Method for providing enhanced directory assistance upon command using out-of-band signaling

US8031855B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Grape Technology Group, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Adam J. McGrath · Durham, US
• Timothy Timmins · Tigard, US
• Patrick M. Cox · Newberg, US
• Nicholas J. Elsey · West Linn, US
• A. Peter Powell · Colton, US
• Paul W. Filliger · Silverton, US
• Michael A. Kepler · Beaverton, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 31, 2005
• Grant date: Oct 4, 2011
• Expiry date: Aug 1, 2027

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H04Q3/72
• WIPO field: Telecommunications
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

A user calls a directory assistance service provider to search for a desired telephone number and be connected to a party at the desired number. In one such connection, the user is afforded enhanced directory assistance upon a user command in the form of an out-of-band signaling message, e.g., SS7 signaling message. For example, the user may be afforded further operator assistance by pressing on the user telephone a predetermined key (e.g., “*” key), which is detectable by the directory assistance service provider as an SS7 signaling message.