Method and apparatus for monitoring telephonic members and providing directory assistance
March 13, 2017. 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 837894 PBX Intercept and caller interactive attendant bypass system Method of and means for accessing computerized data bases utilizing a touch-tone telephone instrument Voice services network with automated billing Automated operator assistance calls with voice processing Spontaneous voice and data messaging Directory assistance call processing and calling customer remote signal monitoring arrangements Directory assistance systems Audible logo for identifying a common carrier Toll ticketing record generation for billing of intersystem handoff calls in a mobile telephone system InventorsAssigneeApplicationNo. 816921 filed on 03/13/1997US Classes:379/218.01, Automatic directory service (e.g., on-line)379/67.1, AUDIO MESSAGE STORAGE, RETRIEVAL, OR SYNTHESIS379/88.17, Interaction with an external nontelephone network (e.g., Internet)379/88.18, Interacting voice message systems379/201.01, SPECIAL SERVICES379/202.01, Conferencing379/214.01, Secretarial or answering service379/265.01Call distribution to operatorExaminersPrimary: Hoosain, AllanAttorney, Agent or FirmInternational ClassesH04M 001/64H04M 003/42 H04M 003/00 88.18-88.21 113 114 213 214 AbstractTelephone 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.Field of SearchAUDIO MESSAGE STORAGE, RETRIEVAL, OR SYNTHESISWith special service With operator position or completion of call (e.g., dial "O", semiautomatic) Operator controlled register-sender Call extension by operator With call indicator or announcer A to B operator Operator's console Switching apparatus for connecting calling line to operator's position Call distribution or queuing Connection to operator's terminal Monitoring Portable or mobile Call originating Control by generated tone Having specified call initiation (e.g., ringing) responsive circuitry Interaction with an external nontelephone network (e.g., Internet) Call conferencing Call diversion Voice mail | |
