Unified messaging/call routing configuration using palmtop computer

Abstract

A method of routing telephone calls, emails and faxes using a palmtop computer. Using a date book forming a part of a personal information manager application of a palmtop computer, the user enters an appointment into the date book. Such an appointment has a starting and an ending time. The user then selects (either at the time of entry of the appointment or after receipt of an alarm reminder of the appointment) a destination telephone number for routing of telephone calls between the starting time and the ending time. This selection can be in the form of a menu selection of a predetermined profile for routing telephone calls. The palmtop computer then sends a representation of the destination telephone number, the starting time and the ending time to a telephone call server (and / or email server and / or fax server), so that the telephone call server routes telephone calls to the destination telephone number between the starting time and the ending time.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation application of application Ser. No. 09 / 775,321, entitled “UNIFIED MESSAGING / CALL ROUTING CONFIGURATION USING PALMTOP COMPUTER,” filed Jan. 31, 2001, now allowed, to be issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,319,744. The subject matter in the above-identified co-pending and commonly owned application(s) is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to the field of controlling telephone, fax and email routing. More particularly, the present invention relates to control of telephone, fax and email routing using a palmtop computer. BACKGROUND [0003] As the components required to build a computer system have reduced in size, new categories of computer systems have emerged. One of the new categories of computer systems is the “palmtop” computer system. A palmtop computer system is a computer that is small enough to be held in the hand of a user and can be “palm-sized.” Mo...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006] In accordance with one embodiment consistent with the present invention, a method of routing telephone calls, emails and faxes using a palmtop computer is provided. Using a date book forming a part of a personal information manager application of a palmtop computer, the user enters an appointment into the date book. Such an appointment has a starting and an ending time. The user then selects (either at the time of entry of the appointment or after receipt of an alarm reminder of the appointment) a destination telephone number for routing of telephone calls between the starting time and the ending time. This selection can be in the form of a menu selection of a predetermined telephone call routing profile for routing telephone calls. The palmtop computer then sends a representation of the destination telephone number or numbers, the starting time and the ending time to a telephone call server (and / or an email server and / or a fax server), so that the telephone call server routes telephone calls to the destination telephone number or numbers between the starting time and the ending time. This provides the user with the ability to manage telephone calls using a palmtop computer.

Problems solved by technology

Someone wishing to contact that individual (assuming that individual wishes to be contacted) is thus presented with many potential actions for contacting the individual with an associated limited possibility of success at any given telephone number.

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