Method of selecting one of at least two communications terminals, and a communications terminal therefor

US6128502A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Alcatel N.V. · NL

Inventors

• Manfred Wizgall · Stuttgart, DE
• Axel Kuttner · Stuttgart, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: May 6, 1996
• Grant date: Oct 3, 2000
• Expiry date: May 6, 2016

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H04W8/18
• WIPO field: Telecommunications
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

A method and terminal for use in a telecommunications infrastructure which allows a call directed to a particular subscriber to be taken selectively at one of at least two separate terminals, has the subscriber identify himself to at least one of the terminals through a subscriber identity card, or the like, which can be detected within a limited space associated with the environment of one of the terminals. The subscriber 10 registers all his terminals 11, 12 (home, office, car, hand-held) with a service operator 3. Each terminal which detects the subscriber's proximity in the associated space or environment signals this to the service operator 3. Calls directed to the subscriber are routed to the service operator and from the latter to the terminal which has signaled last, or which is selected according to an algorithm, depending on the sensed signal. In this way, an automatic changeover is accomplished without restricting the subscriber's freedom.