Abstract:
Telecommunication services systems and methods are disclosed. The telecommunication services systems and methods preferably enable the user and/or the responsible party to make payments as the user uses the telecommunication services. The systems and methods may also be employed to provide the user and/or the responsible party with specialized pricing options and other customized services.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/270,965, filed Nov. 11, 2005, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/337,301, filed Jan. 7, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,013,127. The aforementioned applications are incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to telecommunication services systems and methods, and in particular, to telecommunication services systems and methods that enable the user to make payments as the user uses the telecommunication services. The systems and methods may also be employed to provide the user with specialized pricing options and other customized services. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Prior Art 
         [0005]    It is known in the art of telecommunication services to provide calling card accounts to customers. A customer receives account information in the form of a personal identification number (“PIN”) and a toll free access number that allows the customer to utilize the account. The accounts are generally one of two types: (1) a pre-paid account, which is an account with a pre-defined amount of usage paid for in advance by the customer; and (2) a usage-based account, which is an account that is billed on a periodic billing cycle according to usage during the billing period. 
         [0006]    Pre-paid wireless (cell phone) service provides an illustrative example. Pre-paid wireless service enables customers to utilize the convenience of cellular and digital communications by establishing a prepaid account with a wireless telecommunication vendor. Typically, prepaid wireless cards, each card corresponding to a wireless services account, are purchased in preset denominations in a limited number of locations. The cards are issued in fixed value increments, for example, $20, $50 or $100. Each card provides the user with a specified amount of wireless calling dollars or minutes. After the initial allocation is exhausted (or before), the user can “recharge” or reload their wireless account usually by calling an 800 number, having a credit card handy, and either talking with a customer service representative (CSR) or using an automated system to charge additional minutes to the credit card. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,185,545 discloses a method for effecting payment of goods or services. The method includes establishing an intermediary account and associating the intermediary account with a user account maintained by a vendor. The method permits the user to, e.g., pre-pay for telecommunication services. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,282,276 discloses a method for billing a value-added service call. Value-added service calls include calls that have traditionally been “800” or “900” number calls. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,397,055 discloses a system and method for charging a pre-paid wireless call user. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,424,706 discloses a system and method for accessing the value associated with a pre-purchased amount of telecommunication time. 
         [0011]    WO 01/82582 A2 discloses a communication billing system that provides interrelated processing of wireless service events and wire line service events. 
         [0012]    WO 02/11422 A2 discloses a communication account system for dynamically providing communication accounts to communication devices for immediate transfer to users. The system includes a means of determining an amount of prepaid time for a communication. 
         [0013]    The pre-paid systems such as those discussed above are burdensome to both the user and the telecommunication services provider. There is thus a need for a system and method for affecting payment for telecommunication services that enables a user to pay as the user uses the telecommunication services. There is also a need for a system and method that provides convenient payment options to the user. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0014]    An object of the present invention is to provide systems and methods that enable a user of telecommunication services to make payments as the user uses the telecommunication services. Examples of the telecommunication services include, but are not limited to, telephone calls, data calls, audio transfers, video transfers, e-mail sessions, voice mail sessions, video mail sessions, web sessions, and/or other services provided over a telecommunication network. 
         [0015]    These services include wireless services, wire line services and internet (“on-line”) services. 
         [0016]    Another object of the present invention is to provide systems and methods that enable the user of telecommunication services to determine the cost of the telecommunication services as the user uses the services. In accordance with this object, a total charge for the user&#39;s use of the telecommunication services that is based on the actual time that the user is using the telecommunication services is calculated via a telecommunication services provider network when the user terminates use of the services. Call charge information associated with the use of the telecommunication services is virtually simultaneously accessible by the user when the use of the services is terminated, the call charge information including information regarding the amount representing a charge for the use of the telecommunication services. 
         [0017]    According to another embodiment, the system and method comprise a notification system. The notification system may be an interactive voice notification system, an on-line notification system, a short message service (“SMS”) notification system, a multimedia service (“MMS”) notification system or any other similar service that may be provided over a telecommunication network. The interactive voice notification system provides the user with a voice mail message at a designated phone number. The on-line notification system provides an e-mail message to the user at a designated e-mail address. The SMS notification system provides a short text message over any telecommunication network. The MMS notification system provides video, voice or any other multimedia service or capability that may arise over a telecommunication network. The user then accesses his account information by calling a specified number, and/or by logging in using an identifier by communication to and/or from a SMS or a MMS. The user may then purchase more time if desired. 
         [0018]    Another object of the invention is to provide systems and methods that provide the user of telecommunication services with specialized pricing options and other customized services related to the user&#39;s use of the telecommunication services. 
         [0019]    According to another object of the invention, the system comprises an e-mail system and the method comprises the use of the e-mail system. The system and method involve the user using the e-mail system to access account information and to make payment, if required, for use of the telecommunication services. The user may also use the e-mail system to access additional information related to the use of the telecommunication services. In accordance with this object, a system and method for accessing information and for effecting payment for telecommunication services are provided. The system and method comprise establishing a telecommunication services account for a telecommunication services user, wherein said telecommunication services user is provided with a corresponding account identifier; and conducting a transaction via an e-mail system at the user&#39;s request, wherein said transaction requires the user&#39;s use of the account identifier. 
         [0020]    According to another object of the invention, the system comprises a web server and the method comprises the use of the web server. The system and method involve the user using the web server to access account information and to make payment, if required, for use of the telecommunication services. The user may also use the web server to access additional information related to the use of the telecommunication services. In accordance with this object, a system and method for accessing information and for effecting payment for telecommunication services are provided. The system and method comprise establishing a telecommunication services account for a telecommunication services user, wherein said telecommunication services user is provided with a corresponding account identifier; and conducting a transaction via a web server at the user&#39;s request, wherein said transaction requires the user&#39;s use of the account identifier. 
         [0021]    According to another object of the invention, the system comprises an interactive voice system (“IVS”) and/or an interactive data system (“IDS”). The method involves the user using the IVS and/or the IDS to access account information and to make payment, if required, for use of the telecommunication services. The user may also use the IVS and/or IDS to access additional information related to the use of the telecommunication services. In accordance with this object, a system and method for accessing information and for effecting payment for telecommunication services are provided. The system and method comprise establishing a telecommunication services account for a telecommunication services user, wherein said telecommunication services user is provided with a corresponding account identifier; and conducting a transaction via an IVS and/or an/ IDS at the user&#39;s request, wherein said transaction requires the user&#39;s use of the account identifier. 
         [0022]    According to yet another object of the invention, a system and method for effecting payment for telecommunication services at a designated location, e.g., a “point-of-sale,” are provided. The system and method comprise establishing a telecommunication services account having a corresponding account identifier; conducting a payment transaction comprising receiving a payment from a user at a point-of-sale together with the account identifier; communicating data indicative of the payment transaction from the point-of-sale to a telecommunication services provider; and collecting an amount of money equal to the payment amount, subject to adjustment, from a point-of-sale proprietor to the telecommunication services provider. The point-of-sale can be, e.g., a retail merchant site; a vending machine; and an automated teller machine (ATM). The payment at the point-of-sale can be made, e.g., in the form of cash; as a debit card transaction; and as a credit card transaction effected via communication with a computer. 
         [0023]    These and other objects of the invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the following Detailed Description. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0024]    The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and together with the detailed description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings: 
           [0025]      FIG. 1  is a conceptual diagram of a system for monitoring “pay-as-you-go” telecommunication services according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 2  is a flowchart illustrating a process for monitoring “pay-as-you-go” telecommunication services according to one embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0027]    All patents and patent publications cited herein are hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
         [0028]    Most telecommunication services providers require that the user pay in advance. If the user does not use the telecommunication services, the amount paid is not given back to the user. The systems and methods of the present invention allow the user to pay as the telecommunication services are being used (otherwise known as “pay-as-you-go”). Pay-as-you-go is a user driven-service that permits the user to conveniently make payment for telecommunication services. Various embodiments of the present invention are described in further detail in the remainder of the detailed description, as illustrated in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  using like reference numerals to those identified herein. 
         [0029]    The systems and methods permit the user  10  to make payment electronically, i.e., via credit card, debit card, check card or any other such means including on-line banking; or to make payment in cash, i.e., wherein the user  10  can make payment at a designated location  12 , wherein the amount paid at the designated location  12  is credited to the user&#39;s account  50  in order to make payment for the services rendered in step  68  of  FIG. 2 . In order to use the designated location  12 , the user  10  will be issued an account identifier  14 , e.g., a plastic card, in step  62  of  FIG. 2  that identifies the user  10 . The account identifier  14  permits the user  10  to make payment at the designated location in step  64  of  FIG. 2 . This may be done, e.g., via a point-of-sale (“POS”) terminal  16 , wherein the user&#39;s card is “swiped” to identify that the user  10  is paying a specified amount of cash. This information is then relayed to the telecommunication services provider  18  in step  66  of  FIG. 2 . The designated location  12  can be any location that processes a credit card, e.g., retail stores such as the dry cleaners, the drug store, the supermarket, etc. The benefit to the retail store providing such a service would be a commission for providing the service. 
         [0030]    The systems and methods are configured so as to monitor the user&#39;s use of the telecommunication services at regular time intervals in step  72  of  FIG. 2 , e.g., at 5, 10, 15 or 30 minute intervals. When the user  10  completes use of the telecommunication services  20 , the user  10  may then access a call detail record (“CDR”)  22 , which is sent from a telecommunication services network  24  to the telecommunication services provider  18  in step  74  of  FIG. 2 , who is then able to produce the equivalent of an updated invoice in step  76  of  FIG. 2 . All telecommunication services charges, including, e.g., information “411” charges, operator assistance, etc., are included. The telecommunication services provider  18  then relays this information in step  78  of  FIG. 2  back to the user  10  via e-mail  30 ; via interactive web access  40 ; via SMS  42 , via MMS  44 ; and/or via a voice and/or a data call  46 , e.g., if the user  10  is at a pre-designated limit, the telecommunication services provider  18  can notify the user  10  of such. 
         [0031]    According to an embodiment of the invention, the system and method comprise an interactive voice system (“IVS”)  34  and/or an interactive data system (“IDS”)  26 . The IVS  34  and/or the IDS  26  permit a user  10  to conduct a complete range of business with the telecommunication services provider  18 . For example, the IVS  34  and/or the IDS  26  may provide notice to the user  10  that the user  10  has a limited amount of time left for use of its telecommunication services  20 . The user  10  may then access the IVS  34  and/or the IDS  26  and conduct business with the IVS  34  and/or the IDS  26  as if a service representative was on the line. Secure access can be assured by requiring the user  10  to provide caller identification information, e.g., social security number, driver&#39;s license number, or some other information that has previously been provided by the user  10 . Once the user  10  is identified, the user  10  may obtain information regarding its telecommunication services  20  in step  78  of  FIG. 2 , including how much time the user  10  has used, when the user  10  last made payment, etc. Should the user  10  choose to make payment for additional service at this time, the user  10  may do so via credit account information which has previously been provided by the user  10 . 
         [0032]    According to another embodiment, the system and method comprise an on-line notification system (“ONS”)  28 . The on-line notification system  28  provides an e-mail message  30  to the user  10  at a designated e-mail address  32 . The on-line notification system  28  may also provide an e-mail message  30  to an owner or responsible party of the services. The user  10  and/or the responsible party may then accesses account information on-line by logging in using an identifier. The user  10  and/or the responsible party may then purchase more time if desired. 
         [0033]    Use of the telecommunication services  20  may be suspended by the telecommunication services provider  18 . Because the use is monitored at regular time intervals, the suspension can be achieved before the user  10  and/or the responsible party accumulates a balance due. When the telecommunication services  20  are suspended, the user  10  and/or the responsible party is automatically directed to an IVS  34  and/or an IDS  26 , which, as discussed above, permit the user  10  and/or the responsible party to add money to the account  50 . The user  10  and/or the responsible party is thus prevented from spending money that is not in the account  50 . 
         [0034]    Also, because the use is monitored at regular time intervals, the telecommunications services provider  18  can provide selected time, day and/or date service to the user  10 . For example, a user  10  can buy a specified amount of time for the telecommunication services  20 , e.g., “anytime” service, nighttime service and/or weekend service. Should the user  10  use up all of its anytime service, e.g., the system can still permit the user  10  to employ other services  20 , e.g., nighttime service and/or weekend service only (i.e., exclusive of the anytime service) via a special price plan related to either one or both of these services  20 . The service(s)  20  can therefore be portioned by day, date and/or time based on the user&#39;s needs. In this example, if the user  10  tries to use the anytime service, the user  10  would be directed to the IVS  34  and/or the IDS  26  discussed above, wherein the user  10  would be asked to make payment for the anytime service via the means described herein. 
         [0035]    The user  10  may use the ONS  28  to obtain an invoice or a statement of its account  50 . The user  10  may then print the CDR  22  out and submit it with payment as if the CDR  22  was an invoice that came in the mail. 
         [0036]    According to another embodiment, the systems and methods of the invention can be employed to provide specialized pricing options to a user  10 . A user  10  can thus be charged a base fee for a telecommunication service  20  based on the user&#39;s intended use of the service  20 . For example, some users  10  may only want to use the service  20  for emergencies. The user  10  will then be charged a small monthly fee (e.g., $5.00). The user  10 , however, will have the option to add to the service  20  by the interactive means discussed above in step  70  of  FIG. 2 . Another example is wherein the telecommunication services provider  18  agrees not to charge for certain calls, e.g., emergency phone calls to and from, e.g., the American Automobile Association (“AAA”). The phone can also be set up so that calls are directed to the AAA via, e.g., the push of one button, via the dial of a specified code and/or via voice recognition. Yet another example of a specialized pricing option is a parent who may want to provide limited access to his/her child. For example, the parent can pay a small monthly fee so long as the child only calls home. If the child uses two or more numbers, additional fees may be charged. In addition, because the calls are monitored at regular time intervals, a parent can be notified when calls are made if so desired. 
         [0037]    The systems and methods of the invention also permit a user  10 , such as a parent, to monitor the use of the telecommunication services  20 , e.g., who is using the service, what service is being used, where the service is being used, when the service is being used and/or how the service is being used (both ingoing and outgoing). The parent may access this information by any of the means discussed above. 
         [0038]    The user  10  may also provide information to the telecommunication services provider  18  so that the user  10  is notified upon the happening of an event in step  80  of  FIG. 2 . For example, the user  10  can ask that the services provider  18  notify the user  10  by e-mail when the user  10  has a voice mail or notify the user  10  if a family member such as an elderly family member dials 911. A “notice tree” can be set up by the user  10  with the telecommunication services provider  18 . 
         [0039]    While, in the foregoing, the present invention has been described in accordance with specific embodiments, those skilled in the art would appreciate that variations of these embodiments fall within the scope of the invention. As a result, the invention is not limited to the specific examples and illustrations discussed above.