Enhanced directory assistance service providing individual or group directories

• US 20030026405A1
• Filed: 10/02/2002
• Published: 02/06/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 11/12/1999
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Grape Technology Group Incorporated (KGB)
• Original Assignee: Metro One Telecommunications, Inc.
• Inventors: Elsey, Nicholas J., Kepler, Michael A., Essex, Michael, Stafford, John S.
• Granted Patent: US 6,944,279 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 379/201.01
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/2745 using static electronic memories, e.g. chips
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/2757 by data transmission, e.g. downloading
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/382 using authorisation codes or passwords
• 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
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 7/00 Arrangements for interconnection between switching centres
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 7/006 Networks other than PSTN/ISDN providing telephone service, e.g. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) , including next generation networks with a packet-switched transport layer H04L65/00 takes precedence; aspects not specific to the type of network H04M3/00; special services in those networks H04M3/42
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 7/12 for working between exchanges having different types of switching equipment, e.g. power-driven and step by step or decimal and non-decimal

Abstract

Individuals and groups of individuals, such as corporations, are provided access to one or more private directories. The private directories can be edited by an administrator. Access to the private directories may be limited by administrators of the private directories. Access to private directories is provided via a connection to directory assistance providers. Directory service providers are capable of facilitating the administration of the private directories as well as connecting users of private directories to contacts in the private directories. Access to the private directory may be obtained via an internet connection.

Claims

1. A method of providing enhanced directory assistance, said method comprising the steps of:

receiving a communication from an individual or group requesting access to a private directory contained in a database;

connecting the communication to a provider of directory assistance;

identifying from a plurality of access levels which level of access is associated with this individual or group;

determining whether the level of access associated with the individual is equal to or greater than the access requested by the individual or group;

performing an action by the directory assistance provider based upon the request for access to the private directory when the level of access associated with the individual is equal to or greater than the access requested by the individual or group.

2. The method as in claim 1, wherein a first level of access includes a right to view a particular private database.

3. The method as in claim 2, wherein a second level of access includes a right to edit a particular private database.

4. The method as in claim 3, wherein a third level of access includes a right to delete a particular private database.

5. The method as in claim 1, further comprising the step of connecting to one or more communication links capable of receiving a communication from an individual or group originated from a wireless telephone.

6. The method as in claim 1, further comprising the step of connecting to one or more communication links capable of receiving a communication from an individual or group originated from a landline telephone.

7. The method as in claim 1, further comprising the step of connecting to one or more communication links capable of receiving a communication from an individual or group originated as voice over IP.

8. The method as in claim 1, further comprising the step of connecting to one or more communication links capable of receiving a communication from an individual or group originated as an input to a website.

9. The method of claim 1 wherein said private directory contains a contact information associated with a corporation.

10. The method of claim 1 wherein said performing step further comprises the step of locating directory details of at least one desired party in said private directory.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising the step of placing a call to said desired party.

12. A method of providing enhanced directory assistance, the method comprising the steps of:

receiving a communication from an individual or group requesting access to contact information in a private directory contained in a database, the individual or group having a level of access to the private directory selected from a plurality of access levels;

connecting the communication to a provider of directory assistance;

providing to the directory assistance provider at least the level of access to the private directory possessed by the individual or group;

performing an action by the directory assistance provider based upon the request for access to the private directory.

13. The method as in claim 12, wherein the performing step includes connecting an individual to a contact identified in the private database.

14. The method as in claim 13, wherein the directory assistance provide connected the individual to the contact without providing details of the contact contained in the private directory.

15. A method of providing directory assistance, said method comprising the steps of:

receiving a communication from an individual or group;

connecting the individual or group to a provider of directory assistance;

establishing the individual'"'"'s or group'"'"'s access rights to at least one private directory in a computer database, wherein said access rights are set by an administrator of said private directory;

obtaining at least one request from said individual or group;

performing an action based on said request and said access rights.

16. A method as in claim 15, further comprising the step of administering the directory.

17. A method as in claim 16, wherein the administering step includes the step of adding information to the private directory.

18. A method as in claim 16, wherein the administering step includes the step of editing the private directory.

19. A method as in claim 16, wherein the administering step includes the step of deleting information from the private directory.

20. A method as in claim 16, wherein the administering step includes the step of uploading directory data to the private directory.

21. A method as in claim 20, wherein directory data is uploaded via the internet.