A METHOD, AN APPARATUS AND A SYSTEM FOR MONITORING THE PROVISION OF CONTENT SERVICES VIA MULTIPLE TELECOMMUNICATION NETWORKS

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to monitoring the provision of telephony content services and, more particularly but not exclusively, to monitoring the provision of content services via multiple telecommunication networks. During the last decade remote information, consultation and support services have become widely acceptable and popular. Telecommunication companies running Public Switched Telephone Networks (PSTNs), Public Land Mobile Networks (PLMNs) and other communication service providers have been providing such services in the form of 800 number services. Commonly, a caller is charged for a service according to a designated premium rate which is associated with the service. The debit for the service is added by the telecommunication company to the caller's monthly bill.

With the recent advance in technology and the reduction in telecommunication costs, such services have become more prevalent. Customers may easily use both land telephones and cellular telephones to dial such services and to receive almost any content services they desire. Using such services, customers receive immediate answers to various questions which are on their minds. Consumers can now use the telephone to receive a wide variety of services, ranging from technical support to personal psychic readings. For example, a customer that does not feel well or is concerned about his health may call a designated content provider that supplies medical information or consultations. A customer that faces a legal dilemma may call a designated content provider that supplies legal counseling.

The aforementioned content services are typically available via a content provider that first delivers the service over the telephone and subsequently bills a caller. The caller typically is identified by the phone number from which he is calling, and the subsequent charge is then included as part of the caller's telephone bill. The content provider typically calculates the charge after the service has been delivered. This sum is forwarded to the telephone company, which both bills and collects the

charge from the caller. The telephone company typically deducts a portion of the charge in exchange for making the telephone connection and for collecting the payment.

In order to provide such services, the content provider makes an agreement with one or more telecommunication companies which provide telecommunication services. Each telecommunication company allocates a unique network address, such as a telephone number, which is associated with the provided service. The content provider is required to make a separate agreement with each telecommunication company that may allocate a unique telephone number for each service provided. This raises the operation costs of the content providers and requires that the charge for the service be included in the telephone bill of the telecommunication company. Furthermore, in certain countries, there may be numerous telecommunication service providers, each requiring a separate agreement.

In an effort to overcome some of these disadvantages, some content providers have established 900 number debit cards in which a caller prepays for services provided by the content provider. In this system, the caller sets up an account by purchasing a debit card, effectively prepaying for consultation, information or support. The caller then dials the access number listed on the back of the debit card to access a service, with the appropriate fee being deducted from the value remaining in the caller's prepaid account. However, the service debit card can only be used for accessing the services of a certain provider. Services from other content providers are not available using this debit card. This severely limits the functionality of a debit card, as a caller would have to carry a separate card and maintain a separate prepaid account for each content provider he intends to access. To overcome such shortcomings, U.S. Patent No. 6,246,755, issued on June

12, 2001, discloses a "Method and System for Connecting a Caller to a Content Provider," wherein a caller is connected to a content provider that provides a service over a telephone network. According to this system, the caller initially establishes a prepaid account with an intermediary, such as a "transaction processor." The transaction processor provides the caller with access to a plurality of content providers via a common access number and receives payment for the charges associated with calls to the content providers by debiting the caller's prepaid account. However, in order to access the content services, the caller has to purchase a prepaid card.

U.S. Patent No. 6,826,269, issued on November 30, 2004, discloses another system which is based on prepaid accounts. The patent describes a system and methods for billing calls to service providers. The calls are received at a prepaid calling center where the clients are prompted to provide an identification number. The identification number is then used to retrieve a record from a repository which includes the client's debit account information as well as a menu of services available from service providers, and the service providers' telephone numbers. After retrieving the foregoing information, the prepaid calling center completes a telephone call between the client and a requested service provider. The prepaid calling center then debits the prepaid account at a prescribed billing rate until the telephone call is terminated.

The systems of the aforementioned patents are not, however, able to handle occasional callers without prepaid credit accounts. These callers cannot use the aforementioned services since they are not listed in the system repository and do not have prepaid credit accounts. Moreover, according to these patents, each local telecommunication service provider that wishes to allow a client to access the services of a content provider has to maintain a unique local number and to create a separate revenue sharing agreement with the content provider. As mentioned above there could be tens of such providers and the content provider has to have agreements with each of them.

U.S. Patent No. 6,282,276, issued on August 28, 2001, discloses a method that overcomes the disadvantage of services which are limited to a revenue sharing agreement. According to the method, a request to initiate a telephone call between a caller and a content provider is received from a caller. Details regarding the caller's credit account are requested before the caller is connected to the content provider. The caller's credit account details comprise information, such as credit card information, debit card information or checking account information, which is associated with a credit account record. The caller is then connected to the content provider and a total charge for the telephone call, based on the actual time that the caller is connected to the content provider, is calculated. Lastly, call charge information associated with the telephone call is transmitted to a remote site when the telephone call is terminated, the call charge information including information for charging the credit account for the telephone call. Using this method, a system operator is able to independently debit the

caller. The caller is charged for the established call by two different providers. The telecommunication service provider charges the caller for the related telecommunication service. The content provider charges the caller for the received added- value service. However, by using such a method the caller discloses payment information such as credit card information, debit card information or checking account information. Callers who do not want to disclose such payment information cannot receive the added- value services of the content provider.

Hence, there is thus a widely recognized need for, and it would be highly advantageous to have, a method and a system devoid of the above limitations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a switch apparatus for connecting calls between different telephone networks. The switch apparatus comprising a switch connected between a local telecommunication provider, and a content provider. The switch switches communication from the local telecommunication provider to the content providers thereby, the switch being configured as an international gateway switch thus to ensure that requests for content of the content provider are switched via an International link.

Preferably, the switch is configured to output to respective local telephone networks payment obligations, each one of the payment obligations reflecting content provided by the content provider.

Preferably, the switch is associated with a billing repository usable for storing the plurality of payment obligations.

Preferably, the respective ones of the local telephony networks support at least one of the group consisting of: a telephone user, a mobile telephone user, a VoIP telephone user, a video over IP user, and a video telephone user.

Preferably, the local telecommunication provider operates a local telecommunication network; the local telecommunication network consists of at least one of the following group: a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), a wired computer network, and a wireless computer network.

Preferably, the content provider provides an added value content service.

Preferably, the added value content service comprises at least one of the following group: a medical consultation, a legal consultation, a psychological consultation, a car maintenance consultation, a computer hardware and software maintenance consultation, a phone sex service, and weather information. Preferably, the communication is used for transmitting a parking lot rental authorization request signal. More preferably, the communication is used for transmitting a product purchasing request signal. More preferably, the communication is used for transmitting a service purchasing request signal. More preferably, the communication is used for transmitting an access to service purchasing request signal. Preferably, the disconnection of each of the communication is used for transmitting a parking lot rental termination request signal. More preferably, the disconnection of the communication is used for transmitting an access to service termination request signal.

Preferably, the switch is adapted to be connected to a caller information repository; the information repository is usable for storing a plurality of caller entries such that each caller entry comprises descriptive information regarding a related caller.

Preferably, the switch apparatus further comprising a caller information output device, wherein the caller information output device is configured to output the plurality of caller entries for transmittal to a remote content provider terminal; the remote content provider terminal configured to display the caller entries.

Preferably, the switch apparatus further comprising a caller information input device, wherein the caller information input device is configured to receive a query for specific caller information from the remote content provider, wherein the caller information output device is configured to output the plurality of caller entries for transmittal to the remote content provider terminal according to the query.

Preferably, the switch apparatus further comprising a caller information input device, wherein the caller information input device is configured to receive caller information from the remote content provider terminal, the caller information repository usable for storing the caller information such that the caller information is associated with a related caller.

Preferably, the switch apparatus further comprising a control unit, wherein the control unit is adapted for outputting instructions to the switch to establish a

telecommunication connection between a plurality of callers and at least one remotely located content provider.

Preferably, the verification module is configured to be connected to an

Interactive Voice Response (IVR) module, wherein the IVR module is operable for allowing the related caller to input identification information, verification module is adapted for using the for identification information for verifying the identity of the related caller.

Preferably, the control unit is configured to be connected to a verification module, wherein the verification module is operable for verifying the identity of a related caller before establishing the telecommunication connection. More preferably, the control unit is configured to be connected to an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) module, wherein the IVR module is operable for allowing a related caller to choose at least one of the following group: a telephony content service, a product, a service, a subscription, a payment method, and the remotely located content provider. Preferably, the verification module is at least one of the following group: a voice pattern recognition module, a face recognition module, and a fingerprint recognition module.

Preferably, the control unit further comprises an Automatic Number

Identification (ANI) module having an ANI decoder, wherein the ANI decoder is configured to identify identification details of the caller based on the plurality of call details.

Preferably, the switch apparatus further comprising a Voice over IP (VoIP) module, wherein the VoIP module comprises: a first communication port configured to be connected to the caller; and a second communication port configured to be connected to at least one remote content provider terminal via a telecommunication network; wherein the VoIP module is used for establishing a telecommunication connection between a caller and an identified content provider via a related content provider terminal.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for monitoring the provisioning of telephony content services by a remotely located content provider to a plurality of callers. The system comprises: a first communication port for receiving a telephone call from a caller, a second communication port for establishing a telephone connection to a content provider

identified by the caller, a billing repository usable for storing a plurality of caller records such that each caller record comprises payment information regarding a related caller, an international gateway switch configured to be connected to the first and the second communications ports, and a monitoring unit, comprising: a first interface configured to be connected to the first communication port, a control unit configured to enable the international gateway switch to make a long distance telephone connection between the caller and the identified content provider, and a debiting unit configured to store long distance debit information in a related caller record of the plurality of caller records, the debit being based on a service provided by the identified content provider.

Preferably, the telephone call is an international telephone call. More preferably, the telephone call is a local telephone call to a service number of the operator of the international gateway switch.

Preferably, the second communication port is further configured for establishing a Voice over IP (VoIP) telephone connection to a content provider identified by the caller.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of doing business through providing content to users. The users are connected via local telephony providers. The method comprises the following steps: a) establishing calls of respective users to least one content provider via a switch of an international carrier; b) monitoring the calls via the switch; and c) applying charging according to connections with the switch of an International carrier, thereby to guarantee payment to the content provider irrespective of there being a payment agreement between the content provider and the respective local telephony provider.

Preferably, the charging is done according to international telecommunication regulations.

More preferably, the local telecommunication provider is a Local Exchange Carrier (LEC). Preferably, the monitoring device utilizes a system of prepaid units for charging the users.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for monitoring telephony content services between a plurality of callers and

remotely located content providers. The method comprises the following steps: a) receiving a telephone call from a caller of the plurality of callers, via a switch of an international long distance carrier, b) identifying the caller and a requested content provider, c) establishing a telecommunication connection between the caller and the requested content provider to enable the content provider to provide a content service to the caller via switch, d) monitoring the telephone connection, and e) storing a debit information record according to the monitoring.

Preferably, the debit information record comprises at least one of the following group: a debit amount, the length of time of the telephone connection, the identity of the caller, a tariff of the content provider, and the requested content provider identity.

More preferably, the debit amount is based on one of the following group: the length of the telephone connection, the rate of the content service, and the quality of service of the content service. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The materials, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and are not intended to be limiting.

Implementation of the method, apparatus and system of the present invention involves performing or completing certain selected tasks or steps manually, automatically, or a combination thereof. Moreover, according to actual instrumentation and equipment of preferred embodiments of the method, apparatus and system of the present invention, several selected steps could be implemented by hardware or by software on any operating system of any firmware or a combination thereof. For example, as hardware, selected steps of the invention could be implemented as a chip or a circuit. As software, selected steps of the invention could be implemented as a plurality of software instructions being executed by a computer using any suitable operating system. In any case, selected steps of the method and system of the invention could be described as being performed by a data processor, such as a computing platform for executing a plurality of instructions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and are presented in order to provide what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice. In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of a simplified apparatus for monitoring the provisioning of telephony content services to numerous callers by a remotely located content provider according to a preferred embodiment of present invention.

Fig. 2 is a schematic illustration of another simplified apparatus for monitoring the provisioning of telephony content services according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. This figure further depicts a content provider central server, content providers and callers. Fig. 3 is a schematic illustration of another simplified apparatus for monitoring the provisioning of telephony content services according to a preferred embodiment of present invention. This figure further depicts a caller information repository, a data exchange server, and a content provider terminal.

Fig. 4 is a flowchart of an exemplary method for the provisioning of content services using international long distance carrier mechanisms according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a flowchart of another exemplary method for the provisioning of content services using international long distance carriers, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. This figure further depicts the usage of a reverse charge call service.

Fig. 6 is a flowchart of an exemplary business method for billing telephony content services using international long distance carrier billing agreements and mechanisms according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present embodiments comprise an apparatus, a system and a method for monitoring the provisioning of telephony content services by remotely located content providers to numerous callers.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for monitoring the provisioning of telephony content services to numerous callers by remotely located content providers. The apparatus is mainly configured to allow callers of one local telecommunication network to access content providers which are connected to another telecommunication network. In order to connect the callers to the content provider the different networks are connected via a telecommunication switch, preferably an international gateway switch for international calls. The establishment of the telecommunication connection triggers an automatic payment obligation, so that the content provider does not need a payment agreement with the local telephony carrier that operates the local telecommunication network. The telecommunication switch is controlled by a control unit. Preferably, the control unit is connected to a billing repository that stores caller records. Each caller record comprises payment obligation regarding one caller. The control unit is used to control the telecommunication switch to make a telephone connection between callers and remotely located content providers. The telephone connection is monitored and information is stored in a related record in a billing repository. Based upon the stored record the control unit calculates a debit for the call.

Another embodiment is a method of doing business that comprises several steps. During the first step, service call connections are established between callers who are connected to one or more local telecommunication networks and content providers which are connected to other telecommunication networks. Each connection is established via a telecommunication switch of an international long distance carrier. After the connection is established the service calls are monitored using a monitoring device. The monitoring device is connected, either directly or via a network, to the telecommunication switch. In order to charge the callers for the services, a billing process for handling international calls of the local telecommunication network carriers is used, as will be described below.

The principles and operation of the apparatus, system and method according to the present invention may be better understood with reference to the drawings and accompanying description.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

The embodiments of the present invention comprise an apparatus, a system and a method for monitoring the provision of telephony content services to numerous callers by remotely located content providers.

Content providers shall be understood to include parties that provide content services, consultation services, information services, and support services over telecommunication networks and charge callers for the provided services. These services may be provided by consultants or by automatic voice messaging systems that play recorded content.

Content, service, and added-value service shall be understood to include consultation services such as legal or medical consultation services, car maintenance consultation services, support services such as psychological support services, computer hardware and software maintenance consultation services, phone sex services, weather information services, sale of services and goods, and any tangible or intangible commodity or service provided to the caller. The charge for these services refers to the premium rate that is charged for the service, which is higher than the charge for a simple telephone call.

Telecommunication networks may be understood as the combination of local and long distance wire facilities and switches generally known as the public switched telephone networks (PSTN). However, telecommunication networks are not restricted to the PSTNs, but shall be understood to include telephone networks, wireless networks, cellular telephone networks, computer networks with telephone capability, and other non-telephone communication facilities through which content or services may be provided. Each telecommunication network includes any switched

telecommunication system, i.e., any system that comprises a bearer network with switches for setting up a bearer channel through the network. The term switched telecommunication system is to include not only existing public and private telephone systems (whether using analogue or ISDN-based phones), but also broadband (ATM) and other switch-based bearer networks that are currently being implemented or may be developed in the future.

Reference to a call and a telecommunication connection in the context of a telecommunication system is to be understood as a communication through a channel set up across a network, call and a telecommunication connection is to include telephone calls, video calls, Voice over IP (VoIP) calls, conference calls, and other calls that are established using currently implemented devices or devices which may be developed in the future.

Reference is now made to FIG. 1 which depicts an exemplary apparatus for monitoring the provision of telephony content services to numerous callers by a remotely located content provider. FIG. 1 depicts a switch 1 which is connected to two telecommunication networks 5, 6. Via the switch 1, call details are transferred to an input device 7 of a service monitoring unit 3 which receives details regarding various calls from callers who are connected to the different networks 5 and 6. The input device 7 is used to transfer the call details to a control unit 2 of the service monitoring unit 3. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention the service monitoring unit 3 is integrated into the switch 1.

The connection between the input device 7 and the telecommunication switch 1 may be established either via a wire or wireless telecommunication network or directly via a local connection. Preferably, the input device 7 is directly connected to a socket (not shown) in the telecommunication switch 1.

The input device 7 enables communication between the telecommunication switch land the control unit 2 of the service monitoring unit 3. The telecommunication switch 1 is configured to route the call signals from a caller who is connected to, for example, the first telecommunication network 5 to input device 7. The call signals represent both voice and identification information as described below. In use, when a caller dials a designated number, the telecommunication switch 1 establishes a connection to the input device 7 via the socket which is associated with a designated phone number or with a set of phone numbers. The routing and

switching procedure is generally well known in the art and is, therefore, not described here in greater detail.

As depicted in FIG. 1, the service monitoring unit 3 comprises a control unit 2 and a billing repository 4. The billing repository 4 is configured to store numerous caller records. Each caller record contains payment information regarding different callers in related entries. Preferably, each call which is preformed via the service monitoring unit 3 is documented in the billing repository 4.

As described below, the control unit 2 has two major functions. The control unit is configured to calculate a debit according to the details of each call and to store the outcome of the calculation in an associated caller record of the billing repository 4. In addition, the control unit causes the telecommunication switch 1 to route the call signals from each caller to a requested content provider. Before the telecommunication connection is established between the caller and the provider, the control unit 2 documents the caller payment and identification information. The control unit 2 may use different modules and apparatuses to identify the caller.

Preferably, the control unit 2 is coupled to an Automatic Number Identification (ANI) module (not shown). Usually, a local telecommunication network operator couples a billing number (BN) signal and a telephone number (TN) signal to each call, the signals originating from to the call's transmission. Such signals are commonly used in private branch exchange (PBX) systems and within the existing telephone network to route calls and handle billing charges. For example, the Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) supports the coupling of the BN and the TN to the call transmission by carrying that information in a parallel channel (channel D). The protocols which are used to send such information are also known as Caller ID; Calling Line Identification (CLI), when provided via an ISDN connection to a private automatic branch exchange (PABX) and Calling Line Identification Presentation (CLIP); Call Capture; or Calling Line Identity (CLID). Bell 202 modulation is commonly used to transmit such Caller ID information on the public telephone network. The ITU-T chapter V.23 communications standard defines a similar modulation scheme.

An ANI decoder is used to identify the caller phone number. The identified information may be stored in the billing repository 4 in association with a charge regarding the call, as described below. After identifying and storing the caller phone

number, the control unit 2 may trigger the telecommunication switch 1 to establish a connection between the caller and the content provider. The established connection is monitored by the control unit 2, in order to record and document certain call related information, as will be further described, below. Reference is now made to FIG. 2, which depicts another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The service monitoring unit 3, the telecommunication switch 1, the first and the second networks 5 and 6 are as in FIG. 1 above. However, in the present embodiment, a content provider central server 11, content providers 16 and callers 12 and 13 are added. As depicted in FIG. 2, callers 12 and 13 are connected to the telecommunication switch 1 via different communication devices. Preferably, telephone devices which are used to connect callers 12 to a network 6, such as a PSTN network, may be used to initiate a call between a caller 12 and the content provider 16 which is connected to another telecommunication network 5. Moreover, callers 13 may use mobile phones to establish a connection with a content provider 16.

Preferably, calls from the callers 13 are routed via a Network Switching Subsystem (NSS) 14 such as a Mobile Telephone Switching Office (MTSO) or a Mobile Switching Center (MSC). The NSS 14 is used to connect the mobile phones to a PSTN or to another telecommunication network 6. For example, if the NSS 14 connects the mobile phones to a PSTN, the NSS is used to encode the call signals into an analogue signal.

Preferably, the call signals are encoded as PCM signals in a 64-kbit/s timeslot (known in America as a DSO). The encoded signals are transferred to the telecommunication switch 1 that further transmits them to the identified content provider, as described above.

Preferably, the caller may also use VoIP software to connect to the content provider. A VoIP to PSTN converter may be used to connect callers to the content provider. VoIP to PSTN converters and gateways are configured to connect PSTN lines on one side and USB ports of PCs, for example, on the other side. The converters and gateways convert calls and call signals between a VoIP server and PSTN formats. For example, TSPI, TAPI and WAVE APIs on the PC can be used as VoIP software. Such APIs are built on top of a USB driver, which communicates with

gateway hardware that connects the call signals to the PSTN. The converted signals are transferred to the telecommunication switch 1 that further transmits them to the identified content provider, as described above.

As further depicted in FIG. 2 the first and the second networks 5 and 6 are coupled to each other via the telecommunication switch 1. The telecommunication switch 1, as described below, is controlled by the control unit 2. A connection may be established between each of the callers 12 and 13 and the control unit 2 over the first network 6 via the telecommunication switches 1 and input device 7. Preferably, the input device 7 enables the connection with multiple communication channels for simultaneously connecting multiple callers 12 and 13 to multiple content providers 16.

The service monitoring unit 3 manages the calls between the callers 12 and 13 and the content providers 16. hi use, a caller dials a number which is associated with a certain content provider in order to establish a call with that content provider. The local telecommunication provider that controls the local network 6 connects the call to the telecommunication switch 1 which is connected to the service monitoring unit 3. Preferably, the service monitoring unit 3 uses the ANI decoder to identify the caller. The ANI decoder extracts the BN, the TN or both from the received call details and stores them in the billing repository 4. After the caller has been identified, the service monitoring unit 3 establishes a telecommunication connection between the caller and the content provider 16. Preferably, each content provider 16 is associated with a unique phone number. The service monitoring unit 3 identifies the number the caller has dialed by analyzing the call signals. Subsequently the service monitoring unit 3 directs the telecommunication switch 1 to route the call signals to the requested content provider which is associated with the dialed number and to establish a telecommunication connection between them. The service monitoring unit 3 monitors the connection between the caller and the content provider 16 and stores the call details in the billing repository 4. The entry is associated with the information which has been identified regarding the caller. The stored call details may be comprised of the length of the call, the chosen content provider, the type of service, and the content which has been chosen.

Preferably, the service monitoring unit 3 is further connected to a voice module (not shown). The voice module is used for informing the caller regarding the

rate the content provider is charging for the chosen service. The voice module is connected to the control unit 2. The voice module is activated when the caller is connected to service monitoring unit 3 via the telecommunication switch 1.

Preferably, if the ANI decoder does not recognize the calling number or the calling number is associated with a block list which is stored in the billing repository 4, the control unit 2 disconnects the call after using the voice module to inform the caller regarding the disconnection by providing a message.

In one preferred embodiment of the present invention the control unit 2 is further connected to a content provider central server 11, such as an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) module. In this embodiment, the service monitoring unit 3 directs the received call to the IVR module. The IVR module allows the caller 12, 13 to select an option from a voice menu. Preferably, the system plays prerecorded voice prompts to which the caller 12, 13 presses a number on a telephone keypad to select an option, says simple answers such as "yes" and "no", or says certain numbers in response to the voice prompts. The IVR module converts the dual tone multi-frequency tones which have been entered by the caller 12, 13 in response to the voice prompts into digital routing signals for the control unit 2. The control unit controls the telecommunication switch 1 to route the related call according to the caller selections. Preferably the IVR module integrates a natural language speech recognition module to interpret the caller's responses.

In one preferred embodiment the IVR module present a voice menu that allows the caller to choose among different content providers. According to the caller instructions the IVR module connects the caller 12, 13, to the appropriate content provider. Preferably, the IVR module plays prerecorded voice messages that notify the caller about the rates and tariffs of the chosen content provider.

Hence, using the IVR module the system operator of the service monitoring unit 3 may offer various content providers. For example, the service monitoring unit 3 may be associated with a telephone number which enables a caller to be connected to a medical consultation center. The associated telephone number connects the caller to the service monitoring unit 3. The IVR module 11 plays a voice menu that allows the caller to choose among different medical fields. According to the caller instructions, the IVR module 11 plays another voice menu that allows the caller to choose among different specialists in the chosen field. Based on the caller instructions, the IVR

module 11 connects the call to the chosen specialist. Preferably, the IVR module plays prerecorded voice messages that notify the caller about the rates of the chosen specialist content provider.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention service monitoring unit 3 is used to pay for tangible products and for other services. In this embodiment the caller dials a number which is associated with the service monitoring unit 3, as described above, in order to purchase products or services other than content services.

For example, the service monitoring unit 3 may be used to rent a parking lot. In this embodiment, when the customer arrives at the parking lot, he can call the number displayed to trigger a virtual parking meter, or call to connect to the IVR module. The service monitoring unit 3 logs the time of the call and associates it with the caller. Then the account of the caller is debited according to the logged usage time, as described above. Preferably the IVR module informs the caller that renting of the parking lot has begun and is being charged. In another embodiment, the service monitoring unit 3 may be used to buy a product from an automated machine. In this embodiment, when the customer arrives at an automatic vending machine, such as an automated canned beverage vending machine, he can call a designated number to start a product vending process. Preferably, the IVR module enables the caller to choose a certain product. In addition, the IVR module informs the caller of the price of the product and allows him to use a keypad either to confirm or to decline the offer. Based on the caller decision, instructions are sent by the service monitoring unit 3 to a designated server (not shown). The designated server directs the automated machine to release the requested product. Subsequently, the caller's account is debited according to the price of the product, as described above. Such an embodiment may be used for allowing callers to buy a subscription to access a certain Internet website, to buy a subscription to cable channels, to order Video on Demand (VOD) transmission, etc.

Preferably, the service monitoring unit 3 is used to access certain content over the Internet. In this embodiment, when the customer wants to access certain content over the Internet, such as a video or an audio transmission, he can call a designated number to purchase access rights. The service monitoring unit 3 logs the time of the call and associates it with the caller. Preferably, the IVR module 11 informs the caller of a certain code or password that he can use in order to access the requested content.

Then, the service monitoring unit 3 sends designated server instructions regarding the caller, notifying the designated server that access to the content should be granted to the caller who is associated with the given code or password. When the caller hangs up, the service monitoring unit 3 sends the designated server instructions regarding the caller, notifying the designated server that access to the aforementioned content should be blocked. Subsequently, the account of the caller is debited according to the logged usage time, as described above.

Callers may use other communication devices in order to establish a service call with a chosen content, as described above. For example, a caller may use a headset 18 which is connected to a personal computer to establish a service call. Calls via personal computers are established via a VoIP gateway PSTN module. The VoIP gateway PSTN module provides enable the communication between plain old telephone service (POTS) lines and remote VoIP devices. Such modules may manage the entire call sequence including, for example, the basic standard use case of a telephone unit going off hook, dialing a call, establishing a connection, sending and receiving voice content, and ending the call when the telephone is placed back on hook. The VoIP gateway PSTN module is well known and hence will not be described here in detail.

Reference is now made to FIG. 3, which depicts another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The service monitoring unit 3, the telecommunication switch 1, the first and the second networks 5, 6, the content provider central server 11, the content providers 16 and callers 12, 13 are as in FIG. 2 above. However, in the present embodiment, caller information repository 24, and a content provider terminal 25 are added. As described above, the service monitoring unit 3 stores billing information regarding numerous callers. The information is used for generating invoices and for tracking the debits of different callers. However, the usage of the service monitoring unit 3 as a data repository may be used to store information about different callers. Information about different callers may be gathered and used to output information about the caller. Such information might be a useful for future services which are provided by the content providers.

Thus, the control unit 2 may be further connected to a caller information repository 24. The caller information repository 24 comprises numerous entries and subentries containing different information about various callers. In one example,

where the service monitoring unit 3 is associated with medical content providers, the subentries may comprise information about the callers' medical history, allergies, and sensitivities, as well as demographic information about the callers and notes that have been drafted during previous service calls. In another example, where the service monitoring unit 3 is associated with psychological content providers, the subentries may comprise information about the mental histories of the callers, psychiatric medicines they take, and notes that have been drafted during previous service calls.

In order to enable each content provider to access the entries of the caller information repository 24, content provider terminals 25 are connected to the service monitoring unit 3 via a designated input device 20. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the content provider terminals 25 are personal computers which host content provider applications that communicate with the control unit 2 via a telecommunication network 26. In one preferred embodiment, each content provider terminal 25 has a screen. The content provider terminal 25 screen displays a graphical user interface (GUI) that facilitates the display of the caller information entries and subentries. Preferably, the GUI enables the input of indicia and instructions to the control unit 2. As is generally well known, a common mouse device and a common desktop keyboard, for example, both connected to the content provider terminals 25, can allow content providers to input information and to make selections. The method of displaying the caller information entries and subentries on the basis of the graphical user interface is well known and hence will not be described here in detail.

In another embodiment, content providers can access a designated Internet site, stored in a central server, using different content provider terminals 25, via the telecommunication network 26. In one preferred embodiment, the site is managed as HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) files that display information forming a basis for creation of Web pages that facilitate access to the caller information entries. The method of displaying the site on the basis of HTML files is well known and hence will not be described here in detail. The content provider application may be hosted on various content provider terminals 25 which are based on different computing units, such as the personal computer, personal digital assistant (PD A), cellular phone or any other computing unit. The content provider applications are preferably programmed with respect to

properties and limitations of the different content provider terminals 25.

Preferably, when a call is established by the control unit 2, between one of the callers 12, 13 and an identified content provider the information entries and subentries which are related to the caller are transmitted to a content provider terminal 25 which is associated with the identified content provider. Then, the entries are displayed on the screen 21 of the related content provider terminal 25. In another embodiment only a popup message is displayed on the screen 21 of the related content provider terminal 25, in order to notify the content provider that he may access the database to receive information about the caller. The content provider may then enter indicia or press on a designated link in order to input instructions into the control unit 2. The instructions define the requested caller information entries. Then the requested caller information is displayed on the screen 21 of related content provider terminal 25.

In one preferred embodiment of the present invention a content provider application may be used to input information about each caller. Since some of the callers may be repeat callers, the content provider may want to document the added- value content service which has been given to the callers. Preferably, a content provider application is associated with a GUI display that enables the content provider to input information about the caller. Such information may assist the content provider, or another content provider, in providing a better service to the caller in future calls and sessions. For example, if the added- value content service is a medical consultation, the content provider may document the caller's medical status and the medicines he takes. Moreover, this historical information may be used to track whether the caller has followed the content provider's recommendation. The content provider may input recommendations for future consultations, such as preferred advanced treatment, etc.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 2 is further connected to a verification module, such as voice pattern recognition and face recognition.

As described above, the database may comprise personal information about the client. In order to promise the confidentiality and the credibility of the documented information, the caller identity has to be verified before establishing the service call. Moreover, the caller identity has to be stored as a proof of purchase to promise the credibility of the debiting process. Hence, in one preferred embodiment

of the present invention the control unit is connected to a verification module. Such verification module may integrate pattern recognition technologies in order to recognize patterns, particularly visual and sound patterns.

In one preferred embodiment of the present invention the verification module is a biometric system. The biometric system employs and measures some physical characteristic of the caller to uniquely identify that individual. The characteristic could be, by example, a voice pattern or a facial characteristic. After having uniquely identified a caller as being a particular, authorized individual, the system can then indicate the content provider that the identity of the caller has been verified. That is, this type of biometric system can be viewed as an electronic, voice actuated lock. Preferably, the verification module is a voice pattern recognition module which is trained to recognize a particular caller using a set of recorded patterns. For example, the caller may be expected to say his or her name, and some predetermined password and the verification module identify the caller by matching the received voice signals with the recorded related patterns.

Preferably, the verification module is a face recognition module which is trained to recognize a particular caller using a set of predetermined recorded facial characteristics. Preferably, the face recognition module compares the stored images from the caller with a stored image data in the database which is related to the caller. In order to enable such an embodiment, the caller has to use a device that comprises a video camera. After a video call has been established, the caller is expected to use the camera to capture a photograph of his face. In one embodiment, Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) transmission service or other photo messaging technology is used to transmit an image of the caller's face via cellphones. Then, the verification module is used to match the caller face with stored image data records. After having uniquely matching a caller with a related stored image data record as being a particular, authorized individual, the system can then indicate the content provider that the identity of the caller has been verified. The voice pattern recognition and the face recognition are generally well known in the art and are, therefore, not described here in greater detail.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the verification module comprises a fingerprint database. The fingerprint database comprises numerous records of callers. Each record comprises a representation of the positions

of the caller's fingerprint details. The verification module compares the stored records with an image or other representation a fingerprint which is related to the caller. In order to enable such an embodiment, the caller has to use a fingerprint reader. Preferably, an optional fingerprint reader device, such as USB MS Fingerprint Reader® by Microsoft, or a capacitive fingerprint scanner is used. The fingerprint reader device scans the fingerprint and transfers the output, via a communication network connection, to the verification module. To get a match, the verification module has to find a sufficient number of detail patterns which are common to both the representation of the fingerprint provided by the caller and the record of the fingerprint database. The exact number of details varies according to the fingerprint scanner and the verification module programming. The fingerprint scanner is generally well known in the art and is, therefore, not described here in greater detail.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the verification module is connected to the IVR module 11. The IVR module is used to play a voice menu that allows the caller to enter identification information such as ID number, date of birth, password etc. The IVR module 11 transfers the inputted information to the verification module. The caller inputs are matched with records of the database in order to verify the identity of the caller.

The aforementioned verification methods and modules can be used to produce a proof of purchase regarding charging premium rates for the service calls. Such an embodiment may be used to guarantee the credibility of the debiting process when the regulations require from the content providers or from the telecommunication network providers to receive a specific confirmation regarding every premium rate service call which is held by the caller. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention content provider terminal 25 is connected to a headset 22. The content provider application comprises a VoIP module. The VoIP module is configured to receive digital packets and to convert them to voice signals. The VoIP module is further configured to convert voice signals to digital packets of information. In this embodiment, the service monitoring unit 3 may be further connected to an Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) and to a Digital to Analog Converter (DAC).

In one preferred embodiment the caller 12, 13 is connected to service monitoring unit 3 which identifies the requested content provider and tracks his IP

destination address. Preferably, the IP destination address of different content providers is stored in a designated repository (not shown) which is connected to the control unit 2. The control unit uses the ADC to digitalize the voice of the caller into data packets. Different protocols, such as Session Initiation Protocol (SIP), may be used to convert the voice signals to data packets. The data packets are sent to the identified destination. The content provider terminal 25 receives the data packets, and reconverts them into voice signals at the destination. The voice signal is transferred to the headset 22 so that the content provider can hear the caller. The voice signal of the content provider is converted to data packets by the VoIP module and is transferred to the service monitoring unit 3. The service monitoring unit 3 uses the DAC to convert the data packets to analog signals which are sent to the caller. The VoIP procedure, the ADC and the DAC are generally well known in the art and are, therefore, not described here in greater detail.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the content provider 16 has both a communication device and a content provider terminal 25. The content provider 16 uses the communication device to provide the added- value service and uses the content provider terminal 25 as a source of information, as described above.

In one preferred embodiment of the present invention the entries and the subentries of the caller information repository 24 are used to define user-adjusted voice menus. In this embodiment, different adjusted voice menus are provided to different users according to their BN, TN or both. In such an embodiment the control unit 2 uses the ANI decoder to identify the callers 12, 13. After identifying a caller, the control unit 2 searches the caller information repository for related user information. Preferably, the entries comprise, as described above, descriptive information about the caller. Based upon the related descriptive information, the IVR module generates an adjusted voice menu which is played to the identified caller.

Preferably, different voice menus are associated with different caller profiles. User profiles define certain characteristics which are common to a certain group of callers. For example, the IVR module may be adjusted to play a prerecorded voice menu that suggests different doctors to the caller. If, for example, the caller has been identified as an elderly caller, the voice menu may automatically suggest doctors who specialize in treating elderly patient.

In one preferred embodiment of the present invention the telecommunication switch 1 is an international gateway switch. International gateway switches are computerized switches that enable the establishment of a connection between a local telecommunication network and an international telecommunication network. The international gateway switch connects between a local network which is operated by a Local Exchange Carrier (LEC) and an international telecommunication network. The connection to international telecommunication networks is usually managed by an International Long Distance Carrier (ILDC). The LEC operates the local telecommunication network within the boundaries of a certain geographical area. In order to enable long distance calls from various callers, connected via local telecommunication networks, to other local telecommunication networks, the LEC routes the calls to an international gateway switch which is operated by the ILDC. The international gateway switch further routes each call to the LEC of the destination which completes the telecommunication connection. The international gateway switches are used as the middleware between the local telecommunication networks, on both sides, and the international telecommunication networks. The ILDC provides long-distance phone service and allows the establishment of connections between callers from the local network and those from an international telecommunication network. The ILDC, which is also known as a Presubscribed Interexchange Carrier (PIC), is configured to establish a connection between two communication devices which are connected to different LECs which are remotely located from each other.

Each caller may choose from more than one ILDC. In order to establish a telephone connection, the caller notifies the LEC which ILDC he wants to use. Usually, part of the dialed number is a prefix that identifies the ILDC the caller wants to use. For example, in North America and the Caribbean the caller dials a unique Carrier Identification Code (CIC) or Preferred Interexchange Carrier (PIC) code. The CIC is a unique identifying number having a 7-digit prefix which is assigned to each long distance carrier to indicate which long-distance carrier the caller has chosen. The LEC identifies the dialed CIC and provides routing instructions accordingly. As described above, callers are allowed to establish a connection with a content provider by dialing a unique CIC. The established connection is used, inter alia, for service calls. The service calls are established without dialing a prefix which is designated for

service calls. It should be noted that service calls that charge premium rates can usually be established only by callers who specifically requested from the LEC to enable them to establish service calls. Using such an embodiment, the caller may establish a service call without specifically requesting from the LEC to enable him to use the telecommunication connection for service calls.

In another preferred embodiment the LEC associates a local number with the international gateway switch 1. Such numbers are usually used by callers for recharging prepaid cards of a related ILDC.

In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the international gateway switch 1 is associated with a certain ILDC and the first network 6 is related to a certain LEC. The international gateway switch 1 connects callers 12, 13 who are connected to the first network 6 to the second network 5. The connection between the service monitoring unit 3 and each one of the callers 12,13 is preferably established when one of the callers 12, 13 who is connected to the first network 6 dials the PIC code of the ILDC. The call is routed by the switch to service monitoring unit 3 which is associated with a certain socket of the international gateway switch 1.

In use, when a caller dials the associated number from a communication device which is connected to the first network 6, the call is directed by the local network switches to the international gateway switch 1. The international gateway switch 1 is connected to the service monitoring unit 3. When the caller dials a telephone number that comprises the relevant PIC code, the call is routed to the service monitoring unit 3. The service monitoring unit 3, which controls the international gateway switch 1, directs it to connect the telephone call to a chosen content provider 16. The content provider is chosen either according to the dialed number or according to the IVR module instructions, as described above. In this embodiment, the connection is established via an international long distance telecommunication network 5. The international gateway switch 1 joins the two connections, resulting in a telephone connection from the caller to the content provider via the service monitoring unit 3. The content provider then provides the service to the caller over the telephone connection. Accordingly, the service monitoring unit 3 updates a relevant entry in the billing repository 4 with the details of the service.

In one preferred embodiment, the service monitoring unit 3 does not connect

the telephone call to a chosen content provider central server 11. Instead the caller is directed to an operator. The operator identifies the caller phone number and the requested content provider. Preferably, the operator notifies the caller of the cost of the requested content provider service. Subsequently, the connection with the caller is disconnected and the operator notifies the content provider that a caller has requested his services. Then the content provider calls the caller via a reverse charge call service. By using the reverse charge call service (also known as a collect call service), the content provider places a call at the caller's expense. The reverse charge call service is provided via the telecommunication switch. The service monitoring unit 3 which receives the call, as described above, updates a debiting entry, which is associated with the caller, with the call details.

Preferably, the callers call a toll free number in order to purchase a service from a content provider using a reverse charge call service. Preferably, the IVR module is used instead of the operator as a mediator between the caller and the content provider.

Reference is now made to FIG. 4 which depicts an exemplary business method for monitoring the provision of content services using international long distance carrier mechanisms. The integration of the service monitoring unit in the international gateway switch of an ILDC enables a new business method of collecting the content providers' service charges.

Usually, content providers have to create a revenue sharing agreement with each local telecommunication service provider. The content providers charge a premium in addition to the costs of the basic telecommunication services, the total access charges typically being shared amongst the content provider, the telecommunications network operator (e.g., the LEC) and, sometimes, intermediaries. In order to enable the sale of the content to mobile telephone users, an agreement between the cellular telecommunication service provider and either the content provider or a middle telecommunication network has to be signed as well. In addition, each telecommunication service provider has to allocate a unique number to each content provider. The charges for such service calls are usually sent to the caller by the local telecommunication provider. The revenue sharing agreements usually define the percentage each party receives from the aforementioned charges. Each local telecommunication service provider establishes a connection to each

content provider independently. Hence, the content provider cannot provide services to callers from a telecommunication network without having the consent of the local telecommunication network carrier. If the local telecommunication provider does not provide a connection or does not designate a number to the content provider, the caller cannot establish a service call with the content provider.

However, in one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the system operator controls a service monitoring unit which is connected to the telecommunication switch of a certain ILDC. Accordingly, as described above, the caller may establish a call with the content provider from any telecommunication network. This is possible since the service monitoring unit is connected directly to the switch of the ILDC. Each local telecommunication provider facilitates the establishment of a connection between his subscribers and destinations in another local telecommunication network. The connection is established, as described above, via certain international gateway switches according to the dialed PIC code. Hence, the content provider does not have to create a different agreement with each telecommunication network operator. The call is established as any other international call using ILDC services.

As depicted in FIG. 4 during the first step, as shown at 201, a monitor unit is used in order to establish a service call between a caller and content provider via a long-distance switch, as described above. During the subsequent step, as shown at 202, the monitor unit is used for monitoring the service call which is provided by the content provider. Preferably, the monitor unit is able to simultaneously monitor numerous sessions of service calls between a plurality of callers and a plurality of various content providers. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, a prepaid unit is used as a monitor unit. The prepaid unit is configured to update the accounts of subscribed callers and occasional callers in a designated billing repository in the same manner it updates the accounts of prepaid callers. However, in this embodiment the prepaid unit is configured not to decrease the credits of callers from the associated prepaid caller accounts but to update the debt of each caller according to related service calls. If the caller is a new occasional caller, he is regarded as a new caller and he is associated with a new debit account.

Unlike prepaid units, this system allows both occasional callers and subscribers to establish calls with content providers. Hence, the system should first identify the caller type, as shown at step 205. Clearly, the identification process is important for the monitoring stage since, in order to debit a caller's account, he has to be identified.

If the user is subscribed to the ILDC services, as shown at 204, the debits for the communication with the content provider are added to the regular invoice that the ILDC issues to the caller every predetermined period. If the caller is an occasional caller, as shown at 203, then the related debits are sent to the local telecommunication service provider which the caller used to establish the call. The debiting process is done according to an agreement between the ILDC and the LECs or according to the international regulations that regulate the debiting between ILDCs and LECs.

Reference is now made to FIG. 5 which depicts another exemplary business method for the provision of content services using international long distance carrier mechanisms. As shown, steps 201 to 205 are as in FIG. 4 above, however the present embodiment further comprises steps 300 and 301. This embodiment describes a method for using a reverse charge call service.

During the first step, 300, the caller is connected to a live operator or to an automated operator in order to request a certain service from a certain content provider. The operator identifies the caller phone number, or any other information that allows a callback from the requested content provider. In the subsequent step, 301, the operator transfers the caller's request to a content provider. Based upon the request, the content provider uses a reverse charge call service to place a call at the caller's expense via the switch of the ILDC carrier. Hence, as shown at 201, a connection is established between the caller and the requested content provider via the switch of the ILDC carrier.

Reference is now made to FIG. 6, which is a flowchart that illustrates a method for billing telephony content services using international long distance carrier billing agreements and mechanisms. During the first step, as shown in 101 , the service monitoring unit receives a telephone call from a caller, via a switch of an international long distance carrier. Subsequently, as shown in 102, the service monitoring unit identifies the phone number of the caller and the identity of the requested content provider with which the

caller wants to be connected. As described above, the identification process can be made either by using an IVR module or by analyzing the call details which are integrated on the call signals.

During the subsequent step, as shown in 103, the service monitoring unit establishes the telephone connection between the caller and the requested content provider. Subsequently, the service monitoring unit monitors the established call. In addition, as shown in step 104, the service monitoring unit gathers information about the length of the established call and about the service the caller has received during the established call, as described above. The information is stored in the billing repository in an entry which is related to the caller. Preferably, the gathered information is used to bill the callers who have established the calls. The billing method may differ according to the caller type, as described above.

An example of a service which may be provided using such a method is a medical consultation service. In this exemplary scenario the content provider is a doctor who specializes in one of the medical fields. The doctor offers his consultation for a certain rate per minute. In this embodiment the doctor's communication device is connected to an international gateway switch which is related to a certain ILDC. The international gateway switch, as described above, is connected to a service monitoring unit. Since the doctor's communication device is connected to the aforementioned switch, a caller who desires to establish a call with the doctor has to dial a designated number that comprises the prefix code of the related ILDC. Upon calling, the service monitoring unit identifies the prefix code and connects the caller to the aforementioned switch. Then the call is connected to the service monitoring unit. The service monitoring unit identifies the caller and stores the related caller identification information and the identification of the requested content provider. In this manner, the doctor's identification information, is identified either by probing the call signals or by using an IVR module.

For example, when using the IVR module, the caller is connected to the IVR module before the call is routed to the content provider. The IVR module plays a prerecorded voice menu which suggests different content providers to the caller. Among the suggested services is the doctor's service. The caller uses his keypad for choosing the doctor, as described above. Then, the IVR module plays a prerecorded voice message that notifies the caller about the rates the doctor charges for the

provided added- value service. Then the IVR module allows the caller to use the keypad either to approve or to decline the offered service. Based upon the caller decision, the service monitoring unit directs the telecommunication switch to establish a call between the doctor and the caller. The service monitoring unit monitors the call, recording and storing information about the call, as described above. Preferably, the stored information represents the length of the call, the identity of the caller, the service which has been provided and the rate for the service. Based on the stored information, the service monitoring unit produces a debit for caller. If the caller subscribes to the ILDC ₅ the debit is added to the caller's next ILDC invoice. If the caller is an occasional caller, the debit is sent to the local telecommunication service provider to which the caller subscribes. After the call has finished, a fee for the consultation is sent to the doctor by either the ILDC.

It is expected that during the life of this patent many relevant devices and systems will be developed and the scope of the terms herein, particularly of the terms switch, telecommunication network, terminal, and content provider are intended to include all such new technologies a priori.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims. All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention.