U.S. patent application number 12/268440 was filed with the patent office on 2009-03-12 for high-capacity packet-switched ring network.
Invention is credited to CARROLL W. CRESWELL, Jeffrey J. Farah, Gregg A. Toney.
Application Number | 20090068980 12/268440 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39940876 |
Filed Date | 2009-03-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090068980 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CRESWELL; CARROLL W. ; et
al. |
March 12, 2009 |
HIGH-CAPACITY PACKET-SWITCHED RING NETWORK
Abstract
A system and method permit a customer obtaining communication
services to modify account parameters governing terms on which that
service is provided. Customer account parameters are stored in one
or more databases and accessed by one or more servers. The
customer, upon accessing the communication service, is provided
with an opportunity to modify the account parameters via automated
interactive communication with the server. The invention can
applied to wireless communication services such as wireless
telephone service, wireless internet access, paging, or other forms
of interactive wireless communication; to telephone or other wired
interactive communication; to cable services; and to any other form
of interactive subscriber communications. The invention may be
implemented using existing equipment, and can be optimized for the
type of communication device at issue.
Inventors: |
CRESWELL; CARROLL W.;
(Basking Ridge, NJ) ; Farah; Jeffrey J.; (North
Brunswick, NJ) ; Toney; Gregg A.; (Chester,
NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Mr. S. H. Dworetsky;AT&T Corp.
P.O. Box 4110
Middletown
NJ
07748
US
|
Family ID: |
39940876 |
Appl. No.: |
12/268440 |
Filed: |
November 10, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10052814 |
Jan 23, 2002 |
7450927 |
|
|
12268440 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
455/405 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04L 12/1453 20130101;
H04L 12/14 20130101; H04L 12/1467 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/405 |
International
Class: |
H04M 11/00 20060101
H04M011/00 |
Claims
1. An automated method of managing communication service accounts
comprising: maintaining a database comprising account parameters,
wherein at least one account parameter establishes rules by which a
customer's user device may use at least one subscribed
communication service at designated times; receiving a
customer-initiated signal requesting modification of the at least
one account parameter; modifying the at least one account parameter
in response to the customer-initiated signal; and updating the
database to reflect modification of the at least one account
parameter.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one subscribed
communication service is wireless telephone service, the user
device is a wireless telephone, the first account parameter
comprises a preset amount of service usage time during a first
period, and the first account parameter is modified to decrease the
preset amount of service usage time during the first period and
increase a preset amount of service usage time during a second
period.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one subscribed
communication service is long distance telephone service, the user
device is a telephone, the first account parameter comprises a
preset amount of service usage time during a first period, and the
first account parameter is modified to decrease the preset amount
of service usage time during the first period and increase a preset
amount of service usage time during a second period.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one subscribed
communication service shares a communication medium with cable
television transmission, the user device is one of a personal
computer, a set top box, an interactive television, and a VoIP
telephone, the first account parameter comprises a preset amount of
service usage time during a first period, and the first account
parameter is modified to decrease the preset amount of service
usage time during the first period and increase a preset amount of
service usage time during a second period.
5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving a
customer-initiated identifying signal identifying the user device;
retrieving at least one account parameter in response to the
identifying signal; issuing, in response to the identifying signal
and for communication to the user device, a response signal
comprising at least part of the retrieved account parameter; and
querying whether an account modification is desired.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the at least one subscribed
communication service is wireless telephone service, the user
device is a wireless telephone, and the retrieved account parameter
comprises a number of calling plan minutes.
7. The method of claim 5, wherein the at least one subscribed
communication service is long distance telephone service, the user
device is a telephone, and the retrieved account parameter
comprises a number of calling plan minutes.
8. The method of claim 5, wherein the at least one subscribed
communication service shares a communication medium with cable
television transmission and the user device is one of a personal
computer, a set top box, an interactive television, and a VoIP
telephone.
9. An automated method of managing communication service accounts,
comprising: maintaining a first database comprising account
parameters establishing rules of use for at least two types of
subscribed communication service, wherein a first account parameter
establishes rules by which a first type subscribed communication
service may be accessed at designated times; maintaining a second
database comprising account parameters establishing rules of use,
wherein a second account parameter establishes rules by which a
second type subscribed communication service may be accessed at
designated times; receiving a customer-initiated signal requesting
modification of at least one of the first and second account
parameters; modifying, in response to the customer-initiated
signal, the first parameter to change a preset amount of first
service usage time during a first period; modifying, in response to
the customer-initiated signal, the second parameter to change a
preset amount of second service usage time during a second period;
and updating at least one of the first and second databases to
reflect modification of the first and second account
parameters.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the first and second databases
are part of a single database.
11. A system for automated interactive management of a
communication service account, comprising: a server; and a data
storage device in communication with the server, the data storage
device comprising account data that comprises parameters
establishing rules of use that control the terms by which a
plurality of user devices may obtain at least one subscribed
communication service, wherein the server is configured to update a
first account parameter based on use of the communication by the
plurality of user devices, to receive a customer-initiated signal
requesting modification of the first account parameter, to query
the database and determine if the first account parameter is a
modifiable account parameter that may be modified in response to a
customer-initiated signal, and to modify the first account
parameter if it is a modifiable account parameter.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the at least one subscribed
communication service is wireless telephone service, the plurality
of user devices comprises a group of wireless telephones, the first
account parameter comprises a set of calling plan minutes from
which each of the plurality of user devices may draw, and the
customer-initiated signal comprises a group administrator access
code.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/052,814, filed on Jan. 23, 2002, which is
currently allowed and is herein incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to automated interactive management
of communication service accounts including, e.g., transfer of
wireless minutes from one category to another.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Many communication services are available under a variety of
pricing arrangements. Wireless telephone service is one example.
Wireless telephone service is often billed on the basis of actual
minutes (or portions thereof) during which the customer is using
the service, but it is also common for service providers to offer
multiple pricing plans that charge different rates depending on the
time of usage. For example, a wireless service provider may offer a
simple "pay-as-you-go" plan under which a customer is charged $0.50
per minute for "daytime" usage (perhaps between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00
p.m.) on weekdays, but is only charged $0.25 per minute for
"nighttime" and weekend usage. That same service provider may also
offer a plan that provides a customer with a specified amount of
time the customer may use the communication service in a period
without paying an additional charge. Carrying the same example
forward, a service provider might offer a customer 100 daytime
minutes and 100 night/weekend minutes for $39.99 per month, with
any extra minutes billed at the pay-as-you-go rate. In this
example, the customer has a financial incentive to subscribe in
advance for a preset amount of usage time in a particular period,
as the cost is less than it might otherwise be ($39.99 vs. $75.00).
In addition to marketing reasons, the wireless telephone service
provider may have multiple incentives to offer it customers the
ability to subscribe in advance for usage in a particular period.
When customers subscribe for usage in advance, the provider may
thus have a more predictable revenue stream. The provider may also
desire, because of system capacity constraints, to encourage use of
its services during certain periods and/or discourage use during
other periods.
[0004] The financial advantage to the customer may be offset,
however, if all minutes are not used. Refunds are typically not
provided if less than the entire allotment of minutes is actually
used, and there may be limitations on carryover of minutes to the
next period. A customer is less inclined to commit in advance to a
specific amount of service if that customer does not believe he or
she can accurately predict how much service will be needed during a
given period, or when during that period that usage may actually
occur (e.g., daytime vs. nighttime). In such circumstances, the
customer may regard a particular communication service subscription
plan as overly restrictive and inflexible. The customer thus
foregoes the opportunity to benefit from reduced charges associated
with the subscription plan, and the service provider suffers by
having a less predictable revenue stream for that period. The
service provider also loses the opportunity to encourage use of its
facilities during off-peak hours or to otherwise spread the drain
on system resources.
[0005] Similar arrangements and considerations exist with regard to
other communication services. Long distance (wired) telephone
service, for example, is often available under various pricing
plans that charge different rates depending upon the time of the
call, and that may include a pre-set number of calling minutes per
billing period. Internet and other computer network access has also
been available under varieties of pricing schemes. Moreover, new
communication media and methods of communicating over existing
media continue to proliferate. For example, cable systems once used
primarily for television service now commonly offer broadband
internet service, pay-per-view movies, and other services. The uses
for cable communication will continue to expand to services such as
video-on-demand; telephony (VoIP or otherwise); remote classrooms;
and numerous other services employing interactive communication. As
uses for cable, wireless or other communications networks expand,
however, so do the drains upon network facilities. In addition to
bandwidth constraints and other finite limitations on communication
media, services may also be limited by available storage (memory),
processing and other factors. Accordingly, communication service
providers will continue to have a need to encourage service use
during certain periods and discourage use during other periods.
Offering customers the ability to subscribe in advance to service
during a given period thus remains an attractive option.
[0006] It would therefore benefit both the customer and the
communication service provider if there were a system whereby the
service provider could offer one or more subscription plans for the
provider's services, but at the same time allow the customer a
degree of flexibility in later modifying the chosen plan. If, for
example, a customer could subscribe to a quantity of service time
in advance (either by actual prepayment or by contractual
agreement), but at the same time be allowed to conveniently and
quickly make changes to that subscription based on changes in the
amount of usage time needed (or regarding the periods when that
usage is needed), a customer may be more inclined to subscribe in
advance to a specific amount of service. The customer could benefit
by enjoying cost savings over a pay-as-you-go plan, and the service
provider could benefit from a more predictable revenue stream and
from retaining some ability to spread the use of system resources
over off-peak periods.
[0007] To date, however, there are no known systems by which a
wireless telephone service, wired telephone service, cable service,
or other communication service offers a customer the ability to
conveniently modify the parameters of an account during a
particular account period. Continuing the wireless telephone
example from above, the customer who purchased a plan providing 100
daytime and 100 night/weekend minutes per month without assessing a
per minute charge may decide that she really needs 150 daytime
minutes that month, and only needs 25 night/weekend minutes. In
order to effect this change, and assuming a service provider was
willing, current systems would require the customer to call the
service provider and verbally request a change. The service
provider would then have to modify the customer's account by human
action. It would be advantageous if the customer could instead make
changes to the account in an interactive and automated fashion by,
e.g., inputting the request via keystrokes on a wireless telephone
or other device, or via the Internet or other computer network.
Similarly, a customer using wired long distance service may have
subscribed to a plan providing X peak period minutes and Y off-peak
minutes, but may later find that the actual usage during the period
will be X+50 peak minutes and Y-25 off-peak minutes. Currently
known systems would require the customer to call the long distance
carrier and verbally request a change, with the customer's account
then modified by human action. It would also be advantageous in
these circumstances if the customer could instead make changes to
the account in an interactive and automated fashion. The
applicability of this problem to other types of communication
services offering pre-paid or pre-subscribed usage levels becomes
apparent, as do the advantages offered by a system allowing a
customer to interactively modify a subscription in an automated
manner.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The invention provides a system and method whereby a
customer obtaining communication services may modify account
parameters that govern the terms on which that service is provided.
Customer account parameters are stored in one or more databases and
accessed by one or more servers. The customer, upon accessing the
communication service, is provided with an opportunity to modify
the account parameters via automated interactive communication with
the server. Modifications to account parameters can include:
adjusting the terms of a calling or other usage plan to move
prepaid usage time from one category to another; purchase more
usage time; change usage plans; enable, disable or otherwise modify
events scheduled to occur automatically; or to otherwise change the
terms by which communication service is provided to the
customer.
[0009] The invention can be applied to wireless communication
services such as wireless telephone service, wireless internet
access, paging, or other forms of interactive wireless
communication; to telephone or other wired interactive
communication; to cable services; and to any other form of
interactive subscriber communications. The invention may be
implemented using existing equipment, and can be optimized for the
type of communication device at issue. In some embodiments, the
invention also allows a customer to modify or access account
parameters through a device that may be different from the device
to which the account pertains. As but one example, a wireless
telephone customer might wish to modify account parameters by use
of a personal computer. In some embodiments, the invention
contemplates a single database maintaining account information for
customers using different services. For example, a telephone
carrier may offer wireless service, interexchange (long distance)
service, Internet access, or other services, with a variety of
pricing plans and options available for all; the carrier may wish
to centralize its database(s) and data management systems for these
services. In such an embodiment, a customer's request to effect
account changes may be routed to centralized database and data
management system, where any desired changes are made. Combinations
of centralized and local databases and data management are also
within the invention.
[0010] In other embodiments, the system can be programmed to
automatically replenish a customer's account. Through use of the
system, a customer could modify the account to disable the
automated replenishment function, to reset the threshold triggering
replenishment, to change payment methods, to specify a different
sized block of replenishment minutes to be purchased, or to
otherwise effect changes. In still other embodiments, a customer
could modify an account retroactively. Yet other embodiments might
permit a customer to cluster usage time across distinct access
methodologies (wireless, wired, broadband, narrow band, etc) and/or
move minutes from one access methodology to another.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a diagram of various interconnected communications
networks employing the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 2A-2E are drawings of screen displays of a wireless
telephone used in connection with the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing operation of one embodiment
of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] The invention is described with reference to the included
drawings, where like-numbered features correspond to like-numbered
features in the written description. FIG. 1 is a diagram of several
interconnected communications networks employing the present
invention. Although multiple forms of communication services are
displayed in FIG. 1 and discussed herein, it is to be appreciated
that the invention may also be implemented in systems offering
customers less than all of the communication services exemplified
herein; in systems offering other communication services not
discussed herein; and in systems offering only a single form of
communication service.
[0015] One form of communication service shown in FIG. 1 is
wireless service, and in particular, wireless telephone service.
Wireless telephones 101-103 communicate with a Mobile Switching
Center (MSC) 110. Other wireless devices, including but not limited
to pagers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), wireless Internet
access devices, wireless web appliances, and other devices
facilitating interactive wireless communications, are also within
the scope of the invention, and the invention is not limited by the
examples provided. The applicability of the invention to such other
devices will be apparent to persons skilled in the art in light of
the following described embodiments. Devices 101-103 communicate by
radio frequency transmission with one or more base stations 105,
which then communicates with MSC 110. To avoid unnecessary drawing
detail not needed to describe the invention, all possible
intermediate structures and facilities between base station 105 and
MSC 110 are not shown, and are instead collectively represented by
a break in the line connecting base station 105 and MSC 110. Base
station 105 and MSC 110 need not be physically remote, however.
Similarly, there may be multiple MSCs within a wireless service
provider's region, or multiple MSCs lying within multiple service
provider regions. Moreover, wireless telephones 101-103 need not be
in their "home" region, and may be "roaming."
[0016] MSC 110 comprises one or more servers or other data
processing facilities 112. Server 112 may alternatively be remote
from MSC 110, as shown in dashed lines, communicating with MSC 110
via data communications medium such as network 116. Server 112
accesses one or more databases 120 that maintain billing, user
profile and account data for all wireless devices for which MSC 110
is the home system. Although not shown in FIG. 1, database 120 may
be physically remote from server 112 and accessed by means of
communication network 116. Network 116 may be a signaling network
or any other network allowing data communication. MSC 110 and/or
databases 120 may also maintain communication links with other MSCs
and databases of other service providers' systems (not shown) so as
to facilitate service for devices "roaming" in the region of MSC
110, and for other purposes known in the art. MSC 110 may further
be connected (via network 116, by direct connection, or by other
data communication network(s)) to a centralized database and/or
system management center 135; to the Internet; or to other data
communication networks (not shown).
[0017] FIG. 1 also shows various wired communication services.
Wired devices 151-153 communicate with a central office 160, which
may be local carrier switch or central office, an interstate
carrier Point of Presence (POP), or other central facility. Central
office 160 comprises one or more servers or other data processing
means 162. Server 162 could alternatively be remote from central
office 160, as shown in dashed lines, communicating with central
office 160 via data communication medium such as network 166.
Network 166 may be a signaling network or any other network
allowing data communication. In the example of FIG. 1, device 151
is a telephone; device 152 is a computer; and device 153 is a
videophone. Other devices allowing interactive communication
service are also within the scope of the invention, including web
telephones, web appliances, smart phones, etc., and the invention
is not limited by the examples provided. Wired devices 151-153 may
communicate via POTS, DSL loop, fiber optics, cable or other means.
The applicability of the invention to multiple types of wired
communication devices will be apparent to persons skilled in the
art in light of the below-described embodiments. To avoid
unnecessary drawing detail not needed to describe the invention,
intermediate structures and facilities between devices 151-153 and
central office 160 are not shown, but persons skilled in the art
will appreciate that various other switches, routers, gateways,
bridges and other facilities may lie between devices 151-153 and
central office 160. Server 162 accesses one or more databases 165
that maintain billing, user profile and account information
regarding devices 151-153. Although not shown, database 165 may be
physically remote from server 162 and accessed via network 166 or
via other data communication network. Central office 160 may
further be connected (via network 166, by direct communication, or
by other data communication network(s)) to a centralized database
and/or system management center 135; to the Internet; or to other
data communication networks (not shown).
[0018] FIG. 1 further shows cable head end 170. Cable head end 170
communicates by cable connection with subscribers such as 154 and
155. Subscribers 154 and 155 may, but need not, also be connected
to a central office such as central office 160. Cable head end 170
may provide subscribers 154 and 155 with cable television services,
with cable audio services, broadband computer network access,
video-on-demand, telephone service (VoIP or otherwise), or other
services. As but one additional example, interactive remote
classrooms could be established, with students interactively
communicating with an instructor over a cable connection. A
subscriber such as 155 may interactively communicate with head end
170 by way of a set top box with advanced features allowing two way
message exchange, by interactive television set, by connection to a
"smart jack," or by other intelligent and/or interactive
communication device. To avoid unnecessary drawing detail not
needed to describe the invention, intermediate structures and
facilities between subscribers 154 and 155 and head end 170 are not
shown, but persons skilled in the art will appreciate that various
other structures and facilities may lie between subscribers 154 and
155 and head end 170. For example, there may be intermediate
distribution and/or concentration points between subscribers and a
cable head end. Certain customers may also have multiple devices in
a home network, and thus have routers, hubs or other facilities
within the home. Head end 170 is further connected to a server or
other data processing facility 172. Although not shown, server 172
could be remote from head end 170 and in communication via one or
more data communication networks. Server 172 accesses one or more
databases 175 that maintain billing and account information for
subscribers 154 and 155. Cable head end 170 could communicate via a
network such as network 176, which could be any type of data
communication network. Server 172 and database 175 may further be
connected to a centralized database and/or system management center
135; to the Internet; or to other data communication networks (not
shown).
[0019] In one embodiment, wireless devices 101-103 are wireless
telephones, and MSC 110 and server 112 are operated by a wireless
telephone service provider offering wireless telephone service in
the region in which MSC 110 is located. That region is, in the
example of FIG. 1, the home region of telephones 101-103. The
wireless telephone service provider may offer a variety of rate
plans, such as those set forth in Table 1.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Plan Cost/Mo. Day Night/Wkend Extra 1
$15.99- -- $.50/minute (day); $.25/minute (n/w) 2 $29.99 50 min. 50
min. $.50/minute (day); $.25/minute (n/w) 3 $39.99 100 min. 100
min. $.50/minute (day); $.25/minute (n/w) 4 $59.99 500 min.
unlimited $.50/minute (day)
[0020] Plan 1 is a "pay-as-you-go" plan under which a customer
pays, in addition to a base monthly charge of $15.99, one rate for
daytime minutes and another for night and weekend minutes
regardless of the customer's monthly usage. Plan 2 offers the
customer a slight discount, and provides the customer with up to 50
minutes of daytime usage per month and 50 minutes of night/weekend
usage per month for a monthly base charge of $29.99. If the
customer's usage exceeds the minutes allocated under the plan, the
customer pays at the "extra" minutes rate for usage above the
allocation. Conversely, if the customer uses less than 50 daytime
minutes or less than 50 night/weekend minutes during the monthly
billing period, the customer does not receive a refund. Plan 3 is
similar to plan 2, but offers a greater discount. Plan 4 is
slightly different, offering an unlimited number of night/weekend
minutes, but charging a higher rate for extra daytime minutes
beyond the monthly allocation. It is to be understood that the
plans listed in Table 1 have been generated as examples to explain
the operation of the invention, and the invention is in no way
limited to (or by) these examples. Persons skilled in the art will
appreciate that an almost infinite variety of plans are
possible.
[0021] Continuing the example, a customer owning wireless telephone
101 has subscribed to plan 3. At some point during the month, the
customer realizes she will not need 100 night/weekend minutes, but
will need more than 100 daytime minutes. Unless she can modify her
subscription agreement with the wireless service provider, she will
pay the extra minute rate for excess daytime minutes, and will lose
any night/weekend minutes she does not use. However, the wireless
service provider offers its customers a service by which they can
modify certain aspects of their accounts during a billing period.
This could include the option to exchange night/weekend minutes for
daytime minutes, or vice versa. By way of example, the wireless
service provider may allow customers to exchange day and night
minutes based on the same ratio as the cost of day and night
minutes under a pay-as-you-go plan (2:1 in this example). As
another alternative, the wireless service provider may charge a
slight premium for the exchange. In this example, the wireless
service provider offers its plan 3 subscribers the ability to
exchange up to 60 night/weekend minutes per month for 20 daytime
minutes (3:1). Service providers could allow exchange of minutes on
multiple bases, all of which are within the scope of the
invention.
[0022] When the customer activates telephone 101, telephone 101
registers with its serving base station and MSC 110 and identifies
itself to MSC 110. Server 112 queries one or more databases 120 to
determine whether telephone 101 is a subscriber to the wireless
service provider's account modification service. If so, server 112
further determines the plan(s) to which telephone 101 subscribes;
the number of day and night/weekend minutes remaining for the
month; payment status; and any other necessary information. Server
112 then transmits to telephone 101 a data message comprising the
number of unused day minutes and night/weekend minutes remaining in
the customer's account for that billing period (generally, that
month). These minutes are then displayed on the screen of telephone
101, as shown in FIG. 2A. In this example, telephone 101 has 22
daytime minutes left and 85 night/weekend minutes left for the
month. Using telephone 101, the customer then exchanges 45
night/weekend minutes for 15 daytime minutes by entering keystrokes
on telephone 101, and without need to speak with a human operator.
In this example, the customer first presses a button corresponding
to "yes," indicating a desire to make account changes. This is
transmitted to server 112. Server 112 then causes telephone 101 to
show the display shown in FIG. 2B, prompting the customer to choose
the type of account changes to make. The arrows indicate the
customer can scroll the display to show other choices. The customer
highlights and selects "transfer," thereby signaling a desire to
transfer minutes from one category to another. This choice is
transmitted to server 112. Server 112 then verifies that this type
of transfer is possible for this customer's account, and then
causes telephone 101 to show the display shown in FIG. 2C,
prompting to the customer to choose which type of minutes will be
transferred. Although only two types are shown (day and "N/W" for
night/weekend), additional categories are possible. The customer
highlights and selects "N/W" to exchange night/weekend minutes for
daytime minutes. This choice is transmitted to server 112.
[0023] After verifying this is a valid choice, server 112 causes
telephone 101 to show the display of FIG. 2D. This display asks the
customer to input the number of minutes to be transferred. The
customer does so and presses a key corresponding to "enter." This
is transmitted to server 112, which verifies this is valid (i.e.,
that the customer is not trying to transfer minutes she does not
have), and if valid, updates the customer's user profile and
account information in one or more databases 120, and causes
telephone 101 to show the screen of FIG. 2E, confirming the
transaction and offering the customer the ability to make further
account modifications. The customer chooses "no," and is then able
to make a call or perform another function with telephone 101.
[0024] The particular keys, sequence of keystrokes, messages and
prompts can vary based on the particular equipment used and based
on other criteria. Persons skilled in the art will recognize
numerous other possible variations on the above, all of which are
within the scope of the invention. For example, the computational
steps and/or database manipulation necessary to effect an account
modification may occur at a server or other data processing
facility that is part of an MSC; may be an adjunct to other MSC
equipment; or may occur at a remote location. Server 112 may be a
separate device configured to process account modifications, or may
represent additional functions performed by a server or other data
processing device that performs other functions for MSC 110 and/or
the wireless network of which MSC 110 is a part. As but one
example, an existing accounting or billing server might be
configured to perform the additional functions described above for
server 112. Similarly, database 120 could be a separate data
storage facility, a separate database on an existing storage
facility, or additional data records of an existing database. As
another example, telephone 101 may be roaming outside of its home
region when the customer elects to modify the account. If the
customer's account information, user profile and other information
are maintained by the home system (as would typically be the case),
the wireless provider in whose region telephone 101 is roaming
would communicate with MSC 110, by methods and systems known in the
art, and modifications to the account of telephone 101 effected. As
another variation, a telephone or wireless device may have resident
software that minimizes the amount of radio message traffic between
the device and the MSC. For example, the device could be configured
to collect information from the user about the type of transaction
desired and transmit that data at once, instead of in the manner
reflected in FIG. 2A2E and the discussion above. In other
embodiments, the invention may incorporate security features to
prevent unauthorized persons from accessing information about the
account for telephone 101 or from modifying that account. Security
could be based upon telephone device numbers, upon secondary
passwords, upon voice identification, or upon other systems.
[0025] FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing operation of one embodiment
of the invention in the context of wireless service, but which is
readily adaptable to other communication services. At step 401, the
customer's communication device is activated. At step 405, the
device "goes live" and identifies itself to the communication
system. In the case of wireless telephone 101, the telephone
identifies itself to MSC 110. At step 410, the system authenticates
the customer's device as a valid device and queries one or more
databases to determine the customer's service plan. At step 415,
the system determines whether the account associated with the
device includes the account modification service. If not, the
system proceeds to step 450 and allows the device to access other
services (for example, placing calls). If the account does include
account modification service, the system proceeds to compute
minutes left by category (e.g., day, night/weekend). The system
then transmits that data to the device at step 425, where the
information is displayed or otherwise provided to the user. At step
430, the user is then given the option to add minutes, to move
minutes into a different category, or to otherwise make account
changes. At step 435, the customer indicates whether changes will
be made, and if no changes are desired, the customer is then
permitted at step 445 to perform other services. If changes are
desired, they are made at step 440. The customer is then given the
option to perform other services (e.g., make a call) at step
455.
[0026] A wireless telephone service provider may also offer a
customer numerous other account modification options. For example,
a service provider may exchange daytime minutes for night/weekend
minutes. This could occur at whatever exchange rate a provider
chooses, and may encourage a customer to move their minutes to
lower usage periods (e.g., offer to exchange 1 daytime minute for 5
night/weekend minutes). A service provider might allow a customer
to change plans without speaking to an operator (e.g., go from plan
3 to plan 2 or plan 4). A service provider could also allow a
customer to purchase another "block" of usage time. For example,
instead of exchanging night/weekend minutes for daytime minutes,
the wireless service provider could permit the customer to purchase
a block of 100 more daytime minutes at a discounted rate. If the
customer does not use all of the 100 additional minutes in the
block, she receives no refund, but the minutes in the block are
less expensive than minutes under the "extra minutes" rate.
[0027] The invention can be implemented on existing hardware with
software modifications. For example, time and amount (minutes) of
usage and other call data for wireless telephone service can be
captured from existing systems already in place for roaming,
billing and other functions. The invention is not limited by where
functions of the invention are carried out. In the context of
wireless web (or other Internet) access, for example, necessary
processing and data storage could occur at the MSC serving the
device, through the web at a remote web-based server, or at any
other location within data communication.
[0028] The invention is similarly not limited to wireless
communication services, and IS applicable to wired devices such as
telephones, computers, or other devices capable of transmitting and
receiving the necessary data. In FIG. 1, devices 151-153
communicate with central office 160, which in turn communicates
with one or more databases 165. When a customer owning telephone
151, for example, wishes to modify an account (for example, to
change or modify a long distance calling plan), the customer may
call a specific number. Telephone 151 is then connected, perhaps
via intervening facilities not shown, to central office 160.
Telephone 151 is then connected to server 162, which sends an
automated voice message indicating how many unused minutes remain
in the billing period. The message also gives the customer the
opportunity (by, e.g., pressing a particular code or other key
sequence) to modify the account. If the customer chooses to do so,
the server 162 sends a series of automated voice prompts that
elicit the necessary information from the customer. Server 162 then
modifies the customer's account information on one or more
databases 165. As is the case with regard to wireless services, the
invention can be implemented on existing hardware by making
software modifications. Call and account data can be captured from,
e.g., existing systems already in place, such as a switch, an
existing billing server, or other known sources. Again, the
invention is not limited by where functions of the invention are
carried out. For example, necessary processing and data storage
could occur at a switch, at a server or other adjunct to a switch,
at a remote server, or at any other location within data
communication.
[0029] Devices 151-153 could be devices other than conventional
voice telephones, including but not limited to computers, PDAs,
videophones, web-based appliances, etc. Depending upon the device,
the customer may receive automated prompts by screen display.
Indeed, in all customer devices according to the invention (whether
wired, wireless or cable), data is displayed on the subscriber's
device in a format best representable by the device. Each customer
account can have, as part of its user profile, information
regarding the customer device(s) and how data is to be displayed.
Depending on the device, the information might be presented as an
SMS message, voice message, live voice (if human operator
assistance is required because, e.g., language issues), simple text
field presentation, graphical display, IVR (interactive voice
response) exchange, etc. Device specification could also occur
through the device itself, including device self-identification
and/or optimization of service based on device-specific parameters.
If a web-enabled device is involved, information could be provided
via a specific port (UDP or TCP), and can be brought to the
subscriber's attention using Instant Messaging, Hosted Web Page,
email message (periodic or otherwise), etc.
[0030] As described with regard to wireless telephone service, the
system could advise a customer, upon device activation, of the
remaining time left under the customer's subscription plan. In the
case of a computer, a video phone, or other device with a display
screen or other visual display, the device could, upon activation,
booting or otherwise, show a breakdown of usage remaining under
various categories of a customer's subscription. A customer could
establish, by initial account setup or by subsequent interactive
account modification, whether the customer wished to receive this
initial notification. In the case of a telephone without a visual
display or other device without visual display, an audio
announcement (prerecorded or generated by automated means known in
the art) could be provided whenever the customer calls the account
modification number as discussed above. Alternatively, the customer
could elect to receive this message upon dialing an access code for
a long distance carrier (i.e., 10-10______) or perhaps even upon
dialing "1."
[0031] FIG. 1 further shows an example of the invention in the
context of a cable system. Cable head end 170 communicates with
customers such as 154 and 155. Cable head end communicates with
server 172, which accesses one or more databases 175. Customers 154
and 155 may subscribe to conventional cable television services; to
broadband Internet access service provided by the operator of cable
head end 170; to VoIP telephony; to video-an-demand service; or to
other services provided by (or through) the cable operator.
Customers 154 and 155 may access these services through multiple
devices, including computers, smart television sets, cable set-top
boxes, or other devices capable of interactive communication. As
with wireless and other forms of wired communication, the cable
operator may offer customers 154 and 155 various pricing plans that
encourage use of services during certain times or discourage use
during other times. As but one example, a customer may be able to
remotely take a class that is offered via the cable system.
Although customers may prefer to take classes in the evening, it
may be difficult to find teachers willing to instruct at that time,
or who charge more to do so. Accordingly, customers may be able to
take the class for one price during the day and another price at
night, with the ability to change times at a corresponding premium
(or credit). As another example, a cable operator may offer
video-on-demand service allowing customers to choose from numerous
movies and watch the movie at any desired time. However, the cable
operator may have limits upon the number of customers that can
access its video storage facilities at one time. The operator might
therefore offer "packages" of movies with varying prices based on
when the service is accessed. A customer could, for example, have a
plan allowing 5 "matinee" movies and 5 evening movies a month. The
operator could then allow the customer to modify the plan at a
premium (e.g., 2 matinees for one evening movie), or on some other
basis. In the case of VoIP, the operator may offer calling plans
similar to those offered with regard to wireless and conventional
telephone service, and the ability to modify those plans.
[0032] When a customer desires to modify a subscription in some
manner, the customer communicates with cable head end 170 and
server 172, which then modifies the customer's account status in
one or more databases 175. The customer's device (whether a
computer, a television and set top box, etc.) can then display
account information to the customer on start-up, in a device
appropriate manner similar to the previously-described examples.
The system might allow, for example, a cable operator to allow
"specials" whereby a customer can purchase credits for pay-per-view
movies or other services in advance, and then use those credits at
some future date. When the customer first turns on a television, a
set-top box could display the amount of such credits available,
offer the customer an opportunity to purchase more, etc.
[0033] The invention also allows a customer to modify or access
account parameters through a device that may be different from the
device to which the account pertains. Referring again to the
example of wireless telephone 101, the customer might wish to
modify account parameters by use of a personal computer. By using a
computer, such as a computer located at 154 in FIG. 1, the customer
accesses server 112 by one or more computer networks. For example,
the wireless service provider could maintain a web site on the
Internet. In one embodiment, server 112 could be connected, either
directly or through network 116 or other communication networks, to
the Internet. The customer logs into the web site, which may be
secured by password or other means, and effects any desired account
changes.
[0034] The invention could also utilize a single database
maintaining account information for customers using different
services. For example, a telephone carrier may offer wireless
service, interexchange (long distance) service, Internet access, or
other services, with a variety of pricing plans and options
available for all. The carrier may wish to centralize its
database(s) and data management systems for these services. FIG. 1
shows a centralized database and data management system 135, which
further comprises server 136 and database 137. In this embodiment,
a customer's request to effect account changes may be routed to
centralized database and data management system 135, where any
desired changes are made by server 136 to database 137.
Combinations of centralized and local databases and data management
are within the invention. For example, a carrier may maintain user
profiles and account data for wireless service on local database
120, but maintain other account information on centralized database
137.
[0035] In another embodiment, the system can be programmed to
automatically replenish a customer's account. For example, a
wireless telephone customer may have a subscription plan whereby
the customer has 100 daytime minutes per month for a flat fee, with
automatic replenishment of those minutes once the 100 minutes are
used, or when the customer's balance of remaining usage time
reaches a predetermined level. The system could then be programmed
to automatically provide another block of 100 minutes at a
predetermined cost. A designated bank account, phone card, credit
card, debit card, or other source of funds could be automatically
debited. Through use of the system, a customer could modify the
account to disable the automated replenishment function, to reset
the threshold triggering replenishment, to change payment methods,
to specify a different sized block of replenishment minutes to be
purchased, or to otherwise effect changes.
[0036] In another embodiment, a customer could modify an account
retroactively. If a wireless customer exceeded the monthly usage
minutes, the customer could simply buy another block of minutes to
cover the excess minutes used. In addition to providing a customer
with further flexibility when choosing a subscription plan, this
feature would provide a communication service provider with an
important marketing advantage.
[0037] Yet another embodiment might permit a customer to cluster
minutes across distinct access methodologies (wireless, wired,
broadband, narrow band, etc). Additionally, a customer might move
minutes from one access methodology to another. For example a
customer may have 50 wired day minutes and 3 wireless day minutes,
and might want to convert some wired day minutes to wireless day
minutes. Conversions could be done either automatically (where an
algorithm provides the user with the best conversion rate) or by
subscriber request. The system could also provide the ability to
combine multiple members of a household or "circle" in which
minutes can be shared between the members of the circle. Hence the
minutes are pooled and everyone in the circle has access to them
and the ability to convert them. This conversion ability can be
accounted for via a profile for the group administered by a group
member. Limitations can be put in place by the group administrator
to limit activities of group members.
[0038] For convenience, the description has used certain
communication services as examples of embodiments of the invention.
Numerous other examples and combinations are within the scope of
the invention. For example, a communications network may have both
wired and wireless components. Persons skilled in the art will
appreciate that the invention can be implemented in any
communication service environment wherein a customer might
advantageously modify an account through automated interactive
means. Moreover, costs, calling plan terms, and other exemplary
parameters used herein are merely provided to describe the
operation of the invention in sufficient detail so as to permit its
practice by persons skilled in the art, but are not limitations on
the invention. Instead, the invention is defined by the attached
claims, which are to be construed as broadly as possible in light
of the specification and the prior art.
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