Patent ID: 6757364
Filing Date: 2004-06-29
Classification: H04M

Abstract:
A method of providing a voice-activated telephone directory comprising the steps of:(a) advertising an easily remembered toll-free telephone number for accessing the directory; (b) receiving a telephone call over a telecommunications network from a caller in response to the caller dialing the telephone number; (c) activating a voice-prompt from a voice server prompting the caller to speak a spoken category, without requiring the caller to request the voice service prompting the caller to speak the spoken category; (d) comparing the category spoken by the caller with a stored database of categories to determine a first match; (e) activating a voice-prompt from the voice server prompting the caller to speak a spoken business identity if the first match is determined; (f) comparing the business identity spoken by the caller with a stored subdirectory of business identities grouped to the matched category to determine a second match; (g) connecting the caller to a business telephone number associated with the matched business identity if the second match is determined without requiring an additional input by the caller; (h) charging the business the caller was connected to a fee for making the connection; and (i) connecting the caller to a live operator if the first or second match is not determined.