Telephonic communications – Special services – Call blocking
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-01
2003-04-15
Smith, Creighton (Department: 2742)
Telephonic communications
Special services
Call blocking
C379S210030, C379S142040
Reexamination Certificate
active
06549619
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a method for screening calls from a caller to a subscriber, and to methods for administrating services for incoming and outgoing calls.
BACKGROUND ART
An intelligent network includes a switching system, a signaling network, a centralized database, and an operations support system. When a call is placed, the switching system intercepts the call. The switching system sends a query through the signaling network to the centralized database. The database returns call handling and routing information to the switch, and the call is completed.
The intelligence of the intelligent network is found at the service control points. A service control point is a database that provides call handling and routing information in response to network queries. The signaling network is made up of signal transfer points. Signaling system 7 is a common communications protocol used in common-channel signaling networks.
An advanced intelligent network (AIN) performs the same functions as a traditional intelligent network, but is improved in that new services may be created utilizing functions offered in the network. That is, the advanced intelligent network allows people to create new services. As a result of advancements in the advanced intelligent network, new services are created rapidly to meet subscriber needs.
One problem that is faced by subscribers is the fact that many subscribers receive undesired solicitation phone calls. One existing service allows the subscriber to receive identification of the caller before the subscriber answers the incoming call. Although this solution satisfies many subscribers, there are some subscribers that desire a solution to the increasing number of soliciting phone calls that requires vary little effort on the part of the subscriber, while reducing the inconvenience of receiving such calls.
For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for a call screening method that automatically screens unwanted calls for the subscriber. Further, there is a need for generally improved administration of incoming and outgoing call services.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide an improved method for administrating incoming and/or outgoing call services.
In carrying out the above object, a method for administrating a service for incoming calls to a subscriber is provided. The method comprises intercepting an incoming call for processing, identifying a caller for the incoming call, and monitoring activities of the caller during a series of incoming calls. The method further comprises determining an automatic service for the caller based on the caller activities, and processing subsequent incoming calls from the caller in accordance with the automatic service.
In some embodiments, determining the automatic service includes placing the caller on a list of privileged callers for the subscriber when dictated by the caller activities. Processing further includes sending the call directly to the subscriber when the caller is on the list of privileged callers, and otherwise, holding the call for processing.
Further, in carrying out the present invention, a method for administrating a service for outgoing calls from a caller is provided. The method comprises monitoring activities of the caller during a series of outgoing calls, determining an automatic service for the caller based on the caller activities, and processing subsequent outgoing calls from the caller in accordance with the automatic service.
In some embodiments, determining the automatic service includes determining a suffix corresponding to a particular outgoing call occurring multiple times in the outgoing call series. Processing further includes automatically adding the suffix to subsequent occurrences of the particular outgoing call. The suffix may be, for example, typical menu selections that the caller always selects when calling a certain outgoing phone number.
Further, in the present invention, a method for screening calls from a caller to a subscriber is provided. The method comprises establishing a list of privileged callers for the subscriber, and intercepting a call from the caller that was destined for the subscriber. The method further comprises sending the call directly to the subscriber when the caller is on the list of privileged callers, otherwise, holding the call for processing.
In some embodiments, when a call is held for further processing, a menu is presented to the caller including an option for sending the call to the subscriber. Further, in some embodiments, presenting the menu further comprises requesting the caller to terminate the call when the caller is a solicitor, and to otherwise opt for sending the call to the subscriber.
In some embodiments, establishing the list further comprises establishing at least one criterion for a privileged caller, and automatically adding a new caller to the list of privileged callers when the new caller meets the at least one criterion. Further, a caller may be automatically deleted from the privileged caller list when the caller fails to meet the at least one criterion, after previously meeting the at least one criterion and being on the list. In one implementation, establishing the at least one criterion further comprises determining a call limit and determining a time limit. The criterion is determined as making a number of calls to the subscriber that exceeds the call limit within a time that is within the time limit, with those calls having been sent to the subscriber withstanding the call processing. That is, a caller that repeatedly receives the menu and opts to send the call to the subscriber will eventually be placed on the privileged caller list.
In some embodiments, intercepting the call further comprises determining a screening system status, and intercepting the call when the system status is on. When the system status is off, the call is sent to the subscriber, without referring to the privileged caller list. In one implementation, determining the screening system status further comprises establishing a default operating period and detecting a manual override condition. The screening system status is determined as on during the default operating period and as off outside of the default operating period, unless dictated differently by a manual override condition.
Further, in carrying out the present invention, a method for screening calls from a caller to a subscriber is provided. The method comprises establishing at least one privileged caller criterion for the subscriber, and intercepting a call from the caller when the call was destined for the subscriber. The method further comprises sending the call directly to the subscriber when the caller meets the at least one privileged caller criterion, otherwise, holding the call for processing.
In some embodiments, establishing the at least one privileged caller criterion further comprises establishing a list of privileged callers. The caller meets the at least one privileged caller criterion when the caller is on the privileged caller list. Further, in some embodiments, the privileged caller list is based at least in part on information provided by the subscriber. A caller may be designated as a privileged caller based on an area code for the caller. Further, a caller may be designated as a privileged caller based on an area code and a prefix for the caller. Still further, in some embodiments, a caller may be designated as a privileged caller based on a telephone number for the caller. That is, a subscriber may build the privileged caller list including privileged area codes, privileged prefixes, and privileged telephone numbers.
Still further, in carrying out the present invention, a method for screening calls from a caller to a subscriber is provided. The method comprises generating a list of privileged callers for the subscriber. The list is based in part on information provided by the subscriber and in part on at least one automatic privileged caller criterion. The information provided by the subscriber ov
Bell Brent V.
Mardick L. Anne
Schwend Peggy S.
Brooks & Kushman P.C.
Qwest Communications International Inc.
Smith Creighton
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