EP1125424A1 - Reseau d'applications multiples a repartition geographique avec une base de donnees centrale - Google Patents

Reseau d'applications multiples a repartition geographique avec une base de donnees centrale

Info

Publication number
EP1125424A1
EP1125424A1 EP99971188A EP99971188A EP1125424A1 EP 1125424 A1 EP1125424 A1 EP 1125424A1 EP 99971188 A EP99971188 A EP 99971188A EP 99971188 A EP99971188 A EP 99971188A EP 1125424 A1 EP1125424 A1 EP 1125424A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
telecommunications
calling
service
resource
services
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP99971188A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Albert Anthony Samball
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Intervoice LP
Original Assignee
Intervoice LP
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Intervoice LP filed Critical Intervoice LP
Publication of EP1125424A1 publication Critical patent/EP1125424A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M15/00—Arrangements for metering, time-control or time indication ; Metering, charging or billing arrangements for voice wireline or wireless communications, e.g. VoIP
    • H04M15/47—Fraud detection or prevention means
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M17/00—Prepayment of wireline communication systems, wireless communication systems or telephone systems
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
    • H04M3/42—Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
    • H04M3/4228—Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers in networks
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M2215/00—Metering arrangements; Time controlling arrangements; Time indicating arrangements
    • H04M2215/01—Details of billing arrangements
    • H04M2215/0148—Fraud detection or prevention means
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M2242/00—Special services or facilities
    • H04M2242/22—Automatic class or number identification arrangements
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
    • H04M3/38—Graded-service arrangements, i.e. some subscribers prevented from establishing certain connections
    • H04M3/382—Graded-service arrangements, i.e. some subscribers prevented from establishing certain connections using authorisation codes or passwords
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
    • H04M3/42—Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
    • H04M3/42025—Calling or Called party identification service
    • H04M3/42034—Calling party identification service
    • H04M3/42059—Making use of the calling party identifier
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
    • H04M3/42—Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
    • H04M3/44—Additional connecting arrangements for providing access to frequently-wanted subscribers, e.g. abbreviated dialling
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
    • H04M3/42—Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
    • H04M3/48—Arrangements for recalling a calling subscriber when the wanted subscriber ceases to be busy
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
    • H04M3/42—Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
    • H04M3/487—Arrangements for providing information services, e.g. recorded voice services or time announcements
    • H04M3/493—Interactive information services, e.g. directory enquiries ; Arrangements therefor, e.g. interactive voice response [IVR] systems or voice portals
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
    • H04M3/42—Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
    • H04M3/50—Centralised arrangements for answering calls; Centralised arrangements for recording messages for absent or busy subscribers ; Centralised arrangements for recording messages
    • H04M3/53—Centralised arrangements for recording incoming messages, i.e. mailbox systems
    • H04M3/533—Voice mail systems
    • H04M3/53325—Interconnection arrangements between voice mail systems
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04Q—SELECTING
    • H04Q3/00—Selecting arrangements
    • H04Q3/72—Finding out and indicating number of calling subscriber

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to telecommunications systems and, more particularly, to a system in which remote devices provide multiple telecommunications applications using a single central database.
  • Prior art telecommunications systems are typically configured so that a particular service is provided to customers by a single central processor or switch. As a result, all customers must access the central processor in order to use the service or application.
  • a prior art prepaid calling application users must first dial a number for the central processor in order to access the prepaid calling system. Once connected to the central processor, the customer identifies a particular prepaid account to be charged for the cost of the call.
  • a database connected to the central processor holds account information for all customers.
  • the central processor routes the customer's call and monitors the running cost of the connection. Finally, the processor updates the customer's prepaid account balance in the central database when the call has been completed. In this type of configuration, the central processor creates a single point of failure. If the central processor fails, then the entire system fails and no customers can access the prepaid calling application.
  • a service provider may use several individual processors in different locations. Each processor is capable of providing the same service or application to customers.
  • a problem with this prior art arrangement is the need for database equalization across the system. Whenever a customer, such as prepaid calling customer, uses the system, his or her account balance must be updated in every database in the system. As a result, a large volume of database equalization traffic is required in the system.
  • a prepaid calling system each access that changes the user's account balance requires the system to make a number of transmissions to the other system databases to update the other copies of the user's records. As the number of local processors or databases increases, the number of required equalization transmissions also increases.
  • the problems of the prior art are overcome by a system in which a plurality of remote processors at various locations are connected to a central database.
  • the remote processors provide multiple telecommunications services to callers.
  • Each processor is linked to the central database which holds application data and customer information.
  • the central database is preferably a RAID database having a low failure rate.
  • Callers are connected to a local processor that provides a number of telecommunications services, such as prepaid calling, voice mail and customer service applications.
  • a single local processor may be connected to multiple trunk lines to handle a high call volume.
  • Automatic number identification (ANI) or dialed number information service (DNIS) data may be used by the remote processors to identify the services required by a particular customer.
  • the remote processors are preferably capable of handling dual tone multifrequency (DTMF), facsimile, and data transmissions in addition to voice communications .
  • the database provides a central location for customer records and information so that only one file must be updated for each change to a customer's profile.
  • the central database is updated to reflect the customer's current prepaid account balance.
  • the use of a single central database also provides fraud detection capability, since the system can instantaneously detect if two users are attempting to use the same account at the same time.
  • the database stores user information and data related to one or more telecommunications applications.
  • the remote systems are operable to notify the central database of modifications, changes and updates to the stored user information and application data.
  • Multiple storage disks, mirroring and other techniques can be used to lower the fault rate of the central database.
  • Remote location processors operate to detect the format of incoming communications and route calls to applications that are capable of handling a particular communications format.
  • FIGURE 1 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a widely distributed telecommunications network
  • FIGURE 2 is a block diagram of another embodiment of a widely distributed telecommunications network
  • FIGURE 3 is a block diagram of the claimed telecommunications system
  • FIGURE 4 is a block diagram of the components of a system that is deployed at remote locations in the present invention.
  • FIGURE 5 is a diagram of a preferred embodiment of the system shown in claim 4.
  • System 10 in FIGURE 1 is a geographically distributed telecommunications system having a single central application processor 11.
  • This application may be related to any of a number of well-known telecommunications services, such as prepaid or debit card calling, prepaid wireless calling, voice mail, automated customer service, automated service activation, or international call back.
  • Users in various cities 13 access application processor 11 via lines 101.
  • Application data and user information is stored in database 12.
  • users can initiate calls from any remote location 13, such as from any city or country, and, no matter where the call is originated, users will always be connected to the same application 11 and the same database 12.
  • a problem with the configuration in system 10 is the cost of connecting all users to one centralized application processor 11. Since the users may be widely distributed through various remote locations 13, the majority of users will probably be connected to application 11 via a costly long distance telephone or data connection. Furthermore, since there is only one application processor 11, system 10 will have to be designed to handle a large call volume.
  • System 20 shown in FIGURE 2, illustrates another embodiment of a widely distributed telecommunications system.
  • Application processors 21 and databases 22 are deployed at each remote location 13.
  • Each remote application processor 21 has identical capabilities. This allows system 20 to connect users in each remote location 13 to a local application processor 21. Accordingly, system 20 reduces the call transport costs and the switching problems of system 10.
  • multiple databases 22 in system 20 introduce a different problem. In order for each application 21 to perform the same way, each database 22 must contain the same application data.
  • each database 22 must have the same user information. Accordingly, system 20 must continually equalize the application data and customer information that is stored at each location 13.
  • lines 201 interconnect each database 22 and allow databases 22 to exchange updated user information and application data within system 20. This arrangement shifts some of the traffic load from user connection lines 101 in system 10 to data connection lines 201 in system 20. For most applications, each time a user accesses system 20, his or her database profile must be retrieved by local application processor 21. Furthermore, after the user has disconnected from system 20, typically his or her user information or account records will have changed.
  • local application processor 21 must access each user's account information to verify prepaid balances and password information. After each user access, the accessed local database 22 must transmit updated account information, such as the current prepaid balance, to the other databases 22 via links 201. Also, each time a new version or revision of application 21 is introduced, the application data files in databases 22 must be updated.
  • Another problem in system 20 is the number of links 201 that are required. Each local database 22 must be capable of accessing and updating all of the other local databases 22.
  • a third embodiment of a widely distributed telecommunications system 30 is shown in
  • each remote location 13 has a local application processor 31.
  • the connection costs associated with system 10 are reduced since the users are not connected to a central application, such as application processor 11 , via a long distance telephone connection. In system 30 the costs are lowered because the user connections are local instead of long distance.
  • Central database 32 is used to maintain application data and user information for the entire system.
  • Each remote application 31 is linked to central database 32 via connection 301. This reduces the number of database connections 201 that are required in the configuration of system 20.
  • Central database 32 also eliminates the need to maintain multiple copies of the same records in many locations. Instead, each local application 31 can access database 32 to verify or update user information.
  • the data used by remote application processor 31 such as software, program instructions, reference tables or lists, can be easily updated in one location at one time.
  • FIGURE 4 illustrates local system 40 which is deployed at each location 13 in a preferred embodiment of application 31.
  • Remote system 40 communicates with central database 32 via connections 301 , which may be any well-known communication link that is capable of transporting data from one location to another, such as a wide area network (WAN), Internet, cable, or dedicated telephone line connection.
  • Users 401 access local system 40 via public switched telephone network (PSTN) 402.
  • PSTN public switched telephone network
  • System 40 comprises a plurality of individual application processors 403. Each processor 403 provides a separate telecommunications service, such as prepaid or debit card calling, voice mail, automated call director, interactive voice response, automated customer service or international callback.
  • system 40 can support various communications formats between user 401 and applications 403, for example, application processors 403 may be capable of transmitting and/or receiving voice, dual tone multiple frequency (DTMF), facsimile or data communications.
  • DTMF dual tone multiple frequency
  • Controller 404 provides an interface between application processors 403 and central database 32.
  • switch 406 is used by processors 403 to route caller 401 to called party 410 through PSTN 409. Additional system connections at telephone handset 407 and computer terminal 408 provide access to a system administrator for maintenance, repairs or upgrades to system 40.
  • caller 401 is routed to a service representative, agent or operator at terminal 408 or telephone 407.
  • System 40 is capable of simultaneously providing a number of calling services to many incoming callers 401.
  • Some individual application processors 403 may be dedicated to a particular service application.
  • Other application processor 403 may be a generic platform that can be configured as needed based upon caller demand levels. When caller 401 is routed to such a generic application processor 403, the processor downloads from central database 32 specific instructions or software for that application.
  • System 40 may be connected to a trunk line that carries a number of incoming callers 401, wherein each caller 401 desires a different application.
  • One method of determining an inbound caller's desired application is to use dialed number information service (DNIS) in which system 40 receives information specifying the telephone number actually dialed by caller 401.
  • DNIS information is useful in routing calls that are received via a trunk line which may be carrying many calls for different numbers. For example, a service provider may use several "800" numbers, each for a different application or service. Calls to any of these "800" numbers are all routed to the same system 40, which sorts the calls to the proper applications and processors 403 according to the DNIS information.
  • ANI automatic number identification
  • CID caller ID
  • System 40 can use ANI or CID information to identify calling party 401, or the number from which the inbound call originates, and then routes the call to an application which is correlated to the identified calling party or calling number. For example, system 40 may use different variations of a particular application for different parts of the country. Accordingly, using ANI information, system 40 will route the caller to a processor 403 having the desired customer format.
  • ANI automatic number identification
  • CID caller ID
  • system 40 sorts the calls using an interactive voice response (IVR) or menu system.
  • system 40 can be adapted to identify various communications formats that may be used by caller 401. For example, system 40 may recognize speech, DTMF inputs, facsimile or modem handshake tones, or data transmissions. Then, system 40 will route the call to a specific application processor 403 that is configured to interact with the communication format detected.
  • inbound callers are routed to another party.
  • caller 401 uses system 40 to route a call to party 410.
  • Caller 401 is assigned to an appropriate application processor 403, which then retrieves user information and application data from central database 32.
  • the call is then routed via network 409 to called party 410 through switch 406.
  • networks PSTN 402 and 409 may be a wireline or wireless network and caller 401 and party 410 may use a telephone handset, mobile telephone, wireless device or facsimile machine.
  • system 40 may route electronic mail or other data transmissions from one device to another.
  • caller 401 is connected to an application 403 which provides certain requested information.
  • application 403 For example, a bank may use system 40 to provide an account balance, interest rate, or other financial information in response to menu prompts selected by caller 401.
  • Database 32 may be used to hold such customer and bank information in addition to application data.
  • An additional type of application such as a customer service application, connects caller 401 to an agent, service representative or operator at stations 407 and/or 408.
  • a business may provide a number of agents or service representatives who are available to communicate with customers, for example via telephone 407 or terminal 408.
  • Application processor 403 routes caller 401 to the agents at 407 or 408.
  • the application may select a particular agent station 407, 408 depending on certain criteria, such as a product, service, or language identified by caller 401.
  • FIGURE 5 a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown as system 50.
  • System 50 is highly scaleable with the capability of providing thousands of ports for handling inbound and outbound calls.
  • the preferred system 50 supports basic functions required by a network service node (SN) as well as enhanced functions and services required by an intelligent peripheral (IP), with the flexibility to meet any signaling and telephony interface needs.
  • SN network service node
  • IP intelligent peripheral
  • Telephony resource modules (TRM) 57 function as an external network interface for telephony connectivity.
  • TRMs 57 run telecommunications applications and associated services, such as DTMF and voice related interaction with users.
  • TRM 57 consists of a processor, video card, ethernet card and controller card.
  • a number of TRMs 57 can be cooperatively combined in network services platforms 51 and 52. Individual platforms 51 and 52 can then be clustered through the use of networking technologies to form large systems. In one configuration, a number of TRMs 57 are combined to provide 2, 112 total ports in system
  • Inbound and outbound calls are bridged together in system 50 to form a completed call.
  • 1,920 of the ports may be used to support 960 call sessions and the remaining 192 ports can provide redundancy.
  • Each platform 51, 52 includes an administration processor 58 which provides system operations personnel access to the maintenance and administration services of platforms 51 and 52.
  • Administration processor 58 communicates with each of the TRMs 57 via an integrated LAN. Maintenance navigation tools which collect information from each TRM 57 are provided on administration processor 58.
  • SS7 server 59 such as a SUN ULTRA2 is supplied to support the SS7 services required for TRMs 57 on platforms 51 and 52.
  • Server 59 connects to the SS7 links via El, Tl, V.35, or RS-449 protocols.
  • Platforms 51 and 52 are connected to switch 53 via lines 501 and 502 which may be dedicated Tl voice lines or SS7 links.
  • Switch 53 handles both incoming calls from users and outgoing calls to called parties.
  • server 59 is connected to TRMs 57 with an internal LAN.
  • the central database of system 50 consists of a redundant pair of servers 55, such as HP9000 Series Model K410 servers complete with three 120 MHz processors 1Gb RAM, and HP-UX operating system.
  • Servers 55 are configured in a high availability configuration with concurrent access.
  • Both servers 55 interface to database 54, which comprises dual RAID 1 mirrored data storage units, such as dual HP model-20 64 Gb RAID-1 disk arrays, in a preferred embodiment.
  • RAID units 54 serve as the central storage entity for application data and user information.
  • Both servers 55 share the call load, however, one server 55 can provide database access for the full call load in the event that the other server fails.
  • Servers 55 are connected to platforms 51 and 52 by network 503.
  • Network 503 may be a wide area network
  • network 503 may be a local area network (LAN) or any other appropriate data transmission network.
  • LAN local area network
  • Terminal 56 represents an operator, customer service or system administrator position that is connected to servers 55 through separate LAN/WAN 504, which may be a 100 BaseT
  • Connection 504 provides operators/administrators with access to customer information in database 54. Additionally, terminal 56 may be used to display user information for a current caller to a customer service agent.
  • System 50 can provide a number of telecommunications services to users.
  • the following summary of features and functionality within a prepaid calling card application is provided as an example of the capabilities of system 50.
  • System 50 provides standard, routine call flow from origination through termination.
  • the calling card user places an unassisted call through system 50 using the following sequence:
  • the user dials an access number (typically toll-free access number) and is connected to one or more greeting and/or menu selection announcements or prompts.
  • an access number typically toll-free access number
  • the user hears a greeting and/or menu selection message. 3. The user enters an authorization code.
  • Callers may be directed to particular "Brands" that welcome them to system 50 and can then be offered a number of different enhanced services. These prompts and announcements may be offered in the language of choice, depending on system configuration and account preferences.
  • Dialed Number Identification Service is a feature of "800", “888” and “900" lines that provides the number the prepaid user dialed to system 50. After dialing a specific 800/888/900 number the user will hear a branded message prompt such as, "Welcome to the XYZ platform, please enter your card number”.
  • the use of DNIS digits directs the system to use XYZ announcements for calls originating from DNIS "XYZ” as opposed to ABC announcements for calls originating from the "ABC” 800/888 DNIS number.
  • system 50 transmits a message, such as "Thank you for shopping the
  • system 50 may play a message such as "You have X minutes for this call and thank you for using XYZ" to the caller. This gives the service provider another opportunity to say their name and create brand awareness by simply recording a custom announcement.
  • Post dial branding can be tied to DNIS information, and allows service providers to have welcome and thank you greetings as desired for a given service offering.
  • System 50 has an intelligent number interpreter that will strip any unnecessary digits from destination numbers in order to complete the call. For example, if a subscriber dials 1-
  • system 50 will drop the "1" prefix prior to sending the call to the public network.
  • This capability is configurable to enable connectivity and signaling in a wide variety of network environments.
  • Account Information Prompting In the prepaid calling card main menu, the user can select an option to play his/her account balance. This balance is given in units, such as minutes, or in dollars as appropriate for the service offering.
  • Low balance thresholds are set for prepaid calling cards to alert the user to time remaining on a call. For example, at 3 minutes, 1 minute, and 30 seconds the user can be provided with a "warning" of imminent disconnect. These thresholds are configurable at three levels within system 50, the agent program, agent, and system level.
  • Reorigination Users can place sequential calls without exiting system 50 or having to re-enter their authorization number. Subscribers may use a designated key, such as the pound key (#), to drop the current call and enter a new destination. Or, after the called party disconnects, the subscriber may be prompted to either enter a new destination number or press a key, such as the star (*) key, for access to the main menu.
  • a designated key such as the pound key (#)
  • the subscriber may be prompted to either enter a new destination number or press a key, such as the star (*) key, for access to the main menu.
  • System 50 prompts a user for a new destination number when it detects a busy signal at the called destination.
  • Varied Authorization Code Size System 50 is capable of handling a range of from 7 to 20 authorization digits.
  • the authorization code size is set at the program level and different applications may have different authorization code sizes.
  • System 50 validates within database 54 whether the code matches a valid authorization code. If all validation methods are successful, the user is allowed to access platform 51 or 52.
  • This type of rating assigns a monetary value to 1 unit, such as a minute, of calling time. For example: if 1 unit is set to equal $.35, a 30 unit prepaid card would have 30 minutes of calling time equal to $10.50. Typically, system 50 will rate to the second decimal. If rating is to be done on a 6-second increment basis, the minute rate is divided by 10. Rounding can be used to increment the last significant decimal digit.
  • System 50 can also charge a specific rate for X number of miles, where X is the minimum mileage threshold. Once the call exceeds X miles from its origination, system 50 can charge N cents for each additional mile over X. For example: for any call within 100 miles, the system can be translated to charge a rate of $0.20 per minute. Once the call is more than 100 miles from origination, the rate can be set to $0.10 per minute plus an additional N cents per minute for every mile over 100. The point of origination is determined by the ANI received on call origination into system 50, with the destination being determined by area code and exchange. Standard Bellcore V&H tables are used to determine mileage.
  • a service provider can charge different rates based on the time of day. Rating is based on system platform time and, depending upon the application, may be combined with other rate plans.
  • the country of origin or the destination country determines the rate structure.
  • this rating plan only applies to international calls. For example, if a call from the UK to France is placed via a US system, then system 50 rates the first leg (UK to US) based on the origin, and the second leg of the call (US to France) based on the destination. System 50 then adds the two rates together for a per minute rate for the call.
  • Each "leg" of the call can be rated independently.
  • a service provider may offer specific rates corresponding to a specific date or series of dates. For example: "10 cents a minute all day for Mother's Day” or "20 cents a minute from December 25th to January 1st" could be translated per the service offering.
  • a prepaid calling card account on system 50 can be set to expire at a fixed point in time. Card Expiration After N Days From First Use
  • a prepaid calling card account can be set to expire N days after first use. For example, if N is set to 60 on a particular card account, that card would expire and become invalid 60 calendar days after the date that the subscriber first used the card on system 50.
  • Users may be provided with a card that is "rechargeable", wherein the user has the option of adding value to a prepaid card.
  • the user may call a Customer Service Representative, who can then recharge the user's account once credit authorization has been obtained.
  • System 50 may determine fraudulent use by comparing a "previous" call's ANI, to the "present" call's ANI, and evaluating the normal time and distance between both points using Bellcore V&H tables. For example, assume a subscriber originates a call from New York at a given point in time. If the same authorization code is entered in Los Angeles one hour later, the Los Angeles call can be denied. Bellcore V&H tables are used to determine mileage, with that mileage being used to establish if a maximum distance threshold has been passed in under a minimum time threshold. Thresholds are configurable by the service provider.
  • Restrictions can be set up at the initiation of calling card service.
  • the user tells the service provider to restrict use at the country, area code, exchange, or phone number level.
  • scopes are essentially the range in which a user may make calls. Calling scopes may be set on an “allow” or “deny” basis, thus enabling the service provider to enter the shortest possible list. All values may be modified through a Customer Service Representative. Calling scope can also be changed by the system administrator for a given card product or the entire system. Bad ANI Detection
  • An excessive number of invalid accesses into system 50 coming from one ANI (Phone #) automatically inserts that ANI into the Bad ANI Table. When callers dial into system 50 this table is referenced for verification.
  • the service provider sets the attempt threshold on a system-wide basis.
  • the Bad ANI Table can be set to release numbers in a specified period of time, thus, automatically re-enabling calls from a given phone number. However, if the ANI has been in the Bad ANI Table many times (configurable), that ANI may be placed in a "Permanent" Bad ANI Table.
  • a service provider may include a surcharge for certain services, such as a printed historical call record report. These surcharges are typically flat fees set by the service provider.
  • a customer service representative can provide a balance transfer from one prepaid card to another prepaid card.
  • the cards in question must belong to the same application within system 50.
  • an agent or operator at terminal 56 may assist and attempt to complete the call while holding the customer on-line.
  • General account information may also be offered to the customer, such as the user's remaining account balance.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
  • Telephonic Communication Services (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne des processeurs permettant d'obtenir des services de télécommunications multiples, répartis en plusieurs endroits éloignés. Chaque processeur local assure le service aux abonnés demandeurs dans une certaine zone géographique. Tous les processeurs sont reliés à une base de données centrale unique, qui met à jour les données d'application et les informations sur la clientèle. Chaque processeur comporte un central de télécommunications pour mettre en contact les abonnés demandeurs avec les abonnés demandés. Les processeurs éloignés identifient les services de télécommunications désirés par les demandeurs en utilisant l'enregistrement automatique du numéro (EAN), l'identification du numéro composé de l'appel entrant (DNIS) ou des information spécifiées par les utilisateurs. Chaque processeur peut offrir un ou plusieurs des services suivants: appels prépayés, boîte vocale, pupitres directeurs automatiques, réponse vocale interactive, service automatisé à la clientèle et rappel international automatique.
EP99971188A 1998-10-28 1999-10-28 Reseau d'applications multiples a repartition geographique avec une base de donnees centrale Withdrawn EP1125424A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US181438 1980-08-25
US18143898A 1998-10-28 1998-10-28
PCT/US1999/025328 WO2000025505A1 (fr) 1998-10-28 1999-10-28 Reseau d'applications multiples a repartition geographique avec une base de donnees centrale

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1125424A1 true EP1125424A1 (fr) 2001-08-22

Family

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WO2000025505A1 (fr) 2000-05-04

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