The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 01, 2000
Filed:
Mar. 09, 1999
Scott W McLellan, Kempton, PA (US);
Lucent Technologies, Inc., Murray Hill, NJ (US);
Abstract
A networked controlled telephone system and method for the visually impaired. The system and method provides a visually impaired caller with a calling card and calling card account. The system and method stores a predetermined list of authorized telephone numbers for the calling card. Calls made to the telephone numbers on the predetermined list are the only calls that can be charged to the calling card without adding a further personal identification number. If the user desires to call a telephone number not on the list, the personal identification number is entered prior to entering the telephone number. Thus, the financial risk attributable to calling card theft greatly reduced for both the owner and service provider. Moreover, simplified codes are associated and stored with each predetermined telephone number. When a visually impaired caller uses the card to place calls, the caller need only enter the simplified code to place the call. Thus, the calling card is suitable for use by a visually impaired caller.