Discount Charge Rate Or Billing Plan Patents (Class 379/121.02)
-
Patent number: 11039017Abstract: A computer implemented method is disclosed. The computer implemented method comprises providing a guaranteed price plan to a customer for a predetermined time period and learning about network element usage over the predetermined time period to provide a learned price plan. The computer implemented method also comprises determining a new price plan based on the learned price plan. Finally, the computer implemented method comprises utilizing the new price plan with customer's network elements.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2013Date of Patent: June 15, 2021Assignee: Aeris Communications, Inc.Inventor: Subramanian Balakrishnan
-
Patent number: 9185575Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for providing exclusive wireless service proposals to subscribers. A method for providing an exclusive wireless service proposal to a subscriber includes the steps of conducting measurements of at least one metric; sending measurement data acquired during the step of conducting to a measurement analysis machine (MAM), the MAM being configured to analyze the measurement data; analyzing the measurement data; predicting performance of at least one of wireless voice and wireless data services based upon the results of the analysis step; generating a proposal for exclusive wireless services based upon the measurement data and the performance prediction; and providing the proposal to a subscriber. Systems for performing this and additional or alternative methods are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2010Date of Patent: November 10, 2015Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLCInventor: Arthur Richard Brisebois
-
Patent number: 9008289Abstract: A system for determining a communication charge comprising a charging equation determiner, an inflection point determiner, and a charge determiner. The charging equation determiner for determining a charging equation based at least in part on a normalized set of inputs. The inflection point determiner for determining an inflection point based at least in part on a charging structure database. The charge determiner for determining a communication charge based at least in part on the charging equation and the inflection point.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2013Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Matrixx Software, Inc.Inventors: David Labuda, Norin Saxe
-
Patent number: 8964954Abstract: A method for re-rating a prepaid user is proposed in the present invention. Compared with prior prepaid systems, the present invention introduces new functional entities, i.e. a re-rating management apparatus and an offline charging apparatus, and enhances the existing functional-entity, i.e. the online charging apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2012Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Alcatel LucentInventor: Xiangyang Li
-
Patent number: 8761725Abstract: A method for performing a telecommunication service, including identifying, on a Service Delivery Platform (SDP) and by a processor, the telecommunication service, selecting, on the SDP and by the processor, the telecommunication service, and executing, on the SDP and by the processor, the telecommunication service on a cellular network, where the SDP is configured to implement the telecommunication service on the cellular network.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2011Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Telecomax GroupInventors: Amr Assem, Wael Metwally, Mohamed Abd El Wahab, Hisham Sabry
-
Patent number: 8750476Abstract: A system and method for optimizing the price of a call to a business and the placement of a business' information within an ad buy on a Web page are disclosed. A call is received by a client from a potential consumer of a product. The call is transcribed into a text call stream on both the consumer and the client sides of the call. Patterns are extracted from the call. The patterns extracted may be applied against patterns relevant to the client. Patterns relevant to the client may be tied to certain goals of the business of the client that indicate successful business transactions between the consumer and the client or that indicate a service provide by the client. Extracted patterns may be used for targeting of advertisements based on a call containing patterns relevant to the client.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2013Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: Felix Calls, LLCInventors: Brent D. Metz, Sean MacIsaac, Kevin Caffrey, Ilia Mirkin
-
Patent number: 8738485Abstract: Transaction processing in an offline environment for a prepaid product comprising a portable consumer device includes responding to presentation of the prepaid product at a reader for offline processing by initiating operation of the prepaid product, receiving data from the prepaid product at the reader that indicates the prepaid product is associated with a prepaid account balance, determining that the prepaid product is in a negative balance condition, and taking preventive action in response to the negative balance condition such that future acceptance of the prepaid product at a reader is prevented.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2007Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Visa U.S.A. Inc.Inventors: Philip B. Dixon, Ayman Hammad, Khalid El-Awady
-
Patent number: 8724783Abstract: One computer-implemented method includes identifying a plurality of communication plans, identifying a first communication associated with a first access method and associated with a first attribute, determining a first communication plan associated with the first communication from the plurality of communication plans, the determination based at least in part on the first attribute associated with the first communication, identifying a second communication different than the first communication and associated with the first access method, the second communication associated with a second attribute different than the first attribute, and determining a second communication plan associated with the second communication from the plurality of communication plans, the determination based at least in part on the second attribute associated with the second communication, wherein the first and second communication plans are associated with a prepaid pay-as-you-go or subscription monetary values.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2013Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Network Enhanced Telecom, LLPInventors: Amanda Gonzales, Stephan Broquie, Ryan Kendrick, Bill Converse, Steven Wood, Philip Thornton, Andrew Ford
-
Patent number: 8660245Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable media for advertising-supported call service are disclosed. According to one method, a SIP call setup message associated with a first call from a calling subscriber to a called subscriber is received. It is then determined whether the calling subscriber subscribes to a play advertisement pay less (PAPL) service. In response to determining that the calling subscriber subscribes to the PAPL service, an advertisement is presented to the calling subscriber via the subscriber's telephone, the call is connected to the called subscriber, and a reduced charge is effected for the call based on the PAPL service.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2009Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Tekelec, Inc.Inventors: Nirmal K. Gupta, Venkataramaiah Ravishankar, Robert J. Sparks, Peter J. Marsico
-
Patent number: 8644469Abstract: Usage information is received that describes usage of communication services by a communications device. The usage information is compared to monitoring criteria. When the monitoring criteria is satisfied, an electronic notification message is sent to the communications device. The electronic notification message when a communications service is initiated and before an additional charge for the communications service is incurred.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2011Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.Inventors: Jeffrey A. Aaron, Jun-Gang Alin
-
Patent number: 8638915Abstract: A number of communication entities can be associated to provide one or more special communities. A special rating can be applied to certain communication events of users associated with a special community. Users associated with a special community can be offered various services if they have subscribed to one or more plans. A user who has subscribed to a special community can communicate with other users of the same network or a different network who are also part of the special community for a special charge, such as without charge for example.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2011Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.Inventors: Douglas Rutherford O'Neil, Stephen Kenneth Sherman
-
Patent number: 8615004Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling a subscriber of VoIP services to register a cellular phone as an on-net device with a defined interface to the VoIP network are disclosed. The present method enables calls placed between originating and terminating subscribers using registered cellular phones to be rerouted between the cellular networks and the VoIP network for call establishment.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2005Date of Patent: December 24, 2013Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
-
Patent number: 8582739Abstract: One computer-implemented method includes identifying a plurality of communication plans, identifying a first communication associated with a first access method and associated with a first attribute, determining a first communication plan associated with the first communication from the plurality of communication plans, the determination based at least in part on the first attribute associated with the first communication, identifying a second communication different than the first communication and associated with the first access method, the second communication associated with a second attribute different than the first attribute, and determining a second communication plan associated with the second communication from the plurality of communication plans, the determination based at least in part on the second attribute associated with the second communication, wherein the first and second communication plans are associated with a prepaid pay-as-you-go or subscription monetary values.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Network Enhanced Telecom, LLPInventors: Amanda Gonzales, Stephan Broquie, Ryan Kendrick, Bill Converse, Steven Wood, Philip Thornton, Andrew Ford
-
Patent number: 8553862Abstract: A system for determining a communication charge comprising a charging equation determiner, an inflection point determiner, and a charge determiner. The charging equation determiner for determining a charging equation based at least in part on a normalized set of inputs. The inflection point determiner for determining an inflection point based at least in part on a charging structure database. The charge determiner for determining a communication charge based at least in part on the charging equation and the inflection point.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2011Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Matrixx Software, Inc.Inventors: David Labuda, Norin Saxe
-
Patent number: 8503635Abstract: A system and method for optimizing the price of a call to a business and the placement of a business' information within an ad buy on a Web page are disclosed. A call is received by a client from a potential consumer of a product. The call is transcribed into a text call stream on both the consumer and the client sides of the call. Patterns are extracted from the call. The patterns extracted may be applied against patterns relevant to the client. Patterns relevant to the client may be tied to certain goals of the business of the client that indicate successful business transactions between the consumer and the client or that indicate a service provide by the client. Extracted patterns may be used to adjust the price of the call based on the client's willingness to pay for a call containing patterns relevant to the client.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2010Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Felix Calls, LLCInventors: Brent D. Metz, Sean MacIsaac, Kevin Caffrey, Ilia Mirkin
-
Patent number: 8472597Abstract: A node (22) of a communications system is configured use behavioral information (26) regarding a customer/subscriber's communication usage to automatically perform a promotional activity (28) with respect to communication usages of the customer/subscriber with another customer/subscriber. In an example implementation, the node (22) comprises electronic circuitry (38) configured to use the behavioral information (26) regarding the customer/subscriber's communication usage to automatically perform the promotional activity (28) with respect to the communication usages of the customer/subscriber with the another customer/subscriber. In its various embodiments, the promotional activity (28) comprises at least one of a financial discount activity; a new access activity; a quality of service change activity; and, an advance recharge activity.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2010Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (publ)Inventors: Oliver Stanojevic, Laszlo Farkas, Mate Szalay
-
Patent number: 8437738Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for implementing mobile device-based bandwidth throttling. In one aspect, a method includes receiving policy from a wireless carrier that specifies one or more data usage thresholds allotted by the wireless carrier for data transferred over a wireless carrier network during a predetermined period of time, determining an amount of data that has been transferred by the mobile device over the wireless carrier network during the predetermined period of time, determining that the amount exceeds one or more of the data usage thresholds, and throttling the bandwidth of a mobile device over the wireless carrier network based on determining that the amount exceeds one or more of the data usage thresholds.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2012Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: Google Inc.Inventors: Andrew E. Rubin, Robert J. Greenwalt, III
-
Patent number: 8422651Abstract: A revenue management system for telecommunication systems is disclosed. The revenue management system can have multiple integrated modules. The modules can include a revenue generation module, a revenue capture module, a revenue collection module, a revenue intelligence module, and others. The revenue management system can also be configured to simultaneously manage revenue for prepaid, postpaid, now-paid payment models.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2007Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Oracle International CorporationInventors: Jayaprakash Krishnamoorthy, David S. Labuda, James R. Haddock, Mahadevan Subramanian
-
Patent number: 8406398Abstract: An embodiment of a method includes selecting call detail report (CDR) call setup attributes from captured CDR data, refining the CDR data, and summing CDR amount attribute values for each set of CDR call entries having common values for the selected CDR call setup attributes. Each set of one or more CDR call entries having common values for the CDR call setup attributes are combined into a single refined CDR call entry having the common CDR call setup attribute values and the summed CDR amount attribute values. The summing process is repeated for each set of CDR data associated with each of a plurality of network elements. After summing the CDR attribute amount values for call entries having common CDR setup call attribute values for each switch, CDR attribute amount values associated with common CDR setup attribute values in call entries associated with all switches are summed to generate a final set of refined CDR data.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2009Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: Level 3 Communications, LLCInventor: Michelle Gore
-
Patent number: 8401937Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are provided for identifying an optimized rating scheme. In use, a first rate calculated for an event utilizing a first predefined rating scheme is received. Additionally, at least one second rate for the event is calculated, utilizing at least one second predefined rating scheme. Further, an optimized rating scheme is identified by comparing the first rate and the at least one second rate.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2008Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Amdocs Software Systems LimitedInventors: Debabrata Patro, Menachem Domb
-
Patent number: 8380593Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are provided for dynamically altering a rating based on network conditions. In operation, at least one aspect of a condition of a network is identified. Furthermore, a rating in association with an event is dynamically altered, based on the at least one aspect of the condition of the network.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2009Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Amdocs Software Systems LimitedInventors: Debabrata Patro, Menachem Domb
-
Patent number: 8363801Abstract: The present invention provides a flexible selection of subscriber and account related data for charging purposes in a communication network. The subscriber account has at least one charging resource type which is instantiated into at least one charging resource of the charging resource type, and the charging resource is associated with at least one subscriber account. Initially, there is executed an analysis of a service data describing a service event and subscriber/subscriber group related data describing at least one subscriber account to which the service event is to be charged using a configurable analysis structure for generation of a charging resource matching key. The charging resource matching key describes what class of charging resource types could be used for charging the service event.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2007Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ)Inventor: Stefan Karlsson
-
Patent number: 8341044Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are provided for re-rating events, in use, a plurality of events associated with at least one customer is rated. Additionally, at least one of the events associated with the customer(s) is re-rated, in parallel with the rating.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2007Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Amdocs Software Systems LimitedInventors: Debabrata Patro, Yael Angel, Yishay Levanoni, Omer Shani
-
Patent number: 8315372Abstract: In accordance with a first aspect of the invention there is a unified call center system for multiple service providers comprising at least one server; and at least one database in communication with the at least one server. A service provider executes software stored on the at least one server to register an account, the registration process requiring the service provider to enter a predetermined set of information, including at least one identifier for an electronic voice communication device, an additional identifier for an electronic communication device (voice or text) and a personal identifier. After entry of the predetermined set of information, the software generates a unique identifier for the account and communicates the unique identifier and a return destination address for activating the account. The service provider then operates to activate the account by communicating their personal identifier to the return destination address using the electronic communication device.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2007Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Assignee: VOXP Pte. Ltd.Inventor: Dennis Mendiola
-
Patent number: 8265243Abstract: Subscribers of a telephone service can define a calling circle, which includes a group of other telephone subscribers with whom the subscriber receives preferential billing rates. The members of the calling circle may include customers of a telephone service provider other than the subscriber's telephone service provider.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2006Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: Virgin Mobile USA, LLCInventors: Jason Alexander, John Karsner, Dan Cipoletti
-
Patent number: 8233601Abstract: An interrupt payment system (100) comprising means (100) for detecting an interrupt signal generated by a party to a call; means (102) for obtaining details of a payment to be made on detection of an interrupt signal; a payment processor (104) operable to process the payment in accordance with the obtained details (104); and means (100) for resuming the call between all parties concerned on processing of a payment by the payment processor (104).Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2007Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignee: VOXP Pte. Ltd.Inventor: Dennis Mendiola
-
Patent number: 8102980Abstract: A revenue management system for telecommunication systems is disclosed. The revenue management system can have multiple integrated modules. The modules can include a revenue generation module, a revenue capture module, a revenue collection module, a revenue intelligence module, and others. The revenue management system can also be configured to simultaneously manage revenue for prepaid, postpaid, now-paid payment models.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2007Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: Oracle International CorporationInventors: Jayaprakash Krishnamoorthy, David S. Labuda, James R. Haddock, Mark S. Goldman
-
Patent number: 8094794Abstract: Advertising referral methods and systems allow a first user to refer advertisements of interest to other users, taking advantage of pre-existing social networks. A referral server may coordinate a referral by either receiving a referral message from the first user for forwarding to another user, or by receiving notification of the referral message. Information about the referral may be stored in a database. If another user accesses the referred advertisement, additional information may be received by the referral server and stored in the database. The first user may be credited with inducements based on the referred advertisement and whether or not another user accessed it.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2006Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I. L.P.Inventor: Steven Allan Wright
-
Patent number: 8073119Abstract: A telecommunications billing system includes a customer database, a usage database and a billing module. The customer database is configured to store subscription data identifying a pricing plan including an allotment of shared telecommunication units in connection with at least one of a first telecommunications service and a second telecommunications service. The usage database is configured to store a first set of telecommunications service usage data associated with the first telecommunications service and a second set of telecommunications service usage data associated with the second telecommunications service. The billing module is configured to calculate excess charges when a cumulative usage that includes a sum of the first set of telecommunications service usage data and the second set of telecommunications service usage data exceeds the allotment of shared telecommunications units.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2007Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.Inventors: Guy Bevente, Michael Thane Paquette, Gregg R. Koeppen, Douglas Robert Moran, Danny Lee Roper, Kimberly Renee Wolken, Jennifer Lynn Anderson
-
Patent number: 8073117Abstract: A number of communication entities can be associated to provide one or more special communities. A special rating can be applied to certain communication events of users associated with a special community. Users associated with a special community can be offered various services if they have subscribed to one or more plans. A user who has subscribed to a special community can communicate with other users of the same network or a different network who are also part of the special community for a special charge, such as without charge for example.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2006Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.Inventors: Douglas Rutherford O'Neil, Stephen Kenneth Sherman
-
Patent number: 8036351Abstract: Monitoring criteria is received that corresponds to a usage quantity for a plurality of services. Each of the plurality of services is provided over ones of a plurality of different communication systems. Actual service usage information is received for the plurality of services. The actual service usage information and the monitoring criteria are compared. An electronic notification message is sent when the monitoring criteria for one or more of the plurality of services is satisfied.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2009Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.Inventors: Jeffrey A. Aaron, Jun-Gang Alin
-
Patent number: 7987122Abstract: In a particular embodiment, the disclosure is directed to a method of providing a bill to a telecommunications subscriber. The method includes distributing a bill using shared account information to the telecommunications subscriber. The shared account information identifies shared telecommunications units used in connection with a first subscriber service and a second subscriber service. The first subscriber service is distinct from the second subscriber service. In another embodiment, the disclosure is directed to a telecommunications subscriber service package. The subscriber service package includes an allocation of shared account units. At least a portion of the allocation of shared account units is available for use of a first subscriber service and available for use of a second subscriber service. The first subscriber service is distinct from the second subscriber service.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2003Date of Patent: July 26, 2011Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.Inventors: Guy Bevente, Michael Thane-Paquette, Gregg R. Koeppen, Douglas Robert Moran, Danny Lee Roper, Kimberly Renee Wolken, Jennifer Lynn Anderson
-
Patent number: 7986774Abstract: A call schedule is received that includes a plurality of sample calls to be made by an automated calling station. The plurality of sample calls are automatically placed on the network using the automated calling station. At least one final billing record corresponding to the at least one completed sample call is received. The call data is processed to determine billed cost data. The billed cost data is compared to the previous cost data and a change in the rate plan is detected based on the comparison of the billed cost data to the previous cost data.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2007Date of Patent: July 26, 2011Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.Inventors: James A. Kearns, Crisella S. J. Chipman, Keith C. Smith, Neil M. Briskman, Thomas L. Linton
-
Patent number: 7933596Abstract: A method provides detecting a roaming operator by a mobile communications device, where the mobile communications device is associated with a home operator; receiving a data service, by the mobile communications device, provided by the roaming operator independent of the home operator; sending information, from the mobile communications device, to the roaming operator for the roaming operator to authenticate the mobile communications device with the home operator; and receiving a voice service, by the mobile communications device, provided by the roaming operator based on the authentication by the roaming operator of the mobile communications device with the home operator.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2007Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications ABInventor: Henrik Sven Bengtsson
-
Patent number: 7916844Abstract: To facilitate real-time pricing, an embodiment of the invention retrieves multiple quotes from multiple databases associated with multiple service providers. Information regarding a customer's location, and the locations of multiple service providers are used to determine the cost of services associated with each of the multiple service providers in real-time. The retrieved quotes are compared, and quotes below a pre-determined price threshold are provided to a user in real-time (e.g., via the Internet). The user can select a desired quote from the quotes provided, and purchase or request more information regarding the desired quote online.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2009Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: Telarus, Inc.Inventors: Patrick K. Oborn, Aaron J. Lieberman
-
Patent number: 7873152Abstract: A rating system, method, and computer program product are provided. In use, a phone call is identified between a caller and a receiver. An offer associated with the receiver is then determined. Thus, the phone call is rated based, at least in part, on the offer associated with the receiver.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2005Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: Amdocs Software Systems LimitedInventor: Debabrata Patro
-
Patent number: 7848735Abstract: A transmission-request control unit controls a first transmission request in which a third communication terminal is designated as a receiver with a terminal number of a first communication terminal as a sender terminal number, and controls a second transmission request including the first transmission request and a transmission request in which a second communication terminal is designated as a sender with a terminal number of the second communication terminal as the sender terminal number by acquiring the terminal number of the second communication terminal corresponding to the first communication terminal from a terminal-number storing unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2006Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventor: Naoto Hasegawa
-
Patent number: 7831247Abstract: This invention relates to a method of communication comprising attempting to set up a session between a calling party and a called party via at least one entity; after a confirming response has been received from at least one of said called party, said calling party and said at least one entity, determining if said attempt to set up a session has failed; and preventing at least one of said calling party and said called party from being charged for said session.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2002Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: Nokia CorporationInventors: Jaro Gabor, Gabor Bajko, Marco Stura
-
Patent number: 7734289Abstract: A network element includes at least one input to receive communications from a plurality of terminal devices and a plurality of network elements, a processing unit and logic to classify the communications as a type of user information, and a router to route the communications according to the type of user information. The communication may be routed to at least one of a plurality of subnetworks according to the type of user information.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2003Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLCInventors: Venson M Shaw, David W. Holmes, Steven I Carlson
-
Patent number: 7729483Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs for constructing a billing statement from detailed usage file (DUF) records received from an Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier (ILEC). A master file contains routing information associating each of a plurality of telephone numbering plan addresses plus additional telephone number digits (NPA-NXX) with a corresponding local access transport area (LATA). Telephone operator services (TOPS) assignment files are downloaded and used to edit the master file, thereby generating an enhanced master file. DUF records are downloaded. A set of enhanced DUF records is generated by filtering the downloaded DUF records. A rate table of customer price plans is applied to the set of enhanced DUF records and the enhanced master file to construct a billing statement.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2006Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property, I, L.P.Inventors: Douglas Van Natter, Bettye Shratter, Ronald Proctor, Linda Wigley
-
Patent number: 7711350Abstract: The invention provides a method for tracking communications usage time. Time increments are counted in response to a call. A call count is determined based on time increments. The call count is modified based on calling plan parameters.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2001Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Kulvir S. Bhogal, Nizam Ishmael, Jr., Javid Jameossanaie
-
Patent number: 7702346Abstract: An inter-working network facilitating PTT communications among roaming subscribers spanning a plurality of disparate dispatch networks includes a signaling controller, a media gateway, a system for facilitating the monetization of inter-carrier dispatch communications and a group management server. The signaling controller and media gateway generate dispatch call records for dispatch sessions facilitated through the inter-working network. The system includes a billing accumulator and a settlement entity. The billing accumulator is interfaced with the inter-working network and includes logic to receive and store the dispatch call data records from the inter-working architecture. The settlement entity is interfaced with the billing accumulator, and includes settlement logic for converting each stored dispatch call data record to a billing record for each of at least two of the dispatch networks. The group management server is interfaced with group management servers in each of the dispatch networks.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2005Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Nextel Communications Inc.Inventor: Ojas Thakor Choksi
-
Patent number: 7697671Abstract: A method and system of providing data calls to a subscriber having a data network, such as an integrated services digital network (ISDN), connected to a network switch to enable communication with another party at a fixed rate are disclosed. The methodology discovers a data calls system that enables data calls to be placed over trunk lines for communication with a subscriber having an ISDN with a dedicated ISDN line connected to a network edge switch forming a trunk line of the ISDN in communication with a central office. A plurality of base stations are adapted to make and receive data calls using the ISDN over the trunk line. A billing apparatus charges each subscriber a fixed or flat rate per service period for data calls using the trunk line, for the plurality of stations, regardless of the number of calls using the base stations during the service period.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2005Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.Inventor: John Duffy
-
Patent number: 7643623Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for flexibly controlling prepaid telecommunications charges. A scratch card recharge arrangement is used to prepay for future telecommunications calls. A flexible arrangement is provided to translate between the face value of a scratch card and the amount of telecommunications charges authorized for that scratch card. Advantageously, different vendors of scratch cards may provide different amounts of service for a scratch card with a given face value.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2005Date of Patent: January 5, 2010Assignee: Alcatel-Lucent USA Inc.Inventor: Yigang Cai
-
Patent number: 7620162Abstract: Monitoring criteria is received that corresponds to a usage quantity for a plurality of services. Each of the plurality of services is provided over ones of a plurality of different communication systems. Actual service usage information is received for the plurality of services. The actual service usage information and the monitoring criteria are compared. An electronic notification message is sent when the monitoring criteria for one or more of the plurality of services is satisfied.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2004Date of Patent: November 17, 2009Inventors: Jeffrey A. Aaron, Jun-Gang Alin
-
Patent number: 7573992Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for providing telecommunication services based on customer groups. A customer group is offered a service plan that provides an incentive to early subscribers in the form of a more attractive pricing plan (i.e., discounts). For example, a particular subscriber may be provided a discount for each customer in the group who becomes a subscriber after the particular subscriber. The discounts and pricing plan may also be based, at least in part, on the total number of customers in the group that become subscribers. Further, in order to reduce customer churn, customer discounts or other incentives may be applied toward the end of a subscription plan period. Further, subscriber discounts and/or credits may be banked in a subscriber account.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2004Date of Patent: August 11, 2009Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.Inventor: Daniel Stark
-
Patent number: 7505755Abstract: A data communication restriction method for flat rate users is disclosed. The data communication restriction method comprises the steps of: monitoring data communication status of a flat rate user, and determining whether the number of request or communication quantity during a predetermined period exceeded a predetermined threshold (S9); setting the flat rate user as a communication restricted object when it is determined that the threshold was exceeded (S10); and transmitting a communication restriction signal including communication restriction period information to a mobile terminal of the restricted flat rate user, when the restricted flat user requested access again (S11); whereby data communication of the mobile terminal of the restricted flat rate user is restricted during the communication restriction period.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2006Date of Patent: March 17, 2009Assignee: NTT DoCoMo, Inc.Inventors: Hirohito Taniguchi, Yoshitoki Asano
-
Patent number: 7496184Abstract: To facilitate real-time pricing, an embodiment of the invention retrieves multiple quotes from multiple databases associated with multiple service providers. Information regarding a customer's location, and the locations of multiple service providers are used to determine the cost of services associated with each of the multiple service providers in real-time. The retrieved quotes are compared, and quotes below a pre-determined price threshold are provided to a user in real-time (e.g., via the Internet). The user can select a desired quote from the quotes provided, and purchase or request more information regarding the desired quote online.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2004Date of Patent: February 24, 2009Assignee: Telarus, Inc.Inventors: Patrick K. Oborn, Aaron J. Lieberman
-
Patent number: 7453996Abstract: Provided is a billing method for telecommunication service based on fixed fee according to user's usage time. The method includes the steps of: estimating reference time according to user's usage time of the previous term; estimating guarantee time; reading user's usage time of this term; and billing telecommunication service fare according to the reference time and the guarantee time.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2003Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: KT CorporationInventor: Il-Hyung Jung
-
Patent number: 7430286Abstract: A transaction record is received including transaction data corresponding to at least one telephone call placed by a subscriber. The transaction data is processed by a plurality of rate plans, each rate plan generating a toll amount corresponding to the telephone calls of the transaction record. The toll amounts from each of the plurality of rate plans are compared to determine a lowest toll amount. An amount x is deducted from the lowest toll amount to form a final toll amount. A billing record is generated for the subscriber based on the final toll amount.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2006Date of Patent: September 30, 2008Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.Inventors: Scott P. Alcott, Thomas L. Linton, Diane I. Primo