Telephone system gateway interface
US5153907A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 12, 1991 |
| Grant date | Oct 6, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 12, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04Q2213/13541
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for providing enhanced call service and call routing functions from a centralized location on a telephone network line through gateway connections to service providers is disclosed. A multiple function interface located between a paystation and an originating central office includes a monitoring circuit for monitoring call signals from the paystation, circuits for obtaining coin or card billing information from the paystation and a control circuit for verifying the payment information and selectively directing the call to a service provider to bypass the originating central office. Calls are able to be routed by a signal generating circuit as direct (1+) calls from the interface to any service provider. Interface circuits permit the interface to interconnect analog and business lines on the paystation side of the interface with analog and business lines and digital links on the service provider side of the interface. A protocol of the invention controls the offering of call services between an intelligent paystation and an interface in which selection is determined based upon a predetermined preference.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.