Patent ID: 6829243
Filing Date: 2004-12-07
Classification: H04M

Abstract:
A telephone system, for providing directory assistance (DA) services in response to a DA service number received from a calling party telephone having a directory number (DN), the DN identifying the type of calling party telephone, including internet protocol (IP) telephones capable of accessing the telephone system through the public switched telephone network (PSTN) and through the public internet, the system comprising:a DA signal processor, having a DA signal memory for, storing the DN of a plurality of party telephones, each DN being stored in said memory in relationship with additional party information; and a telephone switch, responsive to receipt of a DA service number, and having a switch signal processor and a switch signal memory for storing program signals, for: identifying the type of calling party telephone; reporting th requested DA information in voice format to the calling party telephone; and additionally forwarding the requested DA information in data file format to the calling party telephone if the calling party telephone is identified as a calling party IP telephone.