CA2435079A1 - Mobile directory assistance system and method - Google Patents
Mobile directory assistance system and method Download PDFInfo
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- CA2435079A1 CA2435079A1 CA 2435079 CA2435079A CA2435079A1 CA 2435079 A1 CA2435079 A1 CA 2435079A1 CA 2435079 CA2435079 CA 2435079 CA 2435079 A CA2435079 A CA 2435079A CA 2435079 A1 CA2435079 A1 CA 2435079A1
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- Prior art keywords
- locatee
- caller
- mobile device
- information
- services provider
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Classifications
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
- H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
- H04W4/16—Communication-related supplementary services, e.g. call-transfer or call-hold
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
- H04W8/00—Network data management
- H04W8/02—Processing of mobility data, e.g. registration information at HLR [Home Location Register] or VLR [Visitor Location Register]; Transfer of mobility data, e.g. between HLR, VLR or external networks
- H04W8/08—Mobility data transfer
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
- H04W8/00—Network data management
- H04W8/02—Processing of mobility data, e.g. registration information at HLR [Home Location Register] or VLR [Visitor Location Register]; Transfer of mobility data, e.g. between HLR, VLR or external networks
- H04W8/08—Mobility data transfer
- H04W8/14—Mobility data transfer between corresponding nodes
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
- Signal Processing (AREA)
- Mobile Radio Communication Systems (AREA)
Abstract
A method and system for a caller to locate contact information for a mobile device of a locatee, the method comprising the steps of: determining that the caller is seeking a mobile device; obtaining identifying information about the locatee;
determining whether the contact information of the mobile device of the locatee can be found based on the identifying information; if the result of such determination is yes, providing a connection or connection information to the locatee; if the result of such determination is no, asking for further identifying information about the locatee; determining whether the mobile device of the locatee can be found using the further identifying information;
if the result of such determination is yes, providing a connection or connection information to the mobile device of the locatee; and if the result of such determination is no, terminating the call from the caller.
determining whether the contact information of the mobile device of the locatee can be found based on the identifying information; if the result of such determination is yes, providing a connection or connection information to the locatee; if the result of such determination is no, asking for further identifying information about the locatee; determining whether the mobile device of the locatee can be found using the further identifying information;
if the result of such determination is yes, providing a connection or connection information to the mobile device of the locatee; and if the result of such determination is no, terminating the call from the caller.
Description
MOBILE DIRECTORY ASSISTANCE SYSTEM AND METHOD
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a directory assistance method and apparatus for locating contact information for a mobile device and, more specifically, relates to a directory assistance service in which the mobile device can be located using varied information.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
Mobile telephones are among the fastest growing cansumer products in history.
In North America, cellular telephones have over 40% market penetration, and in Canada, at the end of 2002, the market penetration was about 37%. It is estimated that this penetration will only increase in the future.
Other mobile devices, such as pagers or personal digital assistants (PDA), are also increasingly being used by consumers.
Despite the proliferation,of mobile devices, there is currently no way to obtain a mobile telephone number, a pager number, a fax number or a PDA address such as an email or i3lackberryTM addresses. This is different from land-based telephones, for which a white pages directory exists and for which a user can dia! directory assistance and obtain the number.
There are a number of reasons that a mobile phone directory has not yet been implemented. These include the multiple wireless service providers with their own lists of numbers for mobile devices. One problem is that there has been no concerted effort by these various service providers to consolidate their list of telephone numbers to provide a comprehensive directory listing service.
A further problem is the concern for privacy for mobile phones. Some mobile phone users do not want their telephone number being given out and thus oppose any sort of directory listing service for mobile devices.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a directory assistance method and apparatus for locating contact information for a mobile device and, more specifically, relates to a directory assistance service in which the mobile device can be located using varied information.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
Mobile telephones are among the fastest growing cansumer products in history.
In North America, cellular telephones have over 40% market penetration, and in Canada, at the end of 2002, the market penetration was about 37%. It is estimated that this penetration will only increase in the future.
Other mobile devices, such as pagers or personal digital assistants (PDA), are also increasingly being used by consumers.
Despite the proliferation,of mobile devices, there is currently no way to obtain a mobile telephone number, a pager number, a fax number or a PDA address such as an email or i3lackberryTM addresses. This is different from land-based telephones, for which a white pages directory exists and for which a user can dia! directory assistance and obtain the number.
There are a number of reasons that a mobile phone directory has not yet been implemented. These include the multiple wireless service providers with their own lists of numbers for mobile devices. One problem is that there has been no concerted effort by these various service providers to consolidate their list of telephone numbers to provide a comprehensive directory listing service.
A further problem is the concern for privacy for mobile phones. Some mobile phone users do not want their telephone number being given out and thus oppose any sort of directory listing service for mobile devices.
2 Another problem with a mobile directory service is the way in which a subscriber is identified. Under current 411 systems, the address of the person or business whose telephone number is being sought is usually provided to the 411 operator in order to find the correct telephone number. However, with wireless telephones this information may not always be known and thus other means to identify a mobile user are required.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention seeks to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a directory assistance service to locate mobile telephone numbers which includes a comprehensive list of mobile device numbers and addresses, and which is accessible by using various pieces of information including the subscriber's home land line phone number, the subscriber's business land line telephone number, or the subscriber's nickname.
The present invention further provides a service for those concerned about their privacy which includes a pre-announced connection service. In this service, an auto-attendant announces to a locatee that a caller is attempting to locate the locatee on their mobile telephone. At that time, the locatee has the option of choosing to speak with the disclosed locator or to select to have the call routed to voicemail or to not connect with the locator at all. Under this system, the locator is never given any confidential information including the mobile phone number of the locatee.
The invention therefore provides a method for a caller to locate contact information for a mobile device of a locatee comprising the steps of: determining that the caller is seeking a mobile device; obtaining identifying information about the locatee;
determining whether the contact information of the mobile device of the locatee can be found based on said identifying information; if the result of such determination is yes, providing a connection or connection information to said locatee; if the result of such determination is no, asking for further identifying information about said locatee;
determining whether said mobile device of said locatee can be found using said further identifying information; if the result of such determination is yes, providing a connection or
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention seeks to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a directory assistance service to locate mobile telephone numbers which includes a comprehensive list of mobile device numbers and addresses, and which is accessible by using various pieces of information including the subscriber's home land line phone number, the subscriber's business land line telephone number, or the subscriber's nickname.
The present invention further provides a service for those concerned about their privacy which includes a pre-announced connection service. In this service, an auto-attendant announces to a locatee that a caller is attempting to locate the locatee on their mobile telephone. At that time, the locatee has the option of choosing to speak with the disclosed locator or to select to have the call routed to voicemail or to not connect with the locator at all. Under this system, the locator is never given any confidential information including the mobile phone number of the locatee.
The invention therefore provides a method for a caller to locate contact information for a mobile device of a locatee comprising the steps of: determining that the caller is seeking a mobile device; obtaining identifying information about the locatee;
determining whether the contact information of the mobile device of the locatee can be found based on said identifying information; if the result of such determination is yes, providing a connection or connection information to said locatee; if the result of such determination is no, asking for further identifying information about said locatee;
determining whether said mobile device of said locatee can be found using said further identifying information; if the result of such determination is yes, providing a connection or
3 connection information to said mobile device of said locatee; and if the result of such determination is no, terminating the call from the caller.
The invention further provides a system for locating contact information for a mobile device of a locatee comprising: a telephone switch for receiving a call from a caller wanting to obtain said contact information for said mobile device; a first call centre coupled to said telephone switch for identifying whether said caller is attempting to locate a mobile device; an operator services provider coupled to said first call centre, said caller being routed to said operator services provider if attempting to locate a mobile device; a database coupled to said operator services provider and configured to store information corresponding to said locatee including said contact information;
and a search server coupled to said operator services provider to search for said contact information within said database, wherein said operator services provider provides said contact information located by said search server to said caller.
The present invention still further provides a system for locating contact information for a mobile device of a locatee comprising: a telephone switch for receiving a call from a caller wanting to obtain said contact information for said mobile device; a first call centre coupled to said telephone switch for identifying whether said caller is attempting to locate a mobile device; an operator services provider coupled to said first call centre, said caller being routed to said operator services provider if attempting to locate a mobile device; a database coupled to said operator services provider and configured to store information corresponding to said locatee including said contact information;
and an operator coupled to said operator services provider to search for said contact information within said database, wherein said operator services provider provides said contact information located by said operator to said caller.
The present invention further provides a system for connecting a caller to a mobile device of a locatee where said caller does not know the connection identifier far said mobile device, said system comprising: a telephone switch for receiving a call from said caller; a first call centre coupled to said telephone switch for identifying whether said caller is attempting to connect to a mobile device; an operator services provider coupled
The invention further provides a system for locating contact information for a mobile device of a locatee comprising: a telephone switch for receiving a call from a caller wanting to obtain said contact information for said mobile device; a first call centre coupled to said telephone switch for identifying whether said caller is attempting to locate a mobile device; an operator services provider coupled to said first call centre, said caller being routed to said operator services provider if attempting to locate a mobile device; a database coupled to said operator services provider and configured to store information corresponding to said locatee including said contact information;
and a search server coupled to said operator services provider to search for said contact information within said database, wherein said operator services provider provides said contact information located by said search server to said caller.
The present invention still further provides a system for locating contact information for a mobile device of a locatee comprising: a telephone switch for receiving a call from a caller wanting to obtain said contact information for said mobile device; a first call centre coupled to said telephone switch for identifying whether said caller is attempting to locate a mobile device; an operator services provider coupled to said first call centre, said caller being routed to said operator services provider if attempting to locate a mobile device; a database coupled to said operator services provider and configured to store information corresponding to said locatee including said contact information;
and an operator coupled to said operator services provider to search for said contact information within said database, wherein said operator services provider provides said contact information located by said operator to said caller.
The present invention further provides a system for connecting a caller to a mobile device of a locatee where said caller does not know the connection identifier far said mobile device, said system comprising: a telephone switch for receiving a call from said caller; a first call centre coupled to said telephone switch for identifying whether said caller is attempting to connect to a mobile device; an operator services provider coupled
4 to said first call centre, said caller being routed to said operator services provider if attempting to connect to a mobile device; a database coupled to said operator services provider and configured to store information corresponding to said locates; an operator coupled to said operator services provider to search for said locates within said database; and a computer for connecting said caller to said locates.
The invention yet further provides a system for connecting a caller to a mobile device of a locates where said caller does not know the connection identifier for said mobile device, said system comprising: a telephone switch for receiving a call from said caller;
a first call centre coupled to said telephone switch for identifying whether said caller is attempting to connect to a mobile device; an operator services provider coupled to said first call centre, said caller being routed to said operator services provider if attempting to connect to a mobile device; a database coupled to said operator services provider and configured to store information corresponding to said locates; a search server coupled to said operator services provider to search for said locates within said database; and a computer for connecting said caller to said locates.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention will be better understood with reference to the drawings in which:
FIGURE 1 is a schematic diagram of the wireless directory assistance service infrastructure of the present invention;
FIGURE 2 is a flow chart of a call to the directory assistance service of the present invention without a privacy system in place; and FIGURE 3 is a flow chart of a call to the directory assistance service of the present invention with a privacy system in place.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Reference is now made to the drawings. Figure 1 shows a wireless directory services infrastructure used when a caller dials directory assistance, for example by dialing 411, asking for a mobile number. The system supports both the calling party 12 on a mobile telephone or a calling party 14 on a land based phone line. While the following disclosure uses "411" to access directory assistance, one skilled in the art will realize that directory assistance can be accessed in multiple ways, and the present system is not meant to be limited to the use of "411'° specifically.
If calling party 12 on a mobile phone dials 411, the call is routed over a radio link 16 to a broadcast tower 18. The signal is then routed to a wireless provider switch 20 using methods commonly known in the art. The call is routed through the incumbent local exchange carrier's (ILEC's) central office switch 22 to either the public switch telephone network (PSTN) 24 or SS7 (signalling system no. 7) 26. Similarly, calling party 14 can access the PSTN 24 by dialling 411.
The call is then routed to the ILEC voice integrated platform directory assistance menu 28 through either SS7 network 26 or through a system access module 30 and through a local area network 32. As will be discussed below, the ILEC voice integrated platform directory assistance menu 28 may prompt a user asking whether they are looking for a business, home or mobile phone number and then, using voice recognition or speech enhanced technology, attempt to locate the telephone number desired. If a business or home phone number is required, wire line directory services 34, which are well known in the art, are used to attempt to find the information the caller is looking for.
If the user indicates at the ILEC voice integrated platform directory assistance menu 28 that they are looking for a mobile number, in the preferred system the call will be directed over a wide area network 40 to an operator services provider {OSP) 42. Using the techniques outlined below, the operator services provider 42 attempts to attain the information sought by the calling party 12 or 14. Information is stored within a mobile directory database 44.and a speech enhanced directory server 46 attempts to locate the information using voice recognition technology. Alternatively, operator48 may be used.
The operator can use a directory search server 50 to access mobile directory database 44. The entire mobile system is run off the operator service provider voice integrated platform 41 which prompts the calling party to provide an identification means to identify the individual he or she is looking for. Reference is now made to Figure 2.
Figure 2 shows the process for a caller dialling directory assistance from either a land line or a mobile device. Upon dialling directory assistance, the users are given the option 50 to either proceed in English or in French. One skilled in the art will realize that other languages are possible depending on the locality of the caller. Further, if in an area where only one language is predominantly spoken, it is possible that no prompt for the desired language will be given.
The next user prompt is directed to the type of phone number the user is searching for.
Call type inquiry 52, in the preferred embodiment, will inquire whether the user is seeking a residential number, business number, or mobile number. In one embodiment the user is asked to press 1 if she is seeking a residential number, 2 if she is seeking a business number, or 3 if she is seeking a mobile number. One skilled in the art will realize that other methods of determining the type of number sought are possible, including voice commands. A skilled person will also realize that instead of asking for if a mobile number is sought, if the system supports devices other than cellular telephones, the system could prompt the caller asking if he or she is seeking to locate a mobile device. In this case, an identifier such as an email address could be presented instead of a number.
If the user is seeking a residential or a business number, the calf is routed to a carrier contact centre 54 as described above, and is well known in the art.
If the user is seeking a mobile number, the call is routed to a mobile device contact centre 56, which includes the OSP voice integrated platform 41, the operator services provider 42, speech enhanced directory server 46, mobile directory database 44, and directory search server 50.
The caller is first preferably issued a greeting 58 such as "Thank you for calling FirefIyT""
Locator". The user is then prompted to select one of several options in inquiry 60.
These include choosing between a cellular number, an e-mail, a pager, a PDA, or a fax number. One skilled in the art will realize that other communication devices, both presently existing or those that will be developed in the future, could be added to this list. The example used in the present application will assurne the user chose a cellular number, although a similar process could be used for finding e-mail addresses, pager numbers, PDAs, fax numbers or other devices.
In inquiry 60, the user can choose between the options by pressing a number on the keypad, using voice commands, or by any other method currently known in the art.
Such choosing between options is well known and one skilled in the art will realize that there are a number of methods for doing so.
Once the user has made their selection, inquiry 62 asks that the user state their name.
While not essential within the present invention, the caller's name can be used at subsequent times if any type of pre-screening by the called party is being used.
Inquiry 64 then asks for information relating to the person the calling party is looking for.
This could include the person's first and last name and their home phone number or their business phone number.
Speech enhanced directory server 46 or directory search server 50 then attempt to locate the cellular number based on this information. If the information is sufficient to find a number, a successful search 66 is noted and in one embodiment of the invention the cellular telephone number is given out.
Alternatively, if either no matches are found or several matches are found, then the system moves to option 68 in which an agent 48 is required to intervene. Agent 48 asks the caller several questions 70 if several matches were found. These questions can include the locatee's home address, business name, title, business address, e-mail address, PDA address, pager number, or nickname. If no matches were found agent 78 asks the caller several questions 70 to find a better profile of the locatee.
Agent 48 searches mobile directory database 44 using this new information in an attempt to narrow the matches. If successful, the system moves to option 66.
Otherwise, the system moves to option 72 in which an unsuccessful search is reported and the call is terminated.
In one embodiment of the invention, successful search 86 will allow the system to provide a mobile phone number in step 74 using an automated system, and then prompt user whether or not they want to connect to the mobile phone number in query 76.
Alternatively, the caller can decide to gall the number manually using option 78. A skilled reader will realize that in some cases automatic connection may be dictated by the locatee's carrier, and may be required in some cases, or riot be available in others.
Reference is made to Figure 3. As indicated above, one of the impeding factors to having a mobile system is the concern for privacy. Mobile users generally do not want anybody to be able to get their telephone number. Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention, after a successful search 66 has been performed, one option is a pre-announced connection option 90 which will contact the locates to ask whether or not the locates is willing to accept the call. The system uses the name that was given in inquiry 62 and sends a message 92 to the locates stating that the calling party is attempting to contact the locates. The locates then has option 94 of indicating whether or not they want to be connected to the calling party. If the locates indicates yes, the parties are connected. Conversely, if the locates indicates no, an inquiry 96 asks the locates whether or not they want the call directed to their voicemail box. The locates again has an option 98 to indicate whether or not they are interested in this. If the locates indicates no, then the call is terminated in step ~ 00. OtherrNise, the call is routed to the voicemail box.
The advantage to the system in Figure 3 is that the calling party is never given the cellular telephone number of the locates and this number is therefore kept confidential.
Further, in one embodiment of the system, it is also possible that the agent 48 also does not obtain the number and that the system merely connects to the locatee's device automatically upon the completion of a successful search. This will prevent an agent from circumventing the system by giving the calling party 'the number.
One skilled in the art will realize that various modifications can be made to the above system. Specifically, in inquiry 64 the locating criteria can be the first and last name of the person along with any of the other information fields in inquiry 70. Thus, a person could be located based on their nickname and their first and last name.
Alternatively, even the first and last name can be left out, and the location can be based solely on information such as nicknames, titles or home telephone numbers.
The above examples are meant to be illustrative of the invention and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention in any way. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims below.
The invention yet further provides a system for connecting a caller to a mobile device of a locates where said caller does not know the connection identifier for said mobile device, said system comprising: a telephone switch for receiving a call from said caller;
a first call centre coupled to said telephone switch for identifying whether said caller is attempting to connect to a mobile device; an operator services provider coupled to said first call centre, said caller being routed to said operator services provider if attempting to connect to a mobile device; a database coupled to said operator services provider and configured to store information corresponding to said locates; a search server coupled to said operator services provider to search for said locates within said database; and a computer for connecting said caller to said locates.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention will be better understood with reference to the drawings in which:
FIGURE 1 is a schematic diagram of the wireless directory assistance service infrastructure of the present invention;
FIGURE 2 is a flow chart of a call to the directory assistance service of the present invention without a privacy system in place; and FIGURE 3 is a flow chart of a call to the directory assistance service of the present invention with a privacy system in place.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Reference is now made to the drawings. Figure 1 shows a wireless directory services infrastructure used when a caller dials directory assistance, for example by dialing 411, asking for a mobile number. The system supports both the calling party 12 on a mobile telephone or a calling party 14 on a land based phone line. While the following disclosure uses "411" to access directory assistance, one skilled in the art will realize that directory assistance can be accessed in multiple ways, and the present system is not meant to be limited to the use of "411'° specifically.
If calling party 12 on a mobile phone dials 411, the call is routed over a radio link 16 to a broadcast tower 18. The signal is then routed to a wireless provider switch 20 using methods commonly known in the art. The call is routed through the incumbent local exchange carrier's (ILEC's) central office switch 22 to either the public switch telephone network (PSTN) 24 or SS7 (signalling system no. 7) 26. Similarly, calling party 14 can access the PSTN 24 by dialling 411.
The call is then routed to the ILEC voice integrated platform directory assistance menu 28 through either SS7 network 26 or through a system access module 30 and through a local area network 32. As will be discussed below, the ILEC voice integrated platform directory assistance menu 28 may prompt a user asking whether they are looking for a business, home or mobile phone number and then, using voice recognition or speech enhanced technology, attempt to locate the telephone number desired. If a business or home phone number is required, wire line directory services 34, which are well known in the art, are used to attempt to find the information the caller is looking for.
If the user indicates at the ILEC voice integrated platform directory assistance menu 28 that they are looking for a mobile number, in the preferred system the call will be directed over a wide area network 40 to an operator services provider {OSP) 42. Using the techniques outlined below, the operator services provider 42 attempts to attain the information sought by the calling party 12 or 14. Information is stored within a mobile directory database 44.and a speech enhanced directory server 46 attempts to locate the information using voice recognition technology. Alternatively, operator48 may be used.
The operator can use a directory search server 50 to access mobile directory database 44. The entire mobile system is run off the operator service provider voice integrated platform 41 which prompts the calling party to provide an identification means to identify the individual he or she is looking for. Reference is now made to Figure 2.
Figure 2 shows the process for a caller dialling directory assistance from either a land line or a mobile device. Upon dialling directory assistance, the users are given the option 50 to either proceed in English or in French. One skilled in the art will realize that other languages are possible depending on the locality of the caller. Further, if in an area where only one language is predominantly spoken, it is possible that no prompt for the desired language will be given.
The next user prompt is directed to the type of phone number the user is searching for.
Call type inquiry 52, in the preferred embodiment, will inquire whether the user is seeking a residential number, business number, or mobile number. In one embodiment the user is asked to press 1 if she is seeking a residential number, 2 if she is seeking a business number, or 3 if she is seeking a mobile number. One skilled in the art will realize that other methods of determining the type of number sought are possible, including voice commands. A skilled person will also realize that instead of asking for if a mobile number is sought, if the system supports devices other than cellular telephones, the system could prompt the caller asking if he or she is seeking to locate a mobile device. In this case, an identifier such as an email address could be presented instead of a number.
If the user is seeking a residential or a business number, the calf is routed to a carrier contact centre 54 as described above, and is well known in the art.
If the user is seeking a mobile number, the call is routed to a mobile device contact centre 56, which includes the OSP voice integrated platform 41, the operator services provider 42, speech enhanced directory server 46, mobile directory database 44, and directory search server 50.
The caller is first preferably issued a greeting 58 such as "Thank you for calling FirefIyT""
Locator". The user is then prompted to select one of several options in inquiry 60.
These include choosing between a cellular number, an e-mail, a pager, a PDA, or a fax number. One skilled in the art will realize that other communication devices, both presently existing or those that will be developed in the future, could be added to this list. The example used in the present application will assurne the user chose a cellular number, although a similar process could be used for finding e-mail addresses, pager numbers, PDAs, fax numbers or other devices.
In inquiry 60, the user can choose between the options by pressing a number on the keypad, using voice commands, or by any other method currently known in the art.
Such choosing between options is well known and one skilled in the art will realize that there are a number of methods for doing so.
Once the user has made their selection, inquiry 62 asks that the user state their name.
While not essential within the present invention, the caller's name can be used at subsequent times if any type of pre-screening by the called party is being used.
Inquiry 64 then asks for information relating to the person the calling party is looking for.
This could include the person's first and last name and their home phone number or their business phone number.
Speech enhanced directory server 46 or directory search server 50 then attempt to locate the cellular number based on this information. If the information is sufficient to find a number, a successful search 66 is noted and in one embodiment of the invention the cellular telephone number is given out.
Alternatively, if either no matches are found or several matches are found, then the system moves to option 68 in which an agent 48 is required to intervene. Agent 48 asks the caller several questions 70 if several matches were found. These questions can include the locatee's home address, business name, title, business address, e-mail address, PDA address, pager number, or nickname. If no matches were found agent 78 asks the caller several questions 70 to find a better profile of the locatee.
Agent 48 searches mobile directory database 44 using this new information in an attempt to narrow the matches. If successful, the system moves to option 66.
Otherwise, the system moves to option 72 in which an unsuccessful search is reported and the call is terminated.
In one embodiment of the invention, successful search 86 will allow the system to provide a mobile phone number in step 74 using an automated system, and then prompt user whether or not they want to connect to the mobile phone number in query 76.
Alternatively, the caller can decide to gall the number manually using option 78. A skilled reader will realize that in some cases automatic connection may be dictated by the locatee's carrier, and may be required in some cases, or riot be available in others.
Reference is made to Figure 3. As indicated above, one of the impeding factors to having a mobile system is the concern for privacy. Mobile users generally do not want anybody to be able to get their telephone number. Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention, after a successful search 66 has been performed, one option is a pre-announced connection option 90 which will contact the locates to ask whether or not the locates is willing to accept the call. The system uses the name that was given in inquiry 62 and sends a message 92 to the locates stating that the calling party is attempting to contact the locates. The locates then has option 94 of indicating whether or not they want to be connected to the calling party. If the locates indicates yes, the parties are connected. Conversely, if the locates indicates no, an inquiry 96 asks the locates whether or not they want the call directed to their voicemail box. The locates again has an option 98 to indicate whether or not they are interested in this. If the locates indicates no, then the call is terminated in step ~ 00. OtherrNise, the call is routed to the voicemail box.
The advantage to the system in Figure 3 is that the calling party is never given the cellular telephone number of the locates and this number is therefore kept confidential.
Further, in one embodiment of the system, it is also possible that the agent 48 also does not obtain the number and that the system merely connects to the locatee's device automatically upon the completion of a successful search. This will prevent an agent from circumventing the system by giving the calling party 'the number.
One skilled in the art will realize that various modifications can be made to the above system. Specifically, in inquiry 64 the locating criteria can be the first and last name of the person along with any of the other information fields in inquiry 70. Thus, a person could be located based on their nickname and their first and last name.
Alternatively, even the first and last name can be left out, and the location can be based solely on information such as nicknames, titles or home telephone numbers.
The above examples are meant to be illustrative of the invention and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention in any way. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims below.
Claims (57)
1. A method for a caller to locate contact information for a mobile device of a locatee comprising the steps of:
determining that the caller is seeking a mobile device;
obtaining identifying information about the locatee;
determining whether the contact information of the mobile device of the locatee can be found based on said identifying information;
if the result of such determination is yes, providing a connection or connection information to said locatee;
if the result of such determination is no, asking for further identifying information about said locatee;
determining whether said mobile device of said locatee can be found using said further identifying information;
if the result of such determination is yes, providing a connection or connection information to said mobile device of said locatee; and if the result of such determination is no, terminating the call from the caller.
determining that the caller is seeking a mobile device;
obtaining identifying information about the locatee;
determining whether the contact information of the mobile device of the locatee can be found based on said identifying information;
if the result of such determination is yes, providing a connection or connection information to said locatee;
if the result of such determination is no, asking for further identifying information about said locatee;
determining whether said mobile device of said locatee can be found using said further identifying information;
if the result of such determination is yes, providing a connection or connection information to said mobile device of said locatee; and if the result of such determination is no, terminating the call from the caller.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein said identifying information includes the first and last name of the locatee.
3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein said identifying information includes a home telephone number of the locatee.
4 The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein said identifying information includes a business telephone number of the locatee.
5. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein said identifying information includes a nickname of the locatee.
6. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein said further identifying information includes a home telephone number of the locatee.
7 The method of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein said further identifying information includes a business telephone number of the locatee.
8. The method of any of claim 1 to 4, wherein said identifying information includes a nickname of the locatee.
9. The method of any of claims 1 to 8, wherein said mobile device is a cellular telephone.
10. The method of any of claims 1 to 8, wherein said mobile device is a pager.
11. The method of any of claims 1 to 8, wherein said mobile device is a personal digital assistant.
12. The method of any of claims 1 to 8, wherein said contact information is a facsimile number.
13. The method of any of claims 1 to 12, wherein said step of providing a connection or connection information to said locatee includes the steps of:
informing the locatee that the caller is trying to contact the locatee;
asking the locatee if the locatee will accept a connection from said caller;
if said locatee accepts the connection, connecting said caller to said locatee;
if said locatee does not accept the connection, asking whether the locatee would like to route the caller to voicemail; and if the locatee wants to route the caller to voicemail, connecting said caller to a voicemail box of the locatee; or if the locatee does not want to route the caller to voicemail, terminating the call from the caller.~~
informing the locatee that the caller is trying to contact the locatee;
asking the locatee if the locatee will accept a connection from said caller;
if said locatee accepts the connection, connecting said caller to said locatee;
if said locatee does not accept the connection, asking whether the locatee would like to route the caller to voicemail; and if the locatee wants to route the caller to voicemail, connecting said caller to a voicemail box of the locatee; or if the locatee does not want to route the caller to voicemail, terminating the call from the caller.~~
14. A system for locating contact information for a mobile device of a locatee comprising:
a telephone switch for receiving a call from a caller wanting to obtain said contact information for said mobile device;
a first call centre coupled to said telephone switch for identifying whether said caller is attempting to locate a mobile device;
an operator services provider coupled to said first call centre, said caller being routed to said operator services provider if attempting to locate a mobile device;
a database coupled to said operator services provider and configured to store information corresponding to said locatee including said contact information; and a search server coupled to said operator services provider to search for said contact information within said database, wherein said operator services provider provides said contact information located by said search server to said caller.
a telephone switch for receiving a call from a caller wanting to obtain said contact information for said mobile device;
a first call centre coupled to said telephone switch for identifying whether said caller is attempting to locate a mobile device;
an operator services provider coupled to said first call centre, said caller being routed to said operator services provider if attempting to locate a mobile device;
a database coupled to said operator services provider and configured to store information corresponding to said locatee including said contact information; and a search server coupled to said operator services provider to search for said contact information within said database, wherein said operator services provider provides said contact information located by said search server to said caller.
15. The system of claim 14, further comprising an operator coupled to said operator services provider, said operator being capable of accessing said database to locate said contact information.
16. The system of claim 14 wherein said information in said database includes a nickname of the locatee.
17. The system of claim 14 wherein said information in said database includes a phone number of the locatee.
18. The system of claim 14 wherein said information in said database includes an address of the locatee.
19. The system of any of claims 14 to 18 wherein said caller is on a mobile device.
20. The system of any of claims 14 to 18 wherein said caller is on a fixed line device.
21. The system of any of claims 14 to 18 wherein said mobile device of said locatee is a cellular telephone.
22. The system of any of claims 14 to 18 wherein said mobile device of said locatee is a personal digital assistant.
23. The system of any of claims 14 to 18 wherein said mobile device of said locatee is a pager.
24. The system of any of claims 14 to 18 wherein said contact information is a facsimile number.
25. A system for locating contact information for a mobile device of a locatee comprising:
a telephone switch for receiving a call from a caller wanting to obtain said contact information for said mobile device;
a first call centre coupled to said telephone switch for identifying whether said caller is attempting to locate a mobile device;
an operator services provider coupled to said first call centre, said caller being routed to said operator services provider if attempting to locate a mobile device;
a database coupled to said operator services provider and configured to store information corresponding to said locatee including said contact information; and an operator coupled to said operator services provider to search for said contact information within said database,.
wherein said operator services provider provides said contact information located by said operator to said caller.
a telephone switch for receiving a call from a caller wanting to obtain said contact information for said mobile device;
a first call centre coupled to said telephone switch for identifying whether said caller is attempting to locate a mobile device;
an operator services provider coupled to said first call centre, said caller being routed to said operator services provider if attempting to locate a mobile device;
a database coupled to said operator services provider and configured to store information corresponding to said locatee including said contact information; and an operator coupled to said operator services provider to search for said contact information within said database,.
wherein said operator services provider provides said contact information located by said operator to said caller.
26. The system of claim 25, further comprising a search server coupled to said operator services provider, said search server being capable of accessing said database to locate said contact information.
27. The system of claim 25 wherein said information in said database includes a nickname of the locatee.
28. The system of claim 25 wherein said information in said database includes a phone number of the locatee.
29. The system of claim 25 wherein said information in said database includes an address of the locatee.
30. The system of any of claims 25 to 29 wherein said caller is on a mobile device.
31, The system of any of claims 25 to 29 wherein said caller is on a fixed line device.
32. The system of any of claims 25 to 29 wherein said mobile device of said locatee is a cellular telephone.
33. The system of any of claims 25 to 29 wherein said mobile device of said locatee is a personal digital assistant.
34. The system of any of claims 25 to 29 wherein said mobile device of said locatee is a pager.
35. The system of any of claims 25 to 29 wherein said contact information is a facsimile number.
36. A system for connecting a caller to a mobile device of a locatee where said caller does not know the connection identifier for said mobile device, said system comprising:
a telephone switch for receiving a call from said caller;
a first call centre coupled to said telephone switch for identifying whether said caller is attempting to connect to a mobile device;
an operator services provider coupled to said first call centre, said caller being routed to said operator services provider if attempting to connect to a mobile device;
a database coupled to said operator services provider and configured to store information corresponding to said locatee;
an operator coupled to said operator services provider to search for said locatee within said database; and a computer for connecting said caller to said locatee.
a telephone switch for receiving a call from said caller;
a first call centre coupled to said telephone switch for identifying whether said caller is attempting to connect to a mobile device;
an operator services provider coupled to said first call centre, said caller being routed to said operator services provider if attempting to connect to a mobile device;
a database coupled to said operator services provider and configured to store information corresponding to said locatee;
an operator coupled to said operator services provider to search for said locatee within said database; and a computer for connecting said caller to said locatee.
37. The system of claim 36, further comprising a search server coupled to said operator services provider, said search server being capable of accessing said database to locate said locatee.
38. The system of claim 36 wherein said information in said database includes a nickname of the locatee.
39. The system of claim 36 wherein said information in said database includes a phone number of the locatee.
40. The system of claim 36 wherein said information in said database includes an address of the locatee.
41. The system of any of claims 36 to 40 wherein said caller is on a mobile device.
42. The system of any of claims 36 to 40 wherein said caller is on a fixed line device.
43. The system of any of claims 36 to 40 wherein said mobile device of said locatee is a cellular telephone.
44. The system of any of claims 36 to 40 wherein said mobile device of said locatee is a personal digital assistant.
45. The system of any of claims 36 to 40 wherein said mobile device of said locatee is a pager.
46. The system of any of claims 36 to 40 wherein said connection identifier is a facsimile number.
47. A system for connecting a caller to a mobile device of a locatee where said caller does not know the connection identifier for said mobile device, said system comprising:
a telephone switch for receiving a call from said caller;
a first call centre coupled to said telephone switch for identifying whether said caller is attempting to connect to a mobile device;
an operator services provider coupled to said first call centre, said caller being routed to said operator services provider if attempting to connect to a mobile device;
a database coupled to said operator services provider and configured to store information corresponding to said locatee;
a search server coupled to said operator services provider to search for said locatee within said database; and a computer for connecting said caller to said locatee.
a telephone switch for receiving a call from said caller;
a first call centre coupled to said telephone switch for identifying whether said caller is attempting to connect to a mobile device;
an operator services provider coupled to said first call centre, said caller being routed to said operator services provider if attempting to connect to a mobile device;
a database coupled to said operator services provider and configured to store information corresponding to said locatee;
a search server coupled to said operator services provider to search for said locatee within said database; and a computer for connecting said caller to said locatee.
48. The system of claim 47, further comprising an operator coupled to said operator services provider, said operator being capable of accessing said database to locate said locatee.
49. The system of claim 47 wherein said information in said database includes a nickname of the locatee.
50. The system of claim 47 wherein said information in said database includes a phone number of the locatee.
51. The system of claim 47 wherein said information in said database includes an address of the locatee.
52. The system of any of claims 47 to 51 wherein said caller is on a mobile device.
53. The system of any of claims 47 to 51 wherein said caller is on a fixed line device.
54. The system of any of claims 47 to 51 wherein said mobile device of said locatee is a cellular telephone.
55. The system of any of claims 47 to 51 wherein said mobile device of said locatee is a personal digital assistant.
56. The system of any of claims 47 to 51 wherein said mobile device of said locatee is a pager.
57. The system of any of claims 47 to 51 wherein said connection identifier is a facsimile number.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2435079 CA2435079A1 (en) | 2003-07-14 | 2003-07-14 | Mobile directory assistance system and method |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2435079 CA2435079A1 (en) | 2003-07-14 | 2003-07-14 | Mobile directory assistance system and method |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2435079A1 true CA2435079A1 (en) | 2005-01-14 |
Family
ID=33569534
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2435079 Abandoned CA2435079A1 (en) | 2003-07-14 | 2003-07-14 | Mobile directory assistance system and method |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2435079A1 (en) |
-
2003
- 2003-07-14 CA CA 2435079 patent/CA2435079A1/en not_active Abandoned
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Dead |