Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, when a user makes an information assistance call to an information/call center requesting a listing, the user can make arrangements for various services relating to the requested listing in the same call. These services may be presented to an operator as options, and in turn presented to the user for selection. However, the options undesired by the user, based on personal preferences stored in a personal profile, or unsupported by the telephone service to which the user subscribes are not presented to the operator and thus not made available to the user. If the user is interested in any of the available options, the operator accesses the selected option and makes an appropriate arrangement for the underlying service for the user.

Abstract: A system for providing directory information is disclosed. The system includes a computer and a directory device connected to the computer. The directory device includes a memory storage device for storing directory information and telecommunications information obtained from the computer. The telecommunications services information includes information on establishing telephone service.

Abstract: There is provided a method for providing telephone directory assistance. The method includes (a) receiving, via a communication network, first information concerning a telephone call being proposed for a telephone having a first telephone number, (b) obtaining second information relating to a prior call involving the first telephone number, (c) obtaining a resultant telephone number, based on the first information and the second information, and (d) outputting the resultant telephone number, via the communication network.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for facilitating automatic sharing of contact information between communication devices. The method includes receiving an input indicating a request for contact information of a third party from a user of the communication device, selecting at least one contact from a contact information database based on an index associated with the selected contact, the index indicating willingness of the selected contact to provide contact information of the third party, automatically generating a request for contact information of the third party, sending the generated request to the remote communication device associated with the selected contact, and receiving contact information of the third party from the remote communication device.

Abstract: When a communication regulation determining block determines that E-mail communication is regulated when an E-mail processing block prepares for communication or initiates communication, information indicative of alternative communicating section using another communication path in which communication is not regulated is displayed on a user interface section. Therefore, it is possible to easily check which communicating section is effective when communication regulation occurs, and hence the user can easily make a determination such as that alternative communicating section is used, or that communication is aborted.

Abstract: There is provided an information service system, an information service method, and an information service program, the information service system comprising an interactive system 31 that implements an interactive control apparatus 3103 for providing information or executing processing according to an interactive script in response to a request that has been made by a service user through voice or push button operation; an interactive log management apparatus 32 that manages an interactive log related to the usage of the interactive system 31; and a call charge burden ratio calculation apparatus 33 that calculates the ratio of the burden of call charges associated with the telephone information service between an information service provider and service user based on the interactive log managed by the interactive log management apparatus and call charges information associated with a use of the interactive system.

Abstract: A personalized assistance system maintains a first database having a contact list for the user including at least one contact name and a corresponding contact number. A telephone identification code uniquely associated with the telephone said identification code is transmitted to the system when the user calls. A customer service representative terminal is coupled to the database and the telephone hardware. The telephone identification code prompts automatic retrieval of the contact list to the customer service representative terminal in response to processing of the identification code. The customer service representative terminal searches the contact list in response to a user query to locate a designated contact from the user's contact list and causes the telephony hardware to connect the telephone with the contact number corresponding to the designated contact. The system provides a multimedia message to the user while the user is connected with the personalized assistance system.

Abstract: A communication assistance system includes a first database having a plurality of listings, each listings has at least one contact name and a corresponding contact number. A means is provided for receiving communications from a user among a plurality of users desiring to access the listings. An operator terminal displays a search screen among a plurality of search screens, each of which maintain at least a partially different arrangement of content and search windows for receiving search terms to search for listings contained in the first database, where the displayed search screen is determined based on criteria contained in a search request from the user. The operator terminal is further configured to receive the communication from the user and retrieve a listing from the first database using the displayed search screen.

Abstract: A system for providing directory information is disclosed. The system includes a computer and a directory device connected to the computer. The directory device includes a memory storage device for storing directory information and telecommunications information obtained from the computer. The telecommunications services information includes information on establishing telephone service.

Abstract: The present application relates to a method and a communication system with which participants of a scheduled meeting, in particular a business meeting or conference, can be reached by a telephone caller without the caller needing to know the telephone number of the participants. Conventionally, the caller who does not have available the corresponding number must obtain said number by calling a telephone switchboard or by searching in an electronic address book. This disadvantage is overcome by the subject matter of the application by the fact that a connection to a meeting participant, preferably the organizer of the meeting, is established using only the telephone number of the caller. For this purpose, the caller is identified by the caller's telephone number, and thereafter an address book is examined to determine whether the caller is a participant in a meeting.

Abstract: A system and method provides a natural language interface to world-wide web content. Either in advance or dynamically, webpage content is parsed using a parsing algorithm. A person using a telephone interface can provide speech information, which is converted to text and used to automatically fill in input fields on a webpage form. The form is then submitted to a database search and a response is generated. Information contained on the responsive webpage is extracted and converted to speech via a text-to-speech engine and communicated to the person.

Abstract: A method includes transmitting an object ID containing message from a mobile communication terminal via the network of the Global System for Mobile Communications through a mobile network operator equipment and by means of the Internet network to a server. At least one word is used as an object ID containing message transmitted from a mobile communication terminal. When searching for an object ID in the database the server compares the word with domain names. If the user of a mobile communication terminal finds a matching domain name, the server transmits a subscriber's phone number to him. Then, the mobile communication terminal initiates connection to that phone number by making a voice call to the subscriber's phone number. The method enables to expand functional capabilities, speed up search, decrease volumes of information transmitted, reduce load on telecommunications networks and their equipment.

Abstract: Toll-free calls are initiated using an alphanumeric call initiator (NAME) that is communicated to the network using a short message service (SMS), electronic mail message, a Worldwide Web interface or a voice connection to a voice recognition database. The NAME is translated to retrieve a directory number used to connect a calling party with the toll-free service subscriber. The directory number may be a toll-free number used to invoke incumbent translation services in the PSTN.

Abstract: Directory assistance provides telephone number look up services to callers based on the business or caller name as listed in a telephone directory. As such, directory assistance in the prior art provides a value-added service to telephone users and an expense that must be charged back to telephone subscribers or absorbed by telephone carriers. The present invention provides a method and system whereby directory assistance is enhanced to deliver a targeted advertising service to telephone listing owners and advertisers. The enhanced directory assistance (EDA) service of the present invention becomes an additional revenue source for carriers. The present invention also provides a method and system for dynamically ordering these directory listings and tracking subsequent telephone referrals.

Abstract: Methods and systems of performing user input recognition. A digital directory comprising listings is accessed. Metadata information is associated with individual listings describing the individual listings. The metadata information is modified to generate transformed metadata information. Therefore, the transformed metadata information is generated as a function of context information relating to a typical user interaction with the listings. Information is generated for aiding in an automated user input recognition process based on the transformed metadata information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for automatically retrieving and displaying supplemental information about a called party on the CPE of a calling party. When a caller places a call, the number called is used to look up and return to the caller the Universal Resource Locator (URL) of the called party. Application software resident in the caller's CPE uses the URL to retrieve the home page of the called party from the Internet.

Abstract: A personalized assistance system for a user of a mobile device including a first database having a digital file library associated with the user, where the digital file library includes at least one digital file supplied to the first database by the user. An identification code uniquely associated with the mobile device is transmitted to the personalized assistance system, when the user calls the system. A customer service representative terminal is coupled to the database, where the identification code prompts automatic retrieval of at least a portion of the digital file library to the customer service representative terminal in response to processing of the identification code, the customer service representative terminal searching the digital file library in response to a user query to locate a designated digital file from the user's digital file library and causing the delivery of the digital file to a desired destination indicated by the user.

Abstract: Directory assistance provides telephone number look up services to callers based on the business or caller name as listed in a telephone directory. As such, directory assistance in the prior art provides a value-added service to telephone users and an expense that must be charged back to telephone subscribers or absorbed by telephone carriers. The present invention provides a method and system whereby directory assistance is enhanced to deliver a targeted advertising service to telephone listing owners and advertisers. The enhanced directory assistance (EDA) service of the present invention becomes an additional revenue source for carriers. The present invention also provides a method and system for dynamically ordering these directory listings and tracking subsequent telephone referrals.

Abstract: A computer system and program product for managing support of an application. First program instructions receive a request to view contact information for support people for the application, and in response, determine whether the request occurs during On Shift support hours or Off Shift support hours of the application and determine the support people who are On Shift and the support people who are Off Shift for the application. There is a preferred e-mail address for On Shift contact and a preferred e-mail address for Off Shift contact for each of the support people. The preferred e-mail address for On Shift contact is different than the preferred e-mail address for Off Shift contact for at least one of the support people. Second program instructions receive a request to send an e-mail to one or more of the On Shift and Off Shift support people.

Abstract: A directory assistance system includes a request handling module for receiving a plurality of incoming directory assistance requests from requesters and an agent platform for handling the directory assistance requests by providing at least one listing to the requester. A record database stores a record relating to the first request, and includes a first identifier, a time and a listing entry. An incoming request tracking module tracks second incoming directory assistance requests, by reviewing a second identifier associated with the directory assistance request, comparing the second identifier against the first identifiers in the records, and if a record has a matching first identifier to second identifier from request, then, prior to the second request being sent to the agent platform, offering to automatically provide the stored listing entry from the record to the requester.

Abstract: A system and method of providing information based on the location of the target. The system is ideal for use with voice based technology, and uses street segments to allow users to identify their location by cross street. The system can target advertisements to users based on the location of the user, a destination location related to the information requested by the user and/or the route to be taken by the user to reach such destination location.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for providing a connection to an entity from a request made to a general database, the system having a central contact and a list or database of word sequences purchased by entities; wherein the list or database has an associated telephone number contact information or address information and telephone or mail connection is made based on word sequence purchased by a particular entity.

Abstract: A communication assistance system includes a database having a plurality of listings therein, each of the listings includes a least one contact name and a contact information. A means is provided for receiving incoming communications from a plurality of requesters seeking a listing. A table stores past requested listings of the requesters, where the system reviews the table for storing past requested listings and, based on contents contained in the past requested listing table, develops a list of requesters to target a promotion to, whereupon when a requester who is among the list of requesters contacts the system, they are provided with the promotion.

Abstract: A communication link from a first telecommunication device to a second telecommunication device is established via a telecommunication network. Initially, a plurality of multi-media objects, which are associated with a first telecommunication subscriber, are stored together with a respective reference number in the telecommunication network. An allocation representation of at least one data set is also determined, the representation indicating a specific call receiver with reference to a specific reference number of a multi-media object. Subsequently, a link set up request is sent from the first telecommunication device associated with the first telecommunication subscriber to the telecommunication network, the link set up request indicating that a communication link should be set up between the first telecommunication device and the second telecommunication device associated with a selected call receiver.

Abstract: A mobile computer system requests data by requesting the establishment of a voice connection to a voice server, such as, for example, by selecting a telephone number. The mobile computer system provides an identifier (e.g. caller identification information) that identifies the mobile computer system and a called number that represents data of interest to the mobile computer system. After receiving the identifier and the called number, the voice server may deny the request for establishment of the voice connection. The voice server identifies the data of interest, which may be stored at the voice server or at a data server associated with the voice server, based on the called number. The identifier is mapped to a data address associated with the mobile computer system and the data of interest is sent to the data address. The mobile computer system receives the data of interest over a data connection.

Abstract: A communication link from a first telecommunication device to a second telecommunication device is established via a telecommunication network. Several multimedia objects of a telecommunication user are stored in the second telecommunication device along with a reference number. An allocation map is defined which indicates allocation of a specific call receiver to a specific reference number of a multimedia object. A request is then sent from the first telecommunication device associated with the first telecommunication user to the telecommunication network, the request indicating that a communication link should be established from the first telecommunication device to the second telecommunication device allocated to a selected call receiver.

Abstract: A method and system for providing directory assistance to erroneous calls. The method and system includes an intercept system that intercepts erroneous calls and automatically routes them to a directory assistance service. The directory assistance service provides a least one advertisement and a variety of other services to the callers using a rule-based expert system service.

Abstract: A method and system for providing directory assistance to erroneous calls. The method and system includes an intercept system that intercepts erroneous calls and automatically routes them to a directory assistance service. The directory assistance service provides a least one advertisement and a variety of other internal and external information services to the callers using a business subscriber information service, a white page database service; a yellow pages database service; a business intelligence database service; and/or an Internet search service.

Abstract: A method and system for providing directory assistance to erroneous calls. The method and system includes an intercept system that intercepts erroneous calls and automatically routes them to a directory assistance service. The directory assistance service provides a least one advertisement and a variety of other services to the callers using a business subscriber information service, a white page database service; a yellow pages database service; a business intelligence database service; rule-based expert system service; and/or an Internet search service. The directory assistance service accepts fees from advertisers, businesses and providers of the variety of services to refer information to callers.

Abstract: A system and method that enables callers to dial a subscription code instead of a telephone number to reach a subscriber of the subscription code. The system includes a lookup table that associates the subscription code with the subscriber's telephone number. The system also uses a routing device that is in communication with the lookup table. The routing device is adapted to receive calls that were initiated by callers using the subscription code. When a call originated by a caller using the subscription code is received by the routing device, the routing device reviews the lookup table to retrieve the telephone number that is associated with the subscription code. The telephone number is then used by the routing device to terminate the call to the telephone number.

Abstract: A method of redirecting a directory-assistance call includes receiving a directory-assistance request from a caller, determining via a free directory-assistance service whether information corresponding to the directory-assistance request is available, responsive to a determination that the information is available, presenting, to the caller, the information free of charge to the caller and, responsive to a determination that the information is not available, redirecting the directory-assistance call to a chargeable directory-assistance service.

Abstract: By storing part of a telephone book request in a telephone, telephone book data stored in a telephone book data bank in a server may be used by a telephone for telephone applications. A direct telephone book search in the telephone data bank of the server by a dedicated protocol is initiated by the telephone by transmission of search criteria. The telephone receives in exchange the search results and can understand the semantics of the search results based on markings in the dedicated protocol, such that the data of the search result can be used directly for telephone-specific operations. For example, outgoing telephone calls, storage in a local telephone book and determination of call number information on incoming telephone calls may be performed at the telephone using the search results.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for connecting calls from a digital directory. The system includes a telecommunication appliance and a digital directory, in communication with and accessible by the telecommunication appliance. The telecommunication appliance includes a display, a user input, and, means for making a call. The digital directory includes a plurality of digital directory entries, wherein each digital directory entry includes information about a business. The telecommunication appliance displays at least some of the digital directory entries from the digital directory on the display, receives a user selection of one of the digital directory entries representing a selected business via the user input, and makes a call to the selected business using the means for making a call and the information about the selected business.

Abstract: A mobile communication device is equipped with a dynamic local directory into which contact information from a local telephone directory may be downloaded on a temporary basis. The local telephone directory resides on a local communication network and may be accessed by the mobile communication device. The downloaded data is purged automatically after preset limits are reached. The dynamic local telephone directory on the mobile communication device is continuously changing depending on the location.

Abstract: A user may utilize a communication device, e.g., a wireless phone, mobile device or personal digital assistant (PDA), to contact an information/call center where an operator provides personalized information and communications services to the user in accordance with the invention. Such services include, e.g., providing individual listing information items on a restrictive basis, caller identification service, etc. To personalize the services, at least one profile record associated with the user is used which specifies the subscribed services and the preferred ways of receiving information. For example, the profile may specify use of a special skilled operator, personal interests, methods of delivery of targeted information to the user, etc.

Abstract: A system for use by a user to protect the privacy of selected telephone numbers in a directory includes a memory for storing a plurality of directories, each of which is associated with a single respective party and includes one or more telephone numbers at least one of which is to be used to contact selected parties associated with and different from the respective party. At least one directory further includes at least one indicator indicating that a telephone number, stored in the directory is to be disclosed only to a first predetermined group of persons associated with the single respective party. The system also includes a processor for allowing access to the at least one directory only to a second predetermined group that includes the first predetermined group of persons; and for providing the telephone number only to the first predetermined group of persons.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing telephone calls according to internet keyword searches comprising the steps: providing a first user having a first user ID and phone number; providing a second user having a second user ID, a destination phone number, at least one selected paid keyword; accepting an internet request containing at least one keyword from the first user wherein the internet request contains at least one keyword identical to at least one paid keyword which is displayed as a highlighted keyword; when the first user clicks on the highlighted keyword a call request is initiated, calling the first user's phone number and the destination phone number associated with the paid keyword and connecting a telephone call between the first user and the second user according to the paid keyword and call request.

Abstract: An identification services system having a database module configured to support an account for a subscriber having at least one identification code relating to the subscriber. A services platform allow the subscriber of the account to map any one of a plurality of objects and locations to the account, each having a unique identifier such that information corresponding to the objects and location is provided for storage in the database module using the account. The identification code and the unique identifiers are communicated to the services platform and are associated to the subscriber account. A response platform communicates with the subscriber, providing updated advertising information to the subscriber based on the information received corresponding to the objects and locations.

Abstract: A platform for ordering search results according to result popularity a directory assistance service, itself, to determine the popularity of the listings associated with a particular category and, therefore, the order in which those listings should be delivered resulting from a category search. Priority may be determined by the popularity of each search result. For example, directory assistance users in a particular location will likely know which businesses have a reputation for providing the best service or highest-quality products. Such factors will determine the popularity of these businesses. Businesses that are more popular are likely to be selected more frequently from the category search results than those that are less popular. The system may examine the history of search results for each listing and order the results of a particular category search according to the number of historical requests for each returned listing.

Abstract: A method for providing directory assistance, including receiving at least one request from a requester for an un-listed contact information, where the un-listed contact information is stored in one of a plurality of carrier databases. A request is generated to a third party for the un-listed contact information, where the third party is in contact with the carriers, one of which has the un-listed contact information. A notification is received from the third party indicating that the un-listed contact information has been retrieved by said third party and a message is sent to the un-listed contact information, through the third party, indicating that the requester is trying to contact them.

Abstract: Method of searching a phone book in an information processing apparatus, such as a portable device, may provide intelligent search of information associated with user-selected information. The method includes selecting a desired item of a plurality of item included in a phone book list, searching at least one item associated with the selected item on a database according to a predetermined priority, and displaying both the selected item and the searched associated at least one item. Thus, the information associated with the user-selected information can be intelligently searched, such that a search result optimized for a user may be displayed and unnecessary repetitive search may be reduced.

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 may utilize a communication device, e.g., a wireless phone, mobile device or personal digital assistant (PDA), to contact an information/call center where an operator provides personalized information and communications services to the user in accordance with the invention. Such services include, e.g., providing listing information, contacts information, appointments information, etc. To provide effective connectivity, for example, when a user locates a phone number in his/her private directory using a web browser, the user may utilize a direct connect feature of the invention to initiate a phone call to the desired number over the Internet. In addition, the invention allows for delivery of the appointments information to the user not only via voice connection, but also SMS, email, facsimile, PDA, etc. It also allows for rendering a calendaring service in combination with such services as a TeleConcierge® service which helps the user to plan a future event, e.g., making a restaurant reservation.

Abstract: A system and method of performing device detection and service discovery in a mobile ad hoc communications network, each network node storing a local application directory. One of the network nodes is selected to be a directory server node that stores a combined application directory. The directory server node sends an inquiry message to a listening node when the listening node enters the coverage area of the directory server node. The listening node sends a notification message to the directory server node that includes the local application directory stored in the listening node. The directory server node compares the received local application directory to the combined application directory and updates the combined application directory accordingly. The directory server node sends an update message to each network node by sending an update portion of the combined application directory. Each network node updates the local application directories accordingly.

Abstract: A method for providing directory assistance includes receiving a communication from a requester for a business listing and retrieving at least one first listing in response. At least one signal indicative of the status of the listing retrieved is received, and if negative, such status is conveyed to the requester. A second option is then offered to the requester, where the second option offered to the requester is for a second listing related to a same category of business as the first listing.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing a user with control over telecommunications services provided by a service provider. Using almost any type of communications device, a user may gain access to, view, and make changes or modifications to profile information related to the services. The changes may be made quickly and efficiently, but accuracy and thoroughness in the implementation of the changes are not sacrificed. Further, the changes to the communications services are implemented almost immediately and without involvement by the service provider. Particularly, profile information about the telecommunications service is stored on a server in a data network. A change action relating to the profile information may be received at the server from a data device (such as a wireless unit) operating on the network. The change action is implemented on the profile information to result in changed profile information, which may be provided from the server via the data network to the telecommunications system.

Abstract: A method is provided for updating a contact listing. The method includes receiving a request from a requestor for a contact listing corresponding to a desired listing among a plurality of available listings. The request includes one or more information element relating to the desired listing. The desired listing among the plurality of available listings is retrieved and a modification to the retrieved listing is generated based on the one or more information elements relating to the desired listing provided by the requester.

Abstract: A personalized assistance system for a user of a mobile device including a first database having a digital file library associated with the user, where the digital file library includes at least one digital file supplied to the first database by the user. An identification code uniquely associated with the mobile device is transmitted to the personalized assistance system, when the user calls the system. A customer service representative terminal is coupled to the database, where the identification code prompts automatic retrieval of at least a portion of the digital file library to the customer service representative terminal in response to processing of the identification code, the customer service representative terminal searching the digital file library in response to a user query to locate a designated digital file from the user's digital file library and causing the delivery of the digital file to a desired destination indicated by the user.

Abstract: A communication assistance system provides access to information corresponding to a plurality of subscribers. The system includes a means for receiving incoming communications from a plurality of requesters desiring to access the information corresponding to subscribers and a database directory listing storing information corresponding to each one of the subscribers. The information includes a pre-announcement field containing information indicating whether a requester is pre-announced before a connection to a subscriber is made.

Abstract: A user may utilize a communication device, e.g., a wireless phone, mobile device or personal digital assistant (PDA), to contact an information/call center where an operator provides personalized information and communications services to the user in accordance with the invention. Such services include, e.g., providing individual listing information items on a restrictive basis, caller identification service, etc. To personalize the services, at least one profile record associated with the user is used which specifies the subscribed services and the preferred ways of receiving information. For example, the profile may specify use of a special skilled operator, personal interests, methods of delivery of targeted information to the user, etc.