Patent ID: 6122484
Filing Date: 2000-09-19
Classification: H04M,H04Q,H04W,Y10S

Abstract:
A method of processing incoming calls directed to a user, said method comprising the steps of:(a) storing in a memory electronic signals including signals representative of network addresses;(b) processing an incoming call from a caller, including communicating information to said caller indicating that said incoming call can be routed to any one of at least two network addresses, sensing the transmission by the caller of a command corresponding to the desired network address and, responsive thereto, routing said incoming call to a network address represented in said memory corresponding to the command transmitted by said caller,(c) generating predetermined signals which to the caller indicate normal call processing operation but to the user indicate that the user can transmit a signal to gain access to system provided functions;(d) detecting receipt of the signal from the user, and, upon receipt of the signal, terminating, if initiated, routing of the call to the network address and instead transferring the user to a command mode;(e) in said command mode, detecting a request by said user for information regarding a current commanded mode by which the system processes incoming calls for said user;(f) recalling from said memory the current commanded mode by which incoming calls are presently processed for said user; and(g) transmitting information which advises said user of said current commanded mode.