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Voice call processing methods

  • US 6,353,660 B1
  • Filed: 03/02/2000
  • Issued: 03/05/2002
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/02/2000
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A call screening method for allowing a subscriber to screen calls made to the subscriber from callers, comprising:

  • receiving a first call at an enhanced service platform unit from a caller who uses a particular public address to indicate a call destination associated with a particular subscriber;

    the particular public address selected from the group consisting of a public telephone number associated with the particular subscriber and a public packet-based address associated with the particular subscriber;

    accessing a database storing a public address and a private packet-based address for each subscriber to retrieve a private packet-based address of the particular subscriber on the basis of the particular public address;

    providing an introductory message to the caller in communication with the enhanced service platform unit and prompting the caller to leave a message;

    accessing the particular subscriber based on the retrieved private packet-based address to establish an audio connection via a packet-based network;

    notifying the particular subscriber of the first call;

    when the particular subscriber answers the first call, providing a one-way communication path between the caller and the particular subscriber via the packet-based network so that the particular subscriber may hear the caller leave the message but the caller does not hear or know that the particular subscriber is listening; and

    connecting the caller and the particular subscriber for two-way communication upon authorization by the particular subscriber.

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