29 wherein the initiating step
initiates communication with the control centre whereby the request
message is output via the telecommunications system.
42. A method as claimed in claim 29 wherein the output step outputs
the request message using a first communications channel which is
separate and distinct from a second communications channel used in
the initiating step.
43. A method as claimed in claim 42 wherein the request message is
output via one of: (a) the Internet; (b) a public data network; and
(c) a private data network.
44. A method as claimed in claim 29 wherein the device is
constituted by a telecommunications terminal and wherein the
receiving step comprises receiving the input of the input data by a
user via a keyboard.
45. A method as claimed in claim 29 wherein the terminal comprises
a mobile telephone for wireless communication with a mobile
telephone network of the telecommunications system.
46. A method as claimed in claim 45 wherein the request message is
output in a text message format corresponding to a text message
protocol of the mobile telephone network.
47. A method as claimed in claim 45 wherein the response message is
received in a text message format corresponding to a text message
protocol of the mobile telephone network and wherein the mobile
telephone inhibits display to the user of text corresponding to the
response message.
48. A method as claimed in claim 45 further comprising updating at
least one of a preferred network table and a barred network table
using updating information contained in the response message.
49. A method as claimed in claim 45, wherein the control of
duration in accordance with credit data comprises operating an
application processed by a SIM card of the mobile telephone.
50. A method as claimed in claim 29, wherein the device is
constituted by an interface apparatus providing connection to at
least one user operable terminal, wherein the receiving step
comprises receiving the input data from the user operable
terminal.
51. A method as claimed in claim 50 wherein the device is
constituted by a routing device providing connection to a user
operable terminal and wherein the receiving step comprises
receiving the input telephone number via the connection with the
user operable terminal.
52. A method as claimed in claim 29 wherein the subscription
account is a prepaid subscription account and wherein the account
data representative of remaining credit corresponds to call charges
for which prepayment has been made.
53. A control centre comprising; receiving means operable to
receive a request message comprising data representative of an
input telephone number defining a call destination and information
defining the location of a device from which communication with the
call destination via a telecommunications system is required; means
for determining a preferred route for communication via the
telecommunications system; means for determining credit: data
representative of remaining credit in a prepaid subscription
account of a user of the device; means for generating a response
message comprising routing data representative of at least part of
a preferred telephone number to be used by the device and
comprising the credit data; and means for transmitting the response
message to the device.
54. A method of operating a control centre comprising; receiving a
request message comprising data representative of an input
telephone number defining a call destination and information
defining the location of a device from which communication with the
call destination via a telecommunications system is required;
determining a preferred route for communication via the
telecommunications system; generating a response message comprising
routing data representative of at least part of a modified
telephone number to be used by the device and credit data
representative of remaining credit in a prepaid subscription
account of a user of the device; and transmitting the response
message to the device.
55. A computer program comprising processor implementable
instructions for controlling a telecommunications device to carry
out a method for communication with a call destination via a
telecommunications system using a credit controlled subscription
account, the method comprising the steps of: receiving an input
telephone number defining the call destination; generating a
request message comprising data representative of the input
telephone number; outputting the request message to a control
centre; receiving a response message from the control centre, the
response message comprising routing data defining a preferred route
for routing the call to the call destination via the
telecommunications system and credit data representative of
remaining credit within an account limit of the subscription
account; initiating a telephone call connection to the call
destination using the routing data; and controlling the duration of
communication in accordance with the credit data.
56. A storage medium storing processor implementable instructions
for controlling a telecommunications device to carry out a method
for communication with a call destination via a telecommunications
system using a credit controlled subscription account, the method
comprising the steps of: receiving an input telephone number
defining the call destination; generating a request message
comprising data representative of the input telephone number;
outputting the request message to a control centre; receiving a
response message from the control centre, the response message
comprising routing data defining a preferred route for routing the
call to the call destination via the telecommunications system and
credit data representative of remaining credit within an account
limit of the subscription account; initiating a telephone call
connection to the call destination using the routing data; and
controlling the duration of communication in accordance with the
credit data.
57. A signal carrying processor implementable instructions for
controlling a telecommunications device to carry out a method for
communication with a call destination via a telecommunications
system using a credit controlled subscription account, the method
comprising the steps of: receiving an input telephone number
defining the call destination; generating a request message
comprising data representative of the input telephone number;
outputting the request message to a control centre; receiving a
response message from the control centre, the response message
comprising routing data defining a preferred route for routing the
call to the call destination via the telecommunications system and
credit data representative of remaining credit within an account
limit of the subscription account; initiating a telephone call
connection to the call destination using the routing data; and
controlling the duration of communication in accordance with the
credit data.
Description
[0001] This invention relates to telephone call dialling in a
controlled credit environment and in particular but not exclusively
to the use of telecommunications terminals in a prepaid environment
where the terminals are capable of dialling telephone numbers and
modifying the telephone number input by a user in order to obtain
preferred call routing.
[0002] Recent trends in telecommunications have resulted in a
proliferation in the number of telephone networks and service
providers available to a user of telecommunication devices such as
telephones, facsimile machines and various types of computer based
apparatus equipped with modems. A user wishing to initiate a
telephone call for a communications session for audio, audio
visual, facsimile, or digital data transmission with a call
destination will generally input the telephone number of the call
destination to the telecommunications device and will rely upon the
network to which the device is locally connected to decide upon the
route taken by the call between the local network and the call
destination. Alternatively, the user may choose to access
facilities of a service provider by adding a prefix to the call
destination telephone number. The service provider may then provide
services at reduced costs and may include routing the call in a
manner determined by the service provider.
[0003] It is known from WO 00/07347 to provide a telephone which
includes a route determining means which automatically modifies the
number input by the user when dialling an outgoing call, the
telephone having means for referring to an internally stored
look-up table covering all possible call destinations to obtain
routing information for determining the optimum route, thereby
allowing an appropriate prefix code to be automatically selected
and added.
[0004] Such arrangements however require the look-up table to be
periodically refreshed with updating information in order to take
account of changes in charging rates applied by service providers
for given routes and to take account of variations in performance
characteristics of various networks from which a selected route is
to be chosen.
[0005] Co-pending United Kingdom patent application GB-A-2365259
describes an improved system in which routing data is obtained
using an exchange of message between the telephone and a control
centre wherein the telephone responds to the input of a dialled
number by outputting a request message containing the dialled
number to the control centre. A response message from the control
centre contains routing data used by the telephone in placing a
call to the required destination.
[0006] It is also known to provide a communications device
operating in a prepaid service environment in which a subscriber
prepays funds into an account of an operator and the cost of calls
is debited from the account. The subscriber is required to maintain
the account in credit for continued use of the service and for
example cannot initiate a new call if remaining credit is zero or
below a minimum threshold value and will have an existing call
truncated if credit expires during the making of an existing
call.
[0007] The control of the making of prepaid calls in dependence
upon the account status of the subscriber is straightforward if the
device is using a network controlled by the network operator with
whom the subscriber has an account. If this is not the case
however, as for example in the case of mobile telephones which are
capable of "roaming" operation in which the telephone registers
with a network other than the subscriber's home network, it is more
complex to control network access and billing in a prepaid
environment. The present invention seeks to provide an improved
method of routing telephone calls from a variety of
telecommunications devices in a prepaid environment and a
telecommunications device for use in such a method.
[0008] One aspect of the present invention provides a
telecommunications device which responds to an input telephone
number by sending a request message to a control centre in order to
obtain a response message which includes routing data and account
information. A preferred telephone number which is determined in
accordance with the routing data is then dialled to access the call
destination via a preferred route. The message may contain the
preferred number in its entirety. Alternatively, the routing data
may be a prefix to be added to the input telephone number,
instructions for otherwise modifying the input telephone number, or
an instruction for the preferred number to be identical to the
input number. The initiating and duration of the call are
controlled using the account data in a manner which avoids the
account being overdrawn.
[0009] A further aspect of the invention relates to accounts other
than prepaid subscription accounts where the subscriber is billed
for calls which have already been made. The account may be
controlled in a manner which limits the maximum accrued charges in
the account and credit control is applied to prohibit further
calls, or a call is interrupted, if the account limit is
reached.
[0010] Embodiments are described in which a device in accordance
with the present invention may be constituted by a telephone,
facsimile machine, computer apparatus, private branch exchange or
routing device.
[0011] A further aspect of the invention relates to a control
centre for receiving request messages and generating response
messages.
[0012] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be
described by way of example only and with reference to the
accompany drawings of which;
[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a generalised
telecommunications device connected to a call destination via a
telecommunications system;
[0014] FIG. 2 is schematic diagram of a mobile telephone connected
to a call destination via a telecommunications system;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the
mobile telephone of FIG. 2;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a schematic flowchart illustrating the process of
making a mobile telephone call using the mobile telephone of FIGS.
2 and 3;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a
request message generated by the mobile telephone of FIG. 2;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a
response message received by the mobile telephone of FIG. 2;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method of controlling call
duration;
[0020] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a further method of controlling
call duration;
[0021] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating mobile telephone
operation;
[0022] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a telephone
connected to a call destination via a telecommunications
system;
[0023] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of the components of the
telephone of FIG. 10;
[0024] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a request message
generated by the telephone of FIG. 10;
[0025] FIG. 13 is a diagram of a response message received by the
telephone of FIG. 11;
[0026] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating the process of making a
telephone call using the telephone of FIG. 10;
[0027] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of a telephone having a
separate Internet connection;
[0028] FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of a routing device used for
routing calls between a telephone and a call destination;
[0029] FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the
routing device of FIG. 16; and
[0030] FIG. 18 is an illustration of routing via an integrated
packet switched network.
[0031] FIG. 1 represents schematically the manner in which a
telephone call is made from a generalised telecommunications device
1 to a call destination 2 via a telecommunications system 3. The
telecommunications system 3 is schematically represented as a mesh
network in which each of the nodes 4A to 4F is a constituent
network. For example, a call may be initially routed via a cable
network 4A which is the local network for the user's
telecommunications device 1, the call then being routed via network
4B which is a landline network administered by a first carrier, and
a third network 4C providing international connection to a further
land line network 4D which is local to the call destination 2.
[0032] As represented schematically in FIG. 1, a number of
alternative possibilities exist for interconnection between the
networks 4A to 4F available within the telecommunications system 3,
such networks also including packet switching networks such as the
Internet 4E.
[0033] An input device 5 associated with the telecommunications
device 1 is used by the user to input the call number defining the
call destination 2. The input device 5 may be integral with the
telecommunications device 1 or may be separate from and connected
for communication with the telecommunications device 1 via a
connection 6 which, in the case of separate location of the input
device 5, could be a transmission line.
[0034] A control centre 7 is accessible for communication with the
telecommunications device 1 for the exchange of information. In
FIG. 1, communication path 8 illustrates the control centre 7 being
connected to a node 4F of the telecommunications system 3 so that
an exchange of information with the telecommunications device 1
requires a communications session via the cable network 4A and the
network of the node 4F.
[0035] In use, a user inputs the telephone number of the call
destination 2 using the input device 5 and this is received by the
telecommunications device 1. The telecommunications device 1
generates a request message which is transmitted to the control
centre 7 and contains data representative of the input call number.
The request message also identifies the location of the
telecommunications device 1 and identifies the user by means of an
identification code. The control centre 7 evaluates the received
information characterising the required connection to the call
destination 2 and determines a preferred route. A response message
is communicated from the control centre 7 to the telecommunications
device 1 and includes routing data which allows the device to use a
modified telephone call number which, when dialled by the
telecommunications device 1, will establish the preferred route via
the telecommunications systems 3 to the call destination 2 via a
preferred sequence of networks represented in FIG. 1 by nodes 4A to
4F.
[0036] The response message also includes any dialling protocol
data which may be required, for example when it is necessary to
allow a predetermined wait-period to elapse between dialling an
initial sequence of digits such as a prefix code and dialling the
remaining sequence of digits of the modified telephone number. The
dialling protocol data may additionally, if necessary, contain
information concerning any handshake procedure to be followed in
acquiring access to networks 4A to 4F in the preferred route.
[0037] The response message also includes credit data for
indicating to the device 1 whether the account status of the
subscriber allows the call to be made and, if so, the maximum
duration of the call via the preferred route. The control centre 7
obtains the credit data by accessing an account database 11.
[0038] The control centre 7 communicates with the networks of the
preferred route to generate billing information to debit the
subscriber's account. The control centre 7 also monitors the
performance characteristics and charging rates required by the
nodes 4A to 4F of the telecommunications system 3 in order to
maintain an up-to-date routing database 10 to which reference is
made by the control centre for determining the preferred route in
response to each request message. The control centre 7 also
receives payment information to replenish the subscription accounts
held in account database 11.
[0039] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment in which the
telecommunications device 1 of FIG. 1 is a mobile telephone 20 and
will be described using corresponding references to those of FIG. 1
where appropriate for corresponding elements.
[0040] The mobile telephone 20 has a conventional circuit
configuration as illustrated schematically in FIG. 3 and is shown
to be in wireless communication with a mobile telephone network 21
which is illustrated as constituting a node of the
telecommunications system 3. Calls from the mobile telephone 20 may
therefore be routed from the mobile telephone network 21 through
the telecommunications system 3 to the call destination 2 via a
number of routes determined by the selection of nodes 4A to 4F.
[0041] The control centre 7 is also served by the mobile telephone
network 21 for receiving and sending data messages using whatever
data message protocol is available to the particular mobile
telephone network being utilised.
[0042] In the present example, the SMS (Short Message Service)
protocol is utilised in a GSM (Global System for Mobile
communications) cellular network, enabling the request and response
messages to be represented in a text format.
[0043] As shown in FIG. 3, the mobile telephone 20 includes a
processor 30 connected via a bus 31 to a ROM (read only memory) 32
and a RAM (random access memory) 33. An input device 5 is provided
in the form of a keypad integrally formed with the casing of the
mobile telephone 20, a display 34 also being provided for the
display of dialled numbers and other information.
[0044] The mobile telephone 20 also includes a SIM (Subscriber
Identification Module) card 35 storing data specific to the
individual mobile telephone and user. The SIM card 35 also stores
programs for data management, data retrieval, message generation
and call duration control, as described in detail below. The SIM
Toolkit Application Interface is implemented in the SIM card 35,
the SIM Toolkit being an emerging standard in SIM development. SIM
Toolkit compliant applications may be stored in the SIM card 35 in
either flash memory, ROM or masked ROM.
[0045] An internal clock 36 is also provided together with an audio
processor circuit 37 and microphone and speaker circuit 38.
[0046] A transmit and receive circuit 39 controlled by the
processor 3 is connected to an antenna 310.
[0047] The RAM 33 includes a buffer memory 90, the use of which
will be described below.
[0048] In FIG. 2, the mobile telephone 20 is shown connected to the
generalised mobile network 21. It is to be understood however that
the generalised mobile network 21 may comprise any number of
networks of distinct service providers having shared or separate
base stations and hardware and that the control centre 7 is able to
send and receive messages via any of such service providers. The
user of a given mobile telephone 20 may in practice only have
access only to a single service provider of the mobile network 21
or alternatively the user may have access to a plurality of such
service providers under a roaming agreement which allows the user
to make use of whichever service provider network is available in
the geographical location of the mobile telephone, or to allow the
user to be selective where more than one service provider is able
to provide network coverage at a given location.
[0049] Typically therefore, the mobile telephone 20 stores in the
SIM card 35 a forbidden network table 3400 and a preferred network
table 3401 as shown in FIG. 3. The mobile telephone 20 needs to
register with a service provider before any communication is
possible and the tables 3400 and 3401 are referred to before
completing the registration process, firstly to prevent
registration with any network with which the subscriber is barred
from registration, and secondly to select the preferred network in
a case where more than one service provider is available at a given
location.
[0050] The manner in which the mobile telephone 20 is utilised is
illustrated schematically in the flowchart of FIG. 4.
[0051] At step 40, the mobile telephone 20 is turned on and
registers with a service provider of the mobile network 21. If
necessary, the user may assist in the selection of the service
provider to be used for the making of a telephone call by operating
a selection function of the mobile telephone 20.
[0052] When the user requires to make a telephone call, the user
inputs at step 41 the call destination number using the input
device 5 and presses a send key of the input device 5 of mobile
telephone 20. The mobile telephone 20 stores the input number in
the buffer memory 90 in RAM 33 at step 42 and generates a request
message as illustrated schematically in FIG. 5. In the present
example, the request message is in the SMS format and comprises a
header 51, the input number 52 corresponding to the telephone
number of the call destination, location information 53,
identification data 54 which identifies the service provider with
which the mobile telephone is registered and via which the call is
to be made, and a PIN (Personal Identification Number) number 55
which identifies the user. The process of generating the request
message is implemented using an application stored in the SIM card
35.
[0053] The processor 30 controls the operation of the mobile
telephone 20 to send at step 43 the request message in SMS format
to the control centre 7 via the mobile telephone network 21.
[0054] At step 44, the control centre 7 responds by sending a
response message to the mobile telephone 20, the response message
having the structure illustrated schematically in FIG. 6. The
response message in SMS format consists of a header 61, routing
data 62 defining a preferred telephone call number for directing a
call to the call destination 2 via a preferred route determined by
the control centre 7, dialling protocol data 63 containing
information required to correctly implement the preferred telephone
number, and credit data 64 which indicates whether the user's
account has credit and, if so, the maximum call duration to be
permitted via the preferred route. The response message also
includes updating information 65 for updating data stored in the
SIM card 35. This information includes the forbidden network table
3400 and the preferred network table 3401. Receiving this updating
information 65 thereby enables the control centre 7 to reconfigure
the operating parameters of the mobile telephone 20 including the
manner in which the service provider is selected at the time of
registration in accordance with the tables 3400 and 3401.
[0055] At step 45 in FIG. 4, the mobile telephone 20 receives an
SMS message which it determines to be a response message from the
control centre 7 by decoding the header 61 and processes the
response message in a manner which inhibits display of the SMS
message on the display 34.
[0056] At step 46, an application in the SIM card takes control of
the initiation and termination of the telephone call and determines
from the response message whether any call credit exists. If no
credit exists, or the available credit is less than a predetermined
threshold level, the call is not initiated and a message to this
effect is generated and displayed to the user. If sufficient call
credit does exist, the telephone at step 47 initiates the dialling
of the preferred number indicated in the response message and at
step 48 monitors the duration of the call, repeatedly comparing the
elapsed duration of the call at step 49 against the remaining
credit.
[0057] If the elapsed call duration consumes the available
remaining credit, the call is terminated at step 410, the call
otherwise continuing until completed by the user or called party at
step 411.
[0058] At step 47, the mobile telephone 20 initiates the telephone
call by making an outgoing call via the service provider of the
mobile telephone network 21 using the routing data 62 contained in
the response message corresponding to the input number 52. The
routing data 62 may simply comprise the full digits of the
preferred number. Alternatively, the routing data may comprise a
prefix code to be added to the input telephone number stored in the
buffer memory 90 by the processor 30. Similarly, the routing data
may comprise instructions for changing digits of the input
telephone number, or an instruction for the input telephone number
to be used without modification.
[0059] The steps indicated in FIG. 4 are preferably implemented by
the SIM card 35 but may alternatively be controlled by a computer
program operated by the processor 30. The program may therefore be
stored in the SIM card 35 or in the ROM 32. Alternatively, the
computer program may be downloaded into the ROM 32 or RAM 33 via a
suitable data input from an external device which receives the
program in the form of a computer readable medium such as a compact
disc, DVD, or floppy disc, or which alternatively receives the
program as a signal transmitted via a network such as the Internet.
Alternatively, the mobile telephone 20 may have a reader for
receiving the input of a program, for example in the form of a
smart card reader for extracting the program code from a smart
card.
[0060] In the above example, the following numerical data further
illustrates the specific detail of calling the call destination 2
as further illustrated in FIG. 9.
[0061] FIG. 9 illustrates mobile telephone 20 in a roaming
situation in which it is registered with a local network 80 which
is different from a home network 81 with which the user has an
account administered by control centre 7.
[0062] The mobile telephone 20 is shown to contain SIM card 35
which includes a routing application 82 for applying the routing
data 62 contained in response messages and a credit control
application 83 for controlling the initiation and maximum duration
of calls in accordance with the received credit data 64. The SIM
card 35 also stores subscriber information 84.
[0063] In this example, the user is a customer of Vodafone
(Trademark), a service provider of mobile telephone networks which
provides the home network 81, but the user is utilising a roaming
agreement to make use of the local network 80 operated by another
service provider France Telecom (Trademark) while the user and
device 1 are located in France. The user wishes to make a telephone
call to a destination defined by call destination number
001907123456 and enters this number using the keypad or other input
device 5 of the mobile telephone 20.
[0064] The user then presses the send button of the mobile
telephone 20. The mobile telephone 20 transmits a message
containing the telephone number and subscriber information 84 using
the SMS format to the control centre 7 which responds by
transmitting a response message in which the routing data 62
defines the preferred telephone number to be
0800888777001907123456.
[0065] The mobile telephone 20 receives this SMS message and
determines that the SMS message is from the control centre 7 and is
therefore not to be displayed on the display 34. The processor 30
stores the response message in memory.
[0066] Whether or not a call can be made is determined from the
call credit indicated in the response message and, if sufficient
credit exists, mobile telephone 20 then reads the routing data from
memory and generates an outgoing call in which the preferred number
is dialled using the protocol information 63, if any.
[0067] Call duration is monitored as described above with reference
to step 48 and the call is terminated either when credit expires or
when the user determines that the call is completed.
[0068] FIG. 7 illustrates the manner in which the SIM card
application can monitor the duration of a call in the case of a
mobile telephone 20 which does not include a clock 36 capable of
outputting to the SIM card 35 a signal representative of the
absolute time. In this instance, the credit data 64 included in the
response message is provided in the form of a number of credit
units, each of which corresponds to a duration of time
corresponding to an interval between timer events which may be
output by the microprocessor 30 for receipt by the SIM card 35.
[0069] At step 70, the number of credit units received in the
response message is entered into a counter in the SIM card 35 and
at step 71 the SIM card outputs a request to the processor 30 to
receive timer events.
[0070] At step 72, the counter is decremented at each receipt of a
timer event signal from the microprocessor 30. At step 73, it is
determined whether the counter has zero remaining credit units and,
if so, the termination procedure is actuated at step 74 to
terminate the call.
[0071] If the counter continues to have remaining credit units, the
process continues until the call is completed at step 75.
[0072] FIG. 8 illustrates steps of an alternative method when the
microprocessor 30 is able to output a signal representative of the
absolute time. At step 80, the start time of the telephone call is
stored in a temporary memory location in the SIM card 35 and at
step 81, the duration of call credit in minutes and seconds is
entered into a further memory in the SIM card. At step 82, the
received time signal from the microprocessor 30 is used to
calculate the elapsed time since the start of the call and at step
84 is determined whether the available time credit has been
consumed. If so, the termination procedure is actuated at step 83
to terminate the call. Alternatively, the call continues until
terminated by the user at step 85.
[0073] A further embodiment will now be described with reference to
FIG. 10 using corresponding reference numerals to those of
preceding figures where appropriate for corresponding elements.
[0074] In FIG. 10, a telecommunications device is constituted by a
telephone 100 which is connected to a local exchange 4A of a
telecommunications system 3 and is used by a user to make a
telephone call to a call destination 2. A control centre 7 has a
server 101 accessible via the Internet 4E which is in the present
example regarded as a constituent network of the telecommunications
system 3.
[0075] The structure of the telephone 100 is illustrated
schematically in FIG. 11 which shows a processor 30 connected via a
databus 31 to a ROM 32, a RAM 33 including a buffer memory 90 , a
keypad input device 5, a display 34 and an internal clock 36. The
telephone 100 also includes a microphone and speaker circuit 38, a
dialling circuit 102 and a modem 103, each of which is connected to
a telephone line 104.
[0076] The process of making a telephone call from the telephone
100 is illustrated in the flowchart of FIG. 14.
[0077] When a user inputs at step 140 the telephone number of a
call destination 2 using the keypad input device 5, the processor
30 stores at step 141 the number in the buffer memory 90 in RAM 33
and generates at step 142 a request message having the format shown
in FIG. 12.
[0078] The request message comprises a header 120, the input
dialled number 121, location details 122 and a PIN number 123
identifying the user.
[0079] An outgoing call is generated by operating at step 143 the
dialling circuit 102 which outputs a telephone call via line 104 to
the telecommunications system 3, dialling the telephone number of
an ISP (Internet Service Provider) which gains access to the
Internet 4E. The URL (Uniform Resource Locator) corresponding to
the server of the control centre 7 is communicated to the ISP via
the modem 103 and two-way communication is established with the
control centre. A response message is generated by the control
centre 7 in the form shown in FIG. 13 and the response message is
transmitted at step 144 by the control centre and received at step
145 via the modem 103 to be stored at step 146 by the processor 30
in the RAM 33.
[0080] The response message comprises a header 130, routing data
131 and dialling protocol data 132 together with credit data
133.
[0081] The CPU 30 also terminates at step 145 the communication
session via the Internet 4E by controlling the modem 103 and
dialling circuit 102. At step 1446 the CPU 30 determines from the
received response message whether any call credit exists and, if
so, initiates at step 147 a new telephone call via the dialling
circuit 102 using the modified telephone number 131. The connection
is then established with the call destination 2 and the microphone
and speaker circuit 38 is enabled to allow telephone conversation
to proceed between the user and the call destination 2.
[0082] The duration of the call is monitored at step 1447, a
decision being made at step 1448 to terminate 1500 the call if the
available call credit is consumed, the call otherwise continuing
until completed by the user at step 1449.
[0083] The microphone and speaker circuit 38 may optionally include
a tone generating circuit to provide a comfort tone to the user
during the period in which the processor 30 communicates with the
control centre 7 via the Internet 4E and modem 103.
[0084] The arrangement of FIGS. 11, 12 and 13 may similarly be
applied to operation of a facsimile machine 105 as illustrated in
FIG. 10, the microphone and speaker circuit 38 of FIG. 11 being
replaced or supplemented by appropriate scanning and facsimile
signal generating circuits.
[0085] The embodiment of FIG. 10 may be modified as illustrated in
FIG. 15 by providing the telephone 100 with a separate
communication path 140 for connection to the Internet 4E. This
communication path 140 may be provided for example by connection to
a cable network 4G via a data channel which is separate and
distinct from the telephone line 104.
[0086] Use of the telephone 100 of FIG. 15 differs from the process
outlined in FIG. 14 in that, at step 143, the access to the control
centre 7 is made via the separate communication path 140. At step
145, connection with the control centre 7 via the separate
communication path 140 is terminated. At step 147, the new
telephone connection is made via the telephone line 104 in the
normal manner.
[0087] A further embodiment will now be described with reference to
FIG. 16 using corresponding reference numerals to those of
preceding figures where appropriate for corresponding elements.
[0088] The embodiment of FIG. 16 comprises a stand alone routing
device 160 connected in series between a conventional telephone 73
and the services of a local network 4A of a telecommunications
system 3. Typically, in a domestic household situation, the routing
device 160 will have a socket into which the telephone lead 161 is
received and will have an output telephone lead 162 connected to a
standard wall socket for connection to the local network 4A.
[0089] FIG. 17 illustrates schematically the structure of the
routing device 160. The device 160 in FIG. 17 includes a relay 163
operable to selectively interrupt connection between the input
telephone line 161 and output telephone line 162. When a telephone
call is initiated, the relay 163 is opened and the telephone number
dialled by the telephone 73 is detected by means of a tone detector
circuit 164. The routing device 160 includes a processor 30, a ROM
32, a RAM 33 including a buffer 90 and an internal clock 36. The
processor 30 is connected to the tone detector circuit 164 and
responds to the received telephone number corresponding to the call
destination 2 by storing the number in buffer memory 90 and
generating a request message in the manner described above with
reference to previous embodiments.
[0090] An outgoing call is generated on the line 162 using a tone
generator 165 and received incoming messages from the control
centre 7 are detected by means of a further tone detector 166 whose
output is connected to the processor 30.
[0091] The processor 30, after receiving a response message
containing routing data 62 defining a preferred telephone number
and credit data 64, follow steps corresponding to steps 46 to 411
described above with reference to FIG. 4. When dialling the
preferred number, the processor 30 uses the tone generator 165 and
connects the telephone 73 to the call destination 2 by closing the
relay 163 once connection is made.
[0092] The processor 30 of the routing device 160 is programmed to
perform in a similar manner to the processors of preceding
embodiments with respect to the use of buffer memory 90 for
obtaining the preferred telephone number.
[0093] The routing device 160 may be utilised in routing calls from
facsimile machines or other devices substituted for the telephone
100 of FIG. 16.
[0094] As indicated by the broken line 140 in FIG. 16, the routing
device 160 may alternatively be provided with a separate connection
for Internet access.
[0095] FIG. 18 illustrates schematically the manner in which the
present invention has application to communication systems in which
packet switching techniques are universally applied. In FIG. 18, a
packet switching network includes a region 2100 which corresponds
to a cellular network system in which mobile telephones 20 are
operable, the system including an air interface, and in which each
of a number of mobile telephones 20 constitute nodes of the packet
switching network. A further region 2101 of the network may be
constituted either by the public service telephone network or the
Internet or a combination thereof and a remaining portion 2102
provides local connection to the call destination 2, illustrated as
a telephone 2 or to a personal computer 2005. The portion 2102 may
for example be a cable network or another form of network which is
equivalent in effect to a local exchange 4D of FIG. 1.
[0096] In a packet switched network such as illustrated in FIG. 18,
the notion of a dialled telephone number may be replaced by a
network address such as a URL. Alternatively, the destination of a
call may be defined using either a telephone number or URL
depending on the nature of the destination and the type of data to
be transmitted.
[0097] When making a call from mobile telephone 20 to destination 2
or 2005, the above described method of communicating with a control
centre 7 using request and response messages is utilised to select
the preferred route.
[0098] The above embodiments may be modified in accordance with the
present invention to apply credit control to an account other than
a prepaid subscription account under circumstances where a
subscriber is allowed to make post payment for calls which have
already been made, up to an account limit determined by the account
holder. The credit data in these circumstances may therefore be
utilised to prevent further calls being made once the account limit
has been reached and to interrupt calls which consume totally the
amount of remaining credit within the account limit. The control
centre in these circumstances similarly transmits information
defining the remaining credit in terms of time interval or credit
units.
[0099] In further embodiments, the region 2100 of FIG. 20 may be an
alternative network structure servicing landline telephones or
other terminals such as facsimile machines or personal
computers.
[0100] The mobile telephone 20 described above may utilise hardware
corresponding to an existing mobile telephone. Alternatively, an
existing mobile telephone may be modified to include an increased
area of RAM in order to accommodate additional program and memory
requirements.
[0101] The generalised telecommunications device 1 of FIG. 1 may be
a telephone, facsimile machine or computer apparatus equipped with
a modem, or any device capable of initiating or handling telephone
calls including data calls. The present invention therefore
encompasses the use of devices which are hybrid devices and those
devices not expressly described in the above description but
capable of achieving the above function.
[0102] In the above described embodiments, the request message
includes information identifying the location of the device.
Alternatively, the control centre 7 may obtain such information by
other means such as for example call line information obtained when
the request message is received by a telephone connection.
[0103] In each of the above described embodiments and the
alternative arrangements discussed herein, the processor is
controlled by a computer program stored in memory and initially
loaded from a computer readable medium such as a compact disc or
floppy disc.
[0104] Alternatively, the program may be communicated in the form
of a signal transmitted by a communications channel to the device.
The present invention includes a computer program, medium and
signal containing processor implementable instructions for carrying
out the above described methods of performing the invention.
[0105] The transmission of request and response messages has been
described above in the examples using SMS format. Alternatively,
the USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) protocol may be
utilised. Alternative protocols for such message transmission
include GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) transmissions which
provides speeds of up to 150 kilobits per second. Each of the above
described embodiments may therefore be modified to include the GPRS
protocol for message transmission. Further alternatives are the use
of UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) data packages
and TCP/IP messages.
[0106] Reference is made above to the use of an identification code
contained in the request message and serving to identify the user
to the control centre 7. The identification code may be generated
automatically from stored information in the device or may,
alternatively, be generated from a PIN number entered by the user
using the input device 5. The PIN number may, alternatively, be
required to be entered in addition to the use of the identification
code stored in the device 1.
[0107] The embodiment of FIGS. 2-6 which describes operation of a
mobile telephone may be modified to comprise a computer apparatus
such as a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) capable of being
connected to a mobile telephone network for data transfer or
Internet connection.
[0108] In each of the above described embodiments, the buffer
memory may also be used to temporarily store the preferred
telephone number prior to the device using the number to dial the
outgoing call.
[0109] In the above described embodiments, the making of a call is
initiated by input of a dialled number or a network address by a
user. Each of the above embodiments may be modified to include the
input of a called number or network address from a memory,
including for example memories which are accessed as a phonebook by
referring to key words or by the input of voice commands using a
speech recognition circuit. Alternatively, a terminal may receive
the dialled number or network address from an external source such
as a personal computer.
[0110] In each of the above described embodiments, the messages
communicated between the control centre 7 and the terminal 1 may be
encrypted. An encryption application stored in the terminal 1 may
thereby be provided with encryption keys stored internally. The
stored encryption keys may be updated periodically by including new
keys in the updating information 65 contained in the response
message.
[0111] When utilising the routing information provided from the
control centre 7, the terminal 1 in many cases will simply add a
prefix to the numbers input by the user. In some instances however
it will be necessary to replace some or all of the dialled numbers
with new numbers generated in accordance with the routing
information. For example, if the dialled number is 0044 163538774,
the routing information may require that the actual output number
consists of 182, a pause for two seconds, followed by the remaining
digits 44163538774. By removing the "00" digits at the start of the
dialled number, the dialled number is made to comply with a
requirement by a service provider to omit leading zeroes.
[0112] In the above description, references to dialling and
dialling means are to be understood where appropriate to include
outputting signals for initiating communication via a
telecommunications system in whatever form is appropriate to the
system and its protocols.
* * * * *