Method and apparatus for performing an automated collect call

Patent 5483581 Issued on January 9, 1996. Estimated Expiration Date:

June 6, 2014. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

Patent References

3813495

3829617

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Inventors

Assignee

Intellicall, Inc.

Application

No. 254919 filed on 06/06/1994

US Classes:

379/132, Paystation (e.g., escrow control)379/91.01, Credit authorization379/93.05, Terminal interface circuitry379/144.02Collect calling from payphone

Examiners

Primary: Chin, Stephen
Assistant: Loomis, Paul

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Baker & Botts

Foreign Patent References

0185365 EP. 06/13/1986
2600850 EP. 12/13/1987
63-03305 JP. 12/13/1988
2134749 GB. 08/13/1984

International Classes

H04M 011/00
H04M 015/00
H04M 012/00

Abstract

A telephone system and method of operation are disclosed which use a microprocessor control system (10), a speech generator (34) and speech memory (46) to automatically place collect calls without the need of a live operator. The telephone uses the microprocessor control system (10) and a speech record/playback generator (44) to receive a destination number and a recorded name from a user. The telephone uses the speech generator (34) to play audio messages to prompt the user throughout the process. The phone informs a called party of the identity of the user and receives responses from the called party through a DTMF receiver (52). A communication path is established through a telephone line interface (38) if the phone receives a response indicating the called party accepts the charges for the collect call. The microprocessor control system (10) generates a billing record for the call which is stored in a call record memory (11). The billing record can later be retrieved to facilitate billing the call.

Other References

Operator Services Systems Generic Requirements (OSSGR), vol. 3, "Feature Specific Documents", Technical Reference TSY-000271 (FSD 85-01-0100), Calling Card Service, published by Bell Communications Research, Revision 3, dated Mar. 1988
Operator Services Systems Generic Requirements (OSSGR), vol. 3, "Feature Specific Documents", Technical Reference TSY-00271 (FSD 85-01-0200), Collect Billing, published by Bell Communications Research, Revision 3, dated Mar. 1988
Exhibits A-N comprise various material which have been compiled by Applicants. These materials are described in detail herein and are associated with the interaction of Applicants with representatives of Microdevices, Inc. with respect to systems marketed by Microdevices
Various exhibits A-N supplied by Applican