Patent ID: 6104789
Filing Date: 2000-08-15
Classification: H04L,H04Q

Abstract:
For use with a server application in a circuit switched telephone network having a database containing addresses and phone numbers associated with a subscriber, a method for transmitting a text message from a caller to the subscriber at an unknown address based on a known address or number associated with the subscriber, the method comprising:initiating a voice telephone call from the caller to the server application over the circuit switched telephone network by transmitting a first signal over the circuit switched telephone network to obtain access to the database;transmitting a second signal from the caller to the server application representative of one of the known address and number upon accessing the database;receiving one of a text-based address and number associated with the subscriber from the server application in response to the second signal, both the text-based address and number being capable of receiving text messages;receiving an originate text message prompt from the server application that allows the caller to opt to originate a text message for transmission to the subscriber; andoriginating and transmitting the text message at least partially over the circuit switched telephone network to one of the text-based address and number for receipt by the subscriber.