Method and apparatus for routing telephone calls between alternate telephone service providers
US5937055A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 28, 1997 |
| Grant date | Aug 10, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 28, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04M3/4228
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for selectively routing calls between alternate available telephone service providers. The inventive device is operatively connected between a user's telephone instrument and the telephone lines of the various alternate service providers. As the user enters or dials the number representing the intended remote connection, the inventive device analyzes the entered digits. After a sufficient number of digits have been dialed and analyzed, the device automatically chooses the appropriate telephone line over which to send the call, transmits the dialed digits over that line, and connects the telephone instrument to the chosen telephone line.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.