Internet phone system and directory search engine using same
US6829231B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 31, 1996 |
| Grant date | Dec 7, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 31, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04M3/4931
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An Internet compatible dialer pad is used to dial into an Internet server to provide services similar to those found on the Plain Old Telephone System (“POTS”). The dialer pad has an integrated modem set, an extended keypad with alphanumeric entry keys and function keys, display screen and display electronics that renders visual call progress information to the user as well as other communications indicators and related information about the current Internet connection. The dialer uses the Public Switched Telephone System (“PSTN”) and standard LAN/WAN technology to give the user entry into a plurality of Internet calling functions. An Internet database is maintained and permits the dialing party to obtain callee information by entering alphanumeric characters via the dialer. Links from the PSTN to an Internet data base are not restricted to a specific digital data protocol.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.