Metro One Telecommunications, Inc.

Trustid, Inc.

Grape Technology Group, Inc.

Trustip, Inc.

Patrick M Cox

Michael A Kepler

Paul W Filliger

Adrian P Powell

A Peter Powell

Shreyas Dattatraya Saitawdekar

Richard J Greene

Daniel Vincent Stone

Christopher Alan Huey

Timothy A Timmons

Timothy A Timmins

Nicholas J Elsey

Adam J McGrath

Joseph H Bockelman

Dean Franklin Black

Richard J Green

Paul N Filliger

Christopher A Huey

Embodiments include a system, method, and computer program product that authenticates a caller using calling party information. In an embodiment, an authentication device receives the call request and associated calling party information that includes a calling party number. The authentication device retrieves parameters associated with the calling party number, where a retrieved parameter is a number of accounts linked to the calling party number. The authentication device determines whether the number of accounts is between one and a threshold value, inclusive, and verifies that the call request originates from a location or a device associated with the calling party number. Based on the verifying and determining, the authentication device generates an authentication result that indicates whether the calling party number is authenticated. Then, the authentication device sends the authentication result to a call processing device that processes the call request from the caller according to the authentication result.

Using calling party number for caller authentication

Systems and methods for determining the trustworthiness of calling party information, such as caller ID and ANI information, contained in a call request are provided. The method includes receiving a call request at a service provider network element, such as a telecommunication carrier switch. A decision is made as to whether the call request should be verified by reviewing a database of called telephone numbers for monitoring. When the call request is to be verified, a determination is made whether a discrepancy exists between the calling party information contained within the call request and authenticated stored calling party information. For example, the caller ID information in a call request is compared to service provider caller ID information for the calling party to determine if they match. When a discrepancy exists, a discrepancy report is transmitted to the called party.

Systems and methods to identify ANI and caller ID manipulation for determining trustworthiness of incoming calling party and billing number information

A method of and system for discovering and reporting the trustworthiness and credibility of calling party number information, such as Automatic Number Identification (ANI) or Calling Number Identification (Caller ID) information, or for inbound telephone calls. The disclosed method entails the use of real time telephone network status and signaling, network data, locally stored data, and predictive analytics. Practice of the disclosed method is neither detectable by nor intrusive to the calling party, and the method can be implemented into existing enterprise, telecommunications, and information service infrastructures.

Method of and system for discovering and reporting trustworthiness and credibility of calling party number information

Telephone users desiring directory assistance services are connected via standard telephone procedures to a directory assistance provider, such as an operator. An operator provides the destination number and initiates a connection to that number. Once that connection is initiated, the connection is monitored for the occurrence of a predetermined condition, such as a busy signal. If no such condition is detected, the caller proceeds with the call in the normal manner. If, however, such a condition is detected, the caller is automatically transferred to a directory assistance provider for further help.

Method and apparatus for monitoring telephonic members and providing directory assistance

A user calls a directory assistance service provider to search for a desired telephone number and be connected to a party at the desired number. In one such connection, the user is afforded enhanced directory assistance upon a user command in the form of an out-of-band signaling message, e.g., SS7 signaling message. For example, the user may be afforded further operator assistance by pressing on the user telephone a predetermined key (e.g., '*' key), which is detectable by the directory assistance service provider as an SS7 signaling message.

Method for providing enhanced directory assistance upon command using out-of-band signaling

A cellular telephone subscriber who wishes directory assistance services is connected in the conventional manner to an operator who identifies a destination telephone number desired by the subscriber. As in the prior art, the operator then initiates a call connecting the subscriber to the destination telephone number. In a preferred embodiment, the operator locates a desired destination telephone number in a computer database, and can select automatic dialing of the located number. Further, rather than dropping all further involvement with the call, the preferred embodiment of the present invention continually monitors the connection thereby established for a predetermined DTMF signal issued by the customer, such as that obtained by pressing the '*' button. If such a signal is detected, the customer is transferred to a directory assistance operator, who can then provide whatever further assistance is needed (e.g. redialing a busy number, or providing further directory assistance). This feature can be disabled, manually or automatically, if the destination number makes its own use of the DTMF signals.

Directory assistance method and apparatus

A mobile telephone, or personal communication services subscriber who wishes directory assistance services is connected in the conventional manner to an operator who identifies a destination telephone number desired by the subscriber. As known in the prior art, the operator then initiates a call connecting the subscriber to the destination telephone number. In a preferred embodiment, the operator locates a desired destination telephone number in a computer database, and can select automatic dialing of the located number. Further, rather than dropping all further involvement with the call, the preferred embodiment of the present invention continually monitors the connection thereby established for a predetermined DTMF signal issued by the customer, such as that obtained by pressing the '*' button. If such a signal is detected, the customer is transferred to a directory assistance operator, who can then provide whatever further assistance is needed (e.g., providing further directory assistance). If a busy signal or non-answering party is detected, a customer is given a plurality of options including leaving a recorded message or page, or a predetermined alphanumeric message or page for the called party. In this case, the system automatically tries, repeatedly, to deliver the recorded message or page and, optionally, confirms successful or failed message delivery to the calling party.

Method and system for directory assistance services

Growing community of inventors

Tigard, OR, United States of America

Patrick M Cox