Multiple function key initiated telecommunications system

Abstract

A system for providing a wide range of telecommunications initiated data fulfillment services in which a multi-function code, such as “*#” (star, pound), input into an originating telecommunications device, such as a wireless telephone, triggers the treatment of the input sequence as a multi-function code service request rather than a dialed directory number. The multi-function code is followed by an input data string to complete the multi-function code service request, which the user typically enters into the telecommunications device just like a conventional telephone call, except that the input string begins with the multi-function code. The telecommunications system recognizes the multi-function code as a trigger, and in response takes one or more date fulfillment actions. For example, *# dialing strings may be used to implement abbreviated dialing (vanity codes) as well as telephone call prioritizing, filtering, screening and routing (one number services).

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A method for responding to telephone calls, comprising the steps of:
 storing a plurality of dialing strings in association with respective directory numbers, wherein each directory number comprises ten digits and is assigned to an associated telecommunications device for routing telephone calls to the telecommunications device, and wherein each dialing string comprises less than ten digits and at least some of the dialing strings vary in length with respect to each other;   storing response rules in association with each dialing string for responding to telephone calls comprising the associated dialing string and wherein the response rules comprise instructions for prioritizing, filtering, screening, or routing communications comprising the associated dialing string;   receiving a data message comprising a selected dialing string from a telecommunications switch in response to the telecommunications switch receiving an initiating telephone call from an originating device comprising a multiple function key dialing prefix followed by the selected dialing string;   looking up the response rules associated with the selected dialing string, and   responding to the data message in accordance with the response rules associated with the selected dialing string.   
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21 , further comprising the step of receiving instructions from a subscriber associated with the selected dialing string defining the response rules for responding to telephone calls directed to the selected dialing string. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 22 , further comprising the steps of, in response to the instructions received from the subscriber:
 storing a plurality of directory numbers in association with the selected dialing string;   selecting a directory number based on a time of day, a location for a communication device assigned to the dialing string, a location for an originating device, or an identity of an originating device; and   transmitting the selected directory number to the telecommunications switch for routing the telephone call.   
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 22 , further comprising the steps of, in response to the instructions received from the subscriber:
 storing a plurality of text messages in association with the selected dialing string;   selecting a text message based on a time of day, a location for a communication device assigned to the dialing string, a location for an originating device, or an identity of an originating device; and   transmitting the selected text message to the originating device.   
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 22 , further comprising the steps of, in response to the instructions received from the subscriber:
 storing a plurality of text messages in association with the selected dialing string;   a time of day, a location for a communication device assigned to the dialing string, a location for an originating device, or an identity of an originating device; and   transmitting the selected text message to a telecommunications device associated with the selected dialing string.   
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the response rules comprises instructions based on a time of day, a location for a communication device assigned to the dialing string, a location for an originating device, or an identity of an originating device. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the response rules comprise instructions based on a time of day and an identity of an originating device. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the step of responding to the data message further comprises sending the directory number associated with the selected dialing string to the telecommunications switch for routing the initiating telephone call. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the selected set of response rules comprises an alternate directory number, further comprising the steps of:
 selecting the alternate directory number based on the response rules;   sending the alternate directory number to the telecommunications switch for routing the initiating telephone call.   
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the selected set of response rules comprises a text message, further comprising the step of:
 selecting the text message based on the response rules;   sending the text message in accordance with the response rules.   
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 30 , further comprising the step of sending the text message to a communications device assigned the directory number associated with the selected dialing string. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 30 , further comprising the step of sending the text message to the originating device. 
     
     
         33 . A method for responding to telephone calls, comprising the steps of:
 storing a plurality of dialing strings in association with respective directory numbers, wherein each directory number comprises ten digits and is assigned to an associated telecommunications device for routing telephone calls to the telecommunications device, and wherein each dialing string comprises less than ten digits and at least some of the abbreviated dialing strings vary in length with respect to each other;   receiving a data message from a telecommunications switch comprising a selected dialing string in response to the telecommunications switch receiving a telephone call from an originating device comprising a multiple function key dialing prefix followed by a selected dialing string;   looking up the directory number associated with the selected abbreviated dialing string; and   transmitting the directory number to the telecommunication switch for routing the telephone call to the associated telecommunications device.   
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 33 , further comprising the step of storing a plurality of directory numbers in association with the selected dialing string, and wherein the response rules further comprise instructions for:
 selecting a directory number based on a time of day; and   transmitting the selected directory number to the telecommunications switch for routing the telephone call.   
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 33 , further comprising the step of storing a plurality of directory numbers in association with the selected dialing string, and wherein the response rules further comprise instructions for:
 selecting a directory number based on locations for a communication device assigned to the dialing string; and   transmitting the selected directory number to the telecommunications switch for routing the telephone call.   
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 33 , further comprising the step of storing a plurality of directory numbers in association with the selected dialing string, and wherein the response rules further comprise instructions for:
 selecting a directory number based on a location for an originating device; and   transmitting the selected directory number to the telecommunications switch for routing the telephone call.   
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 33 , further comprising the step of storing a plurality of directory numbers in association with the selected dialing string, and wherein the response rules further comprise instructions for:
 selecting a directory number based on an identity of an originating device; and   transmitting the selected directory number to the telecommunications switch for routing the telephone call.   
     
     
         38 . A method for routing telephone calls, comprising the steps of:
 storing a plurality of abbreviated dialing strings in association with respective directory numbers, wherein each directory number comprises ten digits and is assigned to an associated telecommunications device for routing telephone calls to the telecommunications device, and wherein each abbreviated dialing string comprises less than ten digits and at least some of the abbreviated dialing strings vary in length with respect to each other;   storing in association with each abbreviated dialing string one or more text messages and response rules for using the text messages to respond to telephone calls comprising the associated abbreviated dialing string and wherein the response rules comprise instructions for prioritizing, filtering, screening or routing communications comprising the associated dialing string;   receiving a data message from a telecommunications switch in response to the telecommunications switch receiving a telephone call from an originating device comprising a multiple function key dialing prefix followed by a selected dialing string;   looking up a selected text message based on the response rules associated with the selected abbreviated dialing string; and   transmitting the selected text message in accordance with the response rules associated with the selected abbreviated dialing string.   
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 38 , further comprising the step of sending the text message to a communications device assigned the directory number associated with the selected dialing string. 
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 38 , further comprising the step of sending the text message to the originating device.