Telephone number area code processor

Abstract

This invention provides an apparatus and method for processing telephone numbers that assists telephone subscribers in reaching the desired destination when the area code is unknown or has changed. The invention can be integrated into a telephone unit, implemented as a stand-alone device connected to the subscribers telephone line (including wireless, cable-TV lines, and other modes of telecommunication), implemented as a utility on a personal computer that may or may not be connected to the Internet or to a telephone line, or implemented as part of the telephone switching system. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus for processing telephone numbers includes an area code processor and a caller interface. The area code processor has means, which are responsive to information about the called party, for producing a list of telephone numbers. The caller interface communicates with the area code processor and a calling party; and has means for monitoring call initiation signals, means for receiving called party information such as a telephone number, and means for selecting a target telephone number from the list of telephone numbers produced by the area code processor.

Description

PRIORITY [0001] This application claims priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 024,033, filed Dec. 21, 2001, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09 / 291,213, filed Apr. 14, 1999, which issued on Feb. 5, 2002 as U.S. Pat. No. 6,345,095B1, and which claims priorty to provisional U.S. patent application No. 60 / 081,735, filed Apr. 14, 1998. The specification of U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 024,033 and of U.S. application Ser. No. 09 / 291,213 are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates to the selection of telephone numbers, and more particularly to devices and methods for assisting telephone subscribers in connecting to the desired destination when the area code or service code is unknown or has changed. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELEVANT ART [0003] In North America, the telecommunications numbering plan generally divides the country into geographical area code service areas. Each three-digit area code is divided into three-dig...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009] An object of the invention is to provide an automated system that would help telephone users select the proper area code for a call.

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, the number of subscribers that can be served by a particular exchange is limited by the number of digits that can uniquely identify a subscriber line within the exchange.

As particular geographical sub-areas develop, however, they may eventually require more than 10,000 subscriber numbers.

However, with the exception of wireless exchanges, the geographical sub-area covered by a particular exchange is generally completely confined to a particular area code service area.

The use of identical exchange codes in adjoining area code service areas, however, may create ambiguities when subscribers dial numbers outside of their local exchange.

The recent rapid increases in the number of fax machines and cellular / mobile phones has only increased the rapid utilization of available phone numbers.

The result is confusion and complexity for the telephone user.

Calls placed without the appropriate or new three-digit, destination area code currently result frequently in either an undesired connection, a phone company message about an area code change, or a recorded message that the number is simply not in service.

Autodialer data that has not been updated to reflect the latest area code changes will also yield the same frustrating results mentioned previously.

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