33results about "Prepayment with automatic account/card recharging" patented technology

Location-based subscriber identity update in a wireless user equipment (UE) device. A location of the UE may be determined. An indication of a plurality of network connectivity options may be provided via a user interface. The plurality of network connectivity options may be provided based on the location of the UE. User input selecting a network connectivity option may be received via the user interface. The UE may be configured according to the selected network connectivity option in response to the user input.

A transaction processing platform capable of facilitating the distribution to consumers of various types of prepaid products is disclosed. The transaction processing platform is configured to interface with one or more providers of such prepaid products in order to facilitate the procurement or activation of the products. The platform includes a conduit interface through which service request messages are received and respectively utilized to generate transaction requests for corresponding types of prepaid services. A supply interface arrangement, operatively coupled to the conduit interface, is configured to route a first of the transaction requests through a first supply interface associated with a first type of prepaid service. The supply interface arrangement also routes a second transaction request through a second supply interface associated with a second type of prepaid service. The platform is also configured to provide supplier response information received through the supply interfaces to the conduit interface.

The present invention comprises a system and method for providing a personal identification number (PIN) to a client terminal over a computer network. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a host connection manager receives a request for a PIN, which is associated with a particular monetary value. The host connection manager transmits the request for the PIN to a server, and the host connection manager receives the PIN from the server. In addition, the host connection manager is adapted to receive a client request indicative of the particular monetary value. The client request is generated at the client terminal and is transmitted from the client terminal to the host connection manager. In response to the client request, the host connection manager sends the PIN associated with the particular monetary value to the client terminal.

The present invention relates in general to the field of voice and data communications, and in particular, to a novel system for providing interoperable on-demand communications and services across otherwise incompatible narrowband voice and broadband systems. The system is also based on sponsored or universal communications services supported by interactive communications between sponsors and service providers and their respective databases of business rules.

The present invention comprises a system and method for providing a personal identification number (PIN) to a client terminal over a computer network. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a server receives a request for a PIN over a network, the request originating from a user at a client terminal. The request is associated with a requested monetary unit and a requested provider. The server retrieves from a database a PIN associated with the requested monetary unit and requested provider. The server transmits the retrieved PIN to the client terminal over the network, wherein the PIN is transmitted to the client terminal on-demand in response to the customer's request.

The present invention is a method and apparatus for providing prepaid card service to customers for placing telephone calls without relying on a post-service billing model. A service management computer having access to a card database is connected to the network only by out-of-band connections. A voice response unit or a tone receiver and announcement player in the network are the voice interface with the customer and are provided at the originating switch in the network to eliminate multiple switches from the call path.

A transaction processing platform capable of facilitating the distribution to consumers of various types of prepaid products is disclosed. The transaction processing platform is configured to interface with one or more providers of such prepaid products in order to facilitate the procurement or activation of the products. The platform includes a conduit interface through which service request messages are received and respectively utilized to generate transaction requests for corresponding types of prepaid services. A supply interface arrangement, operatively coupled to the conduit interface, is configured to route a first of the transaction requests through a first supply interface associated with a first type of prepaid service. The supply interface arrangement also routes a second transaction request through a second supply interface associated with a second type of prepaid service. The platform is also configured to provide supplier response information received through the supply interfaces to the conduit interface.

The invention relates to a method for threshold value relates control of at least one service in a data or telecommunication system, comprising the following steps: a) defining at least one threshold value for a prepaid credit for the payment of said service; b) defining at least one action, especially control of the scope of said service, in the framework of said service, said action being able to be triggered at said threshold value; c) signalling if the threshold value(s) is / are exceeded or not respected; and d) triggering the action in response to the signal.

An automatic refill system for pre-paid accounts provides enhanced funding flexibility for customers and additional revenue streams for a telecommunication service provider. The automatic refill system solves the technical challenges involved with implementing a scheduled refill channel co-existing with a triggered refill channel for funding a pre-paid account. The scheduled channel regularly refills the pre-paid account. The telecommunication service provider also coordinates funding through a triggered refill channel that refills the pre-paid account when specific conditions are met, such as account balance falling below a threshold.

A system and method for obtaining a personal identification number (PIN) from a client terminal is disclosed herein. The method includes storing, at the client terminal, PINs for plural prepaid services. The method also includes receiving, at the client terminal, a request for a PIN associated with a desired prepaid service corresponding to one of the plural prepaid services. A PIN request is then sent, from the client terminal, to a server when less than a predefined number of PINs associated with the desired prepaid service are stored at the client terminal. In response, one or more PINs associated with the desired prepaid service are received at the client terminal. The method further includes dispensing at least one PIN corresponding to the desired prepaid service from the client terminal.

The present invention relates in general to the field of voice and data communications, and in particular, to a novel system for providing interoperable on-demand communications and services across otherwise incompatible narrowband voice and broadband systems. The system is also based on sponsored or universal communications services supported by interactive communications between sponsors and service providers and their respective databases of business rules.

This invention relates to an enhanced method and apparatus for providing notification to a telecommunications customer using prepaid service that his / her prepaid balance is below a pre-specified threshold. The number of notifications is limited to a specified number within a specified interval. Advantageously, the customer is spared the nuisance o receiving multiple notifications when he / she is already aware of the problem.

The present invention provides systems and methods for allowing access to a voice mailbox associated with a pre-paid mobile phone subscriber's account after the expiration of the subscriber's credits. A call processing system may be configured to receive a call from a calling party and to connect the call to a voice mailbox system. The call processing system may allow the calling party to record a voice message that can subsequently be accessed by the subscriber for an access fee. The call processing center may also be configured to allow the calling party to add credit to the subscriber's account. Access fees are paid and credits are added to the account by way of pre-paid calling cards, smart cards, credit cards, debit cards, electronic fund transfers.

A method, a telecommunications system and a network node are provided for managing subscription information of a prepaid subscription in a telecommunications system. According to the present invention, a first time limit indicating when the subscription will expire is set during subscription provisioning. When the first time limit is encountered, the subscription is deactivated.

The present invention provides systems and methods for allowing access to a voice mailbox associated with a pre-paid mobile phone subscriber's account after the expiration of the subscriber's credits. A call processing system may be configured to receive a call from a calling party and to connect the call to a voice mailbox system. The call processing system may allow the calling party to record a voice message that can subsequently be accessed by the subscriber for an access fee. The call processing center may also be configured to allow the calling party to add credit to the subscriber's account. Access fees are paid and credits are added to the account by way of pre-paid calling cards, smart cards, credit cards, debit cards, electronic fund transfers.

The invention discloses a on-line charging method comprising: determining insufficiency of network resource remaining quota of prepaid user; transmitting message carrying on-line charging indication information to prepaid client equipment; the on-line charging indication information comprising a redirecting rule for redirecting a service flow to charging service equipment; after the prepaid client equipment receiving the message carrying on-line charging indication information, then redirecting the service flow to charging service equipment to complement on-line charging. Accordingly, the invention also discloses on-line charging system and equipment. The invention enables the prepaid client equipment to use a service flow to complete charging for prepaid user without interrupting other service of the prepaid user, thus improving user experience.

Operation manager of providing telecom service assigns user a service account. The method establishes relation between finance account signed to finance system by user and the service account. Under certain condition, telecom system checks fee in user's service account. When determining fund in the service account is insufficient, building connection to finance system, telecom system transfers certain amount money in the finance account to the service account. The invention also discloses system for automatic adding value to service account of telecom user. Advantages are: user does not need to buy card for adding value, and operation manager can receive user charge in time.

A method and system for refilling minutes for prepaid wireless phones is provided. Also provided is a computer-readable storage medium including a program, which when executed on a processor performs an operation. The method includes executing a recurring charge to a user account, the user account being stored in a database, and automatically crediting a device associated with the user account with prepaid minutes in response to executing the recurring charge.

Methods are disclosed for providing prepaid telephony service via an Internet protocol (IP) network system. A first method provides controlling at least one media agent or call routing station / switch of an IP network system for allowing and / or blocking call media streams from traversing through the media agent. A second method provides directing all signaling messages transmitted by a signaling agent or station and all media packets transmitting voice and data communications through at least one common device within the IP network system. The methods further provide for continuously monitoring a subscriber's account balance and terminating the prepaid telephony service if the account balance is less than a predetermined amount.

Charging control may be provided for a charging controlled service accessed by a terminal in a communication network using a first account having a first account balance associated with the terminal. A first request may be received for a charging reservation relating to the first account balance associated with the terminal. Responsive to the first request for a charging reservation and responsive to a first status of the first account balance, a first consumer deduction amount may be reserved from the first account balance to allow the charging controlled service for the terminal. While allowing the charging controlled service for the terminal based on the first consumer deduction amount reserved from the first account balance, a replenishment request directed to a second account balance may be generated responsive to a second status of the first account balance. Related network nodes are also discussed.

Location-based subscriber identity update in a wireless user equipment (UE) device. A location of the UE may be determined. An indication of a plurality of network connectivity options may be provided via a user interface. The plurality of network connectivity options may be provided based on the location of the UE. User input selecting a network connectivity option may be received via the user interface. The UE may be configured according to the selected network connectivity option in response to the user input.

A communications system including at least one user device, configured to access a plurality of services in a session. An information store stores information defining an amount of money for the user device. A controller requests at least a portion of the amount of money to be reserved and controls the allocation of the reserved portion of money between the plurality of services.

This invention relates to an enhanced method and apparatus for providing notification to a telecommunications customer using prepaid service that his / her prepaid balance is below a pre-specified threshold. The number of notifications is limited to a specified number within a specified interval. Advantageously, the customer is spared the nuisance o receiving multiple notifications when he / she is already aware of the problem.

A communications system including at least one user device, configured to access a plurality of services in a session. An information store stores information defining an amount of money for the user device. A controller requests at least a portion of the amount of money to be reserved and controls the allocation of the reserved portion of money between the plurality of services.

The invention discloses a on-line charging method comprising: determining insufficiency of network resource remaining quota of prepaid user; transmitting message carrying on-line charging indication information to prepaid client equipment; the on-line charging indication information comprising a redirecting rule for redirecting a service flow to charging service equipment; after the prepaid client equipment receiving the message carrying on-line charging indication information, then redirecting the service flow to charging service equipment to complement on-line charging. Accordingly, the invention also discloses on-line charging system and equipment. The invention enables the prepaid client equipment to use a service flow to complete charging for prepaid user without interrupting other service of the prepaid user, thus improving user experience.

A method for managing prepaid accounts. A prepaid account is established for an account holder who deposits funds finto the account. A virtual account number is issued for the prepaid account. The virtual account number is compatible with a standardized credit transaction system. Use of the virtual account number is limited to transactions placed over the Internet and to transactions between the prepaid account and another prepaid account. A physical credit card for the prepaid account may also be issued to the account holder. Such a credit card has a card account number which is different than the virtual account number. The card account number is also compatible with the standardized credit transaction system. The card account number may also include use limitations.