Technique for providing personalized information and communications services

• US 8,447,282 B2
• Filed: 05/15/2012
• Issued: 05/21/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 11/12/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Grape Technology Group Incorporated (KGB)
• Original Assignee: Grape Technology Group Incorporated (KGB)
• Inventors: Elsey, Nicholas J., Kepler, Michael A., Timmins, Timothy A., Samudio, Michael T.
• Primary Examiner(s): Afshar, Kamran
• Assistant Examiner(s): Iqbal, Khawar
• Application Number:
  US13/471,646
• Publication Number:
  US 20120281824A1
• Time in Patent Office: 371 Days
• Field of Search: 379/211.01, 379/201.02, 379/88.17, 379/218.01, 379/201.01, 37926501-2661, 455/12.1, 455/13.1, 455/429, 4554141-4144, 455/432.3
• US Class Current: 455/414.1
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/109 Time management, e.g. calendars, reminders, meetings or time accounting
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/2745 using static electronic memories, e.g. chips
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2203/2072 Schedules, e.g. personal calendars
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2242/15 Information service where the information is dependent on the location of the subscriber
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/382 using authorisation codes or passwords
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/42161 via computer interface
• 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 7/003 Click to dial services
• 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
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99939 Privileged access

Abstract

A communications system for providing a service includes an interface configured to receive a directory assistance communication from a requester seeking a desired listing from among a plurality of available desired listings. A processor is configured to obtain a stored profile associated with the requester, the profile including at least one delivery preference set by the requester relating to the format in which said requester desires to have the desired listing delivered to them. A device configured to provide a communication listing associated with the desired listing to the requester, in response to the directory assistance request, in accordance with the preference proscribed by the requester in the profile and then connecting the requester to a second communication listing associated with the desired listing.

Claims

1. A communications system for providing a service comprising:

an interface configured to;

receive a directory assistance communication from a requester seeking a desired listing from among a plurality of available desired listings;

a processor configured to;

obtain a stored profile associated with the requester, the profile including at least one delivery preference set by said requester relating to the format in which said requester desires to have said desired listing delivered to them; and

a device configured to;

provide a communication listing associated with the desired listing to the requester, in response to the directory assistance request, in accordance with said preference proscribed by said requester in said profile and then connecting the requester to a second communication listing associated with said desired listing.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the directory assistance request includes is a telephone call and includes telephone connection.

3. The system of claim 2 further comprising a facility where a selected operator handles the telephone connection, the selected operator being selected based on a preference of a skill of an operator as defined in the profile.

4. The system of claim 2 wherein the profile is obtained using an identifier that includes at least part of an ANI.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein the directory assistance request includes delivering selected information of said desired listing, and the at least one preference concerns a method of delivery of the selected information.

6. The system of claim 5 wherein the format of delivery is via email.

7. The system of claim 5 wherein the format of delivery is via short message service (SMS).

8. The system of claim 5 wherein the format of delivery is via voice connection.