WO2009116991A1

WO2009116991A1 - System, method and apparatus for placing a telephone call

Info

Publication number: WO2009116991A1
Application number: PCT/US2008/057248
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael David Choupak; Eduard Romanov
Original assignee: Stanacard Llc
Priority date: 2008-03-17
Filing date: 2008-03-17
Publication date: 2009-09-24

Abstract

Systems, methods and apparatuses combine the identity of the caller and the particular number dialed to properly connect the call. Each caller-subscriber correlates a common bank of assigned incoming telephone numbers to personal dialing numbers of recipients. Incoming calls from a particular caller-subscriber on a particular assigned incoming telephone number translates to a particular intended recipient, and the connection is made.

Description

SYSTEM, METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PLACING A TELEPHONE CALL

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a new telephony paradigm for placing a telephone call and, more particularly, to improved methodologies for placing a telephone call that is forwarded to another location.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Calling cards have been utilized by calling card holders to complete their telephone calls for countless millions of users around the world. There are many benefits for using a calling card over standard systems. For example, by using a calling card, the caller is able to negotiate a favorable per minute rate to complete their telephone calls. Further, besides the amount of minutes pre-purchased through a calling card plan, there is typically no long term obligation to continue with a calling card plan. In addition, a calling card holder is typically able to utilize any telephone within a general geographic area to complete their telephone call without incurring any toll charges to the originating telephone.

However, despite their significant advantages, utilizing a calling card is often times more difficult than directly dialing the recipient's telephone number. For example, some calling card plans require the calling party to initially dial a general toll-free number to a calling card center. After calling the calling card center, the calling party enters their identification code, authenticating their identity, and then finally dials the recipient's telephone number. Further complicating the situation is that, if the calling card is lost or stolen, a person possessing the calling card is typically capable of using this calling card to complete their own telephone calls. Thus, there remains a need for a method, apparatus and system that eliminates the limitations of calling cards, simplifies the call placement process, and provides users with a cost-effective alternative to the methodologies offered by incumbent carriers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The systems, methods and apparatuses of the present invention combine the identity of the caller and the particular number dialed to properly connect the call. Each caller-subscriber correlates a common bank of assigned incoming telephone numbers to personal dialing numbers of recipients. Incoming calls from a particular caller-subscriber on a particular assigned incoming telephone number translates to a particular intended recipient, and the connection is made.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying Drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate and explain various aspects of the systems, methods and apparatuses for placing a telephone call pursuant to the teachings of the present invention. In the Drawings,

FIGURE 1 is a diagram illustrating an environment within which the systems, methods and apparatuses for placing a telephone call are implemented;

FIGURE 2 is a simplified block diagram illustrating an embodiment in which systems, methods and apparatuses for placing a telephone call are implemented;

FIGURE 3 is a simplified block diagram illustrating a system, consistent with the methods and apparatuses, for placing a telephone call pursuant to the present invention; FIGURE 4 is an exemplary record for use with the methods and apparatuses for placing a telephone call;

FIGURE 5 is a simplified block diagram illustrating a system, consistent with the methods and apparatuses, for placing a telephone call pursuant to the present invention; and FIGURE 6 is a flow diagram consistent with one embodiment of the systems, methods and apparatuses for placing a telephone call pursuant to the teachings of the instant invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The following detailed description is presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. For purposes of explanation, specific nomenclature is set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that these specific details are not required to practice the invention. Descriptions of specific applications are provided only as representative examples. Various modifications to the preferred embodiments will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest possible scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.

The following detailed description of various methods and apparatuses for placing a telephone call also refers to the accompanying Drawings, described hereinabove. The detailed description is not intended to limit the systems, methods and apparatuses for placing a telephone call. Instead, the scope of the systems, methods and apparatuses for placing a telephone call is defined by the appended claims and equivalents. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many other implementations are possible, consistent with the present invention. In a conventional telephony system a caller places a call within a local access and transport area (LATA) by directly dialing the telephone number of a person whom the caller wishes to call. Even though this approach is the most straightforward way of establishing telephone calls, it may not be the most economical way of establishing such calls, as the caller is locked to a pricing schedule set by incumbent noncompetitive Inter-LATA carriers. This is particularly true with respect to long distance and international carriers. As mentioned above, an industry-wide, first-order solution to this problem in the past has been the use of so-called calling cards, which generally provide alternative, more economical services to the consumer. Generally, calling cards usage requires the caller to dial an alternative third-party gateway, whereupon the caller is authenticated and then allowed to dial the intended call recipient number. This first-order solution, however, has a number of limitations, thwarting widespread public acceptance.

The present invention offers a complete solution by providing users with the ability to both establish a call to a recipient by dialing only a single telephone number and still have the call routed through an alternative gateway. As discussed further hereinbelow, the present invention automates the authentication of the user and generally eliminates this cumbersome step by identifying the user, preferably, through the caller ID information of the originating telephone used for call placement. Each user is preferably provided with a set of assigned telephone numbers that can be associated with a set of corresponding call recipient numbers so as to provide each user with the ability to place alternative network routed calls using a only a single telephone number, without requiring each user to actively participate in an authentication process or to dial a secondary number. The amelioration or elimination of the authorization step offers considerable advantages over existing calling card or other paradigms. Generally, the aforementioned assigned telephone numbers are access telephone numbers for the alternative gateway that is responsive to calls designating as coming from the incoming assigned telephone numbers. Further, each user may be allowed to register a bank of numbers with the system so as to facilitate user identification based on the caller ID information received during the call establishment phase. For example, to establish a call, the user dials an assigned number (call identifier) that has been previously associated with a call recipient telephone number (recipient device identifier) from a device with a registered caller ID, upon receiving the incoming call, the system identifies the user based on the registered caller ID and then directs the call to a telephone (or other communication device) associated with the recipient telephone number. Preferably, the same assigned numbers may be used by a plurality of users for placement of calls to their respective call recipient, with the respective users and their respective lists differentiated from each other by virtue of the respective caller IDs, thereby permitting re -use of those assigned numbers.

With reference now to the Drawings, FIGURE 1 is a diagram illustrating an environment within which the systems, methods and apparatuses for placing a telephone call pursuant to the present invention are implemented. The environment includes an electronic device 110 (e.g., a land line telephone, a cellular telephone, a satellite telephone, and the like) of a client, a user interface 115, a network 120 (e.g., a local area network, a home network, the Internet, telephone network), and a server 130 (e.g., a computing platform configured to act as a server).

In one feature of the instant invention, one or more user interface 115 components are made integral with the electronic device 110 (e.g., keypad, video display screen, telephone, and speaker). In other features, one or more user interface 115 components, such as a keyboard, a pointing device (e.g., mouse and trackball), a display, and a camera are physically separate from, and are conventionally coupled to, the electronic device 110.

Generally, the user utilizes interface 115 to access and control content and applications stored in the electronic device 110, the server 130, or a remote storage device coupled via network 120.

It should be understood that methodologies for placing a telephone call pursuant to the teachings of the present invention are executed by an electronic processor in electronic device 110, in server 130, or by processors in electronic device 110 and in server 130 acting together. Server 130 is illustrated in FIGURE 1 as being a single computing platform, but in other instances are two or more interconnected computing platforms that act as a server, as is understood in the art.

It should further be understood that the systems, methods and apparatuses for placing a telephone call are shown in the context of exemplary embodiments of applications in which a user dials an assigned incoming telephone number to reach a recipient that is associated with this assigned incoming telephone number.

Generally, the systems, methods and apparatuses for placing a telephone call utilize a record associated with a user to track user information, such as the user's selected telephone numbers, recipients associated with assigned incoming telephone numbers, and funds.

With reference now to FIGURE 2, there is a simplified diagram illustrating an exemplary architecture in which the systems, methods and apparatuses for placing a telephone call are implemented. The exemplary architecture includes a plurality of devices 110, a server device 130, and a network 120 connecting devices 110, to server 130 and each device 110 to each other.

The plurality of devices 110 shown in FIGURE 2 are each configured, for example, to include a speaker 208 and a microphone 209. As is understood, each of the plurality of devices 110 is associated with a unique telephone number. Alternatively, it should be understood that multiple devices 110 may share the same telephone number, and a unique user operates each electronic device 110 via an interface 115, as described with reference to FIGURE 1.

With reference again to FIGURE 2, server device 130 includes a processor 211, e.g., coupled to a computer-readable medium 212. It should be understood that the server device 130 is coupled to one or more additional external or internal devices, such as, without limitation, a secondary data storage element, such as a database 240.

In one instance, processor 211 is manufactured by Intel Corporation, of Santa Clara, California. In other instances, other microprocessors are used.

It should further be understood that the plurality of devices 110 and the server 130 include instructions for a customized application for placing a telephone call. For example, the computer-readable media 212 may contain, in part, the customized application. Additionally, the plurality of devices 110 and the server 130 are configured to receive and transmit electronic signals for use with the customized application. Similarly, the network 120 is configured to transmit electronic messages for use with the customized application and is configured to transmit voice signals between multiple devices 110.

With reference now to FIGURE 3 there is illustrated a system 300 in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. System 300 may be embodied within the server 130, or embodied within the device 110. Alternatively, the system 300 is embodied within both the device 110 and the server 130.

As shown in FIGURE 3, the system 300 includes a telephone number detection module 310, a user identification detection module 320, a storage module 330, an interface module 340, a control module 350, a call connection module 360, and an accounting module 370.

Generally, the control module 350 communicates with the telephone number detection module 310, the user identification detection module 320, the storage module 330, the interface module 340, the call connection module 360, and the accounting module 370. For example, the control module 350 coordinates tasks, requests, and communications between the telephone number detection module 310, the caller identification detection module 320, the storage module 330, the interface module 340, the call connection module 360, and the accounting module 370.

In one aspect of the present invention, the telephone number detection module 310 detects the telephone number dialed by the user, where the telephone number dialed by the user is an assigned incoming telephone number that corresponds with a recipient.

Generally, the particular recipient associated with the assigned incoming telephone number is predetermined by the user. By uniquely identifying the assigned incoming telephone number dialed by the user, the system 300 is able to determine, in part, which recipient should receive the telephone call initiated by the user. The caller identification detection module 320 determines the originating telephone number that the user is utilizing when making the telephone call, for example, where the user's telephone number is detected by the caller identification module 320 through a caller ID service. In particular, the caller identification module 320 automatically senses the user's telephone number through the caller ID service. In some aspects of the invention, the user's originating telephone number is manually entered by the user.

As discussed, the caller identification module 320 detects the user's telephone number, and preferably, the user's telephone number identifies the identity of the user. For example, the user assigns one or more telephone numbers, such that when these assigned telephone numbers are detected by the caller identification module 320, the user's identity is identified upon placing the telephone call from one of the telephone numbers assigned by the user.

With further reference to FIGURE 3, the storage module 330 stores a record including information associated with a particular user. Each record illustrates a profile for the particular user. Exemplary information contained within the record associated with a user is illustrated in FIGURE 4.

With reference again to FIGURE 3, the interface module 340 receives a signal from one of the devices 110 indicating the assigned incoming telephone number that is dialed by the user. Alternatively, the interface module 340 indicates the telephone number that is being utilized by the user to initiate the telephone call.

The call connection module 360 connects the user with a recipient. Generally, the call connection module 360 selects a particular recipient based on the profile information associated with the user. For example, the user programs the system 300 to connect with a particular recipient when the user dials one of the assigned incoming telephone numbers.

For example, the call connection module 360 dials the particular recipient's telephone number and connects the user with the particular recipient. In this example, the assigned incoming telephone number dialed by the user is associated with the recipient within the system 300. The assigned incoming telephone number is configured to reach the recipient at the recipient's telephone when the particular user dials the assigned incoming telephone number.

Alternatively, the system 300 is an alternative gateway that routs at least a portion of a call course through a separate pathway apart from the incumbent carrier network. Here, the system 300, upon receiving a call designating an assigned number, determines a recipient through the process described hereinabove, and directs the call to the recipient via a call pathway, which includes at least a portion thereof in an alternative network. For example, a user served by a local PSTN wishing to place a call to a recipient served by a remote PSTN initiates the call establishment process by dialing the assigned number associated with that recipient, the system 300 being responsive to the incoming assign number then arranges a call pathway between the PSTNs through an alternative network. For example, the alternative pathway connecting the PSTNs may be at least partially within the Internet. Alternatively, the alternative pathway may be at least partially part of a private network. It should be noted that in normal switched calls the incumbent long distance carriers establish the connection between the PSTNs.

With reference again to FIGURE 3, the call connection module 360 connects the user with a particular recipient based on the identity of the user, the user's profile, and the assigned incoming telephone number dialed by the user. For example, User #1 dials a telephone number 555-1212. The call connection module 360 connects User #1 with Recipient #1, based on the identity of User #1, User #l 's profile, and the assigned incoming telephone number dialed by User #1. In this example, User #2 dials the same telephone number (555-1212). The call connection module 360 connects User #2 with Recipient #2, based on the identity of User #2, User #2's profile, and the assigned incoming telephone number dialed by User #2. Accordingly, the same assigned incoming telephone number is associated with multiple recipients. However, the recipients associated with this same assigned incoming telephone number are unique based on the identity of the user, where the particular recipient is selected based on the user's identity and the user's profile. The accounting module 370 tracks the length of time that the user stays connected to various recipients. By tracking the length of time, the system 300 is capable of subtracting the correct amount of money from the prepaid amount purchased by the user and prevents the user from exceeding the prepaid amount.

The accounting module 370 preferably tracks the length of time the user stays connected to various recipients and bills the user for the amount of time utilized by the user.

The accounting module 370 may also track the location of the various recipients and charges the user based on the geographical location of the recipient. For example, if the recipient is located in a foreign country, then the user is billed at a higher rate per minute. On the other hand, if the recipient is located domestically, then the user is billed at a lower rate per minute.

It should, of course, be understood that the system 300 in FIGURE 3 is shown for exemplary purposes and is merely one embodiment of the methods and apparatuses for placing a telephone call. Additional modules may be added to the system 300 without departing from the scope of the methods and apparatuses for placing a telephone call. Similarly, modules may be combined or deleted without departing from the scope of the methods and apparatuses for placing a telephone call.

As discussed, FIGURE 4 illustrates an exemplary record 400 identifying attributes or profile information of a particular user for use with the system 300. With multiple users, there are multiple records such that each record 400 is associated with a particular user. Preferably, the record 400 includes an identity of the user field 410, a number of the user field 420, a recipient field 430, and a funds field 440.

The identity of the user field 410 uniquely identifies the user. In one example, the user is identified by the user's name. In another example, the user is identified by a log-in identification.

Preferably, the number of the user field 420 identifies a telephone number specified by the user that allows the user to originate calls utilizing the system 300, where the user specifies multiple numbers. By specifying multiple personal numbers, the user is recognized by the system 300 when originating a call from any of these specified numbers. Generally, when a call is originated from any of the numbers specified within the number of the user field 420, the system 300 recognizes the particular user's identity associated with the record 400.

The recipient field 430 identifies a particular assigned incoming telephone number that is associated with a particular recipient. Further, each recipient is associated with a unique assigned incoming telephone number. For example, if a particular recipient is associated with a particular assigned incoming telephone number, the particular recipient is connected to the user when the user dials the particular assigned incoming telephone number from a telephone number that is specified in the number of the user field 430. The recipient field 430 also identifies the recipient's true telephone number that allows the system 300 to connect the user with the recipient. The recipient's true telephone number is dialed to reach the recipient. However, while utilizing the methods and apparatuses for placing a telephone call pursuant to the present invention, the user instead first dials the particular incoming telephone number to be connected to the recipient. The funds field 440 identifies the funds that the user has available. For example, the user prepays an amount such that each time a call is made, an amount is deducted based on details of the call, and the funds field 440 represents a current balance of the prepaid amount.

Alternatively, the user pays a monthly bill based on the volume of calls made, and the funds field 440 represents a current balance for the user.

As shown in FIGURE 4, the caller is a user of the system with an associated record 400. In one embodiment, this record 400 makes it possible for a user to dial an assigned incoming call (call identifier) from an originating device with a corresponding originating device number (origination device identifier) stored in user field 420 and get connected to a recipient communication device with a corresponding communication device number (recipient device identifier) stored in recipient field 430, without requiring the user to enter any access code or secondary telephone number. With reference now to FIGURE 5, there is illustrated therein an exemplary block diagram of the relationship between the users, assigned incoming numbers, and recipients. It should be understood that the particular elements within FIGURE 5 are shown for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention. For example, a group of assigned incoming numbers 510 includes an assigned incoming #1 515, an assigned incoming #2 520, and an assigned incoming #N 530. N is represented by various integers, preferably N is less than 10,000, more preferably less than 101, and most preferably less than 21 and greater than or equal to 1. Each of these assigned incoming numbers is represented by a unique, conventional telephone number.

A user #1 540 and a user #X 550 are shown to represent individual users, X is represented by various integers .

A recipient #l/user #1 560, a recipient #2/user #1 570, and a recipient #N/user #X 580 represent different recipients.

The recipient #l/user #1 560 is associated with the user #1 540 through the assigned incoming #1 515. Accordingly, if user #1 540 dials the assigned incoming #1 515, then a recipient #l/user #1 560 is contacted. Similarly, the recipient #2/user #1 570 is associated with the user #1 540 through the assigned incoming #2 520. Accordingly, if user #1 540 dials the assigned incoming #2 520, then a recipient #2/user #1 570 is contacted. In another example, if user #X 550 dials the assigned incoming #2 520, then a recipient #2/user #X (not shown) is contacted. The recipient #N/user #X 580 is associated with the user #X 550 through the assigned incoming #N 530. Accordingly, if user #X 550 dials the assigned incoming #N 530, then a recipient #N/user #X 580 is contacted.

With reference now to FIGURE 6 of the Drawings, there is shown a flow diagram of the methods and apparatuses for placing telephone calls. It should be understood that the blocks within the flow diagram can be performed in a different sequence without departing from the spirit of the methods and apparatuses for placing telephone calls. Further, blocks can be deleted, added, or combined without departing from the spirit of the methods and apparatuses for placing telephone calls. The flow diagram in FIGURE 6 illustrates selecting a meeting location based on multiple factors according to one embodiment of the invention.

In Block 610, a telephone call is detected.

In Block 620, the user's telephone number is detected. For example, the user identification module 320 detects the user's telephone number. The user's telephone number is automatically detected through a user identification service that supplies the telephone number from which the telephone call is placed. Additionally, the user may enter a telephone number that identifies the user.

In Block 630, the assigned incoming telephone number is detected, for example, the telephone number detection module 310 detects the assigned incoming telephone number.

In Block 640, a user profile is searched, for example, a database containing multiple user profiles is searched. The database is illustrated in the storage module 330. In one embodiment, an exemplary user profile is illustrated in the record 400. The correct user profile that corresponds with the user is found by matching the user's telephone number as detected in the Block 620 with the number of the user field 420. As discussed, the user may enter a password or personal identification number that identifies the user.

In Block 650, the recipient is determined. For example, the recipient is determined, in part, based on the assigned incoming telephone number dialed by the user, or in another aspect, the recipient is determined, in part, by the recipient selected by the user to be associated with the specific assigned incoming telephone number as shown in the recipient field 430 within the user's profile. For example, the recipient of the telephone call initiated by the user depends on the assigned incoming telephone number dialed by the user and the recipient that the user selected for the particular assigned incoming telephone number.

In Block 660, the funds available to the user are checked, where the available funds to the user are equal to the amount of prepaid funds that have not been utilized. Alternatively, the available funds to the user are equal to the amount of remaining credit available to the user. The available funds are stored at the funds field 440. If there are funds available to the user, the user is connected with the recipient in Block 670, where the recipient is determined in the Block 650.

In Block 680, the available funds are updated based on the amount subtracted in response to the telephone call connecting the user and the recipient in the Block 670. In use, a user customizes the user's profile by selecting particular recipients to be associated with corresponding assigned incoming telephone numbers. The user also customizes the user's profile by selecting telephone numbers to be associated with the user. For example, the user dials one of the assigned incoming telephone numbers from one of the user's telephone numbers associated with the user. Based on the dialed assigned incoming telephone number and the telephone call initiated from one of the user's telephone numbers, the user is connected with the recipient without further action from the user. The recipient is determined based on the user's profile that associates a recipient with the dialed assigned incoming telephone number. As discussed, multiple recipients are associated with the same assigned incoming telephone number. The specific recipient that receives a telephone call directed to the same assigned incoming telephone number depends on the identity of the user. The identity of the user is determined by the user's telephone number when initiating the telephone call. The assigned incoming telephone numbers are preferably in the same local calling area of the user. For example, the user does not incur long distance or toll charges when dialing one of the assigned incoming telephone numbers. However, the assigned incoming telephone numbers may be toll-free numbers that do not charge the user with a toll charge and are often called "800" numbers. Alternatively, the recipients associated with the assigned incoming telephone numbers are located outside the local calling area of the user.

The user is normally charged for the call based on the length of the call, but the user may also be charged for the call based on the location of the recipient of the call.

In another embodiment of the instant invention, the system and methodology can adapt to particular conditions encountered in the operation of the system. For example, after making a phone call to a remote party, if a busy signal is encountered, the user can be presented with a dial prompt, enabling the user to dial another destination. Alternatively, upon encountering the remote busy signal, the system could instead autodial the destination and connect later when the connection is freed up. Of course, the system of the present invention preferably gives the user the choice between the above two options.

Also, unlike corporate or private branch exchange (PBX) environments, where the devices must all be in the same network, the present invention is not so constrained. Instead, the principles of the present invention are useful in a variety of contexts. The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The invention may be applied to a variety of other applications.

The present description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise embodiments disclosed, and naturally many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments set forth were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the Claims appended hereto and their equivalents.

Claims

THE CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A method comprising: detecting an identity of a caller; receiving an assigned incoming telephone number; identifying a recipient associated with the assigned incoming telephone number and the identity; and connecting the caller and the recipient, wherein said caller has a plurality of assigned incoming telephone numbers to choose from, at least one of said plurality of assigned incoming telephone numbers being associated with said recipient, wherein each assigned incoming telephone number is associated with multiple recipient telephone numbers, a particular telephone number of a recipient being determined solely by a particular assigned incoming telephone number used by a particular identified caller and without input of further data by said caller, whereby said caller is not required to be within a particular network for making calls.

2. The method according to Claim 1, further comprising: searching for a profile information associated with the identity of the caller.

3. The method according to Claim 2, wherein the profile information includes information selected from the group consisting of: an originating telephone number associated with the caller, the assigned telephone number associated with the recipient, and a list of funds associated with the caller.

4. The method according to Claim 1, wherein detecting the identity of the caller further comprises: detecting an originating telephone number of the caller.

5. The method according to Claim 4, wherein detecting the originating telephone number utilizes a caller identification service.

6. The method according to Claim 1, wherein the recipient is located outside of a local calling area of the caller.

7. The method according to Claim 1, further comprising: checking for the availability of funds prior to connecting the caller and the recipient.

8. The method according to Claim 7, wherein the availability of funds is based on an amount of money pre-purchased by the caller or credit extended to the caller.

9. The method according to Claim 1, further comprising: charging for a call connecting the caller and recipient based on a length of the call or on a location of the recipient.

10. The method according to Claim 1, wherein the step of detecting comprises: determining the identify of the caller from an originating telephone number, at least one originating telephone number corresponding to the identity.

11. The method according to Claim 1, wherein the step of identifying comprises: determining the recipient from the identity of the caller and a respective assigned incoming telephone number, with the respective assigned incoming telephone number corresponding to the recipient.

12. The method according to Claim 1, further comprising: associating at least one originating telephone number with the caller, forming a first association regarding the identity of the caller; associating a plurality of assigned incoming telephone numbers with respective recipients, forming a second association regarding the recipients; and storing the first and second associations.

13. The method according to Claim 12, wherein the step of identifying comprises: determining the identity of the caller from the at least one originating telephone number in the first association; and determining the intended recipient from a respective assigned incoming telephone number in the second association, whereby the combination of both caller identity in the first association and the respective assigned incoming telephone number in the second association are used to connect the caller to the recipient.

14. The method according to Claim 1, wherein the caller is connected to the recipient without further action by the caller.

15. A system comprising : means for detecting an identity of a caller; means for receiving an assigned incoming telephone number; means for identifying a recipient associated with the assigned incoming telephone number and the identity; and means for connecting the caller and the recipient, wherein said caller has a plurality of assigned incoming telephone numbers to choose from, at least one of said plurality of assigned incoming telephone numbers being associated with said recipient, wherein each assigned incoming telephone number is associated with multiple recipient telephone numbers, a particular telephone number of a recipient being determined solely by a particular assigned incoming telephone number used by a particular identified caller and without input of further data by said caller, whereby said caller is not required to be within a particular network for making calls.

16. The system according to Claim 15, wherein the means for detecting comprises: means for determining the identity of the caller from an originating telephone number, at least one originating telephone number corresponding to the identity.

17. The system according to Claim 15, wherein the means for identifying comprises: means for determining the recipient from the identity of the caller and a respective assigned incoming telephone number, with the respective assigned incoming telephone number corresponding to the recipient.

18. The system according to Claim 15, further comprising: first means for associating at least one originating telephone number with the caller, forming a first association regarding the identity of the caller; second means for associating a plurality of assigned incoming telephone numbers with respective recipients, forming a second association regarding the recipients; and means for storing the first and second associations.

19. The system according to Claim 18, wherein the means for identifying comprises: means for determining the identity of the caller from the at least one originating telephone number in the first association; and means for determining the intended recipient from a respective assigned incoming telephone number in the second association, whereby the combination of both caller identity in the first association and the respective assigned incoming telephone number in the second association are used to connect the caller to the recipient.

20. The system according to Claim 15, wherein the caller is connected to the recipient without further action by the caller.

21. A system, comprising: an originating telephone number module for identifying an originating telephone number of a caller; a telephone number detection module for detecting an assigned telephone number dialed by the caller; and a call connection module for connecting the caller with a recipient based on the assigned telephone number and the originating telephone number, wherein said caller has a plurality of assigned incoming telephone numbers to choose from, at least one of said plurality of assigned incoming telephone numbers being associated with said recipient, wherein each assigned incoming telephone number is associated with multiple recipient telephone numbers, a particular telephone number of a recipient being determined solely by a particular assigned incoming telephone number used by a particular identified caller and without input of further data by said caller, whereby said caller is not required to be within a particular network for making calls.

22. The system according to Claim 21, further comprising: a storage module to store a record containing profile information associated with the caller.

23. The system according to Claim 22, wherein the profile information includes information selected from the group consisting of: the originating telephone number of said caller, the assigned telephone number assigned to the recipient, and a list of funds associated with the caller.

24. The system according to Claim 21, further comprising: an accounting module for charging for a connection between the caller and the recipient.

25. The system according to Claim 21, wherein the recipient is located outside a local calling area of the caller.

26. The system according to Claim 21, further comprising: a database, the database comprising a first association between a plurality of identities of a corresponding plurality of callers in the system and a second plurality of originating telephone numbers corresponding thereto, and the database comprising a second association between a plurality of recipients and a corresponding plurality of assigned telephone numbers.

27. The system according to Claim 26, wherein the first association is between the identity of the caller and at least one originating telephone number corresponding thereto, and the second association is between the recipient and the assigned telephone number.

28. The system according to Claim 26, wherein the call connection module associates the originating telephone number to the caller using the database, and wherein the call connection module associates the assigned telephone number to the recipient using the database, whereby the combination of both a caller identification and the assigned telephone number dialed are used to connect the caller to the recipient.

29. The system according to Claim 21, further comprising: a storage module for storing a plurality of records containing profile information regarding a corresponding plurality of users of the system.

30. The system according to Claim 21, wherein the caller is connected to the recipient without further action by the caller.

31. A call routing method comprising: associating respective pluralities of personal calling numbers, corresponding to respective users, to a plurality of assigned telephone numbers, each said assigned telephone number being associated with multiple personal calling numbers of multiple users; and connecting a respective user to a respective recipient, corresponding to one of said personal calling numbers for said respective user, the connection determined by the identity of said respective user and said one personal calling number.

32. The method according to Claim 31 , wherein the identity of said respective user is determined by a caller identification service.

33. The method according to Claim 31 , wherein said respective recipient is located outside of a local area of the user.

34. The method according to Claim 31 , further comprising: checking for availability of funds prior to connecting the caller and the recipient.

35. The method according to Claim 34, wherein the availability of funds is based on an amount of money pre-purchased by the caller.

36. The method according to Claim 34, wherein the availability of funds is based on an amount of credit extended to the caller.

37. The method according to Claim 31 , further comprising: charging for a call connecting the caller and recipient based on a length of the call.

38. The method according to Claim 31 , further comprising: charging for a call connecting the caller and recipient based on a location of the recipient.

39. The method according to Claim 31 , wherein a user is served by a local PSTN and a recipient is served by a remote PSTN.

40. The method according to Claim 39, wherein an alternative call pathway connecting the local PSTN and the remote PSTN is at least partially within the Internet.

41. The method according to Claim 39, wherein an alternative call pathway connecting the local PSTN and the remote PSTN is at least partially within a private network.

42. A call routing system comprising: means for associating respective pluralities of personal calling numbers, corresponding to respective users, to a plurality of assigned telephone numbers, each said assigned telephone number being associated with multiple personal calling numbers of multiple users; and means for connecting a respective user to a respective recipient, corresponding to one of said personal calling numbers for said respective user, the connection determined by the identity of said respective user and said one personal calling number.

43. A call routing system, comprising: a storage module to store a plurality of records containing profile on a plurality of users, each user record associating respective pluralities of personal calling numbers to a plurality of assigned telephone numbers, each said assigned telephone number being associated with multiple personal calling numbers from multiple records; an originating telephone number module to identify an originating telephone number of a user; a telephone number detection module for detecting an assigned telephone number dialed by the user; and a call connection module for connecting a respective user to a respective recipient based on the assigned telephone number and the originating telephone number.

44. The system according to Claim 43, further comprising: an accounting module for charging for a connection between a caller and a recipient.

45. The system according to Claim 43, wherein the assigned telephone number is an access number.

46. The system according to Claim 43, further comprising: network coupling means.

47. The system according to Claim 46, wherein the network includes a component selected from the group consisting of: a local area network, a home network, the Internet, a private network, and a telephone network.

48. The system according to Claim 43, wherein a user is served by a local PSTN and a recipient is served by a remote PSTN.

49. The system according to Claim 48, wherein the alternative call pathway connecting the local PSTN and the remote PSTN is at least partially within the Internet.

50. The system according to Claim 48, wherein the alternative call pathway connecting the local PSTN and the remote PSTN is at least partially within of a private network.