Enhanced communication platform and related communication method using the platform

Abstract

Pre-authorized communication services and / or transactions are provided via a plurality of networks in response to a request received from a user to provide at least one of a communication service, a transaction and user account information via a plurality of networks of different types. Prior to processing the request, there is verification of the user's authorization to receive the at least one of the communication service, the transaction, and the user account information, and that an account associated with the user has a sufficient amount currently available for payment of the at least one of the communication service and the transaction. After verification, an authorized account associated with the user is charged in real time as the at least one of the communication service and the transaction is provided.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 894,890 filed Jun. 29, 2001, now pending, which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 395,868, filed Sep. 14, 1999, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,320,947, which claimed the priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 60 / 100,440 and 60 / 100,470, both filed Sep. 15 1998. The contents of application Ser. Nos. 09 / 395,868; 60 / 100,440; and 60 / 100,470 are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to communication systems for providing services to individual and corporate subscribers worldwide. More specifically, the invention relates to an advanced intelligent communication system that provides subscriber-requested services through existing communication switches even in those circumstances in which the hardware communication switch is not configu...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides enhanced communication services to users regardless of their location or equipment. It allows users to access advanced communication services through a method that includes receiving a personal identification number, authenticating it, requesting the service, verifying that the account has sufficient value, and providing the service. The invention also allows for the installation of an access card system in any telephone network in the world, providing advanced telephony services to customers. The system supports both prepaid and postpaid functionality, with extensive account management functions. Additionally, the invention connects to an existing public switched telephone network switch, allowing for the offer of advanced communication services without upgrading the switch. The invention also supports multiple vendor computer telephony integration boards through the design of a high level application programming interface.

Problems solved by technology

However, because such services are dependent on telephone carrier equipment, and because not all telephone switches can presently support all available advanced communication services, many subscribers are still unable to take advantage of these services at their home or at their place of business.

Furthermore, even though a subscriber may have such services available at his or her normal place for communication, the services may be unavailable should the user attempt access through another person's communication device, a personal computer, a portable telephone, or a public phone.

In other words, access to such services is extremely limited B restricted by the equipment in use, the equipment offered by the telephone carrier, and the prior sign-up by the particular subscriber.

Similarly, if a basic digital switch is used, some of the advanced services described above may not be available depending on the software of the digital switch.

Whichever upgrade measure is taken, the process is expensive and time-consuming to acquire, install, test, and maintain the requisite hardware and software.

Therefore, whether an analog switch is upgraded to a proprietary digital switching platform, such as those available from Lucent Technologies or Nortel, or an existing digital switch is upgraded to provide additional services, significant cost and effort are involved.

In addition to hardware and software limitations, access to advanced communication services is further limited by the payment platform utilized by the customer.

However, while prepaid calling cards have become a convenient method by which telephone calling services may be made available to customers worldwide, regardless of the telephone being used, such calling cards do not permit access to more advanced communication services, such as voice mail, call forwarding, or call conferencing.

The reason for this limitation is that present networks limit calling card access to simple calls for which the account represented by the card may be either debited or charged.

No integrated system exists that links calling card accounts with a database for offering more advanced services, such as a mailbox for voice mail messages or a pathway for conference calling or linking telephone numbers for call forwarding.

Another problem associated with the use of telephone calling cards through which advanced communication services may be purchased is the management, tracking, and accounting of such transactions.

This problem arises because most communication systems permitting use of telephone calling cards are concerned primarily with the authorized payment of delivering such services and because prepaid telephone cards often are purchased as a commodity and no linking between card usage and an identifiable account, person, or corporation can be maintained.

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