Abstract: Telephone users desiring directory assistance services are connected via standard telephone procedures to a directory assistance provider, such as an operator. An operator provides the destination number and initiates a connection to that number. Once that connection is initiated, the connection is monitored for the occurrence of a predetermined condition, such as a busy signal. If no such condition is detected, the caller proceeds with the call in the normal manner. If, however, such a condition is detected, the caller is automatically transferred to a directory assistance provider for further help.

Abstract: A user calls a directory assistance service provider to search for a desired telephone number and be connected to a party at the desired number. In one such connection, the user is afforded enhanced directory assistance upon a user command in the form of an out-of-band signaling message, e.g., SS7 signaling message. For example, the user may be afforded further operator assistance by pressing on the user telephone a predetermined key (e.g., “*” key), which is detectable by the directory assistance service provider as an SS7 signaling message.

Abstract: Telephone users desiring directory assistance services are connected via standard telephone procedures to a directory assistance provider, such as an operator. An operator provides the destination number and initiates a connection to that number. Once that connection is initiated, the connection is monitored for the occurrence of a predetermined condition, such as a busy signal. If no such condition is detected, the caller proceeds with the call in the normal manner. If, however, such a condition is detected, the caller is automatically transferred to a directory assistance provider for further help.

Abstract: A user calls a directory assistance service provider to search for a desired telephone number and be connected to a party at the desired number. In one such connection, the user is afforded enhanced directory assistance upon a user command in the form of an out-of-band signaling message, e.g., SS7 signaling message. For example, the user may be afforded further operator assistance by pressing on the user telephone a predetermined key (e.g., “*” key), which is detectable by the directory assistance service provider as an SS7 signaling message.

Abstract: Telephone users desiring directory assistance services are connected via standard telephone procedures to a directory assistance provider, such as an operator. An operator provides the destination number and initiates a connection to that number. Once that connection is initiated, the connection is monitored for the occurrence of a predetermined condition, such as a busy signal. If no such condition is detected, the caller proceeds with the call in the normal manner. If, however, such a condition is detected, the caller is automatically transferred to a directory assistance provider for further help.

Abstract: A call management system is provided to manage the use of specified wireless telephones in order to limit or manage their use for unofficial calls and to report on official as well as unofficial uses. Calls originated from or directed to a controlled wireless telephone are routed to a call management center from a wireless central office. The call management center determines whether the call is approved by consulting a database of approved telephone numbers. If the call is approved it is completed normally. If the call is not approved, the caller is prompted to provide an access code. The call is completed if the access code matches a predetermined security code. Customizable exception reports are generated to reflect unofficial usage, incorrect access attempts, and other detailed information concerning the use of the specified wireless telephones.

Abstract: A wireless telephone subscriber who wishes directory assistance in the form of directions from one specified location to another is connected to a directory assistance agent. The subscriber identifies a destination location and any requested travel criteria. The directory assistance agent collects the subscriber's travel parameters and a routing algorithm on the server draws upon geographic, transportation, and related information stored on the server to generate an appropriate route to the destination location. The selected route may be divided into multiple segments. Directions according to each segment are provided to the subscriber. The subscriber may remain connected to the directory assistance center for all or any portion of the travel, may disconnect and reconnect as necessary, or may receive the entire route of travel in a single communication.

Abstract: Telephone users desiring directory assistance services are connected via standard telephone procedures to a directory assistance provider, such as an operator. An operator provides the destination number and initiates a connection to that number. Once that connection is initiated, the connection is monitored for the occurrence of a predetermined condition, such as a busy signal. If no such condition is detected, the caller proceeds with the call in the normal manner. If, however, such a condition is detected, the caller is automatically transferred to a directory assistance provider for further help.

Abstract: Telephone users desiring directory assistance services are connected via standard telephone procedures to a directory assistance provider, such as an operator. An operator provides the destination number and initiates a connection to that number. Once that connection is initiated, the connection is monitored for the occurrence of a predetermined condition, such as a busy signal. If no such condition is detected, the caller proceeds with the call in the normal manner. If, however, such a condition is detected, the caller is automatically transferred to a directory assistance provider for further help.

Abstract: A wireless telephone subscriber who wishes directory assistance in the form of directions from one specified location to another is connected to a directory assistance agent. The subscriber identifies a destination location and any requested travel criteria. The directory assistance agent collects the subscriber's travel parameters and a routing algorithm on the server draws upon geographic, transportation, and related information stored on the server to generate an appropriate route to the destination location. The selected route may be divided into multiple segments. Directions according to each segment are provided to the subscriber. The subscriber may remain connected to the directory assistance center for all or any portion of the travel, may disconnect and reconnect as necessary, or may receive the entire route of travel in a single communication.

Abstract: A user calls a directory assistance service provider to search for a desired telephone number and be connected to a party at the desired number. In one such connection, the user is afforded enhanced directory assistance upon a user command in the form of an out-of-band signaling message, e.g., SS7 signaling message. For example, the user may be afforded further operator assistance by pressing on the user telephone a predetermined key (e.g., “*” key), which is detectable by the directory assistance service provider as an SS7 signaling message.

Abstract: A user calls a directory assistance service provider to search for a desired telephone number and be connected to a party at the desired number. In one such connection, the user is afforded enhanced directory assistance upon a user command in the form of an out-of-band signaling message, e.g., SS7 signaling message. For example, the user may be afforded further operator assistance by pushing on the user telephone a predetermined key (e.g., “*” key), which is detectable by the directory assistance service provider as an SS7 signaling message.

Abstract: A wireless telephone subscriber who wishes directory assistance in the form of directions from one specified location to another is connected to a directory assistance agent. The subscriber identifies a destination location and any requested travel criteria. The directory assistance agent collects the subscriber's travel parameters and a routing algorithm on the server draws upon geographic, transportation, and related information stored on the server to generate an appropriate route to the destination location. The selected route may be divided into multiple segments. Directions according to each segment are provided to the subscriber. The subscriber may remain connected to the directory assistance center for all or any portion of the travel, may disconnect and reconnect as necessary, or may receive the entire route of travel in a single communication.

Abstract: When a caller calls a called party through an information assistance system, the caller is afforded an option to leave a message for the called party in the event that the call cannot be successfully completed. The system creates a data file associated with the message which contains, among others, the caller's and called party's telephone numbers. The system then establishes from time to time a first connection to the called party's number to attempt to deliver the message thereto. When the called party receives the message through the first connection, in accordance with the invention, the called party is afforded an option to call the caller back, without first terminating the first connection. Once the called party selects the option, e.g., by pressing a predetermined key on the keypad, in response the system establishes a second connection to the caller's number, which is stored in the associated data file.

Abstract: Telephone users desiring directory assistance services are connected via standard telephone procedures to a directory assistance provider, such as an operator. An operator provides the destination number and initiates a connection to that number. Once that connection is initiated, the connection is monitored for the occurrence of a predetermined condition, such as a busy signal. If no such condition is detected, the caller proceeds with the call in the normal manner. If, however, such a condition is detected, the caller is automatically transferred to a directory assistance provider for further help.

Abstract: Telephone users desiring directory assistance services are connected via standard telephone procedures to a directory assistance provider, such as an operator. An operator provides the destination number and initiates a connection to that number. Once that connection is initiated, the connection is monitored for the occurrence of a predetermined condition, such as a busy signal. If no such condition is detected, the caller proceeds with the call in the normal manner. If, however, such a condition is detected, the caller is automatically transferred to a directory assistance provider for further help.

Abstract: Telephone users desiring directory assistance services are connected via standard telephone procedures to a directory assistance provider, such as an operator. An operator provides the destination number and initiates a connection to that number. Once that connection is initiated, the connection is monitored for the occurrence of a predetermined condition, such as a busy signal. If no such condition is detected, the caller proceeds with the call in the normal manner. If, however, such a condition is detected, the caller is automatically transferred to a directory assistance provider for further help.

Abstract: Telephone users desiring directory assistance services are connected via standard telephone procedures to a directory assistance provider, such as an operator. An operator provides the destination number and initiates a connection to that number. Once that connection is initiated, the connection is monitored for the occurrence of a predetermined condition, such as a busy signal. If no such condition is detected, the caller proceeds with the call in the normal manner. If, however, such a condition is detected, the caller is automatically transferred to a directory assistance provider for further help.

Abstract: A wireless telephone subscriber who wishes directory assistance in the form of directions from one specified location to another is connected to a directory assistance agent. The subscriber identifies a destination location and any requested travel criteria. The directory assistance agent collects the subscriber's travel parameters and a routing algorithm on the server draws upon geographic, transportation, and related information stored on the server to generate an appropriate route to the destination location. The selected route may be divided into multiple segments. Directions according to each segment are provided to the subscriber. The subscriber may remain connected to the directory assistance center for all or any portion of the travel, may disconnect and reconnect as necessary, or may receive the entire route of travel in a single communication.

Abstract: A call management system is provided to manage the use of specified wireless telephones in order to limit or manage their use for unofficial calls and to report on official as well as unofficial uses. Calls originated from or directed to a controlled wireless telephone are routed to a call management center from a wireless central office. The call management center determines whether the call is approved by consulting a database of approved telephone numbers. If the call is approved it is completed normally. If the call is not approved, the caller is prompted to provide an access code. The call is completed if the access code matches a predetermined security code. Customizable exception reports are generated to reflect unofficial usage, incorrect access attempts, and other detailed information concerning the use of the specified wireless telephones.