Method and apparatus for distributed number qualification
First Claim
1. A method of validating fax numbers for a selected network, wherein a plurality of fax machines, each having at least one associated autodialer, are connected to one or more access nodes of the selected network, the method comprising:
- each autodialer monitoring its associated fax machine for outgoing fax numbers;
a selected autodialer intercepting an outgoing fax number and comparing the outgoing fax number to a first local database of valid fax numbers stored at the selected autodialer;
if a match exists with a number in the first database, the selected autodialer making a connection to an access node of the selected network;
if no match exists with a number in the first database, the selected autodialer contacting an access node and requesting the outgoing fax number be compared to a second distributed database of valid fax numbers accessible to a group of access nodes in the selected network;
if a match exists with a number in the second database, the contacted access node accepting a connection for the outgoing fax number.
12 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Method and apparatus for qualifying fax numbers for a select network, such as a store-and-forward network, which includes a distributed database stored in or accessible by each of a plurality of access nodes in the select network, and a local database in each autodialer connected to an associated fax machine and at least one access node. Methods are provided for updating the distributed and local databases to avoid each autodialer of a given customer group having to validate a number already validated by another member of the group.
-
Citations
13 Claims
-
1. A method of validating fax numbers for a selected network, wherein a plurality of fax machines, each having at least one associated autodialer, are connected to one or more access nodes of the selected network, the method comprising:
-
each autodialer monitoring its associated fax machine for outgoing fax numbers; a selected autodialer intercepting an outgoing fax number and comparing the outgoing fax number to a first local database of valid fax numbers stored at the selected autodialer; if a match exists with a number in the first database, the selected autodialer making a connection to an access node of the selected network; if no match exists with a number in the first database, the selected autodialer contacting an access node and requesting the outgoing fax number be compared to a second distributed database of valid fax numbers accessible to a group of access nodes in the selected network; if a match exists with a number in the second database, the contacted access node accepting a connection for the outgoing fax number. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
-
Specification