Virtual telephone extension
US7684554B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 27, 2007 |
| Grant date | Mar 23, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 2, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04M2203/6018
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The present invention is directed to a method and system for routing communications. A plurality of communication devices are coupled to a communications network. Each communication device has a device identifier. A user-programmable database associates each of a plurality of user identifiers with a device identifier. A call-routing switch arrangement is coupled to the communication network through a portal communication device having a portal identifier. A user designates a destination user identifier when making a communication. The call-routing switches the call, directing the call to a destination device identifier responsive to the user-programmable database association between the destination user identifier and a device identifier. According to the present invention, communications are directed to users and are routed to associated equipment, a user identifier serving as a virtual extension number. Users remotely program the database to direct their calls to communication devices at various geographic, voice mail and e-mail destinations.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.