Method and system for personalized directory assistance services
US5966437A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 29, 1998 |
| Grant date | Oct 12, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 29, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04W4/12
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A mobile telephone, or personal communication services subscriber who wishes directory assistance services is connected in the conventional manner to an operator who identifies a destination telephone number desired by the subscriber. As known in the prior art, the operator then initiates a call connecting the subscriber to the destination telephone number. In a preferred embodiment, the operator locates a desired destination telephone number in a computer database, and can select automatic dialing of the located number. Further, rather than dropping all further involvement with the call, the preferred embodiment of the present invention continually monitors the connection thereby established for a predetermined DTMF signal issued by the customer, such as that obtained by pressing the "*" button. If such a signal is detected, the customer is transferred to a directory assistance operator, who can then provide whatever further assistance is needed (e.g., providing further directory assistance). If a busy signal or non-answering party is detected, a customer is given a plurality of options including leaving a recorded message or page, or a predetermined alphanumeric message or page f…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.