Communication services method and apparatus
US4776004A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 13, 1987 |
| Grant date | Oct 4, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 13, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04M15/10
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Apparatus and method are disclosed for providing a non-presubscription subaccount billing service utilized by customers on a "per call" or "as needed" basis. A calling customer initiates the service by dialing "0" plus the directory number of the called line. The local office serving the calling line recognizes the call as an operator-designated call and forwards the call along with the identification number of the calling line and the directory number of the called line to an operator system. The operator system prompts the calling line to enter additional call information. The calling customer enters a service activation code such as "15" and a two-digit subaccount billing number assigned by the customer. Receiving the service activation code and the subaccount billing number, the operator system activates the service by setting a subaccount billing indicator in an automatic message accounting record and extends the call to the called line. Upon completion of the call, the operator system includes the connect time, elapsed time, calling line identification number, called line directory number, and subaccount billing number for the call into the AMA record. The record along with o…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.