Abstract:
Systems and methods for avoiding roaming or communications charges when a mobile communications device such as a cellular telephone receives an incoming telephone call use a non-native communications provider, such as a VOIP service provider to redirect the call. A subscriber's mobile communications device establishes a data connection to the VOIP service provider through a data network, and call forwarding instructions are issued to the subscriber's telephony service provider to cause calls directed to the subscriber's mobile communications device to be redirected to a forwarding telephone number associated with the VOIP service provider. When a call is placed to the subscriber's normal telephone number, the call is forwarded to the VOIP service provider. The VOIP service provider establishes a VOIP communications channel with the subscriber's mobile communications device via a data network, and the incoming call is connected to the subscriber's mobile communications device via the VOIP communications channel.
Abstract:
A method and system are disclosed to detect a change in location of a device attached to a communications network including identifying a first address of a device attached to a communications network, identifying the removal of the device from the communications network, identifying when the device is reconnected to the communications network, identifying a second address of the device after the device is reconnected to the communications network, recording the amount of time between the removal and the reconnection of the device with the communication network, evaluating the differences between the first and second addresses, and identifying a change in location of the device as a function of the differences between the first and second addresses.
Abstract:
Method and apparatus for providing and using a telephone calling card are described. In one example, a planar body includes a memory system, a dual-tone multi-frequency (DTMF) generator, and a speaker. The memory system is configured to store identification data for allowing a user to place a telephone call. The DTMF generator is coupled to the memory system and is configured to generate password-protected DTMF tones to convey the identification data. The speaker is coupled to the DTMF generator and is configured to emit the DTMF tones. The DTMF tones may be played into a telephone for making a call using the telephone calling card apparatus. Since the identification data (e.g., account number and/or personal identification number) is played into the telephone and password-protected, rather than being manually entered by the user, the identification data is less susceptible to unauthorized disclosure and thus less susceptible to fraudulent use.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for reducing the cost of long distance phone calls is disclosed. Accordingly, an originating phone network is operatively connected to a first intermediate point, and a receiving phone network is operatively connected to a second intermediate point. Each intermediate point is operatively connected to communicate via a data network. Users on the originating and destination phone networks may communicate based on virtual numbers. The virtual number is preferably within the local calling area of the originating phone network. The first and second intermediate points route calls to any geographic location, regardless of distance, over the data network based on the virtual number. This provides the advantage of allowing a user on the originating phone network to access a user at a distant location for a price that is substantially similar to the price of a local call.
Abstract:
A third party call control (3PCC) application program interface (API) permits for users to use a web browser or other Internet capable software to place a call. The third party call control application program interface includes a first uniform resource locator operable over the Internet to effect a call between first and telephonic devices to be completed. The first uniform resource locator includes identification of the first telephonic device and identification of the second telephonic device.
Abstract:
A system for effecting a telephone call between telephonic devices is operative to use a computer network, without manual use of the alphanumeric keypads. A third party call control (3PCC) application program interface (API) provides the capability for users to use a web browser or other Internet capable software to place a call, rather than using the telephone keypad. A third party call control application program interface includes a uniform resource locator operable over the Internet to cause a call between a first telephonic device and a second telephonic device to be completed. The uniform resource locator includes identification of the first telephonic device and identification of the second telephonic device.
Abstract:
Se describe un método y aparato para el suministro y utilización de una tarjeta de llamada telefónica. En un ejemplo, un cuerpo plano incluye un sistema de memoria, un generador de múltiples frecuencias de tono doble (DTMF) y un altavoz. El sistema de memoria es configurado para almacenar los datos de identificación que permiten que el usuario establezca una llamada telefónica. El generador DTMF es conectado con el sistema de memoria y es configurado para crear los tonos DTMF protegidos por coritraseña para transmitir los datos de identificación. El altavoz es conectado con el generador DTMF y es configurado para emitir los tonos DTMF. Los tonos DTMF podrían ser reproducidos en un teléfono para realizar una llamada utilizando el aparato de tarjeta de llamada telefónica. Debido a que los datos de identificación son reproducidos en el teléfono y son protegidos por contraseña en lugar de ser ingresados en forma manual por el usuario, los datos de identificación son menos susceptibles al revelado no autorizado y de esta manera, son menos susceptibles al uso fraudulento.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for avoiding roaming or communications charges when a mobile communications device such as a cellular telephone receives an incoming telephone call use a non-native communications provider, such as a VOIP service provider to redirect the call. A subscriber's mobile communications device establishes a data connection to the VOIP service provider through a data network, and call forwarding instructions are issued to the subscriber's telephony service provider to cause calls directed to the subscriber's mobile communications device to be redirected to a forwarding telephone number associated with the VOIP service provider. When a call is placed to the subscriber's normal telephone number, the call is forwarded to the VOIP service provider. The VOIP service provider establishes a VOIP communications channel with the subscriber's mobile communications device via a data network, and the incoming call is connected to the subscriber's mobile communications device via the VOIP communications channel.