Telephone number area code processor

• US 20080107254A1
• Filed: 09/25/2007
• Published: 05/08/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 04/14/1998
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Nordic Interactive Technologies LLC (Tanit Ventures Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Nordic Interactive Technologies LLC (Tanit Ventures Inc.)
• Inventors: Yamartino, Robert
• Application Number:
  US11/902,795
• Publication Number:
  US 20080107254A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 379/221.14
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/27 Devices whereby a plurality of signals may be stored simultaneously
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/27463 Predictive input, predictive dialling by comparing the dialled sequence with the content of a telephone directory
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/27485 Appending a prefix to or inserting a pause into a dialling sequence
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/42348 Location-based services which utilize the location information of a target
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/44 Additional connecting arrangements for providing access to frequently-wanted subscribers, e.g. abbreviated dialling at the subscriber's set H04M1/27; automatic redialling H04M3/424
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/4931 Directory assistance systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/4935 Connection initiated by DAS system
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13036 Serial/parallel conversion, parallel bit transmission
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13096 Digital apparatus individually associated with a subscriber line, digital line circuits
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13097 Numbering, addressing
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13102 Common translator
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13103 Memory
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13106 Microprocessor, CPU
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13141 Hunting for free outlet, circuit or channel
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/1327 Release and resetting of connection
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13389 LAN, internet
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 3/76 Translation from the called subscriber's number to the outgoing or incoming control information

Abstract

This invention provides an apparatus and method for processing telephone numbers that assists telephone subscribers in reaching the desired destination when the area code is unknown or has changed. The invention can be integrated into a telephone unit, implemented as a stand-alone device connected to the subscriber'"'"'s telephone line (including wireless, cable-TV lines, and other modes of telecommunication), implemented as a utility on a personal computer that may or may not be connected to the Internet or to a telephone line, or implemented as part of the telephone switching system. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus for processing telephone numbers includes an area code processor and a caller interface. The area code processor has means, which are responsive to information about the called party, for producing a list of telephone numbers. The caller interface communicates with the area code processor and a calling party; and has means for monitoring call initiation signals, means for receiving called party information such as a telephone number, and means for selecting a target telephone number from the list of telephone numbers produced by the area code processor.

Claims

1. An apparatus for processing telephone numbers, comprising:

an area code processor having

means, responsive to called party information, for producing a list of telephone numbers; and

a caller interface, in communication with a calling party and the area code processor, having

means for monitoring call initiation signals,

means, responsive to the monitoring means, for receiving called party information, and

means, responsive to the producing means, for selecting a target telephone number from the list of telephone numbers.