WO2004068833A1 - Method and system for reverse-charge calling - Google Patents

Method and system for reverse-charge calling Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2004068833A1
WO2004068833A1 PCT/IB2004/000216 IB2004000216W WO2004068833A1 WO 2004068833 A1 WO2004068833 A1 WO 2004068833A1 IB 2004000216 W IB2004000216 W IB 2004000216W WO 2004068833 A1 WO2004068833 A1 WO 2004068833A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
charge
reverse
callers
call
approved
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2004/000216
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Ari Kahn
Original Assignee
Ari Kahn
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 Ari Kahn filed Critical Ari Kahn
Publication of WO2004068833A1 publication Critical patent/WO2004068833A1/en

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
    • H04M15/70—Administration or customization aspects; Counter-checking correct charges
    • H04M15/745—Customizing according to wishes of subscriber, e.g. friends or family
    • 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
    • H04M15/08—Metering calls to called party, i.e. B-party charged for the communication
    • 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
    • H04M15/90—Arrangements for metering, time-control or time indication ; Metering, charging or billing arrangements for voice wireline or wireless communications, e.g. VoIP using Intelligent Networks [IN] or Advanced Intelligent Networks [AIN]
    • 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
    • H04M3/527—Centralised call answering arrangements not requiring operator intervention
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M2203/00—Aspects of automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
    • H04M2203/20—Aspects of automatic or semi-automatic exchanges related to features of supplementary services
    • H04M2203/2011—Service processing based on information specified by a party before or during a call, e.g. information, tone or routing selection
    • 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
    • H04M2215/0108—Customization according to wishes of subscriber, e.g. customer preferences, friends and family, selecting services or billing options, Personal Communication Systems [PCS]
    • 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
    • H04M2215/016—Billing using Intelligent Networks [IN] or Advanced Intelligent Networks [AIN]
    • 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
    • H04M2215/0168—On line or real-time flexible customization or negotiation according to wishes of subscriber
    • 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
    • H04M2215/0176—Billing arrangements using internet
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M2215/00—Metering arrangements; Time controlling arrangements; Time indicating arrangements
    • H04M2215/62—Called party billing, e.g. reverse billing, freephone, collect call, 0800 or 0900
    • 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
    • H04M3/42025—Calling or Called party identification service
    • H04M3/42085—Called party identification service
    • H04M3/42102—Making use of the called party identifier
    • H04M3/4211—Making use of the called party identifier where the identifier is used to access a profile
    • 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
    • H04M3/436—Arrangements for screening incoming calls, i.e. evaluating the characteristics of a call before deciding whether to answer it

Definitions

  • THIS invention relates to a method and a system for implementing reverse-charge calling.
  • a method of setting up reverse- charge calls from callers to a subscriber of a telephony network comprising:
  • the reverse-charge call is established automatically if the caller is identified as an approved reverse-charge caller.
  • the subscriber receiving the call may be required to confirm acceptance of the call.
  • the method includes generating a notification to at least one of the subscriber and the caller that the call is a reverse-charge call.
  • the notification could comprise a prerecorded in-call announcement made to either or both parties.
  • the method may further comprise selectively diverting calls which do not originate from approved reverse-charge callers. For example, such calls can be diverted to voicemail.
  • a system for setting up reverse-charge calls comprising: a telephony network with a plurality of subscribers;
  • At least one database for storing data received from subscribers and identifying one or more approved reverse-charge callers
  • At least one service control point with screening logic arranged to monitor calls to subscribers whose data is stored in the database, to identify calls originating from the one or more approved reverse- charge callers and to initiate reverse-charge billing if incoming calls to such subscribers are identified as originating from approved reverse-charge callers.
  • the system may include an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) center accessible by subscribers to enter data identifying approved reverse- charge callers.
  • IVR Interactive Voice Response
  • the system may include a website accessible by subscribers to enter data identifying approved reverse-charge callers.
  • the single drawing is a simplified diagrammatic illustration of a system for setting up reverse-charge calls according to the invention.
  • the method and system of the invention are preferably implemented in a modern telephony network, including conventional fixed or wireless networks, and particularly an intelligent network platform which comprises a plurality of distributed and scalable network nodes which handle call setup logic.
  • a modern telephony network including conventional fixed or wireless networks, and particularly an intelligent network platform which comprises a plurality of distributed and scalable network nodes which handle call setup logic.
  • a subscriber 10 of a telephony network who wishes to set up a group of approved reverse-charge callers makes a call to a predetermined number of an IVR (Interactive Voice Response) centre provided for the purpose. Following predetermined prompts, the subscriber enters the telephone numbers of one or more approved reverse-charge callers, which are stored in a database 12.
  • IVR Interactive Voice Response
  • Such approved callers will typically be family members, particularly children who may be operating on prepaid airtime contracts and may have limited funds.
  • the subscriber could access a web site or could contact an operator, for example, to enter or change the relevant data.
  • Access to the database 12 is controlled by a service control point 14 comprising one or more servers which run software which contains screening logic for monitoring incoming calls in order to determine whether or not they originate from callers whose numbers are stored in the database.
  • a caller 16 When a caller 16 makes a call to the subscriber 10, it is initially routed via a switch 18 to a signaling transfer point 20, which routes the call, possibly via a further switch 22, to the called subscriber 10.
  • the logic of the service control point screens the call, utilising the data in the database 12, and if the caller's number corresponds to a stored approved reverse-charge caller, reverse-charge billing is initiated.
  • the system is set up to initiate reverse-charge billing automatically.
  • a notification to the subscriber 10 for example, in the form of an in-call notification, advising the subscriber that the call being received is a reverse-charge call, and requiring confirmation that the call is accepted before completing the connection.
  • Acceptance of the call can be confirmed by the subscriber pressing a predetermined button on the subscriber's telephone, for example, thus sending a DTMF signal or data signal to the network confirming acceptance of the call.
  • a notification is generated, preferably to both the subscriber and the caller, informing them that the call is a reverse-charge call.
  • the notification can comprise an in-call notification.
  • the described method and system have a number of advantages. Firstly, it is not necessary for a caller to dial a special number in order to place a reverse-charge call.
  • the caller simply dials the subscriber's usual number, and a reverse-charge call can be established automatically, under the control of the subscriber, who can add or delete the numbers of approved callers at will.
  • incoming calls generally do not carry caller identity all the way to the destination network, and significant costs may be incurred by the subscriber in receiving such calls.
  • the system of the invention provides for the diverting of all calls other than calls from approved callers to voicemail, enabling this problem to be controlled.

Abstract

A method and system for setting up reverse-charge calls from callers to a subscriber of a telephony network are disclosed. A subscriber contacts the network via a website or an IVR center, for example, and enters data identifying one or more approved reverse-charge callers. Calls to the subscriber are monitored to identify calls originating from any of the approved reverse-charge callers, and a reverse-charge call is established automatically if it is identified as originating from an approved reverse-charge caller. Alternatively, the subscriber can be notified that an incoming call originates from such an approved reverse-charge caller, and decide whether or not to accept the call.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR REVERSE-CHARGE CALLING
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
THIS invention relates to a method and a system for implementing reverse-charge calling.
The concept of reverse-charge calls is well known. Traditionally, a calling party wishing to make a reverse-charge call to a called party would contact an operator, who would in turn contact the called party to obtain the called parties consent to the charges. With the advent of modern telephone networks and, more recently, cellular networks with enhanced functionality, the possibility exists of simplifying the procedure of making reverse-charge calls. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the invention there is provided a method of setting up reverse- charge calls from callers to a subscriber of a telephony network, the method comprising:
receiving and storing data from the subscriber identifying one or more approved reverse-charge callers;
monitoring calls to the subscriber to identify calls originating from the one or more approved reverse-charge callers; and
establishing a reverse-charge call if an incoming call to the subscriber is identified as a originating from an approved reverse- charge caller.
Preferably, the reverse-charge call is established automatically if the caller is identified as an approved reverse-charge caller.
Alternatively, the subscriber receiving the call may be required to confirm acceptance of the call.
Preferably, the method includes generating a notification to at least one of the subscriber and the caller that the call is a reverse-charge call.
For example, the notification could comprise a prerecorded in-call announcement made to either or both parties.
The method may further comprise selectively diverting calls which do not originate from approved reverse-charge callers. For example, such calls can be diverted to voicemail.
Further according to the invention there is provided a system for setting up reverse-charge calls, the system comprising: a telephony network with a plurality of subscribers;
at least one database for storing data received from subscribers and identifying one or more approved reverse-charge callers; and
at least one service control point with screening logic arranged to monitor calls to subscribers whose data is stored in the database, to identify calls originating from the one or more approved reverse- charge callers and to initiate reverse-charge billing if incoming calls to such subscribers are identified as originating from approved reverse-charge callers.
The system may include an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) center accessible by subscribers to enter data identifying approved reverse- charge callers.
Alternatively, or in addition, the system may include a website accessible by subscribers to enter data identifying approved reverse-charge callers.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
The single drawing is a simplified diagrammatic illustration of a system for setting up reverse-charge calls according to the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT
The method and system of the invention are preferably implemented in a modern telephony network, including conventional fixed or wireless networks, and particularly an intelligent network platform which comprises a plurality of distributed and scalable network nodes which handle call setup logic. Although the proposed method and system can operate across networks, it is easiest to implement homogeneously, that is, where the called and calling parties are members of the same network, to facilitate billing.
Referring now to the drawing, a subscriber 10 of a telephony network who wishes to set up a group of approved reverse-charge callers makes a call to a predetermined number of an IVR (Interactive Voice Response) centre provided for the purpose. Following predetermined prompts, the subscriber enters the telephone numbers of one or more approved reverse-charge callers, which are stored in a database 12. Such approved callers will typically be family members, particularly children who may be operating on prepaid airtime contracts and may have limited funds.
Instead of accessing an IVR center, the subscriber could access a web site or could contact an operator, for example, to enter or change the relevant data.
Access to the database 12 is controlled by a service control point 14 comprising one or more servers which run software which contains screening logic for monitoring incoming calls in order to determine whether or not they originate from callers whose numbers are stored in the database.
When a caller 16 makes a call to the subscriber 10, it is initially routed via a switch 18 to a signaling transfer point 20, which routes the call, possibly via a further switch 22, to the called subscriber 10. At the same time, the logic of the service control point screens the call, utilising the data in the database 12, and if the caller's number corresponds to a stored approved reverse-charge caller, reverse-charge billing is initiated.
Preferably, the system is set up to initiate reverse-charge billing automatically. However, it is possible to generate a notification to the subscriber 10, for example, in the form of an in-call notification, advising the subscriber that the call being received is a reverse-charge call, and requiring confirmation that the call is accepted before completing the connection.
Acceptance of the call can be confirmed by the subscriber pressing a predetermined button on the subscriber's telephone, for example, thus sending a DTMF signal or data signal to the network confirming acceptance of the call.
In either case, once the reverse-charge call commences, a notification is generated, preferably to both the subscriber and the caller, informing them that the call is a reverse-charge call. Again, the notification can comprise an in-call notification.
The described method and system have a number of advantages. Firstly, it is not necessary for a caller to dial a special number in order to place a reverse-charge call. The caller simply dials the subscriber's usual number, and a reverse-charge call can be established automatically, under the control of the subscriber, who can add or delete the numbers of approved callers at will. In the case of a subscriber who is roaming internationally, incoming calls generally do not carry caller identity all the way to the destination network, and significant costs may be incurred by the subscriber in receiving such calls. The system of the invention provides for the diverting of all calls other than calls from approved callers to voicemail, enabling this problem to be controlled.
It is envisaged that the described method and system will increase revenue from subscribers making use of the service, as callers such as children with limited prepaid airtime will be able to call more frequently and for longer, even with zero airtime of their own. This will tend to reduce the frequency of prepaid top-ups.

Claims

1. A method of setting up reverse-charge calls from callers to a subscriber of a telephony network, the method comprising:
receiving and storing data from the subscriber identifying one or more approved reverse-charge callers;
monitoring calls to the subscriber to identify calls originating from the one or more approved reverse-charge callers; and
establishing a reverse-charge call if an incoming call to the subscriber is identified as a originating from an approved reverse-charge caller.
2. A method according to claim 1 wherein the reverse-charge call is established automatically if the caller is identified as an approved reverse-charge caller.
3. A method according to claim 1 wherein the subscriber receiving the call is required to confirm acceptance of the call.
4. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 3 including generating a notification to at least one of the subscriber and the caller that the call is a reverse-charge call.
5. A method according to claim 4 wherein the notification comprises a prerecorded in-call announcement made to either or both parties.
6. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 5 further comprising selectively diverting calls which do not originate from approved reverse-charge callers.
7. A method according to claim 6 wherein calls which do not originate from approved reverse-charge callers are diverted to voicemail.
8. A system for setting up reverse-charge calls, the system comprising:
a telephony network with a plurality of subscribers;
at least one database for storing data received from subscribers and identifying one or more approved reverse- charge callers; and
at least one service control point with screening logic arranged to monitor calls to subscribers whose data is stored in the database, to identify calls originating from the one or more approved reverse-charge callers and to initiate reverse-charge billing if incoming calls to such subscribers are identified as originating from approved reverse-charge callers.
9. A system according to claim 8 including an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) center accessible by subscribers to enter data identifying approved reverse-charge callers.
10. A system according to claim 8 or claim 9 including a website accessible by subscribers to enter data identifying approved reverse-charge callers.
PCT/IB2004/000216 2003-01-30 2004-01-30 Method and system for reverse-charge calling WO2004068833A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ZA2003/0822 2003-01-30
ZA200300822 2003-01-30

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2004068833A1 true WO2004068833A1 (en) 2004-08-12

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2011069551A1 (en) * 2009-12-10 2011-06-16 Nokia Corporation Supporting collect calls
EP2621155A1 (en) * 2012-01-27 2013-07-31 Alcatel Lucent Charging of calls in a communication network

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH01296758A (en) * 1988-05-24 1989-11-30 Nec Corp Automatic charging system for payment by called party
US5473671A (en) * 1994-03-11 1995-12-05 At&T Corp. Selective screening of incoming calls for cellular telephone systems
WO2002025923A1 (en) * 2000-09-19 2002-03-28 Nokia Corporation Method for providing a collect call service in a mobile communication system
US6442257B1 (en) * 1999-06-15 2002-08-27 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Configuration for charging in a telephone network and method for operating such a configuration

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH01296758A (en) * 1988-05-24 1989-11-30 Nec Corp Automatic charging system for payment by called party
US5473671A (en) * 1994-03-11 1995-12-05 At&T Corp. Selective screening of incoming calls for cellular telephone systems
US6442257B1 (en) * 1999-06-15 2002-08-27 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Configuration for charging in a telephone network and method for operating such a configuration
WO2002025923A1 (en) * 2000-09-19 2002-03-28 Nokia Corporation Method for providing a collect call service in a mobile communication system

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2011069551A1 (en) * 2009-12-10 2011-06-16 Nokia Corporation Supporting collect calls
EP2621155A1 (en) * 2012-01-27 2013-07-31 Alcatel Lucent Charging of calls in a communication network
WO2013110426A3 (en) * 2012-01-27 2013-10-24 Alcatel-Lucent International Charging of calls in a communication network
US9215333B2 (en) 2012-01-27 2015-12-15 Alcatel Lucent Charging of calls in a communication network

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