Patent ID: 7039040
Filing Date: 2006-05-02
Classification: H04L,H04M,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A network method performed by a Call Broker for establishing a voice call between text chat participants in a data network text chat session comprising: receiving a message from a first chat participant requesting the establishment of a voice call between ones of said chat participants, said message including information identifying a method of payment for said voice call, sending a message to said first chat participant providing voice call session information and at least one authorization code, receiving a message from a second of said chat participants requesting participation in said voice call and presenting said voice call session information and an authorization code, said voice call session information and authorization code being supplied to said second chat participant in a message in said chat session, requesting call setup means to setup voice call links to each of a plurality of voice call participants comprising at least said first and second chat participants, at least one of said setup voice call links being a Voice over IP (VoIP) link, and directing bridging means to bridge said setup voice call links, wherein said data network text chat session is an Internet chat session to which at least said first and second chat participants are connected through Internet links originating at telephone subscriber lines, each of said Internet links being identified by a current IP address and established through respective Internet Service Provider (ISP) access servers, said at least first and second chat participants having provided account and access authorization information to said respective ISP access servers during a login message process.