GB2494393A

GB2494393A - A portable call timing device for use with a telephone to monitor call duration information

Info

Publication number: GB2494393A
Application number: GB1115164.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mark Taylor; Amanda Taylor
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-09-02
Filing date: 2011-09-02
Publication date: 2013-03-13
Also published as: GB201115164D0

Abstract

A portable call timing device for use with a telephone, connected locally to the telephone and telephone network, wherein the device monitors call duration information. Aspects of the invention include: the device disconnecting calls after a defined duration; a manual override function is provided; an audible or visible indication is provided of call duration. Many telephony companies offer a free tariff for a first hour or other period of a telephone call to certain numbers, wherein after this period a user is charged at a fixed rate. Users who are not aware of how long they have spent on the phone can accidently go over this period and accidentally incur charges. The present invention provides a failsafe means of monitoring and reacting to a telephone call's duration as required.

Description

A PORTABLE CALL TIMING DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a portable call timing device, more particularly for use

Background and Prior Art

Many telephony companies offer a free tariff for a first hour or other period of a telephone call to certain numbers, wherein after this period a user is charged at a fixed rate.

Users who are not aware of how long they have spent on the phone can accidently go over this period and accidentally incur charges.

A user may have a timer available or may watch a clock or watch, but when engrossed in calls these items are unlikely to prevent further charge or interfere with the user's enjoyment of the telephone call.

In contrast the present invention provides a failsafe means of monitoring and reacting to a telephone call's duration as required.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a portable call timing device for use with a telephone, connected in use locally to the telephone and a telephony network; wherein the device monitors call duration information.

In preferred embodiments the device is thereby capable of counting down a set period of time, being provided internally with a means of measuring time units and a facility to count units.

Ideally the device is provided with a quartz timer.

According to a second aspect of the present invention the device is able to act upon the duration information.

Some embodiments may include a facility to monitor time-periods unrelated to telephone usage in order to for example keep the time, in this way correlating duration information with time periods, such as off-peak periods.

Typically the device is situated or interposed in use between the telephone and a connection point of the telephone with a network, for example the international telephony network; wherein the device may be provided with corresponding male and female standard telephony connectors in order that it may easily be installed between a telephone and the telephone's socket.

Some embodiments may be capable of being located on a telephone handset cable, before the handset attachment to the telephone.

Ideally the device receives sufficient power through the telephone connection or telephony network.

However further embodiments may include further power provision, for example a rechargeable or replaceable battery power supply, where further features are included.

In preferred embodiments the device activates automatically, for example so that when a call connects, or in other embodiments when the telephone is activated, the device begins counting.

Furthermore it is preferable that all features the device is able to provide may be integrated or provided through the telephone electronic and internal features.

Ideally the device includes user control or settings by which the user may set whether for example the device counts down, or measures duration by counting and displaying duration.

Further embodiments may provide means to display or provide calculations of cost; using predefined or contemporaneously input cost per duration data.

In order for this calculation firmware, software or necessary hardware may be included.

These settings may be set locally, be predefined or controlled remotely, such as for example by BLUETOOTH (Trade Mark) or other wireless communication means.

Settings are also envisaged through which the user may be able to define warning or alarm periods or moments. Where the device is set or predefined to countdown or defined point, there may be provided a visual, audible or haptic alert, alarm or warning.

Some embodiments may additionally provide pre-alert warnings as the duration point approaches or interval counting.

For example where the device counts down to a defined duration, a sequence of light emitting diodes (LEDs) may be lit and/or extinguished or change colour.

Yet further embodiments may include call suspension technologies, for example whereby if a pre-defined call duration is reached, the connection may be cut by the device.

This cut-off function may be combined with a warning system, and may be controlled or prevented by an override switch, button or control.

This control may be physical, or analogue such as a slider that may be left in an off or on position, or may be digital and/or temporary, so that the user is prompted to use it each time.

In an absence of use of the override the function will be activated to cut off the connection.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilred in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of the preferred embodiment of the device; And Figure 2 shows a view of the preferred embodiment from its rear.

Detailed Description of Figures

It is envisaged that the device pictured is a small unit about the size of an internet broadband filter, which connects between a telephone and telephone socket in a similar manner.

The user makes a telephone call as usual but as they open the line, the device starts logging the duration of the call.

In the preferred and pictured embodiment when a call is connected, a countdown timer is started.

After 58 minutes have passed a signal is sent to the phone, alerting the user that they have 2 minutes remaining before they incur any additional charges.

In this when the alert is received by the telephone it preferably is able to use the existing telephone features, electronics, in-call warning sounds and/or ringtones as an alert to the user.

The user should then end the call and call back if necessary, restarting the hour free tariff. If the user does not hang up, then the unit will send an alert with 30 seconds remaining and will automatically hang up at the 1 hour mark.

The pictured embodiment includes the following: Mesh speaker holes (1) for audible alert for a beeper for a telephone-separate audible alert such as of imminent cut off; Light emitting diodes (LEDs) (2) for visual indication of time elapsed and/or fractions of time remaining on a call; Keyhole slot (3) to give the user the opportunity to attach to a wall; and User by-pass button (4), to prevent automatic shut off when on a long call.

As the call reaches the end of the free hour period, the device transmits an audible alert through the phone line to inform them that their time is nearly up.

In the pictured embodiment after an hour on the telephone, if the user has not interrupted the timer on device, using the by-pass button, the call will automatically be cutoff, preventing any charges being incurred.

Claims

<claim-text>Claims 1. A portable call timing device for use with a telephone, connected in use locally to the telephone and a telephony network; wherein the device monitors call duration information.</claim-text> <claim-text>2. A device according to claim wherein the device acts upon duration information.</claim-text> <claim-text>3. A device according to claim 2 wherein the device disconnects calls after a defined duration.</claim-text> <claim-text>4. A device according to claim 3 wherein there is an associated manual override function.</claim-text> <claim-text>5. A device according to any preceding claim wherein an audible indication is provided of duration.</claim-text> <claim-text>6. A device according to any preceding claim wherein a visible indication is provided of duration.</claim-text> <claim-text>7. A device according to any preceding claim, capable of utilising a telephone's existing indication structure.</claim-text> <claim-text>8. A device according to any preceding claim wherein programmable data may be input by a user.</claim-text> <claim-text>9. A device according to any preceding claim wherein emergency calls may be identified.Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows Claims 1. A portable call timing device for use with a telephone, connected in use locally to the telephone and a telephony network; wherein the device monitors call duration information.
2. A device according to claim wherein the device acts upon duration information.
3. A device according to claim 2 wherein the device disconnects calls after a defined duration.
4. A device according to claim 3 wherein there is an associated manual override function.
5. A device according to any preceding claim wherein an audible indication is provided of duration.
6. A device according to any preceding claim wherein a visible indication is provided of duration.
7. A device according to any preceding claim, capable of utilising a telephone's existing indication structure.
8. A device according to any preceding claim wherein programmable data may be input by a user.
9. A device according to any preceding claim wherein emergency calls may be identified. * **:***
10. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the timing device forms part of the telephone.*** *.. * 0 **0.0.* * * * ** * * * *..fl. * *</claim-text>