Communication assistance system and method

• US 8,447,278 B2
• Filed: 03/08/2010
• Issued: 05/21/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 01/02/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Grape Technology Group Incorporated (KGB)
• Original Assignee: Grape Technology Group Incorporated (KGB)
• Inventors: Pines, Robert, Blakeney, John, Baumeister, Christine
• Primary Examiner(s): LE, DANH C
• Application Number:
  US12/719,055
• Publication Number:
  US 20100278326A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,170 Days
• Field of Search: 455/414.1, 455/418, 455/422.1, 379/265.12
• US Class Current: 455/414.1
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2203/551 Call history recording a computer conference H04L12/1831
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2242/22 Automatic class or number identification arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/2218 Call detail recording
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/36 Statistical metering, e.g. recording occasions when traffic exceeds capacity of trunks
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/42068 where the identifier is used to access a profile
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/42093 Notifying the calling party of information on the called or connected party
• 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 3/4933 with operator assistance

Abstract

A communication assistance system has a first database haying a plurality of listings therein, each having at least one contact name and a corresponding contact number. A device is configured to receive a directory assistance communication from a device of a user requesting at least one listing. A past requested listing table for at least one of said users is configured to store prior requested listings obtained from the database, as previously requested by the user. The past requested listing table is generated by the system and transmitted for storage on the device of the user so that when the user contacts the system, with the at least one listing stored on the past requested listing table being masked, the system may allow a communication connection between the device and the listing on the past requested listing table.

Claims

1. A communication assistance system comprising:

a first database having a plurality of listings therein, each of said listings having at least one contact name and a corresponding contact number;

a device configured to receive a directory assistance communication from a device of a user to said system said communication requesting at least one listing; and

a past requested listing table for at least one of said users of said system, configured to store prior requested listings obtained from said database, as previously requested by said user, said system configured to add additional listings to said past requested listing table, said additional listing is not previously requested by said at least one user, but is related to a prior requested listing obtained from said database, as previously requested by said user,

wherein when said past requested listing table is generated by said system and transmitted for storage on said device of said user so that when said user contacts said system with said device, with said at least one listing stored on said past requested listing table being masked, said system may allow a communication connection between said device and said listing on said past requested listing table.

2. The communication assistance system as claimed in claim 1, where if a desired listing is not on said past requested listing table stored on said user'"'"'s device, said system is configured to receive a communication from said device of said user requesting at least one listing, and updating said past requested listing table on said user'"'"'s device upon providing said desired listing to said user.

3. The communication assistance system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said past requested listing table stored on said user'"'"'s device is operated on a compatible protocol capable of interfacing with said system.

4. The communication assistance system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said additional listing, not previously requested by said at least one user, is in the same category of business as a prior requested listing obtained from said database, as previously requested by said user.