CA2265106A1 - Personal toll billing service - Google Patents
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- CA2265106A1 CA2265106A1 CA 2265106 CA2265106A CA2265106A1 CA 2265106 A1 CA2265106 A1 CA 2265106A1 CA 2265106 CA2265106 CA 2265106 CA 2265106 A CA2265106 A CA 2265106A CA 2265106 A1 CA2265106 A1 CA 2265106A1
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Abstract
A personal toll billing service that provides a caller in a multi-user, single subscriber line environment, with the ability to dial a direct toll call, be prompted to enter identification data (PIN, voice) and have the call routed to the appropriate destination in the telephone network. At the end of a billing period the pre-subscribed long distance carrier (IEC) sends a bill directly to the specific caller for only their calls and not for the toll calls made by other callers on the same subscriber line. The personal toll billing service is initially enabled by activating the subscriber line for the personal toll billing service. If a toll call is made a message is formed incorporating identification data (PIN or voice signature) of the caller on the subscriber line, the caller being subscribed to a predetermined IEC (i.e. a specific long distance carrier). The final step required prior to routing the call is to translate the identification data of the caller in the message to a charge number and a carrier selection representing the predetermined IEC subscribed to by the caller. The toll call is then routed through the telephone network using the carrier selection and the charge number.
Description
PERSONAL TOLL BILLING SERVICE
Field of the Invention This invention relates to the field of telephone toll call billing processes, and more particularly to a personal toll billing service where a caller can make a direct dial toll call on a subscriber line where the caller is associated with a charge number and a predetermined long distance carrier (IEC).
Background of the Invention There is an increasing need in the telephone long distance market place to target specific callers in a mufti-user, single subscriber line environment.
Personalized long distance allows callers, in a multi user household, to choose their own long distance carrier and to be billed for only the toll calls that they make.
The principle advantage of such a service eliminates the inconvenience of splitting one bill among several callers.
Various solutions have been proposed in the prior art including personal calling cards that enable a caller to use any subscriber line to make a toll call and to be billed directly for toll calls made.
Although calling card solutions provide a certain level of customization they are generally not suitable or convenient for an arrangement where multiple callers are sharing a single telephone line since a calling card requires the caller to enter strings of numbers either prior to or after actually making the toll call (i.e. they are not direct dial toll calls).
Further, if a group of callers sharing a residential line relied on calling cards to make toll calls, the possibility would exist that someone would make a toll call without using their calling card and the toll call would then be billed directly to the line subscriber.
Summary of the Invention An object of the present invention is to provide a method and an apparatus for providing a personal toll billing service where a caller can make a direct dial toll call on a subscriber line where the caller is associated with a charge number and a predetermined long distance carrier (IEC) and have the call routed through the network using the charge number and carrier information associated with the caller.
In accordance with an aspect of the present invention there is provided in a telephone network having a number of interconnected service switching points (SSPs) for local exchange carriers (LEC) and for inter exchange carriers (IEC), the SSPs being in communication with a service control point (SCP) representing a database system, a method of providing a personal toll billing service where a caller makes a direct dial toll call on a subscriber line having an associated line number, said method comprising the steps of: (a) associating the caller with a charge number and with a carrier selection representing a predetermined IEC using identification data supplied by the caller; and (b) routing the toll call through the telephone network using the carrier selection and the charge number.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided in a telephone network having a number of interconnected service switching points (SSPs) for local exchange carriers (LEC) and for inter exchange carriers (IEC), the SSPs being in communication with a service control point (SCP) representing a database system, an apparatus for providing a personal toll billing service where a caller makes a direct dial toll call on a subscriber line having an associated line number, said apparatus comprising:
(a) means for associating the caller with a charge number and with a carrier selection representing a predetermined IEC using identification data supplied by the caller; and (b) means for routing the toll call through the telephone network using the carrier selection and the charge number.
Brief Description of the Drawin9~s Fig. 1 is a block diagram representation of an example of a telephone network incorporating the apparatus for personal toll billing according to the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a block diagram representation of another example of a telephone network incorporating the apparatus for personal toll billing according to the present invention; and Fig. 3 is a flow chart illustrating the steps comprising the method of personal toll billing according to the present invention.
Detailed Description of Embodiments of the Invention The present invention provides a personal toll billing method and apparatus that enables callers, in a multi-user, single subscriber line environment (e. g.
household, small business etc.) to choose their own long distance carrier and to be billed for only the toll calls that they make.
Fig. 1 illustrates an apparatus for personal toll billing according to the present invention through an existing telephone network infrastructure 10. The telephone network infrastructure 10 represented in Fig. 1 is an advanced intelligent network (AIN) that includes a plurality of service switching points (SSP) 12 connected to a plurality of signalling transfer points (STP) 13 that are connected to a service control point (SCP) 14.
The SSPs 12 are public switch telephone network (PSTN) switches that act on instructions dictated by the SCP 14, for example. The SSPs can be an end office (EO) (such as 12a and 12f) or an access tandem (AT) (such as 12b, c, d, and e). The STPs 13 are packet switches that route signalling and control messages between the SSPs 12 and the SCP 14, and between STPs 13.
The SCP 14 contains all customer information in databases that reside on centralized network servers.
The SCP 14 provide routing and other instructions to the SSPs 12, as requested and required. The SSPs 12 are grouped into local exchange carrier (LEC) SSPs (12a, b and 12e, f) of a local teleco and inter exchange carrier (IEC) SSPs (12c, d) to provide long distance connections across local access and transport areas (LATA) provided by the LEC SSPs 12.
The call control signalling between the STP 13 nodes and the SCP 14 nodes in the AIN is provided by the common channel signalling system 7 (SS7) network that is a separate, high-speed, packet-switched network.' Dual tone multi frequency (DTMF) messaging can be used between the LEC-Eos 12a and 12f and telephones 16, 18 through respective subscriber lines 17, 19.
Fig. 2 illustrates an apparatus for personal toll billing according to the present invention through an alternative telephone network infrastructure 30. The two networks 10 and 30 are similar, the only difference being that in the network 30 the LEC-Ats 12b and 12e have been removed. As a result, the LEC-EO 12a is in direct communication with the IEC-AT 12c and the LEC-EO 12f is in direct communication with the IEC-AT 12d. The remaining discussion applies equally to the network 10 of Fig. 1 and the network 30 of Fig. 2.
_ 5 The telephone 16 is connected to the LEC-EO 12a through the single subscriber line 17, but for use by a plurality of callers that can each be subscribed to different long distance carriers (IECs). The telephone 18 is connected to the LEC-EO 12f through the subscriber line 19 to receive a direct dial toll call made by one of many callers from the telephone 16. The term direct dial means that the caller is not required to enter pre-telephone number identification digits or have the call routed through a operator.
An intelligent peripheral node (IPN) 20 is connected to the LEC-EO 12a, which can be used to collect identification data (ID) from the caller making the toll call on the subscriber line 17. IPNs are known in the art and provide intelligent peripheral capabilities to enhance the delivery of various services. Identification data can also be collected by known in-switch resources of the LEC-EO 12a. These two options of collecting the ID will be discussed in detail below in conjunction with the messaging portion of Figs. 1 and 2.
Subscriber Line Activation In order to activate the personal tolling billing service of the present invention an off-hook delay trigger 42 is assigned to the subscriber line 17.
The trigger 42 is located in the Information Collected Trigger Detection Point (a standard components of the AIN
call model) of the SSP-EO 12a.
Local Exchange Carrier Setup The LEC-EO 12a provides the following information for a particular caller that subscribes to the personal tolling billing service:
(a) identification data (ID) for the caller in the form of a personal identification number (PIN) or by capturing a voice print of the caller;
(b) a charge number (CN) associated with the caller;
and (c) a pre-subscribed long distance (IEC) carrier selection (CS) (e. g. Sprint, MCI etc.).
The charge number is effectively an alternate telephone/billing number that is associated with the caller and not the person associated with the subscriber line 17 telephone number. The charge number can represent real telephone numbers (N-NXX-NXX-XXXX) recognized as a North American Numbering Plan (NANP) number or general billing numbers in order to avoid dial number exhaustion.
For example, unused area codes can be used as the charge number.
Service Control Point-Database Population The ID, CN and CS are stored in a record in a database system of the SCP 14 (an example is provided in Table A1), which will be used for translation when the caller on an personal tolling billing activated subscriber line 17 attempts to make a direct dial toll call.
INPUT OUTPUT
Subscriber line ID(PIN) CN CS
#
613-565-5544 1234 613-001-0012 Sprint LEC-IEC Co-ordination The LEC and IEC must be co-ordinated with respect to the charge numbers that the LEC-EO 12a assigns to new subscribers of the personal toll billing service.
Every time a new charge number is issued by a LEC and received by an IEC, the CN and the ID of the caller who owns that CN is sent to the IEC-AT 12c,d. The IEC-AT 12c,d will then update its billing system with the new CN and ID of the caller. In addition, there is also standard (known in the art) co-ordination of settlement charges done between the LEC and the IEC. This is an existing charge that allows the LEC to charge the IEC for a percentage of each long distance call that originates or terminates on their network.
The details of the method of personal toll billing will be discussed in conjunction with both the network and messaging diagrams of Figs. 1 and 2 and the flow chart of Fig. 3.
One of a plurality of callers picks up the telephone 16 on an activated subscriber line 17 establishing an off-hook condition 40 and direct dials a telephone number (either toll or non-toll). The LEC-EO 12a connected to the subscriber line 17 recognizes the off-hook-delay trigger 42 that was assigned to the subscriber line 17 upon activation of the personal toll billing service.
A decision regarding whether the dialled number is a toll call is made at step 44 and can occur in one of two ways:
( 1 ) The LEC-EO 1 2a can be setup so that every call that is made from the subscriber line 17 results in a query to the SCP 14. In particular, after the called digits are entered by the caller an information collected message (ICM) is sent to the SCP 14 with the digits. In this setup, the LEC-EO 12a has not translated the digits for - g -routing. The SCP 14 will then determine whether or not the call is a toll call (i.e. 1-+... is dialled) (2) The LEC-EO 12a can be setup such that the off-hook-delay trigger 42 only queries the SCP 14 when a toll call is attempted (i.e. 1-+... was dialled).
If a non-toll call is detected at step 44 then standard routing 48 through the telephone network 10 is performed.
If a toll call is detected at step 44, the SCP 14 issues a send-to-resource message to the LEC-EO 12a directing the LEC-EO 12a to collect 46 the identification data of the caller making the direct dial toll call.
The step 46 of collecting the ID can be accomplished in two ways:
(1) Using in-switch announcement-playing and digit-collecting resources in the LEC-EO 12a as illustrated by message 46a in Figs. 1 and 2.
(2) Using the IPN 20 to prompt the caller for identification data (such as the PIN entered using DTMF or through a voice print) as illustrated by message 46b in Figs. 1 and 2.
If the IPN 20 is used to collect the identification data then the collected ID is sent to the SSP-EO 12a at step 49.
A resource-clear message is sent (at step 50) from the LEC-EO 12a to the SCP 14 containing the ID
collected by the LEC-EO 12a or by the IPN 20. The SCP 14 translates 52 the identification data, through a database lookup for example, into the charge number (CN) and the carrier selection (CS) associated with the end caller's identification data.
The SCP 14 generates an analyze-route message at step 54 informing the LEC-EO 12a to continue the call using the translated data (CN and CS) . The toll call is routed 56 as a regular toll call using the CS to route the call through the desired IEC and with the CN being used as the routing number and the billing number.
An automatic message accounting (AMA) record with call code 110 is generated at the LEC-AT 12b at step 58, and an AMA record with call code 119 is generated at IEC-AT 12c at step 60. In both cases the CN
is used to generate the accounting data and not the telephone number associated with the subscriber line 17.
The AMA record and call codes are well known to those skilled in the art.
The step of call routing 56 the CN to the prescribed CS vary depending on the type of messaging system used (i.e. SS7 or DTMF). Three examples are discussed below.
Messaaina Example 1 Environment: For the system 10 of Fig. 1, the LEC-EO 12a uses SS7 messages to communicate with the LEC-AT 12b and the LEC-AT 12b uses SS7 messages to communicate with the IEC-AT 12c. In this environment, both the LEC-AT 12b and IEC-AT 12c are advised of the CN
through an initial address message (IAM) that contains the charge number of the caller.
Messaaina Example 2 Environment: For the system 10 of Fig. 1, the LEC-EO 12a uses DTMF messaging to communicate with the LEC-AT 12b and the LEC-AT 12b uses SS7 messaging to communicate with the IEC-AT 12c. In this environment, the LEC-AT 12b is advised of the CN through an automatic number identification (ANI) message containing the charge number sent over the MF trunk (connection between the LEC-E012a and the LEC-AT 12b). The IEC-AT 12c is advised of the CN through an IAM message that contains the charge number of the caller.
Messa~g Example 3 Environment: For the system 10 of Fig. 1, the LEC-EO 12a uses SS7 messaging to communicate with the LEC-AT 12b and the LEC-AT 12b uses DTMF messaging to communicate with the IEC-AT 12c. In this environment, the LEC-AT 12b is advised of the CN through an IAM
message containing the charge number of the caller. The IEC-AT 12c is advised of the CN through an ANI message that contains the charge number of the caller sent over the MF trunk (connection between the LEC-AT 12b and the IEC-AT 12c).
The personal toll billing service of the present invention provides a caller in a mufti-user, single subscriber line environment with the ability to dial a direct toll call, be prompted to enter identification data (PIN, voice) and have the call routed to the appropriate destination. At the end of a billing period the pre-subscribed long distance carrier (IEC) sends a bill directly to the specific caller for only their calls and not for the toll calls made by other callers on the same subscriber line.
Field of the Invention This invention relates to the field of telephone toll call billing processes, and more particularly to a personal toll billing service where a caller can make a direct dial toll call on a subscriber line where the caller is associated with a charge number and a predetermined long distance carrier (IEC).
Background of the Invention There is an increasing need in the telephone long distance market place to target specific callers in a mufti-user, single subscriber line environment.
Personalized long distance allows callers, in a multi user household, to choose their own long distance carrier and to be billed for only the toll calls that they make.
The principle advantage of such a service eliminates the inconvenience of splitting one bill among several callers.
Various solutions have been proposed in the prior art including personal calling cards that enable a caller to use any subscriber line to make a toll call and to be billed directly for toll calls made.
Although calling card solutions provide a certain level of customization they are generally not suitable or convenient for an arrangement where multiple callers are sharing a single telephone line since a calling card requires the caller to enter strings of numbers either prior to or after actually making the toll call (i.e. they are not direct dial toll calls).
Further, if a group of callers sharing a residential line relied on calling cards to make toll calls, the possibility would exist that someone would make a toll call without using their calling card and the toll call would then be billed directly to the line subscriber.
Summary of the Invention An object of the present invention is to provide a method and an apparatus for providing a personal toll billing service where a caller can make a direct dial toll call on a subscriber line where the caller is associated with a charge number and a predetermined long distance carrier (IEC) and have the call routed through the network using the charge number and carrier information associated with the caller.
In accordance with an aspect of the present invention there is provided in a telephone network having a number of interconnected service switching points (SSPs) for local exchange carriers (LEC) and for inter exchange carriers (IEC), the SSPs being in communication with a service control point (SCP) representing a database system, a method of providing a personal toll billing service where a caller makes a direct dial toll call on a subscriber line having an associated line number, said method comprising the steps of: (a) associating the caller with a charge number and with a carrier selection representing a predetermined IEC using identification data supplied by the caller; and (b) routing the toll call through the telephone network using the carrier selection and the charge number.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided in a telephone network having a number of interconnected service switching points (SSPs) for local exchange carriers (LEC) and for inter exchange carriers (IEC), the SSPs being in communication with a service control point (SCP) representing a database system, an apparatus for providing a personal toll billing service where a caller makes a direct dial toll call on a subscriber line having an associated line number, said apparatus comprising:
(a) means for associating the caller with a charge number and with a carrier selection representing a predetermined IEC using identification data supplied by the caller; and (b) means for routing the toll call through the telephone network using the carrier selection and the charge number.
Brief Description of the Drawin9~s Fig. 1 is a block diagram representation of an example of a telephone network incorporating the apparatus for personal toll billing according to the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a block diagram representation of another example of a telephone network incorporating the apparatus for personal toll billing according to the present invention; and Fig. 3 is a flow chart illustrating the steps comprising the method of personal toll billing according to the present invention.
Detailed Description of Embodiments of the Invention The present invention provides a personal toll billing method and apparatus that enables callers, in a multi-user, single subscriber line environment (e. g.
household, small business etc.) to choose their own long distance carrier and to be billed for only the toll calls that they make.
Fig. 1 illustrates an apparatus for personal toll billing according to the present invention through an existing telephone network infrastructure 10. The telephone network infrastructure 10 represented in Fig. 1 is an advanced intelligent network (AIN) that includes a plurality of service switching points (SSP) 12 connected to a plurality of signalling transfer points (STP) 13 that are connected to a service control point (SCP) 14.
The SSPs 12 are public switch telephone network (PSTN) switches that act on instructions dictated by the SCP 14, for example. The SSPs can be an end office (EO) (such as 12a and 12f) or an access tandem (AT) (such as 12b, c, d, and e). The STPs 13 are packet switches that route signalling and control messages between the SSPs 12 and the SCP 14, and between STPs 13.
The SCP 14 contains all customer information in databases that reside on centralized network servers.
The SCP 14 provide routing and other instructions to the SSPs 12, as requested and required. The SSPs 12 are grouped into local exchange carrier (LEC) SSPs (12a, b and 12e, f) of a local teleco and inter exchange carrier (IEC) SSPs (12c, d) to provide long distance connections across local access and transport areas (LATA) provided by the LEC SSPs 12.
The call control signalling between the STP 13 nodes and the SCP 14 nodes in the AIN is provided by the common channel signalling system 7 (SS7) network that is a separate, high-speed, packet-switched network.' Dual tone multi frequency (DTMF) messaging can be used between the LEC-Eos 12a and 12f and telephones 16, 18 through respective subscriber lines 17, 19.
Fig. 2 illustrates an apparatus for personal toll billing according to the present invention through an alternative telephone network infrastructure 30. The two networks 10 and 30 are similar, the only difference being that in the network 30 the LEC-Ats 12b and 12e have been removed. As a result, the LEC-EO 12a is in direct communication with the IEC-AT 12c and the LEC-EO 12f is in direct communication with the IEC-AT 12d. The remaining discussion applies equally to the network 10 of Fig. 1 and the network 30 of Fig. 2.
_ 5 The telephone 16 is connected to the LEC-EO 12a through the single subscriber line 17, but for use by a plurality of callers that can each be subscribed to different long distance carriers (IECs). The telephone 18 is connected to the LEC-EO 12f through the subscriber line 19 to receive a direct dial toll call made by one of many callers from the telephone 16. The term direct dial means that the caller is not required to enter pre-telephone number identification digits or have the call routed through a operator.
An intelligent peripheral node (IPN) 20 is connected to the LEC-EO 12a, which can be used to collect identification data (ID) from the caller making the toll call on the subscriber line 17. IPNs are known in the art and provide intelligent peripheral capabilities to enhance the delivery of various services. Identification data can also be collected by known in-switch resources of the LEC-EO 12a. These two options of collecting the ID will be discussed in detail below in conjunction with the messaging portion of Figs. 1 and 2.
Subscriber Line Activation In order to activate the personal tolling billing service of the present invention an off-hook delay trigger 42 is assigned to the subscriber line 17.
The trigger 42 is located in the Information Collected Trigger Detection Point (a standard components of the AIN
call model) of the SSP-EO 12a.
Local Exchange Carrier Setup The LEC-EO 12a provides the following information for a particular caller that subscribes to the personal tolling billing service:
(a) identification data (ID) for the caller in the form of a personal identification number (PIN) or by capturing a voice print of the caller;
(b) a charge number (CN) associated with the caller;
and (c) a pre-subscribed long distance (IEC) carrier selection (CS) (e. g. Sprint, MCI etc.).
The charge number is effectively an alternate telephone/billing number that is associated with the caller and not the person associated with the subscriber line 17 telephone number. The charge number can represent real telephone numbers (N-NXX-NXX-XXXX) recognized as a North American Numbering Plan (NANP) number or general billing numbers in order to avoid dial number exhaustion.
For example, unused area codes can be used as the charge number.
Service Control Point-Database Population The ID, CN and CS are stored in a record in a database system of the SCP 14 (an example is provided in Table A1), which will be used for translation when the caller on an personal tolling billing activated subscriber line 17 attempts to make a direct dial toll call.
INPUT OUTPUT
Subscriber line ID(PIN) CN CS
#
613-565-5544 1234 613-001-0012 Sprint LEC-IEC Co-ordination The LEC and IEC must be co-ordinated with respect to the charge numbers that the LEC-EO 12a assigns to new subscribers of the personal toll billing service.
Every time a new charge number is issued by a LEC and received by an IEC, the CN and the ID of the caller who owns that CN is sent to the IEC-AT 12c,d. The IEC-AT 12c,d will then update its billing system with the new CN and ID of the caller. In addition, there is also standard (known in the art) co-ordination of settlement charges done between the LEC and the IEC. This is an existing charge that allows the LEC to charge the IEC for a percentage of each long distance call that originates or terminates on their network.
The details of the method of personal toll billing will be discussed in conjunction with both the network and messaging diagrams of Figs. 1 and 2 and the flow chart of Fig. 3.
One of a plurality of callers picks up the telephone 16 on an activated subscriber line 17 establishing an off-hook condition 40 and direct dials a telephone number (either toll or non-toll). The LEC-EO 12a connected to the subscriber line 17 recognizes the off-hook-delay trigger 42 that was assigned to the subscriber line 17 upon activation of the personal toll billing service.
A decision regarding whether the dialled number is a toll call is made at step 44 and can occur in one of two ways:
( 1 ) The LEC-EO 1 2a can be setup so that every call that is made from the subscriber line 17 results in a query to the SCP 14. In particular, after the called digits are entered by the caller an information collected message (ICM) is sent to the SCP 14 with the digits. In this setup, the LEC-EO 12a has not translated the digits for - g -routing. The SCP 14 will then determine whether or not the call is a toll call (i.e. 1-+... is dialled) (2) The LEC-EO 12a can be setup such that the off-hook-delay trigger 42 only queries the SCP 14 when a toll call is attempted (i.e. 1-+... was dialled).
If a non-toll call is detected at step 44 then standard routing 48 through the telephone network 10 is performed.
If a toll call is detected at step 44, the SCP 14 issues a send-to-resource message to the LEC-EO 12a directing the LEC-EO 12a to collect 46 the identification data of the caller making the direct dial toll call.
The step 46 of collecting the ID can be accomplished in two ways:
(1) Using in-switch announcement-playing and digit-collecting resources in the LEC-EO 12a as illustrated by message 46a in Figs. 1 and 2.
(2) Using the IPN 20 to prompt the caller for identification data (such as the PIN entered using DTMF or through a voice print) as illustrated by message 46b in Figs. 1 and 2.
If the IPN 20 is used to collect the identification data then the collected ID is sent to the SSP-EO 12a at step 49.
A resource-clear message is sent (at step 50) from the LEC-EO 12a to the SCP 14 containing the ID
collected by the LEC-EO 12a or by the IPN 20. The SCP 14 translates 52 the identification data, through a database lookup for example, into the charge number (CN) and the carrier selection (CS) associated with the end caller's identification data.
The SCP 14 generates an analyze-route message at step 54 informing the LEC-EO 12a to continue the call using the translated data (CN and CS) . The toll call is routed 56 as a regular toll call using the CS to route the call through the desired IEC and with the CN being used as the routing number and the billing number.
An automatic message accounting (AMA) record with call code 110 is generated at the LEC-AT 12b at step 58, and an AMA record with call code 119 is generated at IEC-AT 12c at step 60. In both cases the CN
is used to generate the accounting data and not the telephone number associated with the subscriber line 17.
The AMA record and call codes are well known to those skilled in the art.
The step of call routing 56 the CN to the prescribed CS vary depending on the type of messaging system used (i.e. SS7 or DTMF). Three examples are discussed below.
Messaaina Example 1 Environment: For the system 10 of Fig. 1, the LEC-EO 12a uses SS7 messages to communicate with the LEC-AT 12b and the LEC-AT 12b uses SS7 messages to communicate with the IEC-AT 12c. In this environment, both the LEC-AT 12b and IEC-AT 12c are advised of the CN
through an initial address message (IAM) that contains the charge number of the caller.
Messaaina Example 2 Environment: For the system 10 of Fig. 1, the LEC-EO 12a uses DTMF messaging to communicate with the LEC-AT 12b and the LEC-AT 12b uses SS7 messaging to communicate with the IEC-AT 12c. In this environment, the LEC-AT 12b is advised of the CN through an automatic number identification (ANI) message containing the charge number sent over the MF trunk (connection between the LEC-E012a and the LEC-AT 12b). The IEC-AT 12c is advised of the CN through an IAM message that contains the charge number of the caller.
Messa~g Example 3 Environment: For the system 10 of Fig. 1, the LEC-EO 12a uses SS7 messaging to communicate with the LEC-AT 12b and the LEC-AT 12b uses DTMF messaging to communicate with the IEC-AT 12c. In this environment, the LEC-AT 12b is advised of the CN through an IAM
message containing the charge number of the caller. The IEC-AT 12c is advised of the CN through an ANI message that contains the charge number of the caller sent over the MF trunk (connection between the LEC-AT 12b and the IEC-AT 12c).
The personal toll billing service of the present invention provides a caller in a mufti-user, single subscriber line environment with the ability to dial a direct toll call, be prompted to enter identification data (PIN, voice) and have the call routed to the appropriate destination. At the end of a billing period the pre-subscribed long distance carrier (IEC) sends a bill directly to the specific caller for only their calls and not for the toll calls made by other callers on the same subscriber line.
Claims (24)
1. In a telephone network having a number of interconnected service switching points (SSPs) for local exchange carriers (LEC) and for inter exchange carriers (IEC), the SSPs being in communication with a service control point (SCP) representing a database system, a method of providing a personal toll billing service where a caller makes a direct dial toll call on a subscriber line having an associated line number, said method comprising the steps of:
(a) associating the caller with a charge number and with a carrier selection representing a predetermined IEC
using identification data supplied by the caller; and (b) routing the toll call through the telephone network using the carrier selection and the charge number.
(a) associating the caller with a charge number and with a carrier selection representing a predetermined IEC
using identification data supplied by the caller; and (b) routing the toll call through the telephone network using the carrier selection and the charge number.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of activating the subscriber line with a trigger for the personal toll billing service.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of activating the subscriber line includes the step of enabling the subscriber line with an off-hook-delay trigger that directs the SSP connected to the subscriber line to collect the identification data.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the step (a) includes the steps of:
forming a message incorporating the identification data of the caller; and translating the identification data in the message to the charge number and the carrier selection.
forming a message incorporating the identification data of the caller; and translating the identification data in the message to the charge number and the carrier selection.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the step of forming the message includes the step of capturing a personal identification number (PIN) using dual tone multi frequency messaging from the caller, wherein the PIN represents the identification data.
6. The method of claim 4, wherein the step of forming the message includes the step of capturing a voice print from the caller, wherein the voice print represents the identification data.
7. The method of claim 5, wherein the step of translating the message includes the step of retrieving, from the database system of the SCP, the charge number and carrier selection associated with the PIN of the caller.
8. The method of claim 6, wherein the step of translating the message includes the step of retrieving, from the database system of the SCP, the charge number and carrier selection associated with the voice print of the caller.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the charge number is a telephone number recognized as a valid number by the LECs and IECs of the network.
10. In a telephone network having a number of interconnected service switching points (SSPs) for local exchange carriers (LEC) and for inter exchange carriers (IEC), the SSPs being in communication with a service control point (SCP) representing a database system, an apparatus for providing a personal toll billing service where a caller makes a direct dial toll call on a subscriber line having an associated line number, said apparatus comprising:
(a) means for associating the caller with a charge number and with a carrier selection representing a predetermined IEC using identification data supplied by the caller; and (b) means for routing the toll call through the telephone network using the carrier selection and the charge number.
(a) means for associating the caller with a charge number and with a carrier selection representing a predetermined IEC using identification data supplied by the caller; and (b) means for routing the toll call through the telephone network using the carrier selection and the charge number.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising means for activating the subscriber line with a trigger for the personal toll billing service.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the means for activating the subscriber line includes an off-hook-delay trigger established by the SSP connected to the subscriber line.
13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the means for associating includes:
a message forming algorithm for forming a message incorporating the identification data of the caller; and a translator for translating the identification data in the message to the charge number and the carrier selection.
a message forming algorithm for forming a message incorporating the identification data of the caller; and a translator for translating the identification data in the message to the charge number and the carrier selection.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the message forming algorithm includes a peripheral device communicating with the SSP that is attached to the subscriber line for capturing a personal identification number (PIN) using dual tone multi frequency messaging from the caller, wherein the PIN represents the identification data of the caller.
15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the message forming algorithm includes a digit collecting resource in the SSP that is attached to the subscriber line for capturing a personal identification number (PIN), wherein the PIN represents the identification data of the caller.
16. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the message forming algorithm includes a peripheral device communicating with the SSP that is attached to the subscriber line for capturing a voice print from the caller, wherein the voice print represents the identification data of the caller.
17. The apparatus of claim 14 or 15, wherein the translator includes means for retrieving, from the database system of the SCP, the charge number and carrier selection associated with the PIN of the caller.
18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the translator includes means for retrieving, from the database system of the SCP, the charge number and carrier selection associated with the voice print of the caller.
19. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the charge number is a telephone number recognized as a valid number by the LECs and IECs of the network.
20. In a telephone network having a number of interconnected service switching points (SSP) for local exchange carriers (LEC) and inter exchange carriers (IEC) operating in an advanced intelligent network (AIN) environment, a number of signalling transfer points (STP) in communication with the SSPs and a service control point (SCP) representing a database system in communication with the STPs, a method of providing a personal toll billing service where a caller makes a direct toll call on a subscriber line having an associated line number, comprising the steps of:
(a) activating the subscriber line with a trigger for the personal toll billing service;
(b) forming a message incorporating identification data of the caller making the direct dial toll call on the subscriber line;
(c) translating the identification data in the message to a charge number and a carrier selection representing a predefined IEC subscribed to by the caller; and (d) routing the toll call through the telephone network using the charge number and the carrier selection.
(a) activating the subscriber line with a trigger for the personal toll billing service;
(b) forming a message incorporating identification data of the caller making the direct dial toll call on the subscriber line;
(c) translating the identification data in the message to a charge number and a carrier selection representing a predefined IEC subscribed to by the caller; and (d) routing the toll call through the telephone network using the charge number and the carrier selection.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein the step of forming the message includes the step of capturing a personal identification number (PIN) using dual tone multi frequency messaging from the caller, wherein the PIN represents the identification data.
22. The method of claim 20, wherein the step of forming the message includes the step of capturing a voice print from the caller, wherein the voice print represents the identification data.
23. The method of claim 21, wherein the step of translating the message includes the step of retrieving, from the database system of the SCP, the charge number and carrier selection associated with the PIN of the caller.
24. The method of claim 22, wherein the step of translating the message includes the step of retrieving, from the database system of the SCP, the charge number and carrier selection associated with the voice print of the caller.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US4263998A | 1998-03-17 | 1998-03-17 | |
| US09/042,639 | 1998-03-17 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2265106A1 true CA2265106A1 (en) | 1999-09-17 |
Family
ID=29581817
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2265106 Abandoned CA2265106A1 (en) | 1998-03-17 | 1999-03-09 | Personal toll billing service |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2265106A1 (en) |
-
1999
- 1999-03-09 CA CA 2265106 patent/CA2265106A1/en not_active Abandoned
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