System and method for automatically screening and directing incoming calls

摘要

A system and method that allow a subscriber to have incoming telephone calls automatically screened and directed is described. The system allows a subscriber to automatically manage his incoming communications in a way that is easy to control and which requires a minimum of unnecessary interruptions. The system includes a graphical user interface (GUI) which is accessible through the subscriber's personal digital assistant (200), a Network Interface (304), a service control module (306), and a database (308). The system and method allow a subscriber to have all of his incoming telephone calls screened in order to identify those that are of the high importance to the subscriber. The subscriber controls this system by user-friendly interfaces to a name and telephone number database and an appointment calendar database. By entering schedule information into an appointment calendar (including times and locations of meetings and other events) and by entering client's information into the name and telephone number database, the subscriber indicates how to locate the subscriber so that important calls will reach him immediately. These databases also tell the system which clients are of high priority to the subscriber so that lower priority calls can be directed to a voice mail system for access at the subscriber's convenience or routed to an attendant for action.