Abstract: A method and system allows multiple and simultaneous use of a pre-paid calling card. A call management system allows for the completion of multiple calls under one pre-paid calling card account number. Depending on the number of concurrent users, a billing system assigns a portion of the total number of available service units to individualized user accounts. The individualized accounts are debited according to the rate charges for each of the calls and are initially assigned an account balance that allows all concurrent users with the same amount of talk time.

Abstract: A method and system allows multiple and simultaneous use of a pre-paid calling card. A call management system allows for the completion of multiple calls under one pre-paid calling card account number. Depending on the number of concurrent users, a billing system assigns a portion of the total number of available service units to individualized user accounts. The individualized accounts are debited according to the rate charges for each of the calls and are initially assigned an account balance that allows all concurrent users with the same amount of talk time.

Abstract: The present invention provides a revolving credit method for charging customers for telecommunications services. According to one embodiment, a customer is provided with an initial credit limit, which is debited as the customer utilizes telecommunications services. The customer is not required to pay for used telecommunications services until the credit limit reaches zero. Once the limit reaches zero, the telecommunication's service provider will charge the initial credit limit amount on the customer's credit card and inform the customer that the credit is zero. If the customer wants to continue with the service, the service provider may initiate another round of credit. According to one embodiment, in order to clear pending balances, a time limit is associated with the credit.

Abstract: The invention provides a telecommunication relay device that relays communication from a first party to at least one second party. The first party and the second party may use terminals of different types such as telephone stations, text telephones, two-way pagers, personal digital assistants with communication capabilities, data network terminals, etc. The telecommunication relay device converts text received from text terminals into voice for voice terminals and converts voice to text and vice versa. The telecommunication relay device also permits the first party to leave messages for other parties. For example, the first party may send an e-mail message using a telephone station or receive an e-mail using a telephone station. In addition, the telecommunication relay device may open a private chat room to allow communication between data network terminals and telephone stations, for example.

Abstract: The invention provides a telecommunication relay device that relays communication from a first party to at least one second party. The first party and the second party may use terminals of different types such as telephone stations, text telephones, two-way pagers, personal digital assistants with communication capabilities, data network terminals, etc. The telecommunication relay device converts text received from text terminals into voice for voice terminals and converts voice to text and vice versa. The telecommunication relay device also permits the first party to leave messages for other parties. For example, the first party may send an e-mail message using a telephone station or receive an e-mail using a telephone station. In addition, the telecommunication relay device may open a private chat room to allow communication between data network terminals and telephone stations, for example.

Abstract: The loudness of a telephone set ringer is controlled by audible ambient noise in the vicinity of the telephone set to match the ringer intensity level to the ambient noise level. During an on-hook state of the telephone set, the transmitting microphone is utilized to detect the ambient noise which is then utilized to control the loudness of the ringer. In one illustrative embodiment, ring bursts which contribute to the ambient noise level cause build-up of ringer intensity starting at a level appropriate to the initial ambient noise level. In another embodiment, noise detection is terminated when the set is rung to maintain ringer intensity at the same level.