Patent ID: 6600817
Filing Date: 2003-07-29
Classification: H04M

Abstract:
A method of monitoring communication connections to a target communication terminal during predetermined time periods, said method comprising steps of:selecting said predetermined time periods; maintaining target location data indicative of relationships between said target communication terminal and geographical locations, said target location data including identifications of at least one of area codes and country codes assigned to said target communication terminal on occasions in which said target communication terminal is in specific geographical locations, said target location data being maintained within said target communication terminal; detecting a call from a calling communication terminal to said target communication terminal, said detecting occurring at said target communication terminal; determining whether a caller of said calling communication terminal has called within said predetermined time periods; determining whether said caller is calling within a same time zone or a different time zone as said target communication terminal, said step of determining including: (1) using said target location data maintained within said target communication terminal, including using at least one of said area codes and said country codes assigned to said target communication terminal in said specific geographical locations; (2) utilizing caller identification information received by said target communication terminal, including identifying at least one of an area code and a country code assigned to said calling communication terminal; (3) comparing said target location data with said caller identification information; and offering said caller, whether said caller is calling within said same time zone or said different time zone as said target communication terminal, an option of abandoning said call if said call is detected within one of said predetermined time periods, including using resources of said target communication terminal to offer said option.