Patent US5828734A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5828734A
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US
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Telephone interface call processing system with call selectivity
Assignee: Ronald A Katz Tech Licensing LP
•
Filing: 1993-10-04
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Granted: 1998-10-27
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Expires: 2013-10-04
Abstract
Abstract For use with a public telephone network CO incorporating a vast number of terminals T1-Tn, a system CS limits and controls interface access to implement voice-digital communication for statistical processing. The system CS accommodates calls in different modes, e. g. "800", "900" or area code and incorporates qualifying apparatus to restrict against caller misuse. Alternative calling modes are used to reach an interface facility that also affords some control based on calling terminal identification, e. g. as by ANI equipment.
Inventors
- 👤 Ronald A. Katz
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 09:43
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04Q; H04Q3/00; H04Q3/64; H04Q3/66; H04Q3/665; G; G07; G07C; G07C11/00; G07C15/00; G07C15/005; G07C15/006; H04M; H04M11/00; H04M3/00; H04M3/22; H04M3/36; H04M3/38; H04M3/42; H04M3/46; H04M3/487; H04M3/493; H04M3/50; H04M3/51; H04M3/5166; H04Q3/0016; H04Q3/002; H04Q3/42; H04Q3/54; H04Q3/545; H04Q3/54508; H04Q3/54533; H04Q3/54541; H04Q3/5455; H04Q3/54575; H04Q3/54591; H04Q3/72; H04Q3/74; A; A63; A63F; A63F3/00; A63F3/08; A63F3/081; A63F2003/082; A63F2003/086; G07C2011/04; H04M2201/00; H04M2201/40; H04M2203/00; H04M2203/20; H04M2203/2016; H04M2242/00; H04M2242/22; H04M3/42025; H04M3/42034; H04M3/42059; H04M3/436; H04Q2213/00; H04Q2213/13034; H04Q2213/13072; H04Q2213/1309; H04Q2213/13091; H04Q2213/13093; H04Q2213/13095; H04Q2213/13096; H04Q2213/13097; H04Q2213/13103; H04Q2213/13104; H04Q2213/13106; H04Q2213/13107; H04Q2213/13141; H04Q2213/1316; H04Q2213/13164; H04Q2213/13166; H04Q2213/13167; H04Q2213/13173; H04Q2213/13175; H04Q2213/13178; H04Q2213/13204; H04Q2213/1322; H04Q2213/13256; H04Q2213/1328; H04Q2213/1332; H04Q2213/13342; H04Q2213/13344; H04Q2213/13349; H04Q2213/13352; H04Q2213/13353; H04Q2213/1337; H04Q2213/13375; H04Q2213/13376; H04Q2213/13377; H04Q2213/1338
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 270
Claim 1
Independent Claim
190 words
A telephone call processing system for receiving calls from a multitude of terminals in different call modes including a caller-charge call mode and at least a toll free call mode for processing to interactive interface formats of a desired application and involving digital signals including digital signals indicative of DNIS, said system comprising: first response unit means for receiving calls in said toll free call mode with a select called number identified by said digital signals indicative of DNIS; qualification means for qualifying on-line said calls in said toll free call mode received by said first response unit to provide qualified calls; second response unit means for receiving calls in said caller-charge call mode with another select called number identified by said digital signals indicative of DNIS; means for processing calls concurrently in both call modes in accordance with preliminary operations of said toll free call mode and said caller-charge call mode; and means for coupling said qualified calls received by said first response unit means and said calls in said caller-charge mode for concurrent processing in accordance with common operations of said interactive interface formats of said desired application.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
190 words
A telephone call processing system for receiving calls from a multitude of terminals in different call modes including a caller-charge call mode and at least a toll free call mode for processing to interactive interface formats of a desired application and involving digital signals including digital signals indicative of DNIS, said system comprising: first response unit means for receiving calls in said toll free call mode with a select called number identified by said digital signals indicative of DNIS; qualification means for qualifying on-line said calls in said toll free call mode received by said first response unit to provide qualified calls; second response unit means for receiving calls in said caller-charge call mode with another select called number identified by said digital signals indicative of DNIS; means for processing calls concurrently in both call modes in accordance with preliminary operations of said toll free call mode and said caller-charge call mode; and means for coupling said qualified calls received by said first response unit means and said calls in said caller-charge mode for concurrent processing in accordance with common operations of said interactive interface formats of said desired application.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
44 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 1 wherein said qualification means comprises a test structure, for testing said digital signals including digital signals provided by at least certain of said multitude of terminals originating said calls in said toll free call mode.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
51 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 2, further including limited use memory structure to tally digital signals provided by said multitude of terminals with said toll free call mode to accommodate toll free access and wherein said means for testing tests the content of said limited use memory structure.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
36 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 1 wherein said interactive interface formats of said desired application relate to a game and said processing means isolates winners based on correct answers provided during said calls.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
66 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 1, wherein said digital signals indicative of said select called number or said another select called number dialed by callers at said multitude of terminals (DNIS) are provided by a communication facility to identify select interactive interface formats of said desired application selected from a plurality of distinct interactive operating the content of said memory structure. interface formats.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
36 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 1, wherein said digital signals include digital signals representing calling terminal numbers associated with at least certain of said multitude of terminals automatically provided from a communication facility.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
37 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 6, further comprising the step of: means for storing said digital signals representing said calling terminal numbers associated with said multitude of terminals automatically provided from said communication facility.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
49 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 6, wherein said qualification means for qualifying said calls in said toll free call mode, tests at least certain of said digital signals representing calling terminal numbers associated with at least certain of said multitude of terminals based on limited use.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 1, wherein said caller charge call mode is a "900" call mode.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
20 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 1, wherein said toll free call mode is an "800" call mode.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
157 words
A process for receiving calls through a telephonic communication facility from a multitude of terminals in different call modes including a toll free call mode and a "900" call mode and processing said calls in accordance with respective interactive interface formats for said different call modes, wherein the process involves digital signals including digital signals provided by said multitude of terminals as for identification or data, comprising the steps of: receiving calls in said toll free call mode; providing a qualification number to facilitate toll free participation via said toll free call mode; qualifying on-line said calls in said toll free call mode based on said qualification number to provide qualified calls; receiving calls in said "900" call mode; and concurrently processing said qualified calls received in said toll free call mode and said calls in said "900" mode in accordance with common operations of interactive interface formats for said toll free and said "900" call modes.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
157 words
A process for receiving calls through a telephonic communication facility from a multitude of terminals in different call modes including a toll free call mode and a "900" call mode and processing said calls in accordance with respective interactive interface formats for said different call modes, wherein the process involves digital signals including digital signals provided by said multitude of terminals as for identification or data, comprising the steps of: receiving calls in said toll free call mode; providing a qualification number to facilitate toll free participation via said toll free call mode; qualifying on-line said calls in said toll free call mode based on said qualification number to provide qualified calls; receiving calls in said "900" call mode; and concurrently processing said qualified calls received in said toll free call mode and said calls in said "900" mode in accordance with common operations of interactive interface formats for said toll free and said "900" call modes.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
25 words
A process for receiving calls according to claim 11, wherein at least callers calling in the toll free call mode are subject to limited use.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
26 words
A process for receiving calls according to claim 12, wherein said qualification number is further tested for said limited use during a limited period of time.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
23 words
A process for receiving calls according to claim 11, wherein said qualification number provided by callers during said calls is coded for verification.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
29 words
A process for receiving calls according to claim 14, wherein said qualification number is further tested for said limited use during a limited period of time based upon entitlement.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
27 words
A process for receiving calls according to claim 11, wherein said step of providing a qualification number to a caller includes providing said qualification number by mail.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
25 words
A process for receiving calls according to claim 11, wherein a data bank relating to a caller is accessed to reference data on a caller.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
48 words
A process for receiving calls according to claim 11, wherein digital signals indicative of numbers dialed by callers at said multitude of terminals are provided by said telephonic communication facility (DNIS) to identify said respective interactive interface formats selected from a plurality of distinct interactive operating interface formats.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
37 words
A process for receiving calls according to claim 18, further comprising the step of: providing preliminary automated greetings specific to said respective interactive interface formats, prior to execution of said common operations of said interactive interface formats.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
21 words
A process for receiving calls according to claim 18, wherein said respective interactive interface formats are associated with an information service.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
151 words
A process for receiving calls according to claim 11, further comprising the steps of: receiving DNIS signals indicative of a plurality of called numbers to identify select interactive interface formats from a plurality of interactive formats; receiving caller identification signals indicative of currently active of callers making said calls from said multitude of terminals; storing one or more caller cues and use indications for said caller cues in relation to said currently active of said callers as identified by said identification signals; receiving said caller cues to provide responses from said currently active of said callers in the form of digital data signals; and selecting a caller cue for said currently active caller under control of said identification signals and said use indications for said currently active caller whereby to limit and control caller cues provided to individual callers based upon cues previously provided to and identified with said individual callers.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
55 words
A process for receiving calls according to claim 21, further comprising the steps of: prompting callers calling from said multitude of terminals in said different call modes with multiple questions; and further receiving responses from said callers in the form of digital data developed by said multitude of terminals to isolate a subset of callers.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
52 words
A process for receiving calls according to claim 11, further comprising the steps of: receiving said qualification number in the form of a caller pin-number as digital signals provided by said multitude of terminals for identification; and said qualifying test including testing to determine if said caller pin-number is eligible to participate.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
19 words
A process for receiving calls according to claim 23, wherein said caller pin-number is tested based on limited use.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
20 words
A process for receiving calls according to claim 11, wherein said toll free call mode is an "800" call mode.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
55 words
A process for receiving calls according to claim 11, further comprising the steps of: prompting callers calling from said multitude of terminals in said different call modes with multiple questions; and further receiving responses from said callers in the form of digital data developed by said multitude of terminals to isolate a subset of callers.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
200 words
A telephone call processing system for receiving calls through a communication facility from a multitude of terminals in different call modes including at least a caller charge call mode for processing to respective interactive interface formats for said different call modes and involving digital signals including digital signals provided by said multitude of terminals as for identification or data, said system comprising: first response unit means for receiving calls in said caller charge call mode; second response unit means for receiving calls in a toll free call mode; qualification means for receiving and testing calling number identification signals automatically provided by said communication facility to indicate calling terminals numbers for certain of said multitude of terminals to qualify online said calls in said toll free call mode received by said second response unit to provide qualified calls; means for concurrently processing calls received by both response unit means to preliminary operations of said respective interactive interface formats for said different call modes; and means for coupling said calls received in said caller charge call mode and said qualified calls received in said toll free call mode for concurrent processing in accordance with common operations of said respective interactive interface formats.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
200 words
A telephone call processing system for receiving calls through a communication facility from a multitude of terminals in different call modes including at least a caller charge call mode for processing to respective interactive interface formats for said different call modes and involving digital signals including digital signals provided by said multitude of terminals as for identification or data, said system comprising: first response unit means for receiving calls in said caller charge call mode; second response unit means for receiving calls in a toll free call mode; qualification means for receiving and testing calling number identification signals automatically provided by said communication facility to indicate calling terminals numbers for certain of said multitude of terminals to qualify online said calls in said toll free call mode received by said second response unit to provide qualified calls; means for concurrently processing calls received by both response unit means to preliminary operations of said respective interactive interface formats for said different call modes; and means for coupling said calls received in said caller charge call mode and said qualified calls received in said toll free call mode for concurrent processing in accordance with common operations of said respective interactive interface formats.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
45 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 27 wherein said qualification means for qualifying calls in said toll free call mode also comprises a test structure for testing at least certain of said digital signals provided by said multitude of terminals originating said calls.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
25 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 28, wherein said test structure tests at least certain of said digital signals based on limited use.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
53 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 27 further including a limited use memory structure to tally said digital signals provided by said multitude of terminals with said toll free call mode to accommodate toll free access and wherein said means for testing tests the content of said limited use memory structure.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
42 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 27, wherein digital signals indicative of numbers dialed by callers at said multitude of terminals (DNIS) are provided by said communication facility to identify said interactive interface formats from a plurality of interactive formats.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
23 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 27, further comprising: third response unit means for receiving calls in a third call mode.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
20 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 32, wherein said third call mode is an area code call mode.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
20 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 27, wherein said caller charge call mode is a "900" call mode.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
20 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 27, wherein said toll free call mode is an "800" call mode.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
25 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 27, further comprising: means for storing said calling number identification signals automatically provided by said communication facility.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
23 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 27, wherein said qualification means tests said calling number identification signals based on limited use.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
38 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 27, further comprising preliminary automated greetings specific to said respective interactive interface formats, provided to individual callers prior to execution of said common operations of said respective interactive interface formats.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
279 words
A telephone call processing system for receiving calls from a multitude of terminals in different call modes including a toll free call mode and a caller charge call mode, for processing to respective interactive interface formats for said different call modes and involving digital signals provided by said multitude of terminals as for identification or data, further where said system includes a communication facility which automatically provides digital DNIS signals which identify a number dialed by callers at said multitude of terminals, said digital DNIS signals indicative of the respective interactive interface formats for said different call modes selected, comprising: first response unit means for receiving calls in said toll free call mode, and further wherein an interactive interface format for said toll free call mode is identified by said digital DNIS signals; qualification means for qualifying on-line said calls in said toll free call mode received by said first response unit means to provide qualified calls, said qualification means comprising means for testing said digital signals provided by said multitude of terminals originating calls in said toll free call mode including caller pin-number data, said caller pin-number data to be tested for approval; and second response unit means for receiving calls in said caller charge call mode, further where another interface interactive format for said caller charge call mode is identified by said digital DNIS signals; and means for coupling said qualified calls received in said toll free call mode and said calls received by said second response unit means for concurrent processing to common operations of said interactive interface format for said toll free call mode and said interactive interface format for said caller charge call mode.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
279 words
A telephone call processing system for receiving calls from a multitude of terminals in different call modes including a toll free call mode and a caller charge call mode, for processing to respective interactive interface formats for said different call modes and involving digital signals provided by said multitude of terminals as for identification or data, further where said system includes a communication facility which automatically provides digital DNIS signals which identify a number dialed by callers at said multitude of terminals, said digital DNIS signals indicative of the respective interactive interface formats for said different call modes selected, comprising: first response unit means for receiving calls in said toll free call mode, and further wherein an interactive interface format for said toll free call mode is identified by said digital DNIS signals; qualification means for qualifying on-line said calls in said toll free call mode received by said first response unit means to provide qualified calls, said qualification means comprising means for testing said digital signals provided by said multitude of terminals originating calls in said toll free call mode including caller pin-number data, said caller pin-number data to be tested for approval; and second response unit means for receiving calls in said caller charge call mode, further where another interface interactive format for said caller charge call mode is identified by said digital DNIS signals; and means for coupling said qualified calls received in said toll free call mode and said calls received by said second response unit means for concurrent processing to common operations of said interactive interface format for said toll free call mode and said interactive interface format for said caller charge call mode.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
39 words
A telephone call processing system for receiving calls according to claim 39, wherein said interactive interface format and said another interactive interface format selected by said digital DNIS signals are selected from a plurality of distinct interactive operating formats.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
36 words
A telephone call processing system for receiving calls according to claim 39, further comprising call record memory means for storing data relating to said calls addressable by said digital signals provided by said multitude of terminals.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
21 words
A telephone call processing system for receiving calls according to claim 41, wherein said digital signals comprise said caller pin-number data.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
27 words
A telephone call processing system for receiving calls according to claim 39, further comprising a test to determine if said caller pin-number data is eligible to participate.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
23 words
A telephone call processing system for receiving calls according to claim 43, wherein said test tests said caller pin-number data for limited use.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
26 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 39, wherein said qualification means qualifies on-line said calls by testing based on a one time only use.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
26 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 43, wherein said qualification means further tests said digital signals representing calling terminal numbers based on limited use.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
20 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 39, wherein said caller charge call mode is a "900" call mode.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
20 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 39, wherein said toll free call mode is an "800" call mode.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
49 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 39, further comprising preliminary automated greetings specific to said interactive interface format for said toll free call mode and said another interactive interface format for said caller charge call mode provided to individual callers prior to execution of said common operations.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
220 words
A telephone call processing system for receiving calls from a multitude of terminals in different calling modes including a toll free call mode and a caller charge call mode for processing to respective interactive interface formats for said different calling modes and involving digital signals including digital signals provided by callers at said multitude of terminals as for identification or other use, said system comprising: first response unit means for receiving calls in said toll free call mode; qualification means for qualifying on-line said calls in said toll free call mode received by said first response unit to provide qualified calls, said qualification means comprising means for testing said digital signals provided by said multitude of terminals and originating calls in said toll free call mode; call record memory means for storing data identifying said callers, addressable by said digital signals provided by said callers at said multitude of terminals; a second response unit means for receiving calls in said caller charge call mode; means for concurrently processing calls received by both response unit means for preliminary operations of said respective interactive interface formats; and means for coupling said qualified calls received in said toll free call mode and said calls received by said second response unit means for concurrent processing to common operations of said respective interactive interface formats.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
220 words
A telephone call processing system for receiving calls from a multitude of terminals in different calling modes including a toll free call mode and a caller charge call mode for processing to respective interactive interface formats for said different calling modes and involving digital signals including digital signals provided by callers at said multitude of terminals as for identification or other use, said system comprising: first response unit means for receiving calls in said toll free call mode; qualification means for qualifying on-line said calls in said toll free call mode received by said first response unit to provide qualified calls, said qualification means comprising means for testing said digital signals provided by said multitude of terminals and originating calls in said toll free call mode; call record memory means for storing data identifying said callers, addressable by said digital signals provided by said callers at said multitude of terminals; a second response unit means for receiving calls in said caller charge call mode; means for concurrently processing calls received by both response unit means for preliminary operations of said respective interactive interface formats; and means for coupling said qualified calls received in said toll free call mode and said calls received by said second response unit means for concurrent processing to common operations of said respective interactive interface formats.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
50 words
A telephone call processing system for receiving calls according to claim 50, wherein each of said respective interactive interface formats is one of a plurality of distinct interactive interface formats and selection of each specific interactive interface format is based on digital DNIS signals automatically provided from a communication facility.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
21 words
A telephone call processing system for receiving calls according to claim 50, wherein said qualification means verifies a caller provided pin-number.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
26 words
A telephone call processing system for receiving calls according to claim 52, wherein said qualification means determines if said caller provided pin-number is eligible to participate.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
24 words
A telephone call processing system for receiving calls according to claim 53, wherein said pin-number is tested for limited use. to select said questions.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
22 words
A telephone call processing system for receiving calls according to claim 54, wherein said limited use is a one time only use.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
35 words
A telephone call processing system for receiving calls according to claim 50, wherein said qualification means qualifies calls on-line based on a caller provided pin-number, said qualification means testing said pin-number for check digit verification.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
20 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 50, wherein said caller charge call mode is a "900" call mode.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
20 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 50, wherein said toll free call mode is an "800" call mode.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
54 words
A telephone call processing system for receiving calls according to claim 50, further comprising preliminary automated greetings specific to each of said respective interactive interface formats for said toll free call mode and said caller charge call mode provided to individual callers prior to execution of said common operations of said respective interface formats.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
118 words
A telephone call processing system for receiving calls from a multitude of terminals for processing to an interface format and involving digital signals including digital signals associated with said multitude of terminals as for identification or data, said system comprising: cue means for prompting responses to questions, from said multitude of terminals in the form of digital signals as data; question selection means for selecting individual questions from a plurality of questions for actuating said cue means, said question selection means including a random selection means to select said individual questions; test means for testing said individual questions as correct or incorrect; and processing means to process responses to said individual questions to isolate a subset of callers.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
118 words
A telephone call processing system for receiving calls from a multitude of terminals for processing to an interface format and involving digital signals including digital signals associated with said multitude of terminals as for identification or data, said system comprising: cue means for prompting responses to questions, from said multitude of terminals in the form of digital signals as data; question selection means for selecting individual questions from a plurality of questions for actuating said cue means, said question selection means including a random selection means to select said individual questions; test means for testing said individual questions as correct or incorrect; and processing means to process responses to said individual questions to isolate a subset of callers.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
19 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 60, further comprising means for receiving and storing caller identification data.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
48 words
A telephone call processing system for receiving calls according to claim 60, wherein said question selection means selects questions from a plurality of batches of question, said plurality of batches distinguished from each other base upon a level of difficulty of the questions in each of said batches.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
23 words
A telephone call processing system for receiving calls according to claim 60, wherein a random number generator is used to select said questions.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
276 words
A telephone call processing system for receiving calls through a telephonic communication facility from a multitude of terminals in a caller charge call mode for processing data in accordance with any of a plurality of interactive operating process formats and involving digital signals including digital signals indicative of DNIS, said system comprising: first response unit means for receiving calls in a caller charge call mode wherein digital signals indicative of one of a plurality of distinct called numbers (DNIS) identifies one of said plurality of interactive operating process formats; second response unit means for receiving calls in a "900" caller charge call mode wherein digital signals indicative of one other of said plurality of called numbers (DNIS) identifies another of said plurality of interactive operating process formats; voice generator means for prompting callers with voice prompts whereby callers enter data in response to said voice prompts; qualification means for qualifying on-line at least said calls utilizing said one other of said plurality of called numbers in said "900" caller charge call mode received by said second response unit to provide qualified calls; means for processing qualified calls received by said second response unit means and said calls received by said first response unit means for concurrent processing of data in accordance with at least certain common operations of said one and said another of said plurality of interactive operating process formats; and audio control unit coupled to said voice generator for providing a distinct automated greeting under control of said digital signals (DNIS) to callers calling at least said one of said distinct called numbers identifying said one of said plurality of interactive operating process formats.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
276 words
A telephone call processing system for receiving calls through a telephonic communication facility from a multitude of terminals in a caller charge call mode for processing data in accordance with any of a plurality of interactive operating process formats and involving digital signals including digital signals indicative of DNIS, said system comprising: first response unit means for receiving calls in a caller charge call mode wherein digital signals indicative of one of a plurality of distinct called numbers (DNIS) identifies one of said plurality of interactive operating process formats; second response unit means for receiving calls in a "900" caller charge call mode wherein digital signals indicative of one other of said plurality of called numbers (DNIS) identifies another of said plurality of interactive operating process formats; voice generator means for prompting callers with voice prompts whereby callers enter data in response to said voice prompts; qualification means for qualifying on-line at least said calls utilizing said one other of said plurality of called numbers in said "900" caller charge call mode received by said second response unit to provide qualified calls; means for processing qualified calls received by said second response unit means and said calls received by said first response unit means for concurrent processing of data in accordance with at least certain common operations of said one and said another of said plurality of interactive operating process formats; and audio control unit coupled to said voice generator for providing a distinct automated greeting under control of said digital signals (DNIS) to callers calling at least said one of said distinct called numbers identifying said one of said plurality of interactive operating process formats.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
53 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 64, wherein said voice generator means prompts responses to at least one question in the form of interactively entered data provided by said callers calling at least one of said distinct called numbers; and said system further comprises: means for storing said interactively entered data.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
37 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 64, further comprising: means for receiving digital signals representing calling terminal numbers associated with at least certain of said multitude of terminals automatically provided from said telephonic communication facility.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
33 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 66, further comprising: means for storing digital signals representing calling terminal numbers associated with said multitude of terminals automatically provided from said telephonic communication facility.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
37 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 64, wherein said qualification means tests digital signals representing calling terminal numbers associated with at least certain of said multitude of terminals automatically provided from said telephonic communication facility.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
26 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 68, wherein said qualification means tests said digital signals representing said calling terminal numbers based on limited use.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
145 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 64, further comprising: means for providing identification signals to said qualification means indicative of currently active of said callers; memory means for storing one or more caller cues and use indications for said caller cues in relation to said currently active of said callers as identified by said identification signals; cue means for receiving said caller cues to provide responses from said currently active callers in the form of digital data signals; and means for selecting a caller cue from said memory means for said currently active caller for application to said cue means under control of said identification signals and said use indications stored in said memory means for said currently active caller whereby to limit and control caller cues provided to individual callers based upon cues previously provided to and identified with said individual callers.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
25 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 64, wherein said means for processing processes caller entered data to isolate a subset of said callers.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
25 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 71, wherein said means for processing utilizes multiple comparative processing operations to isolate said subset of callers.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
23 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 64, wherein said interactive operating processing format is a form of an information service format.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
29 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 73, wherein said PIN number data is further tested for limited use during a limited period of time based upon entitlement.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
66 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 73, wherein said means for processing calls isolates a subset to callers based upon data entered by said callers responsive to prompting by said voice generate means and wherein said means for processing calls further isolates a sub-subset of callers also responsive to further data entered by said callers responsive to further prompting by said voice generator means.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
25 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 64, wherein qualification by said qualification means of said calls includes qualification of caller provided identification data.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
20 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 76, wherein said caller provided identification data further includes PIN number data.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
20 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 64, wherein said caller charge call mode is a "900" call mode.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
64 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 64, wherein said means for concurrently processing isolates a subset of callers based upon data entered by said callers responsive to prompting by said voice generator and wherein said means for concurrently processing further isolates a sub-subset of callers also responsive to further data entered by said callers responsive to further prompting by said voice generator.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
24 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 64, wherein said first response unit means receives calls in a "900" caller charge call mode.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
293 words
A telephone call processing system for receiving calls through a telephonic communication facility from a multitude of terminals in a toll free call mode for processing data in accordance with any of a plurality of interactive operating process formats and involving digital signals including DNIS, said system comprising: first response unit means for receiving calls in said toll free call mode wherein digital signals indicative of at least one of a plurality of distinct called numbers (DNIS) identify one of said plurality of interactive operating process formats; voice generator means for prompting callers with voice prompts whereby said callers enter data in response to said voice prompts; qualification means for qualifying on-line at least said calls utilizing said one of said plurality of distinct called numbers (DNIS) in said toll free call mode received by said first response unit to provide qualified calls; second response unit means for receiving calls in said toll free call mode wherein digital signals indicative of one other of said plurality of distinct called numbers (DNIS) identify another of said plurality of interactive operating process formats; means for processing qualified calls received by said first response unit means and said calls received by said second response unit means for concurrent processing of data in accordance with at least certain common processing operations of said one and said another of said interactive operating process formats; and audio control unit coupled to said voice generator means for providing a preliminary automated voice prompt to cue callers to interactively enter data under control of said digital signals (DNIS) to callers calling said one other of said plurality of distinct called numbers prior to execution of said common processing operations of said one and said another of said interactive operating process formats.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
293 words
A telephone call processing system for receiving calls through a telephonic communication facility from a multitude of terminals in a toll free call mode for processing data in accordance with any of a plurality of interactive operating process formats and involving digital signals including DNIS, said system comprising: first response unit means for receiving calls in said toll free call mode wherein digital signals indicative of at least one of a plurality of distinct called numbers (DNIS) identify one of said plurality of interactive operating process formats; voice generator means for prompting callers with voice prompts whereby said callers enter data in response to said voice prompts; qualification means for qualifying on-line at least said calls utilizing said one of said plurality of distinct called numbers (DNIS) in said toll free call mode received by said first response unit to provide qualified calls; second response unit means for receiving calls in said toll free call mode wherein digital signals indicative of one other of said plurality of distinct called numbers (DNIS) identify another of said plurality of interactive operating process formats; means for processing qualified calls received by said first response unit means and said calls received by said second response unit means for concurrent processing of data in accordance with at least certain common processing operations of said one and said another of said interactive operating process formats; and audio control unit coupled to said voice generator means for providing a preliminary automated voice prompt to cue callers to interactively enter data under control of said digital signals (DNIS) to callers calling said one other of said plurality of distinct called numbers prior to execution of said common processing operations of said one and said another of said interactive operating process formats.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
34 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 81, wherein qualification of said calls in said toll free call mode is based upon a test of caller provided identification data based upon limited use.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
18 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 82, wherein said limited use is a one-time only use.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
21 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 82, wherein digital signals indicative of identification data indicate a personal identification number.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
23 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 82, wherein said limited use limits use by callers during a single period of time.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
22 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 81, wherein said data includes caller pin-number data which is subject to limited use.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
30 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 86, further comprising a test for said limited use for said caller pin number data comprising a one time only use test.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
32 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 86, wherein said data including caller pin-number data is further subject to said limited use during a limited period of time based upon entitlement.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
58 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 81, wherein said digital signals indicative of at least one of said plurality of distinct called numbers (DNIS) dialed by callers at said multitude of terminals are automatically provided by said telephonic communication facility to identify said one interactive operating process format from said plurality of interactive operating process formats.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
30 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 81, wherein digital signals representing calling terminal numbers associated with said multitude of terminals are automatically provided by said telephonic communication facility.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
18 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 90, further including memory means for storing said digital signals.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
38 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 90, wherein said qualification means tests said digital signals representing calling terminal numbers associated with at least certain of said multitude of terminals, automatically provided from said telephonic communication facility.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
23 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 92, wherein said qualification means comprises a use limit test of said calling terminal numbers.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
48 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 81, further including memory means for storing data and control means for restricting the extent of access to said system based on at least one of caller provided data or calling terminal data automatically provided by said telephonic communication facility.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
40 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 81, wherein said voice generator means prompts responses to at least one voice prompt in the form of interactively entered data provided by said callers calling one of said distinct called numbers.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
18 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 95, wherein at least certain of said responses are stored.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
40 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 95, wherein said voice generator means prompts responses to said at least one question upon receiving calling terminal numbers associated with said multitude of terminals, automatically provided by said telephonic communication facility.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
44 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 81, wherein digital signals representing calling terminal numbers associated with said multitude of terminals automatically provided from said telephonic communication facility are used to access a data bank relating to calls from said multitude of terminals.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
22 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 98, wherein said databank is updated with data relating to said calling terminal numbers.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
31 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 81, wherein said qualification means tallies calls placed to one of said toll free call mode distinct numbers up to a predetermined limit.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
31 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 81, wherein said data entered by said callers is used to update data for said callers in a databank relating to said callers.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
36 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 81, wherein said qualification means tests calls against a limit of free calls available to callers of at least one of said toll free call mode distinct numbers.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
37 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 81, further comprising: means for receiving digital signals representing calling terminal numbers associated with at least certain of said multitude of terminals automatically provided from said telephonic communication facility.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
34 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 103, further comprising: means for storing said digital signals representing calling terminal numbers associated with said multitude of terminals, automatically provided from said telephonic communication facility.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
23 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 104, wherein said digital signals representing calling terminal numbers are tested based on limited use.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
152 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 81, further comprising: means for providing identification signals to said qualification means indicative of currently active of said callers; memory means for storing one or more caller cues and use indications for said caller cues in relation to said currently active of said callers as identified by said identification signals; cue means for coupling said caller cues to said voice generator means to provide responses from said currently active of said callers in the form of digital data signals; and means for selecting a caller cue from said memory means for a currently active caller for application to said cue means under control of said identification signals and said use indications stored in said memory means for said currently active caller whereby to limit and control caller cues provided to individual callers based upon cues previously provided to and identified with said individual callers.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
27 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 81, wherein said means for processing processes data provided by callers to update a databank relating to said callers.
Claim 116
Dependent Claim
42 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 81, wherein said means for processing processes at least a portion of said data entered by said callers in response to said voice generator means to update said caller data in a data bank.
Claim 117
Dependent Claim
22 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 81, wherein said interactive operating process format is an on-line processing format in real-time.
Claim 118
Dependent Claim
25 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 81, wherein said means for processing processes caller entered data to isolate a subset of said callers.
Claim 119
Dependent Claim
25 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 81, wherein said means for processing comprises multiple comparative processing operations to isolate a subset of callers.
Claim 120
Dependent Claim
24 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 81, wherein said one interactive operating process format is a form of a financial information format.
Claim 121
Dependent Claim
22 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 112, wherein said financial information format includes provision of data on stocks and bonds.
Claim 122
Dependent Claim
150 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 113, further comprising: means for providing identification signals to said qualification means indicative of currently active of said callers; memory means for storing one or more caller cues and use indications for said caller cues in relation to said currently active of said callers as identified by said identification signals; cue means for coupling said caller cues to said voice generator means to provide responses from said currently active callers in the form of digital data signals; and means for selecting a caller cue from said memory means for said currently active caller for application to said cue means under control of said identification signals and said use indications stored in said memory means for said currently active caller whereby to limit and control caller cues provided to individual callers based upon cues previously provided to and identified with said individual callers.
Claim 123
Dependent Claim
26 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 114, wherein digital signals provided by said callers in response to said prompting include personal identification number data.
Claim 124
Dependent Claim
40 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 115, wherein said means for processing processes at least a portion of said data entered by said callers in response to voice prompts to update said caller data in a data bank.
Claim 125
Dependent Claim
25 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 81, wherein said one and said another interactive operating process formats involve the sale of a product.
Claim 126
Dependent Claim
150 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 117, further comprising: means for providing identification signals to said qualification means indicative of currently active of said callers; memory means for storing one or more caller cues and use indications for said caller cues in relation to said currently active of said callers as identified by said identification signals; cue means for coupling said caller cues to said voice generator means to provide responses from said currently active callers in the form of digital data signals; and means for selecting a caller cue from said memory means for said currently active caller for application to said cue means under control of said identification signals and said use indications stored in said memory means for said currently active caller whereby to limit and control caller cues provided to individual callers based upon cues previously provided to and identified with said individual callers.
Claim 127
Dependent Claim
26 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 118, wherein digital signals provided by said callers in response to said prompting include personal identification number data.
Claim 128
Dependent Claim
40 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 118, wherein said means for processing processes at least a portion of said data entered by said callers in response to voice prompts to update said caller data in a data bank.
Claim 129
Dependent Claim
27 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 81, wherein said qualification means performs a test based upon caller provision of select digits of caller telephone numbers.
Claim 130
Dependent Claim
30 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 121, wherein at least said select digits of caller telephone numbers are automatically provided by digital signals from the telephonic communication facility.
Claim 131
Dependent Claim
36 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 81, wherein said plurality of interactive operating process formats include both a form relating to an information service and a form relating to the sale of a product.
Claim 132
Dependent Claim
24 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 81, wherein said one and said another interactive operating processing formats relate to an information service.
Claim 133
Dependent Claim
56 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 124, further comprising: means for prompting callers calling from said multitude of terminals in said toll free call mode with multiple questions; and means for receiving responses from said callers in the form of digital data developed by said multitude of terminals to isolate a subset of callers.
Claim 134
Dependent Claim
25 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 81, wherein qualification by said qualification means of said calls includes qualification of caller provided identification data.
Claim 135
Dependent Claim
21 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 126, wherein said caller provided identification data is indicative of PIN number data.
Claim 136
Dependent Claim
64 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 81, wherein said means for processing isolates a subset of callers based upon data entered by said callers responsive to prompting by said voice generator means and wherein said means for processing further isolates a sub-subset of callers also responsive to further data entered by said callers responsive to further prompting by said voice generator means.
Claim 137
Dependent Claim
20 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 81, wherein said toll free call mode is an "800" call mode.
Claim 138
Dependent Claim
23 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 81, further comprising: a third response unit for receiving calls in an area code mode.
Claim 139
Dependent Claim
56 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 81, further comprising: means for prompting callers calling from said multitude of terminals in said toll free call mode with multiple questions; and means for receiving responses from said callers in the form of digital data developed by said multitude of terminals to isolate a subset of callers.
Claim 140
Dependent Claim
189 words
A telephone call processing system for receiving calls from a multitude of terminals in different call modes including a pay to dial call mode on a nationwide network for interactive communication and at least one toll free call mode for processing to respective interactive interface formats for said different call modes and involving digital signals associated with said multitude of terminals as for identification or data, said system comprising: first response unit means for receiving calls in said toll free call mode; qualification means for qualifying on-line said calls in said toll free call mode received by said first response unit means to provide qualified calls; second response unit means for receiving calls in said pay to dial call mode on said nationwide network; means for processing calls concurrently in both call modes in accordance with preliminary operations of said respective interactive interface formats for said different call modes; and means for coupling said qualified calls received in said toll free call mode and said calls in said pay to dial call mode on said nationwide network for concurrent processing to common operations of said respective interactive interface formats.
Claim 141
Dependent Claim
189 words
A telephone call processing system for receiving calls from a multitude of terminals in different call modes including a pay to dial call mode on a nationwide network for interactive communication and at least one toll free call mode for processing to respective interactive interface formats for said different call modes and involving digital signals associated with said multitude of terminals as for identification or data, said system comprising: first response unit means for receiving calls in said toll free call mode; qualification means for qualifying on-line said calls in said toll free call mode received by said first response unit means to provide qualified calls; second response unit means for receiving calls in said pay to dial call mode on said nationwide network; means for processing calls concurrently in both call modes in accordance with preliminary operations of said respective interactive interface formats for said different call modes; and means for coupling said qualified calls received in said toll free call mode and said calls in said pay to dial call mode on said nationwide network for concurrent processing to common operations of said respective interactive interface formats.
Claim 142
Dependent Claim
21 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 132, wherein said pay to dial call mode is a "900" call mode.
Claim 143
Dependent Claim
44 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 132, wherein digital signals indicative of numbers dialed by callers at said multitude of terminals (DNIS) is provided by a communication facility to identify said respective interactive interface formats from a plurality of interactive operating formats.
Claim 144
Dependent Claim
305 words
A telephone interface system for individually interfacing callers at a multitude of remote terminals for voice-digital communication through a telephone communication facility, said system comprising: communication means for establishing telephone communication between callers at certain of said multitude of remote terminals and select interactive operating formats through said telephone communication facility based on digital signals indicative of called numbers dialed by callers, which identify said select interactive operating formats from a plurality of operating formats (DNIS), wherein at least two called numbers identify at least two select interactive operating formats from said plurality of different formats, said communication means also receiving digital signals representing calling terminal number data associated with certain of said multitude of remote terminals automatically provided by said telephone communication facility; means for receiving identification signals relating to said callers in accordance with one of said at least two select interactive operating formats and providing said identification signals to said communication means to indicate currently active of said callers, wherein a data bank relating to said identification signals is accessed to reference data for a caller; memory means for storing one or more caller cues and use indications for said caller cues in relation to said currently active of said callers as identified by said identification signals; cue means for receiving said caller cues to provide voice signals through said communication means to prompt responses from said currently active callers in the form of digital data signals; and means for selecting a caller cue from said memory means for said currently active caller for application to said cue means under control of said identification signals and said use indications stored in said memory means for said currently active caller whereby to limit and control caller cues provided to individual callers based upon cues previously provided to and identified with said individual callers.
Claim 145
Dependent Claim
305 words
A telephone interface system for individually interfacing callers at a multitude of remote terminals for voice-digital communication through a telephone communication facility, said system comprising: communication means for establishing telephone communication between callers at certain of said multitude of remote terminals and select interactive operating formats through said telephone communication facility based on digital signals indicative of called numbers dialed by callers, which identify said select interactive operating formats from a plurality of operating formats (DNIS), wherein at least two called numbers identify at least two select interactive operating formats from said plurality of different formats, said communication means also receiving digital signals representing calling terminal number data associated with certain of said multitude of remote terminals automatically provided by said telephone communication facility; means for receiving identification signals relating to said callers in accordance with one of said at least two select interactive operating formats and providing said identification signals to said communication means to indicate currently active of said callers, wherein a data bank relating to said identification signals is accessed to reference data for a caller; memory means for storing one or more caller cues and use indications for said caller cues in relation to said currently active of said callers as identified by said identification signals; cue means for receiving said caller cues to provide voice signals through said communication means to prompt responses from said currently active callers in the form of digital data signals; and means for selecting a caller cue from said memory means for said currently active caller for application to said cue means under control of said identification signals and said use indications stored in said memory means for said currently active caller whereby to limit and control caller cues provided to individual callers based upon cues previously provided to and identified with said individual callers.
Claim 146
Dependent Claim
23 words
A telephone interface system according to claim 135 wherein said number dialed by said callers is associated with a toll free call mode.
Claim 147
Dependent Claim
37 words
A telephone interface system according to claim 135 wherein said select interactive operating format is accessed by a plurality of distinct called numbers identified by said digital signals and provided via a nationwide network for interactive communication.
Claim 148
Dependent Claim
90 words
A telephone interface system according to claim 135 wherein said digital signals (DNIS) are indicative of at least two distinct numbers dialed by callers to access common operations of said one select interactive operating format and another select interactive operating format of said interface system, and at least one of said numbers is associated with a toll free call mode and at least one other of said numbers requiring qualification of said callers based on data provided by said callers against data on said callers stored in a memory means.
Claim 149
Dependent Claim
24 words
A telephone interface system according to claim 135 wherein a data bank relating to a caller is accessed to reference data on a caller.
Claim 150
Dependent Claim
31 words
A telephone interface system according to claim 135, wherein digital signals representing calling terminal numbers associated with certain of said multitude of remote terminals are automatically provided from a communication facility.
Claim 151
Dependent Claim
27 words
A telephone interface system according to claim 135, wherein said one or more caller cues are limited and controlled to avoid duplication of certain of said cues.
Claim 152
Dependent Claim
24 words
A telephone interface system according to claim 135, further comprising; qualification means for limiting access to said select interactive operating formats based on use.
Claim 153
Dependent Claim
25 words
A telephone interface system according to claim 142, wherein access to said select interactive operating formats is limited based on a one time only use.
Claim 154
Dependent Claim
43 words
A telephone interface system according to claim 135, further comprising: a voice generator for providing voice prompts to said callers to enter data; and a processor for processing at least a portion of said data to update caller data in a data bank.
Claim 155
Dependent Claim
34 words
A telephone interface system according to claim 135, further comprising: means for qualifying callers on-line based upon provision of a PIN number including a test of said PIN number for verification of coded data.
Claim 156
Dependent Claim
22 words
A telephone interface system according to claim 135, wherein a caller provides a PIN number data as indicated by said identification signals.
Claim 157
Dependent Claim
32 words
A telephone call interface according to claim 135, wherein at least certain of said digital signals representing calling terminal number data associated with certain of said multitude of remote terminals are stored.
Claim 158
Dependent Claim
24 words
A telephone interface system according to claim 135, wherein said call mode other than the caller charge call mode is a "900" call mode.
Claim 159
Dependent Claim
23 words
A telephone interface system according to claim 135, wherein said digital signals representing calling terminal number data are tested based on limited use.
Claim 160
Dependent Claim
26 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 135 wherein said memory stores at least a portion of said digital signals representing calling terminal number data.
Claim 161
Dependent Claim
202 words
A telephone call processing system for receiving calls through a telephonic communication facility from a multitude of terminals in different call modes including a toll free call mode, a pay to dial call mode, or an area code call mode for processing to respective interactive interface formats for different call modes and involving digital signals associated with said multitude of terminals as for identification or data, comprising: first response unit means for receiving calls in said toll free call mode or said area code call mode; second response unit means for receiving calls in a caller charge call mode; qualification means for qualifying on-line said calls in said toll free call mode or said area code call mode; audio control unit coupled to said first and second response units for answering incoming calls received for said first response unit and said second response unit and cuing certain callers subject to qualification by said qualification means; and processing means for selectively processing said calls received by said first response unit in said toll free call mode or said area code call mode with calls received by said second response unit for concurrent processing in accordance with common operations of respective interactive interface formats.
Claim 162
Dependent Claim
202 words
A telephone call processing system for receiving calls through a telephonic communication facility from a multitude of terminals in different call modes including a toll free call mode, a pay to dial call mode, or an area code call mode for processing to respective interactive interface formats for different call modes and involving digital signals associated with said multitude of terminals as for identification or data, comprising: first response unit means for receiving calls in said toll free call mode or said area code call mode; second response unit means for receiving calls in a caller charge call mode; qualification means for qualifying on-line said calls in said toll free call mode or said area code call mode; audio control unit coupled to said first and second response units for answering incoming calls received for said first response unit and said second response unit and cuing certain callers subject to qualification by said qualification means; and processing means for selectively processing said calls received by said first response unit in said toll free call mode or said area code call mode with calls received by said second response unit for concurrent processing in accordance with common operations of respective interactive interface formats.
Claim 163
Dependent Claim
23 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 151, wherein said first response unit receives calls only in said toll free call mode.
Claim 164
Dependent Claim
29 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 151, wherein said first response unit receives calls in said pay to dial call mode such as said "900" call mode.
Claim 165
Dependent Claim
23 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 151, wherein said first response unit receives calls only in said area code call mode.
Claim 166
Dependent Claim
52 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 151, wherein digital signals indicative of a number dialed by callers at said multitude of terminals (DNIS) for said toll free call mode or said caller charge mode is provided by said telephonic communication facility to identify each of said respective interactive interface formats.
Claim 167
Dependent Claim
167 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 155, further comprising: communication means for establishing telephone communication between callers at certain of said multitude of terminals and each of said respective interface formats; means for providing identification signals to said communication means indicative of currently active of said callers; memory means for storing one or more caller cues and use indications for said caller cues in relation to said currently active of said callers as identified by said identification signals; cue means for receiving said caller cues to provide responses from said currently active callers in the form of digital data signals; and means for selecting a caller cue from said memory means for said currently active caller for application to said cue means under control of said identification signals and said use indications stored in said memory means for said currently active caller whereby to limit and control caller cues provided to individual callers based upon cues previously provided to and identified with said individual callers.
Claim 168
Dependent Claim
29 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 151, wherein said qualification means qualifies on-line said calls by testing identification data provided by said callers based on limited use.
Claim 169
Dependent Claim
31 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 157, wherein said limited use is controlled by digital signals indicative of a calling terminal number automatically provided by said telephonic communication facility.
Claim 170
Dependent Claim
31 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 157, wherein said qualification means further qualifies said calls by testing identification data based on limited use during a limited period of time.
Claim 171
Dependent Claim
38 words
A telephone call processing telephone call processing system according to claim 151, further comprising: means for receiving digital signals representing numbers associated with at least certain of said multitude of terminals automatically provided from said telephonic communication facility.
Claim 172
Dependent Claim
31 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 160, further comprising: means for storing digital signals representing numbers associated with said multitude of terminals, automatically provided from said telephonic communication facility.
Claim 173
Dependent Claim
37 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 151, wherein said qualification means tests digital signals representing calling terminal numbers associated with at least certain of said multitude of terminals, automatically provided from said telephonic communication facility.
Claim 174
Dependent Claim
43 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 151, wherein digital signals representing calling terminal numbers associated with at least certain of said multitude of terminals automatically provided from said telephonic communication facility are used to access a data bank relating to callers.
Claim 175
Dependent Claim
51 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 151, wherein digital signals indicative of a number dialed by callers at said multitude of terminals (DNIS) is provided by said telephonic communication facility to identify each of said respective interactive interface formats selected from a plurality of distinct interactive operating interface formats.
Claim 176
Dependent Claim
23 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 164, wherein each of said respective interactive interface formats is associated with an information service.
Claim 177
Dependent Claim
51 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 164, wherein said audio control unit provides a preliminary automated greeting under the control of said digital signals (DNIS) to callers calling whereby said preliminary automated greeting is specific to said number dialed by callers and each of said respective interactive interface formats.
Claim 178
Dependent Claim
23 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 151, wherein said qualification means qualifies callers on-line based upon a specified limit on use.
Claim 179
Dependent Claim
20 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 167, wherein said limit on use is a one time only use.
Claim 180
Dependent Claim
20 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 167, wherein said limit on use involves a limited number of uses.
Claim 181
Dependent Claim
23 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 151, wherein each of said respective interactive interface formats is an on-line, real-time processing format.
Claim 182
Dependent Claim
20 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 151, further comprising: voice generator means for prompting callers with voice prompts.
Claim 183
Dependent Claim
21 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 171, wherein said callers provide answer data in response to said voice prompts.
Claim 184
Dependent Claim
26 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 172, wherein said answer data is used at least in part to update a databank on said callers.
Claim 185
Dependent Claim
44 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 171, wherein said callers are prompted by said voice generator means to provide data, and at least a portion of said data is processed by said processor to update caller data stored in a data bank.
Claim 186
Dependent Claim
56 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 151, wherein said first response unit means receives calls only in said area code mode and said second response unit means receives calls only in said caller charge mode and said system further comprises: a third response unit means for receiving calls in said toll free call mode.
Claim 187
Dependent Claim
20 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 151, wherein said caller charge call mode is a "900" call mode.
Claim 188
Dependent Claim
20 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 151, wherein said toll free call mode is an "800" call mode.
Claim 189
Dependent Claim
326 words
A telephone call processing system for receiving calls through a telephonic communication facility from a multitude of terminals in a toll free call mode comprising a plurality of distinct called numbers associated with said toll free call mode for processing calls to select interactive interface operating formats from a plurality of interactive interface operating formats and involving digital signals including digital signals associated with said multitude of terminals as for identification or data, said system comprising: first response unit means for receiving calls in said toll free call mode wherein digital signals indicative of at least one of said plurality of called numbers (DNIS) identifies one of said select interactive interface operating formats from said plurality of interactive interface operating formats; cue means for providing cues during said calls received by said first response unit means to prompt responses from callers during said calls in the form of interactively entered data; qualification means for qualifying on-line said calls received by said first response unit means to provide qualified calls based on testing said interactively entered data against other data stored in a memory; second response unit means for receiving calls in said toll free call mode wherein digital signals indicative of at least one other of said plurality of called numbers identifies another of said select interactive interface operating formats from said plurality of interactive interface operating formats; means for processing said qualified calls received by said first response unit means and other calls in said toll free call mode received by said second response unit means in accordance with at least certain common operations of said select interactive interface operating formats; and a control unit coupled to said voice generator for providing a preliminary automated voice prompt to cue callers to interactively enter data under control of said digital signals (DNIS) to callers calling at least one of said plurality of distinct numbers prior to execution of said common operations of said select interface formats.
Claim 190
Dependent Claim
326 words
A telephone call processing system for receiving calls through a telephonic communication facility from a multitude of terminals in a toll free call mode comprising a plurality of distinct called numbers associated with said toll free call mode for processing calls to select interactive interface operating formats from a plurality of interactive interface operating formats and involving digital signals including digital signals associated with said multitude of terminals as for identification or data, said system comprising: first response unit means for receiving calls in said toll free call mode wherein digital signals indicative of at least one of said plurality of called numbers (DNIS) identifies one of said select interactive interface operating formats from said plurality of interactive interface operating formats; cue means for providing cues during said calls received by said first response unit means to prompt responses from callers during said calls in the form of interactively entered data; qualification means for qualifying on-line said calls received by said first response unit means to provide qualified calls based on testing said interactively entered data against other data stored in a memory; second response unit means for receiving calls in said toll free call mode wherein digital signals indicative of at least one other of said plurality of called numbers identifies another of said select interactive interface operating formats from said plurality of interactive interface operating formats; means for processing said qualified calls received by said first response unit means and other calls in said toll free call mode received by said second response unit means in accordance with at least certain common operations of said select interactive interface operating formats; and a control unit coupled to said voice generator for providing a preliminary automated voice prompt to cue callers to interactively enter data under control of said digital signals (DNIS) to callers calling at least one of said plurality of distinct numbers prior to execution of said common operations of said select interface formats.
Claim 191
Dependent Claim
81 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 178 wherein said digital signals (DNIS) are indicative of at least two different numbers dialed by callers to access said select interactive interface formats, at least one of said numbers associated with a toll free call mode wherein calls to at least said number associated with said toll free call mode require qualification of said callers based on data provided by said callers against data on said callers stored in a memory means.
Claim 192
Dependent Claim
34 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 178, wherein digital signals representing calling terminal numbers associated with at least certain of said multitude of terminals are automatically provided from said telephonic communication facility.
Claim 193
Dependent Claim
33 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 180, further comprising: means for storing digital signals representing calling terminal numbers associated with said multitude of terminals, automatically provided from said telephonic communication facility.
Claim 194
Dependent Claim
37 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 178, wherein said qualification means tests at least certain of digital signals representing calling terminal numbers associated with said multitude of terminals, automatically provided from said telephonic communication facility.
Claim 195
Dependent Claim
39 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 178, wherein digital signals representing calling terminal numbers associated with said multitude of terminals automatically provided from said telephonic communication facility are used to access a data bank relating to callers.
Claim 196
Dependent Claim
27 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 178, wherein said means for processing processes data provided by callers to update a databank relating to said callers.
Claim 197
Dependent Claim
23 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 178, wherein said qualification means qualifies on-line said calls based upon a limit on use.
Claim 198
Dependent Claim
24 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 178, wherein said interactively entered data comprises caller pin-number data which is subject to limited use.
Claim 199
Dependent Claim
33 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 186, wherein said data including caller PIN number data is further subject to said limited use during a limited period of time based upon entitlement.
Claim 200
Dependent Claim
27 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 178, further comprising a limited use test for said interactively entered data comprising a one time only use test.
Claim 201
Dependent Claim
52 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 178, further comprising: memory means for storing said interactively entered data and control means for restricting the extent of access to said system based on at least one of said interactively entered data or calling terminal data automatically provided by said telephonic communication facility.
Claim 202
Dependent Claim
21 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 178, wherein said select interactive interface formats are associated with an information service.
Claim 203
Dependent Claim
22 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 178, wherein said select interactive interface formats provide financial information for stocks and bonds.
Claim 204
Dependent Claim
24 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 178, further comprising: a third response unit means for receiving calls in a caller charge mode.
Claim 205
Dependent Claim
40 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 178, wherein said interactively entered data provided by callers as qualification data is indicative of a caller PIN number and said caller PIN number facilitates participation during a limited period of time.
Claim 206
Dependent Claim
20 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 193, wherein said PIN number is provided to the caller via mail.
Claim 207
Dependent Claim
18 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 194, wherein said PIN number is associated with a product.
Claim 208
Dependent Claim
27 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 178, wherein said caller provides identification data and other data in addition to said interactively entered data for qualification.
Claim 209
Dependent Claim
40 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 178, further comprising: voice generator means for prompting callers with at least one question upon receiving calling terminal numbers associated with said multitude of terminals, automatically provided by said telephonic communication facility.
Claim 210
Dependent Claim
23 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 178, further comprising: a third response unit for receiving calls in an area code mode.
Claim 211
Dependent Claim
296 words
A telephone interface system for individually interfacing callers at a multitude of remote terminals for voice-digital communication through a telephone communication facility, said system comprising: communication means for establishing telephone communication between callers at certain of said multitude of remote terminals and a select interactive operating format through said telephone communication facility based on digital signals indicative of at least one of a plurality of distinct numbers dialed by callers (DNIS) to select said select interactive operating format from a plurality of operating formats; means for providing identification signals received relating to said callers in accordance with said select interactive operating format to said communication means indicative of currently active of said identification signals relating to said callers; memory means for storing one or more caller cues and use indications for said caller cues in relation to said currently active of said callers as identified by said identification signals; cue means for receiving said caller cues to provide responses from said currently active callers in the form of digital data signals; means for selecting a caller cue from said memory means for said currently active caller for application to said cue means under control of said identification signals and said use indications stored in said memory means for said currently active caller whereby to limit and control caller cues provided to individual callers based upon cues previously provided to and identified with said identification signals relating to said individual callers; and connection means for selectively connecting calls using two select distinct numbers of said plurality of distinct numbers to common operations of said select interactive operating format and another select interactive operating format, wherein digital signals (DNIS) indicative of said two select distinct numbers identify said select interactive operating format and said another select operating format.
Claim 212
Dependent Claim
296 words
A telephone interface system for individually interfacing callers at a multitude of remote terminals for voice-digital communication through a telephone communication facility, said system comprising: communication means for establishing telephone communication between callers at certain of said multitude of remote terminals and a select interactive operating format through said telephone communication facility based on digital signals indicative of at least one of a plurality of distinct numbers dialed by callers (DNIS) to select said select interactive operating format from a plurality of operating formats; means for providing identification signals received relating to said callers in accordance with said select interactive operating format to said communication means indicative of currently active of said identification signals relating to said callers; memory means for storing one or more caller cues and use indications for said caller cues in relation to said currently active of said callers as identified by said identification signals; cue means for receiving said caller cues to provide responses from said currently active callers in the form of digital data signals; means for selecting a caller cue from said memory means for said currently active caller for application to said cue means under control of said identification signals and said use indications stored in said memory means for said currently active caller whereby to limit and control caller cues provided to individual callers based upon cues previously provided to and identified with said identification signals relating to said individual callers; and connection means for selectively connecting calls using two select distinct numbers of said plurality of distinct numbers to common operations of said select interactive operating format and another select interactive operating format, wherein digital signals (DNIS) indicative of said two select distinct numbers identify said select interactive operating format and said another select operating format.
Claim 213
Dependent Claim
35 words
A telephone interface system according to claim 199, wherein said plurality of distinct numbers dialed by callers are associated with different call modes including a toll free call mode and a caller charge call mode.
Claim 214
Dependent Claim
25 words
A telephone interface system according to claim 199, further comprising: qualification means for qualifying on-line said calls for at least one of said called numbers.
Claim 215
Dependent Claim
47 words
A telephone interface system according to claim 199, further including memory means for storing data and control means for restricting the extent of access to said system based on at least one of caller provided data or a calling terminal number automatically provided by a communication facility.
Claim 216
Dependent Claim
41 words
A telephone interface system according to claim 199, wherein said identification signals relating to said individual callers include digital signals representing calling terminal numbers associated with at least certain of said multitude of remote terminals automatically provided by said communication facility.
Claim 217
Dependent Claim
40 words
A telephone interface system according to claim 203, further comprising: means for storing at least certain of said digital signals representing calling terminal numbers associated with said certain of said multitude of remote terminals, automatically provided by said communication facility.
Claim 218
Dependent Claim
24 words
A telephone interface system according to claim 199, wherein said caller cues are limited and controlled to avoid duplication of certain of said cues.
Claim 219
Dependent Claim
36 words
A telephone interface system according to claim 199, further comprising: means for receiving digital signals representing calling terminal numbers associated with at least certain of said multitude of remote terminals automatically provided from a communication facility.
Claim 220
Dependent Claim
34 words
A telephone interface system according to claim 190, further comprising: qualification means for testing digital signals representing calling terminal number data associated with said multitude of remote terminals, automatically provided from a communication facility.
Claim 221
Dependent Claim
38 words
A telephone interface system according to claim 199, wherein digital signals representing calling terminal numbers associated with said multitude of remote terminals automatically provided from a communication facility are used to access a data bank relating to callers.
Claim 222
Dependent Claim
28 words
A telephone interface system according to claim 208, wherein said select interactive operating format is identified from a plurality of formats by said plurality of called numbers (DNIS).
Claim 223
Dependent Claim
38 words
A telephone interface system according to claim 199, wherein said select operating format is selected from a plurality of operating formats under control of said digital signals indicative of said plurality of distinct numbers dialed by callers (DNIS).
Claim 224
Dependent Claim
19 words
A telephone interface system according to claim 199, wherein said callers provide PIN number data as further identification data.
Claim 225
Dependent Claim
22 words
A telephone interface system according to claim 199, wherein said identification signals are used to access a databank relating to said callers.
Claim 226
Dependent Claim
25 words
A telephone interface system according to claim 199, further comprising: qualification means for testing said identification signals indicative of said currently active of said callers.
Claim 227
Dependent Claim
20 words
A telephone interface system according to claim 213, wherein said qualification means tests said identification signals based upon limited use.
Claim 228
Dependent Claim
35 words
A telephone interface system according to claim 214, wherein said identification signals include caller PIN number signals which are further tested subject to said limited use during a limited period of time based upon entitlement.
Claim 229
Dependent Claim
23 words
A telephone interface system according to claim 199, wherein said memory means further stores data provided by callers to update said memory means.
Claim 230
Dependent Claim
19 words
A telephone interface system according to claim 199, wherein said select interactive operating format relates to an information service.
Claim 231
Dependent Claim
18 words
A telephone interface system according to claim 199, wherein said select interactive operating format relates to financial information.
Claim 232
Dependent Claim
21 words
A telephone interface system according to claim 199, wherein said select interactive operating format involves advertising of a product for sale.
Claim 233
Dependent Claim
36 words
A telephone interface system according to claim 199, further comprising: connection means for selectively connecting calls from at least two of said plurality of distinct numbers dialed by callers to common operations of said interface format.
Claim 234
Dependent Claim
26 words
A telephone interface system according to claim 199, wherein said at least two of said plurality of distinct numbers dialed by said callers are "900" numbers.
Claim 235
Dependent Claim
27 words
A telephone interface system according to claim 221, wherein said qualification means performs a test with respect to said identification signals based upon a limit on use.
Claim 236
Dependent Claim
24 words
A telephone interface system according to claim 199, wherein said caller cues are limited and controlled to avoid duplication of certain of said cues.
Claim 237
Dependent Claim
23 words
A telephone interface system according to claim 190, wherein said two select toll free numbers dialed by said callers are two "800" numbers.
Claim 238
Dependent Claim
26 words
A telephone interface system according to claim 199, wherein at least two of said plurality of distinct numbers dialed by said callers are two "900" numbers.
Claim 239
Dependent Claim
24 words
A telephone interface system according to claim 199, wherein said caller cues are limited and controlled to avoid duplication of certain of said cues.
Claim 240
Dependent Claim
38 words
A telephone interface system according to claim 199, wherein said select operating format is selected from a plurality of operating formats under control of said digital signals indicative of said plurality of distinct numbers dialed by callers (DNIS).
Claim 241
Dependent Claim
27 words
A telephone interface system according to claim 199, further comprising: qualification means performs a test with respect to said identification signals based upon a limit on use.
Claim 242
Dependent Claim
60 words
A telephone interface system according to claim 199, further comprising: audio control unit for providing a preliminary automated greeting under control of said digital signals (DNIS) to callers calling at least one of said two select toll free numbers prior to execution of said common processing operations of said select interactive operating format and said another interactive select operating format.
Claim 243
Dependent Claim
232 words
A telephone call processing system for individually interfacing callers at a multitude of remote terminals for voice-digital communication through a telephone communication facility, said system comprising: communication means for establishing telephone communication between callers at certain of said multitude of remote terminals and select interactive operating formats through said telephone communication facility based on digital signals indicative of select called numbers dialed by callers (DNIS) to identify said select interactive operating formats from a plurality of interactive operating formats, wherein at least two select called numbers are associated with a pay to dial call mode and a second call mode for accessing said select interactive interface formats; audio control unit coupled to said communication means for providing preliminary automated greetings to callers calling in both said pay to dial and said second call modes, each of said preliminary automated greetings distinct from the other and controlled at least in part by said DNIS signals; qualification means for qualifying on-line calls received in at least one of said pay to dial call mode and said second call mode; and connection means for connecting substantially all of said callers calling in said two call modes including qualified calls received in at least one of said pay to dial call mode and said second call mode and other calls received in said two call modes to common processing operations of said select interactive operating formats.
Claim 244
Dependent Claim
232 words
A telephone call processing system for individually interfacing callers at a multitude of remote terminals for voice-digital communication through a telephone communication facility, said system comprising: communication means for establishing telephone communication between callers at certain of said multitude of remote terminals and select interactive operating formats through said telephone communication facility based on digital signals indicative of select called numbers dialed by callers (DNIS) to identify said select interactive operating formats from a plurality of interactive operating formats, wherein at least two select called numbers are associated with a pay to dial call mode and a second call mode for accessing said select interactive interface formats; audio control unit coupled to said communication means for providing preliminary automated greetings to callers calling in both said pay to dial and said second call modes, each of said preliminary automated greetings distinct from the other and controlled at least in part by said DNIS signals; qualification means for qualifying on-line calls received in at least one of said pay to dial call mode and said second call mode; and connection means for connecting substantially all of said callers calling in said two call modes including qualified calls received in at least one of said pay to dial call mode and said second call mode and other calls received in said two call modes to common processing operations of said select interactive operating formats.
Claim 245
Dependent Claim
34 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 230, wherein digital signals representing calling terminal numbers associated with at least certain of said multitude of remote terminals are automatically provided from a communication facility.
Claim 246
Dependent Claim
33 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 231, further comprising: means for storing digital signals representing calling terminal numbers associated with said multitude of remote terminals, automatically provided from a communication facility.
Claim 247
Dependent Claim
37 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 230, further comprising: means for receiving digital signals representing calling terminal numbers associated with at least certain of said multitude of remote terminals automatically provided from a communication facility.
Claim 248
Dependent Claim
37 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 230, wherein said qualification means tests digital signals representing calling terminal numbers associated with at least certain of said multitude of remote terminals, automatically provided from a communication facility.
Claim 249
Dependent Claim
18 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 234, wherein said qualification means tests for a use limit.
Claim 250
Dependent Claim
43 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 230, wherein digital signals representing calling terminal numbers associated with at least certain of said multitude of remote terminals automatically provided from a communication facility are used to access a data bank relating to callers.
Claim 251
Dependent Claim
30 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 230, wherein said second mode is a toll free call mode and said pay to dial mode is a "900" call mode.
Claim 252
Dependent Claim
33 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 230, further comprising: qualification structure to qualify callers on-line calling in said second mode as a condition to be connected to said common processing operations.
Claim 253
Dependent Claim
24 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 238, wherein said qualification structure qualifies on-line said callers based on a caller entered pin number.
Claim 254
Dependent Claim
18 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 239, wherein said pin number is tested for limited use.
Claim 255
Dependent Claim
149 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 240, further comprising: means for providing identification signals to said qualification structure indicative of currently active of said callers; memory means for storing one or more caller cues and use indications for said caller cues in relation to said currently active of said callers as identified by said identification signals; cue means for coupling said caller cues to said voice generator to provide responses from said currently active callers in the form of digital data signals; and means for selecting a caller cue from said memory means for said currently active caller for application to said cue means under control of said identification signals and said use indications stored in said memory means for said currently active caller whereby to limit and control caller cues provided to individual callers based upon cues previously provided to and identified with said individual callers.
Claim 256
Dependent Claim
26 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 230, further comprising: voice generator means for prompting callers whereby callers enter data in response to voice prompts.
Claim 257
Dependent Claim
65 words
A telephone call processing system according to claim 242, further comprising: means for processing to isolate a subset of callers based upon data entered by said callers responsive to prompting by said voice generator means and wherein said means for processing further isolates a sub-subset of callers also responsive to further data entered by said callers responsive to further prompting by said voice generator means.
Claim 258
Dependent Claim
140 words
A process for receiving calls from a multitude of terminals in different call modes including a toll free call mode and a "900" caller charge call mode and processing to respective interactive interface formats for said different call modes, wherein the process involves digital signals provided by said multitude of terminals as for identification or data, comprising the steps of: receiving calls in said toll free call mode; providing a limited-use pin number by mail to facilitate toll free participation via said toll free call mode; qualifying said calls on-line in said toll free call mode based on said limited-use pin number to provide qualified calls; receiving calls in said "900" caller charge call mode; and coupling said qualified calls and said calls in said caller charge mode for concurrent processing to common operations of said respective interactive interface formats.
Claim 259
Dependent Claim
140 words
A process for receiving calls from a multitude of terminals in different call modes including a toll free call mode and a "900" caller charge call mode and processing to respective interactive interface formats for said different call modes, wherein the process involves digital signals provided by said multitude of terminals as for identification or data, comprising the steps of: receiving calls in said toll free call mode; providing a limited-use pin number by mail to facilitate toll free participation via said toll free call mode; qualifying said calls on-line in said toll free call mode based on said limited-use pin number to provide qualified calls; receiving calls in said "900" caller charge call mode; and coupling said qualified calls and said calls in said caller charge mode for concurrent processing to common operations of said respective interactive interface formats.
Claim 260
Dependent Claim
51 words
A process for receiving calls according to claim 244, further comprising: receiving digital signals indicative of a number dialed by callers at said multitude of terminals (DNIS) provided by a communication facility to identify each of said respective interactive interface formats selected from a plurality of distinct interactive operating interface formats.
Claim 261
Dependent Claim
18 words
A process for receiving calls according to claim 206, wherein said limited-use pin number is coded for verification.
Claim 262
Dependent Claim
25 words
A process for receiving calls according to claim 244, wherein use of said limited use pin number is further limited to a period of time.
Claim 263
Dependent Claim
20 words
A process for receiving calls according to claim 244, wherein said toll free call mode is an "800" call mode.
Claim 264
Dependent Claim
150 words
A process for receiving calls from a multitude of terminals in different call modes including a toll free call mode and a "900" caller charge call mode and processing to respective interactive interface formats for said different call modes, wherein the process involves digital signals provided by said multitude of terminals as for identification in the form of a pin number or other data, comprising the steps of: receiving calls in said toll free call mode; providing said pin number to facilitate toll free participation via said toll free call mode during a limited period of time; qualifying said calls on-line in said toll free call mode based on said pin number to provide qualified calls; receiving calls in said "900" caller charge call mode; and coupling said qualified calls and said calls in said caller charge mode for concurrent processing to common operations of said respective interactive interface formats.
Claim 265
Dependent Claim
150 words
A process for receiving calls from a multitude of terminals in different call modes including a toll free call mode and a "900" caller charge call mode and processing to respective interactive interface formats for said different call modes, wherein the process involves digital signals provided by said multitude of terminals as for identification in the form of a pin number or other data, comprising the steps of: receiving calls in said toll free call mode; providing said pin number to facilitate toll free participation via said toll free call mode during a limited period of time; qualifying said calls on-line in said toll free call mode based on said pin number to provide qualified calls; receiving calls in said "900" caller charge call mode; and coupling said qualified calls and said calls in said caller charge mode for concurrent processing to common operations of said respective interactive interface formats.
Claim 266
Dependent Claim
18 words
A process for receiving calls according to claim 249, wherein said pin number is a limited-use pin number.
Claim 267
Dependent Claim
18 words
A process for receiving calls according to claim 250, wherein said limited-use pin number is coded for verification.
Claim 268
Dependent Claim
52 words
A process for receiving calls according to claim 249, further comprising: receiving digital signals indicative of a number dialed by callers at said multitude of terminals (DNIS) automatically provided by a communication facility to identify each of said respective interactive interface formats selected from a plurality of distinct interactive operating interface formats.
Claim 269
Dependent Claim
17 words
A process for receiving calls according to claim 249, wherein said pin number is provided by mail.
Claim 270
Dependent Claim
20 words
A process for receiving calls according to claim 249, wherein said toll free call mode is an "800" call mode.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2001-10-26 | 2002-04-27 | 2002-10-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-10-26 | 2006-04-27 | 2006-10-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-10-26 | 2010-04-27 | 2010-10-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |