Method and apparatus for monitoring telephonic members and providing directory assistance
US6456709B1 · kind B1 · utility
65Cited by
26References
62Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 13, 1997 |
| Grant date | Sep 24, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 13, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04M2242/22
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Telephone users desiring directory assistance services are connected via standard telephone procedures to a directory assistance provider, such as an operator. An operator provides the destination number and initiates a connection to that number. Once that connection is initiated, the connection is monitored for the occurrence of a predetermined condition, such as a busy signal. If no such condition is detected, the caller proceeds with the call in the normal manner. If, however, such a condition is detected, the caller is automatically transferred to a directory assistance provider for further help.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.