JP2672085B2 - Telephone call control system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a telephone call control system that enables cashless telephone calls. <Prior Art> Conventionally, a telephone can generally be used almost everywhere. Most phones are personal phones and charges are billed on a one-month or two-month basis. It is not always possible or easy to determine the time and charges each time a call is made for a single call. Therefore, using someone else's phone is often troublesome. In addition, long distance or long distance calls are not limited to a single region, but become more common as people travel and work more. Today, long-distance calls are made by charging for local telephones, such as telephones in hotel rooms. Long distance calls
For example, when using a public telephone, payment is made immediately. Long distance calls may also be made by billing the caller for the caller's home or business telephone, or by using the telephone company's credit card number. Alternatively, long-distance calls are made in the form of so-called collect calls if the called party agrees to bear the cost of the call, and charges for the call are charged. <Problems to be Solved by the Invention> These current methods for making long-distance calls and paying are particularly difficult. For example, if the call cost is charged for a telephone in a hotel room, the hotel side adds the cost to the call cost, so that the cost for the call becomes disproportionately large. It is extremely difficult to make a long-distance call from a public telephone. Because it requires a lot of coins,
I don't usually have one, especially during travel or business trips. Calls through the use of credit card numbers often result in incorrectly charged telephone credit card numbers. Further, in order to obtain telephone credits, a credit check is required, and it is often impossible to obtain credit settings. Similarly, a salesman may borrow a customer's telephone to call the office without paying the customer for the call cost, which is inconvenient.
In addition, when the call cost is charged to the office, there are the above-mentioned difficulties and the problem that the cost is added. In view of the conventional circumstances, the present invention allows the caller to use the most convenient personal telephone or public telephone when he / she wants to make a call, whether it is a local call or a long distance domestic / international call. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a telephone call control system that enables cashless calls without the need for post-payment. <Means for Solving the Problem> The technical means provided by the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is a telephone call control system having a special exchange part, and the special exchange part is a memory means and a code. It has a confirmation means, a deposit amount confirmation means, and a control means.The memory means stores a special code and a predetermined deposit amount in a series, and the balance of the deposit amount after deducting the call cost is recorded. It can be used as long as there is a balance of the deposit amount required to make a call from the time when payment corresponding to the amount is made, and the code confirmation means confirms the special code entered by the caller. The deposit amount confirmation means confirms the deposit amount or its balance stored in the memory means, the control means has a connecting / disconnecting means and a comparing means, and the comparing means stores the deposit amount stored in the memory means. The amount of money or its balance is compared with the minimum cost to start the call or the subsequent call cost, and the connecting / disconnecting means is used when the special code entered by the caller matches the one stored in the memory means. At
The deposit amount or its balance stored in the memory means
If it is more than the minimum cost for initiating a call, the call with the called party is connected, and if it becomes impossible to bear the subsequent call cost, the call connection with the called party is cut off. is there. <Operation> According to the present invention, according to the above configuration, the special code is obtained by paying a predetermined amount corresponding to the deposit amount, and the caller receives the special code and is connected to a special exchange unit. By entering the person's telephone number, the entered special code matches the special code stored in the memory means, and the deposit amount stored in the memory means or its balance is used to start the call. If it is more than the minimum cost, the call status is maintained by connecting the call with the called party, and the subsequent call cost is compared with the deposit amount or its balance by a comparison means to bear the subsequent call cost. When it is no longer available, the call connection with the called party is cut off. <Example> A customer, for example, a general telephone user or a traveler, pays with cash or a credit card to obtain a special code attached to the deposit amount and a predetermined telephone number for connecting to a special exchange unit. To get. These special codes and telephone numbers for special exchanges can be obtained through a general credit card company so that they can be paid from the credit card of the acquirer or can be purchased at points of sale such as airports, hotels, car rental offices, etc. You may do it. The deposit amount is stored in advance in the memory means of the special exchange unit together with a special code attached to each deposit amount, and the balance of the deposit amount after deducting the call cost is recorded. The special code and the telephone number for the special exchange are shown in block 12 of FIG. Then, the situation occurs where the acquirer wants to make a local or long distance call. The acquirer, or telephone user, removes the telephone handset and dials a predetermined telephone number to connect to the special exchange, as shown in blocks 13 and 14.
The telephone in this case may be a personal telephone. Upon connection to this special exchange, a special tone is sent from the exchange to the caller, as shown in block 16. When the caller hears a special tone that indicates that the special exchange computer is OK, the caller dials the obtained special code, as shown in block 17. If the special code number matches one of the special codes stored in the memory means and is authentic and the deposit amount is valid, then a call is made, as shown in blocks 18 and 19. The person is connected to a general telephone system, that is, a telephone line, and a normal dial tone is sent to the caller during the connection. A special exchange computer connects to the most economical telephone line available. Then, after the caller connects to the telephone line and receives a normal dial tone, the caller's desired called party telephone number is dialed, as indicated by block 21. Of course, this method
The configuration of the situation in which the calling party dials the telephone number of the called party while the special code is being confirmed after the special code is input is also included in the scope of the present invention. In this case, the control means of the special exchange section records the telephone number of the called party, and when a normal dial tone is emitted, the telephone number of the called party recorded in the control means is transmitted in block 21. Then, the calling party and the called party are connected to each other so that the call is completely made. In a preferred mode, the special exchange section gives a notice for notifying the usable deposit amount stored in the memory means or its balance, or the corresponding available call time with the called party. . This notification is, for example, an artificial voice or a pre-recorded voice. Such audible notification is indicated by block 22.
As shown in block 23, the notification is made according to the charge rate depending on the communication distance between the calling party and the called party. In a further preferred embodiment, the confirmation of the deposit amount is carried out simultaneously with the confirmation of the special code number. If the special code is invalid, a caller is prompted to try again, as shown in block 24. The caller is allowed multiple retries (eg, three) before being cut off from the special switch as shown in blocks 26 and 27. When making the second and third redo, a special dial tone is received. After the third redo, the connection with the special exchange is disconnected after receiving a recorded notification that the special code is not valid. Also, as mentioned above, when the calling party and the called party are connected and a call is being made, the normal time / distance calculation circuit represented by the peg counter as shown in block 28 can be used. Start to provide information to convert your deposit amount or its balance into talk time. The information from the peg counter is sent to the comparison means, as indicated at block 29, to continuously measure whether the caller's deposit amount or its balance is sufficient to pay the call costs. When the deposit amount or its balance falls below the unit used for the time change, the call is automatically terminated by the computer as shown in block 31. Block 31 disconnects the caller from the called party, but the connection to the computer is maintained, and the caller is informed to enter another special code, if any. It This operation is shown in block 32. If you enter another special code here, YE in block 33
The calling party can again receive the dial tone and dial the called party, as shown at the S output. In other words, the calling party returns to the input of block 17, where he receives a computer tone and is instructed to dial another special code and the called party's telephone number. All the steps of blocks 17, 19, 21 etc. are repeated until a new call is connected. When the caller does not have another special code, the special exchange and the caller are disconnected. Thereafter, the caller simply hangs up the telephone. Block 34, even after block 29, by the caller
You can end the call as shown in. In other words,
The call is ended by the computer or by the caller beyond the call time. If the caller terminates the call and there is still a deposit or balance, the caller will again receive a normal dial tone and only need to dial another callee if desired. If you do not want to dial another called party, drop the handset to the hookswitch. If you want to talk to another called party, check the normal dial tone and dial the called party's telephone number. At this time, the caller does not need to repeat the procedure for connecting to the computer and the confirmation procedure. Since it has already been checked and confirmed, it is connected to a normal dial tone. This procedure is repeated as long as the deposit amount or its balance remains. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the basic operation of the telephone call control system. The calling party's telephone is shown at 81. The telephone 81 is connected to a general telephone system indicated by reference numeral 82, that is, a telephone line. The calling party dials the special code after connecting with the special exchange section indicated by the code A, and the special code is confirmed by the code confirmation means indicated by the reference numeral 83. The confirmation of the special code by the code confirmation means 83 is performed by examining a part of the memory means designated by the special code in order to confirm whether or not the special code is valid. If the valid special code is confirmed, the deposit amount or the balance corresponding to the special code is checked in the memory means, and the deposit amount or the balance is checked. The deposit amount or the balance thereof is confirmed by the deposit amount confirmation means indicated by reference numeral 84. The memory means is indicated by reference numeral 86, and although this memory means 86 is arranged in the special exchange section A in FIG. 2, it may be arranged outside the special exchange section A. The circuits forming the code confirmation means 83 and the deposit amount means 84 respectively include the memory means 86 via a bus (bus line) 85.
Connected to. The memory means 86 is compartmentalized, whereby the special code is easily checked by checking only the part of the memory means corresponding to the special code. Similarly, to confirm the deposit amount or its balance, once the special code is confirmed, the memory means 86
Done by checking another part of the. When both the special code and the deposit amount or the balance thereof are confirmed, the caller telephone 81 is actuated by the connecting / disconnecting means indicated by the reference numeral 92, and the redialing means 89 through the register 88 constituting the above-mentioned control means. Connected to. This register 88 records the telephone number of the called party inputted from the calling party, and after the confirmation, instructs the redialing means 89 to dial the telephone number of the called party, and the dialed telephone number. And a dial tone is sent to the telephone line 82 through the route selection means (router) 91. The router 91 selects the most economical route possible in terms of cost to the calling party if it is a toll call and connects to the called party's telephone. The register 88 records the charge rate according to the call distance and the unit for time conversion, and the minimum cost required for the call to the called party input from the caller and the call. The cost required to maintain the call is checked and the call cost after connecting with the called party is recorded. Then, by the comparison means indicated by the reference numeral 93, the deposit amount or the balance thereof stored in the memory means 86, the minimum cost for starting the call, the cost necessary for maintaining the call, and the subsequent call cost. Are compared with each other, and the connection with the called party is performed only when the deposit amount or the balance thereof is larger than the minimum cost for starting the call, and after the connection, the call cost and the deposit amount or the balance thereof are connected. By comparing the relations, when it becomes impossible to bear the call cost thereafter, the connecting / disconnecting means 92 is operated so as to disconnect the call between the calling party and the called party. Further, the notifying means for the purpose shown in block 22 in FIG. 1 is designated by the reference numeral 87, which notifying means 87 is connected to the comparing means 93. The notifying means 87 is for notifying by voice as described above, but instead of this, it is also possible to perform notifying by visual display method. On the other hand, the user who is the calling party can disconnect from the called party by dialing a special number, and can be kept connected to the special exchange A.
The caller can change or add another special code during, before and after the call and still remain connected to the special exchange A. According to a preferred embodiment, the caller can use a special number, eg 999, to end the call. Therefore, the caller can make another call without having to dial again the telephone number and the special code for connecting to the special exchange unit A. In addition, the caller may use another special number, for example 88
8 can be used. In other words, another special code can be input during a call with the called party to continue / extend the call between the calling party and the called party. In order to prevent the state where the calling party's deposit amount is checked for making a call, or during the call, two different telephones are simultaneously used with the same special code, a predetermined position in the memory means 86 is provided. It should be understood that the special code in use is written. Also, the special code is invalidated and becomes unusable when the deposit amount or its balance runs out, or when the deposit amount falls below a predetermined amount. If necessary, regardless of the balance, the information may be invalidated uniformly after a predetermined period has elapsed from the acquisition and may be disabled. Furthermore,
The special exchange section A is capable of exchanging information on a special code and a deposit amount among a plurality of special exchange sections. It should be understood that while the invention has been described with respect to particular embodiments and methods, these are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. For example, a special public telephone that automatically connects to the special exchange unit A may be installed, and the special public telephone may be directly connected to the special exchange unit A without dialing a telephone number. <Effects of the Invention> As described above, according to the present invention, a special code is obtained by paying a predetermined amount corresponding to the deposit amount, and the caller is in a state where the special code is connected and the special code is connected to the special code. By inputting the telephone number of the called party, the entered special code matches the special code stored in the memory means, and the deposit amount stored in the memory means or its balance starts the call. If the cost is higher than the minimum cost to maintain the call state, the call state is maintained by connecting the call with the called party, and the call cost after that is compared with the deposit amount or its balance by the comparison means, and the call cost after that. When it is no longer possible to bear the load, it is configured to cut off the call connection with the called party, so it is possible to make a cashless call without the need for post-payment by simply entering a special code Becomes Moreover, since the deposit amount and the special code are stored in advance in the special exchange unit, it is only necessary to pay the corresponding amount when the special code is acquired, and the trouble of inputting data such as deposit to the special exchange unit is eliminated. No need at all. Furthermore, it is not necessary to provide a special means for reading information recorded on a data storage card such as a magnetic card or a special means for receiving information from a service subscriber on the telephone side, and the existing general Since the telephone can be used as it is, there is no need to deploy a large number of special telephones in order to extend the call range, so that the telephone can be used practically and economically.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a flow chart of a telephone call control system showing an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram. A: special exchange section, 83 code confirmation means, 84 deposit amount confirmation means, 86, memory means, 87 notification means, 88, control means (register) 89, redial means, 91 ... … Route selection means (router) 92 …… Connecting / blocking means, 93 …… Comparison means

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] A telephone call control system having a special exchange section (A), wherein the special exchange section (A) includes a memory means (86), a code confirmation means (83), a deposit amount confirmation means (84) and a control means. (8
8) and, the memory means (86) stores a special code in a predetermined deposit amount and a series of deposit amounts, and records the balance of the deposit amount less call charges, and the special code corresponds to the deposit amount. The code confirmation means (83) confirms the special code entered by the caller and deposits the deposit. The amount confirmation means (84) confirms the deposit amount or its balance stored in the memory means (86), and the control means (88) has a connection / disconnection means (92) and a comparison means (93). The comparing means (93) compares the deposit amount or its balance stored in the memory means (86) with the minimum cost for starting the call or the call cost thereafter, and the connecting / disconnecting means (92) , Special code entered by the caller is a memory means (86) When the deposit amount or the balance thereof stored in the memory means (86) is larger than the minimum cost for starting the call when the match with the stored one is established, the call with the called party is connected, A call control system for telephones that cuts off the call connection with the called party when the subsequent call costs cannot be covered. 2. The telephone call control system according to claim 1, wherein the comparing means (93) has a peg counter means. 3. The control means (88) has a timing means, and the timing means maintains the connection between the calling party and the special exchange (A) for a certain period of time after the calling party has finished talking with the called party. A call control system for a telephone according to claim 1. 4. The telephone call control system according to claim 1, wherein the control means (88) controls the special sound generation means for indicating the connection between the special exchange section (A) and the caller. 5. The telephone according to claim 1, wherein the control means (88) has means for connecting the special code and the deposit amount information so as to be exchangeable with each other across the plurality of special exchange sections (A). Call control system. 6. The special exchange section (A) has means for allowing additional input of another special code while the connection / cutoff means (92) is connecting the call between the calling party and the called party. A call control system for a telephone according to claim 1. 7. The telephone call control system according to claim 1, wherein the special exchange section (A) has means for preventing the use of the same special code from two different callers at the same time. 8. In the special exchange section (A), the code confirmation means (83)
The method according to claim 1, further comprising means for permitting the input of the telephone number of the calling party after confirming that the special code entered by the calling party matches the one stored in the memory means (86). Call control system for the listed phones. 9. The special exchange unit (A) disconnects the connection with the called party while maintaining the connection between the calling party and the special exchange unit (A), while the calling party sets the telephone number of another called party. The telephone call control system according to claim 1, comprising means for enabling input. 10. The special exchange section (A) has a notification means (87), and the notification means (87) notifies the caller of the balance of the deposit amount that can be used, and the telephone according to claim 1. Call control system. 11. The special exchange section (A) has a notification means (87),
The control means (88) calculates a usable call time corresponding to the deposit amount or its balance, and the notifying means (87) notifies the caller of the remaining usable call time. A call control system for a telephone set forth in paragraph. 12. The special exchange section (A) has a redial means (89), and the redial means (89) stores the special code input by the caller by the code confirmation means (83) in the memory means (86). The telephone call control system according to claim 1, wherein the telephone number of the called party inputted after the special code is inputted is confirmed after it is confirmed that the telephone number matches the entered one. 13. The telephone call control system according to claim 1, wherein the special exchange section (A) has a route selecting means (91), and the route selecting means (91) selects the cheapest route.