Importance

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Abstract

A method and a system to meter and control the usage of a telephone. The metering and control functions are applicable for specific outgoing or incoming destination, the specific user of the telephone, the time of the day when an outgoing call is made or an incoming call is received, and the calling time allowed either collectively or per the specific outgoing or incoming destination. At least one list of a plurality of lists is stored. Each of the stored lists includes at least one entry, and each entry includes at least one of a plurality of fields. The fields within an entry contain information that is used by the metering circuitry to execute the control functions. The outgoing or incoming phone number is received and encoded using a codec unit and compared with all the entries stored within the lists. The result of the comparison is used to determine if a match exists between the encoded phone number and one of the entries stored within the lists. A request for a user identification code is made if a match is obtained. Subsequently, the information contained in the entry's fields is used to control the user access to use the telephone and to meter the user access when the latter is granted. If no match between the encoded phone number and one of the entries is found, or the identified user has access availability, the encoded phone number is decoded and the call is permitted.

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First Claim