Abstract: The signaling interface between a wireless network message center and a prepaid control platform is enhanced by addition of one or more parameters useful in supporting special accounting treatments for user message communications through a wireless network, for example, a ConnectedAddressList, an ExceptionIndicator and/or a PolicyOverrideIndicator. The ConnectedAddressList and PolicyOverrideIndicator can be used to allow a prepaid wireless service provider to offer a wide variety of free or specially priced messaging buckets to its subscribers (or to a select group of its subscribers). User messages may be delivered for free, for example, if they are going to or coming from other customers of the service provider. The ExceptionIndicator can be used to block application of such buckets, e.g. to enable premium pricing, for international delivery or the like.

Abstract: The present invention is a methodology for the delivery of freshly prepared food to a plurality of vehicle-operating consumers. Freshly prepared foods means foods that have, in some manner, recently been transformed into an edible or consumable format. Thus, when frozen ice cream is scooped into a cone, it is freshly prepared; when a frozen or cool item is microwaved to cook it or to merely heat it up, it is freshly prepared; when coffee is taken from an urn or coffeemaker and put into a cup, it is freshly prepared; when soda is dispensed from a dispenser or cooler, it is, in accordance with the present invention, freshly prepared; when frozen pizza is heated, it is freshly prepared, etc.

Abstract: The cumulative utilization of communication system resources by a communication terminal is determined. An alert is generated through the communication terminal in response to the cumulative utilization exceeding a threshold amount. The cumulative utilization of resources may be determine by a core network of the communication system and/or by the communication terminal. The core network may transmit an alert message to the communication terminal to trigger an alert therefrom in response to the cumulative utilization of resources exceeding a threshold value.

Abstract: Systems, methodologies, media, and other embodiments associated with provisioning an internet protocol (IP) multimedia core network subsystem (IMS) are described. One exemplary system embodiment includes logic for provisioning an IMS charging database with charging data and logic for provisioning an IMS user database with user data. The exemplary system embodiment may also include logic for provisioning an IMS call session control function (CSCF) logic with data that relates a user to charging information based, at least in part, on a charging class of service (COS) identifier.

Abstract: There is disclosed reverse billing in online search. A telephony server may receive a request from a user to cause a telephone call to be established between the user and a merchant. A notice to the merchant may be generated. The notice may include an offer to establish a telephone call with the user in exchange for payment of a definite fee. An acceptance of the offer may be received from the merchant. A first voice communication leg with the user and a second voice communication leg with the merchant may be bridged to establish the telephone call between the user and the merchant. The definite fee may be appear on the merchant's bill for telephone service.

Abstract: A banded billing system for data communication service is disclosed. A carrier's billing system maintains in data storage a banded-pricing schedule that divides a continuum of increments of data into a series of contiguous, mutually-exclusive increment-ranges and that specifies for each increment-range a respective cost. At the end of a billing period, the billing system determines a number of increments of data communicated by a given subscriber during the billing period. The billing system then queries the banded-pricing schedule to determine which increment-range the number of increments falls into, and to determine the cost specified by the banded-pricing schedule for that increment-range. The billing system then bills the determined cost to the subscriber, for data communication service in the billing period.

Abstract: An improved billing system for communication service is disclosed. A printed and/or online invoice will be generated for a subscriber's account and will be structured to include a visual gauge that depicts the extent of use for the billing period at issue. More particularly, the visual gauge will take the form of a table or listing that shows a continuum of possible time-increment or data-increment-ranges and that shows, for each range, the associated cost. The visual gauge will then include a visual marker that highlights or otherwise points out the increment-range into which the subscriber's use fell in the billing period at issue. Conveniently, the invention thus enables a subscriber to readily visualize where the subscriber's use fell within the continuum of possible increment-ranges.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for notifying a primary wireless unit in a group calling plan that a wireless unit in the group calling plan has call activity. An MSC determines if there is call activity on a wireless phone. The MSC determines if the wireless phone is a member of a call monitoring group. If so, the MSC records call information related to the call activity and sends the call information to the primary wireless unit.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to manage collect phone calling limits are disclosed. A disclosed example method comprises: determining if collect calls from one or more predetermined locations to a terminating phone number have exceeded a collect calls limit; and determining a future date when collect calls will be permitted from the one or more predetermined locations to the terminating phone number if the collect calls limit has been exceeded.

Abstract: Language interpretation for users includes a portable system for providing access to interpretation services, such as a prepaid, debit or credit card for the user. The prepaid card has a number of minutes of language interpretation service associated with it in addition to a number of minutes of telephone time. A telephone number to call is printed on the card for language interpretation services. Minutes or other unit of measure are deducted from the card as used for the interpretation. The cards are language specific, and the telephone number printed on the card is specific to a certain language. The service can be part of telephone service or more especially part of a mobile telephone service. The mobile telephone has a number of minutes of language interpretation service associated with it in addition to a number of minutes of telephone time. A telephone number is programmed to call the language interpretation services.

Abstract: A method and apparatus allow use condition determination in a wireless device. A wireless interface is coupled to a processor configured to input subscriber rate plan parameters associated with a service provider. Rate plan parameters include data associated with peak time charges. Rate plan parameters are compared with current parameters to determine if peak time charges are in effect. An indication that the peak time charges are in effect is then generated.

Abstract: In a communications network, the duration of a pre-answer phase of a call is recorded with reference to a number of signalling events associated with the set-up of the call. A billing record may be generated corresponding to the recorded pre-answer phase and may be used, for example, to bill customers carrying out stealth polling of terminals on an ISDN network.

Abstract: A communication charge management system includes one or more master telephone sets serving as managing telephone sets, one or more slave telephone sets serving as telephone sets managed by the master telephone sets, and a charge informing unit. The charge informing unit informs the master telephone set of the communication charge in communication of the slave telephone set.

Abstract: A telephone system and method of operation are disclosed which use a microprocessor control system (10), a speech generator (34) and speech memory (46) to automatically place calls without the need of a live operator. The telephone receives a destination telephone number and billing format information from a user. The microprocessor control system (10) alters the access format of the destination number and places the call as a direct dial telephone call. The billing format information is stored in a call record memory (11). The billing format information may later be retrieved to facilitate the billing of charges for the call to an appropriate party.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for the management of a remotely-deployed unit such as, for example, a telephone station. A local station revenue signal generated at the remote station corresponds to an amount of revenue generated at the remote unit. The generated revenue signal is processed with a generated cost signal, which corresponds to an amount of cost incurred in supporting the station, whereby the profitability of the station can be determined in an automated and/or real time or near real-time manner, and overall management of the unit becomes more efficient and effective. Also disclosed are methods and apparatus for managing a remotely-deployed station wherein at least one local end usage signal is generated, which corresponds to a total amount of usage, such as direct-dial or commission-related telephone line usage for example, measured locally during a given time period.

Abstract: Coin charging system for mobile telephony in order to facilitate the making of telephone calls by means of a mobile telephone with a coin charging system, mainly in public transport means such as buses, airplanes, trains, ships etc., the system being provided with normal operation modes as rating device, changing of rate device and verification system to visualize the amounts and time units available. The system is comprised of a control subsystem (1), a coin selecting and charging subsystem (2), a display subsystem (3) and a supply subsystem (4).

Abstract: A method and system for providing a billing directed communication service that allows the originating party to provide billing instructions on a per-communication basis. An originating party initiates a billing directed communication transmitting a unitary request in a predefined format. Initiating a billing directed communication does not require the originating party to engage in an interactive communication set-up procedure. The billing directed communication service may be applied to a particular telephone line 14a or cellular mobile radiotelephone (CMR) 16e so that any originating party knowing the appropriate unitary request format may use the service. Such a billing directed communication service may be accessed only by originating a communication using a telephone line 14a or CMR 16e to which the service has been applied. Alternatively, the billing directed communication service may be applied to a particular billing code such as a billing code associated with a particular terminating station.

Abstract: A method for placing a surcharge on telephone solicitations including the steps of providing a local telephone number to a customer for accessing a call from an originating caller and identifying the originating caller's telephone number, as for example, by conventional caller identification systems. The method also includes the steps of advising the caller of the surcharge and providing an opportunity to complete the call by accepting the surcharge or terminating the call without charge. For example, the subscriber's equipment may incorporate an automatic answering system including voice responsive functions and call forwarding. The method also includes the steps of billing the caller for the surcharge and crediting a portion of that charge to the customer's account.

Abstract: A method and system for updating a database stores billing rate parameters for call rating devices associated with a calling station. The calling station calls at a predetermined date and time a rate provider, which includes billing rate parameters for a plurality of calling stations. The call rating device transmits over the telephone network to the rate provider the phone number of the calling station, and the date and time of the last updated database. The rate provider verifies that the billing rate parameters of the calling station should be updated, then transmits back over the telephone network to the calling station the updated database. The rate provider also sends data as to the new date and time for the call rating device to place a call to the rate provider.

Abstract: A telephone system and method of operation are disclosed which use a microprocessor control system (10), a speech generator (34) and speech memory (46) to automatically place collect calls without the need of a live operator. The telephone uses the microprocessor control system (10) and a speech record/playback generator (44) to receive a destination number and a recorded name from a user. The telephone uses the speech generator (34) to play audio messages to prompt the user throughout the process. The phone informs a called party of the identity of the user and receives responses from the called party through a DTMF receiver (52). A communication path is established through a telephone line interface (38) if the phone receives a response indicating the called party accepts the charges for the collect call. The microprocessor control system (10) generates a billing record for the call which is stored in a call record memory (11). The billing record can later be retrieved to facilitate billing the call.

Abstract: When a caller making a collect call encounters a busy called party or one that does not answer after a prescribed time, the telephone network offers the caller the opportunity to store a voice message in a messaging system at no charge to the caller. After the caller stores a message, one or more attempts are made to establish a connection between the messaging system and the called party's telephone. This may be done by periodically alerting the called party's telephone when it is in an on-hook state. When the called party answers, e.g., by going off-hook, the messaging system informs the called party that a collect voice message awaits him and asks if he is willing to pay to receive same. If the called party signals that he is willing to pay to receive the voice message, the messaging system plays the stored voice message from the collect caller and signals the telephone network to charge the account of the called party for supplying the message.

Abstract: A public telephone system includes a plurality of public telephone sets and a center apparatus.

Abstract: A facsimile apparatus and a maintenance charge control apparatus capable of easily controlling and settling the maintenance charge of the apparatus. By responding to the transmission request instruction signal transmitted from the control apparatus, the facsimile apparatus transmits the count of the sheet counter to the control apparatus. The control apparatus causes the calculation of the maintenance charge by a maintenance charge calculator in response to the received count, and further issues a bill produced by a bill issuing means device on the basis of the calculated maintenance charge, and converts the bill into image data for transmission to the facsimile apparatus. When the maintenance charge is paid by the user in response to the transmitted bill, the paid-in information is entered from a keyboard to the control apparatus.

Abstract: A tone burst generator where a continuous tone voltage is applied across two series-connected semiconductor switches each having an ON state and an OFF state. A first control circuit controls the state of the first switch and the variable impedance in an intermediate region between its ON and OFF states to cause gradual, well-defined OFF/ON and ON/OFF transitions of the first switch. As a result of these first switch transitions, a voltage tone burst is generated that has precisely defined edges to eliminate clicking noise. The continuous tone voltage is of only one polarity--it has a non-zero DC component and an AC component having a peak-to-peak variation less the twice the magnitude of the non-zero DC component. A second control circuit controls the state of the second switch and the variable impedance in an intermediate region between its ON and OFF states to cause well defined ON/OFF and OFF/ON transitions of the second switch.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for telephone call answer supervision, capable of detecting the completion of both national and international calls, which employ different answer confirmation formats, and provide confirmation that a placed call has been answered if least one of the following conditions occurs: 1) a tone of a given frequency, transmitted on the transmit line of a telephone, is detected as received back on the receive line; and 2) audio activity having a non-repetitive cadence is detected on both the transmit and receive lines of the telephone. Also provided is an autonomous pay telephone, such as a mobile telephone, which includes an arrangement for determining and accessing a call rate, per unit of time, for a call placed to a given telephone number, a display for displaying, in real-time as the call progresses, charges for a completed call as well as an accounting arrangement for storing charges accessed for each completed call.

Abstract: A telephone system and method of operation are disclosed which use a microprocessor control-system (10), a speech generator (34) and speech memory (46) to automatically place collect calls without the need of a live operator. The telephone uses the microprocessor control system (10) and a speech record/playback-generator (44) to receive a destination number and a recorded name from a user. The telephone uses the speech generator (34) to play audio messages to prompt the user throughout the process. The phone informs a called party of the identity of the user and receives responses from the called party through a DTMF receiver (52). A communication path is established through a telephone line interface (38) if the phone receives a response indicating the called party accepts the charges for the collect call. The microprocessor control system (10) generates a billing record for the call which is stored in a call record memory (11). The billing record can later be retrieved to facilitate billing the call.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for telephone call answer supervision, capable of detecting the completion of both national and international calls, which employ different answer confirmation formats, and provide confirmation that a placed call has been answered if least one of the following conditions occurs: 1) a tone of a given frequency, transmitted on the transmit line of a telephone, is detected as received back on the receive line; and 2) audio activity having a non-repetitive cadence is detected on both the transmit and receive lines of the telephone. Also provided is an autonomous pay telephone, such as a mobile telephone, which includes an arrangement for determining and accessing a call rate, per unit of time, for a call placed to a given telephone number, a display for displaying, in real-time as the call progresses, charges for a completed call as well as an accounting arrangement for storing charges accessed for each completed call.

Abstract: A telephone system and method of operation are disclosed which use a microprocessor control system (10), a speech generator (34) and speech memory (46) to interact with a calling party placing a long distance phone call. The telephone receives a billing account number from the calling party through a keypad (24). The telephone determines the validity of the billing account number and, if the billing account number is valid, a communication path is established through a telephone line interface (38). Valid billing account numbers are stored in the telephone for a predetermined period of time. The stored numbers are polled prior to the validation process to determine if an entered number has already been validated. In this manner, a calling party making multiple calls with the same billing account number need only wait for his account number to be verified once.

Abstract: A telephone system and method of operation are disclosed which use a microprocessor control system (10), a speech generator (34) and speech memory (46) to automatically place calls without the need of a live operator. The telephone receives a destination telephone number and billing format information from a user. The microprocessor control system (10) alters the access format of the destination number and places the call as a direct dial telephone call. The billing format information is stored in a call record memory (11). The billing format information may later be retrieved to facilitate the billing of charges for the call to an appropriate party.

Abstract: A telephone system and method of operation are disclosed which use a microprocessor control system (10), a speech generator (34) and speech memory (46) to automatically place collect calls without the need of a live operator. The telephone uses the microprocessor control system (10) and a speech record/playback generator (44) to receive a destination number and a recorded name from a user. The telephone uses the speech generator (34) to play audio messages to prompt the user throughout the process. The phone informs a called party of the identity of the user and receives responses from the called party through a DTMF receiver (52). A communication path is established through a telephone line interface (38) if the phone receives a response indicating the called party accepts the charges for the collect call. The microprocessor control system (10) generates a billing record for the call which is stored in a call record memory (11). The billing record can later be retrieved to facilitate billing the call.

Abstract: A dial unit is detachably mounted on a public telephone for equal access and includes a keypad section, a registration table section, a determination processing section, and a transmitting section. The keypad section key-inputs a dial signal. In the registration table section, area codes corresponding to specific destinations to be handled as a long-distance call and a carrier code corresponding to a specific carrier line having a right of a carrier to the specific destinations are registered in advance. The determination processing section includes a dial signal determination section for determining whether or not the first digit of a dial signal to be handled for a long-distance call coincides with either a "1" or a "0", a dial signal storage section, an equal access determining section, and a carrier code adding section.

Abstract: An interface unit for coupling an international-type pay-telephone to a land-based or cellular telephone system. The interfacing unit of the invention has a microcomputer, and an associated EPROM in which is stored the exchanges of the telephone numbers that are accessible by that local payphone-terminal, which EPROM also stores a table indicative of the tariffing rates associated with the respective exchanges called. The invention also includes the tone-detectors for detecting the dialed DTMF digits of the pay-telephone, for the conversion thereof for storage in the microcomputer for the determination of a valid telephone number dialed in order to determine the associated tariffing rates. The tone detectors also detect the tone-signals received from the telephone system. The invention also includes "isolating" switching circuitry for isolating the coin-operated pay terminal from its couplement to the telephone system until the telephone call has been connected.

Abstract: A telephone system and method of operation are disclosed which use a microprocessor control system (10), a speech generator (34) and speech memory (46) to interact with a calling party placing a long distance phone call. The telephone receives a billing account number from the calling party through a keypad (24). The telephone determines the validity of the billing account number and, if the billing account number is valid, a communication path is established through a telephone line interface (38). Valid billing account numbers are stored in the telephone for a predetermined period of time. The stored numbers are polled prior to the validation process to determine if an entered number has already been validated. In this manner, a calling party making multiple calls with the same billing account number need only wait for his account number to be verified once.

Abstract: A telephone system and method of operation are disclosed which use a microprocessor control system (10), a speech generator (34) and speech memory (46) to automatically place collect calls without the need of a live operator. The telephone uses the microprocessor control system (10) and a speech record/playback generator (44) to receive a destination number and a recorded name from a user. The telephone uses the speech generator (34) to play audio messages to prompt the user throughout the process. The phone informs a called party of the identity of the user and receives responses from the called party through a DTMF receiver (52). A communication path is established through a telephone line interface (38) if the phone receives a response indicating the called party accepts the charges for the collect call. The microprocessor control system (10) generates a billing record or the call which is stored in a call record memory (11). The billing record can later be retrieved to facilitate billing the call.

Abstract: An interface (10) is disclosed for coupling a conventional pay station telephone (12) to a telephone switching system (16). The interface (10) provides supervision signal detection functions normally provided by a switching system, and thus can be connected thereto by a less costly business line (28). The interface includes processor controlled tone generators (72, 76) and detectors (73, 74, 81, 106, 108) for detecting tones and voltages transmitted by either the telephone (12) or the switching system (16). The interface (10) further includes a detector (106) and a procedure (FIG. 8) for providing an answer call indication. Coin collection or return is controlled by the interface (10) depending on the status of the call which is also determined by the interface (10).

Abstract: An interface (10) is disclosed for coupling a conventional pay station telephone (12) to a telephone switching system (16). The interface (10) provides supervision signal detection functions normally provided by a switching system, and thus can be connected thereto by a less costly business line (28). The interface includes processor controlled tone generators (72, 76) and detectors (73, 74, 81, 106, 108) for detecting tones and voltages transmitted by either the telephone (12) or the switching system (16). The interface (10) further includes a detector (106) and a procedure (FIG. 8) for providing an answer call indication. Coin collection or return is controlled by the interface (10) depending on the status of the call which is also determined by the interface (10).

Abstract: A telephone system and method of operation are disclosed which use a microprocessor control system (10), a speech generator (34) and speech memory (46) to interact with a calling party placing a long distance phone call. The telephone establishes a communication path through a telephone line interface (38). The microprocessor controlled system (10) generates a billing record for the call which is stored in a call record memory (11). The billing record can include information such as an account number to be billed, destination determining information, the duration of the call, the time of the call, and rate information. The billing record can later be retrieved from a remote location through standard telephone lines to facilitate billing the call. The local generation of billing records facilitates billing for direct calls, collect calls, third party charge calls and calls associated with accounts which are key-padded into the telephone paystation by the customer.

Abstract: An interface (10) is disclosed for coupling a conventional pay station telephone (12) to a telephone switching system (16). The interface (10) provides supervision signal detection functions normally provided by a switching system, and thus can be connected thereto by a less costly business line (28). The interface includes processor controlled tone generators (72, 76) and detectors (73, 74, 81, 106, 108) for detecting duration of tones and other audio signals, and voltages transmitted by either the telephone (12) or the switching system (16). The interface (10) further includes a detector (106) and a procedure (FIG. 8) for providing an answer call indication. Coin collection or return is controlled by the interface (10) depending on the status of the call (as indicated by audio signal duration) which is also determined by the interface (10).

Abstract: A telephone system and method of operation are disclosed which use a microprocessor control system (10), a speech generator (34) and speech memory (46) to automatically place calls without the need of a live operator. The telephone receives a destination telephone number and billing format information from a user. The microprocessor control system (10) alters the access format of the destination number and places the call as a direct dial telephone call. The billing format information is stored in a call record memory (11). The billing format information may later be retrieved to facilitate the billing of charges for the call to an appropriate party.

Abstract: A facsimile machine having a function of calculating a service charge for transmitting an image data to a remote receiver facsimile and displaying the thus calculated charge in a display. The image data is transmitted to the receiver facsimile only when at least part of said charge is paid by the user. The facsimile machine is provided with a charge collecting unit for paying the charge. Such a facsimile machine defines an attendance-free communication terminal for document transmission service, which may be used in a manner similar to a pay phone.

Abstract: A telephone system and method of operation are disclosed which use a microprocessor control system (10), a speech generator (34) and speech memory (46) to interact with a calling party placing a long distance phone call. The telephone receives a billing account number from the calling party thorugh a keypad (24). The telephone determines the validity of the billing account number by attempting to place a telephone call using the billing account number to a controlled telephone number. If the attempt is successful the billing account number is valid and a communication path is established through a telephone line interface (38). The microprocessor controlled system (10) generates a billing record for the call which is stored in a call record memory (11). The billing record can later be retrieved to facilitate billing the call.

Abstract: An anti-fraud device is mounted internally within a coin-operated telephone to prevent fraudulent calling due to "pin fraud". The device includes circuitry which senses the presence of ground fraud conditions to disconnect the transmitting element from the telephone to prevent the defeat of a coin collect supervisory signal to cause coins temporarily held in the coin hopper to drop into the coin collection box rather than to be returned to the user.

Abstract: A telephone having a hook switch is coupled to tip and ring conductors for receiving loop current from a central office responsive to an off-hook condition at the hook switch. The electronic circuity within the telephone for facilitating various functions is powered entirely from the loop current flowing from the central office during the off-hook condition.

Abstract: A pay facsimile machine, which is similar to a pay telephone, is allowed to be connected to a network for a communication time period, the length of which is determined depending on the amount of money deposited. When the end of the communication time period approaches, a warning signal is given to the user, and if an additional deposit of money is made, the communication time period is extended; however, if no additional deposit is made, the connection is automatically disconnected. If an original document is half transmitted when such a disconnection has happened, the original document is held as it is in a reading unit. When the transmission is resumed, the original document is transported in a forward direction, or, alternatively, is first moved backward for a predetermined distance and then moved forward. A pay facsimile machine is also preferably provided with a remaining time indicating device which indicates the remaining amount of the communication time period either visually or audibly.

Abstract: A called party response detecting apparatus includes a plurality of filter units for respectively detecting natural frequency components included in a plurality of signals sent from a telephone line. The apparatus also includes switching units for switching input levels of the filter units in a plurality of steps and a continuous signal detector for detecting that a logical sum output from the filter units has continued for a predetermined interval of time. An input level control unit operates to control the switching units to set an input level at a lowest level while waiting for a signal and also to reset the input level at a predetermined level different from the lowest level when an output is obtained from one of the filter units. During this reset operation, the input level control unit decreases the input level in steps until an output is obtained from the continuous signal detector.

Abstract: Control equipment employed in a customer-owned public telephone station prevents a user from making unauthorized telephone calls in a telephone system. Operating under the control of a computer in the station, the control equipment employs a call screening process which restricts the telephone numbers a user can dial to those numbers preselected by a station owner. The telephone numbers are categorized in multiple but distinct groups, each of which represents a specific class of telephone call. The control equipment is responsive to momentary loop breaks occurring on tip and ring lines connecting the station to a central office, and to a loop break provided by the central office which reflects that the far end party has disconnected. The control equipment is also responsive to scheduled as well as unscheduled receipt of dial tone.

Abstract: An interface (10) is disclosed for coupling a conventional pay station telephone (12) to a telephone switching system (16). The interface (10) provides supervision signal detection functions normally provided by a switching system, and thus can be connected thereto by a less costly business line (28). The interface includes processor controlled tone generators (72, 76) and detectors (73, 74, 81, 106, 108) for detecting tones and voltages transmitted by either the telephone (12) or the switching system (16). The interface (10) further includes a detector (106) and a procedure (FIG. 8) for providing an answer call indication. Coin collection or return is controlled by the interface (10) depending on the status of the call which is also determined by the interface (10).

Abstract: A self-contained, pre-pay coin operated telephone wherein when the user removes a handset from a switchhook, a local dial tone is generated, prompting the user to enter a telephone number of a called party. Once the first digit of that telephone number has been entered, the locally generated dial tone is removed and the user completes the entry of the telephone number. Once the proper coin has been deposited, the internal computer causes the telephone to couple itself to a central office. The telephone number entered by the user is then sent to the central office under control of the internal computer. During this time, the microphone in the handset is muted such that the user cannot communicate through the telphone. Once the user hears the called party answering, then the user must actuate a push-to-talk switch to indicate to the computer that the party has answered.

Abstract: A passive, non-intrusive pay telephone monitoring system is disclosed for maintaining a talley of the amount of money present in a money box. A signal is sent over the line, interconnecting the pay telephone with its central office equipment when money in the box is collected by a collection agent, and the collected amount of money and the time of collection are then stored for verification of the collected amount.

Abstract: A coin operated telephone station is provided with apparatus for detecting hen a called party has answered a call (initiated at the coin operated telephone station) by the measurement of incoming signal energy on the telephone line. The apparatus includes hardware and software that cooperate in providing efficient and reliable detection of called party answer for the purpose of accurately charging telephone users. A microprocessor samples the output from each of three specialized energy detectors every 20 milliseconds to determine whether called party answer has occurred. The energy detectors include: (1) call progress tones in the frequency band 200-700 Hz approximately; (2) special information tones; and (3) broadband energy in the frequency band above 200 Hz. Additionlly, the time duration of the call progress tones and the quiet intervals between them are measured and used in the answer detection process.