Universal directory service
First Claim
1. A method of operating a directory service in order to provide directory information to a user of said directory service comprising the steps of:
- providing a plurality of communications channels for accessing said directory service;
receiving identifying information relating to an individual via one of said communication channels;
searching at least two data sources using said identifying information in order to retrieve communication address information useful for contacting said individual, wherein said at least two data sources contain information relating to a plurality of individuals listed on the directory service, and said plurality of individuals are associated with different entities, and wherein at least one of said at least two data sources is maintained by an entity distinct from the entity providing said directory service; and
transmitting said communication address information useful for contacting said individual to the user via said one of said communication channels.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A universal directory service (UDS) provides the communication addresses of individuals associated with numerous different institutions, and can be accessed via more than one communication channel. A UDS server communicates with one or more data sources to provide directory information to a user. The UDS also provides supplemental information such as company name, logo, and specialty. The UDS can be accessed via numerous communication channels including the internet, on-line service providers, wireless devices, modem, dedicated access channels, voice access via an attendant, and voice access via a speech recognition and synthesis system.
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Citations
34 Claims
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1. A method of operating a directory service in order to provide directory information to a user of said directory service comprising the steps of:
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providing a plurality of communications channels for accessing said directory service; receiving identifying information relating to an individual via one of said communication channels; searching at least two data sources using said identifying information in order to retrieve communication address information useful for contacting said individual, wherein said at least two data sources contain information relating to a plurality of individuals listed on the directory service, and said plurality of individuals are associated with different entities, and wherein at least one of said at least two data sources is maintained by an entity distinct from the entity providing said directory service; and transmitting said communication address information useful for contacting said individual to the user via said one of said communication channels. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A directory service for providing directory information to a user of said service comprising:
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a server; a plurality of communication channels for accessing said server; and at least two data sources which communicate with said server, wherein at least one of said at least two data sources is maintained by an entity distinct from the entity providing the directory service, and which contain information relating to a plurality of individuals listed on the directory service, said plurality of individuals being associated with different entities, and wherein; when identifying information relating to an individual is received by said server from the user via one of said plurality of communication channels, said server searches at least one of said at least two data sources using said identifying information in order to retrieve communication address information useful for contacting said individual, and then transmits said communication address information useful for contacting said individual to the user via said one of said communication channels. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 30)
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29. A method of operating a directory service in order to provide directory information to a user of said service comprising the steps of:
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receiving a request from the user containing identifying information about an individual; accessing at least two data sources, wherein at least one of said at least two data sources contains information relating to a plurality of individuals that is provided by an entity other than that providing the directory service; searching said at least two data sources for communication address information useful for contacting said individual; transmitting said communication address information to the user. - View Dependent Claims (31, 32, 33, 34)
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Specification