Method of and means for accessing computerized data bases utilizing a touch-tone telephone instrument
March 5, 2007. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent References 3614328 Voice response system Spelled word input directory information retrieval system with input word error corrective searching Associative information retrieval continuously guided by search status feedback Automatic telephone directory message system Memory accessing system Telephonic alphanumeric data transmission system Telecommunications systems Comprehensive automatic directory assistance apparatus and method thereof Station set directory assistance arrangement InventorAssigneeApplicationNo. 07/022307 filed on 03/05/1987US Classes:379/88.24, By generated tone379/88.25, Message storage in centralized location (e.g., central office, PBX, etc.)379/93.27AlphanumericExaminersPrimary: George, Keith E.Attorney, Agent or FirmInternational ClassesH04M 11/06 (20060101)H04M 3/487 (20060101) H04M 3/493 (20060101) AbstractA conventional "Touch-Tone" telephone instrument is rendered functional in the same manner and to the same extent as a computer terminal having alpha-numeric capability, as regards transmission of queries directed to computerized data bases. It is also rendered functional as a recipient of information transmitted from the data base though a telephone network to provide intelligence heretofore made available only on the video screen of the computer terminal, or through automatic printers. Disclosed is the substitution of the instrument for a computer terminal and its associated video screen or teleprinter, without requirement of modification of the instrument, so that a subscriber gains from the use of the telephone functions heretofore obtainable only by providing oneself with a computer terminal and its associated screen and/or automatic printer. The user spells out one or more words by depressing the conventional alpha-numerically marked keys of a "Touch-Tone" telephone instrument. A computer to which the telephone is connected by a telephone network decodes the numeric sequence represented by depressing keys needed to spell out the selected word or words. The computer then provides an oral response transmitted through the telephone receiver to the caller, as audible intelligence. The disclosed system interacts with the user field by field and within each field, letter by letter, enabling the user to enter only the minimum number of digits required to identify accurately a target data base entry.Other References
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