Importance

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Abstract

A method and apparatus is described for enhancing the communication of data in an alphanumeric paging network. In accordance with the present invention, caller-identification information is automatically transmitted through a telephone network to a central office of a alphanumeric paging network when a page-originating communicant engages the network. The caller-identification information preferably includes numeric data which identifies the telephone number of the particular telephone unit utilized by the page-originating communicant to engage the alphanumeric paging network, and alphanumeric text which identifies the entity associated in the telephone directory with that particular telephone number. This information may be utilized in an automated fashion to reduce the required interaction between the alphanumeric paging network and the page-originating communicant. In particular it is helpful in minimizing the amount of human interaction required. The page-originating communicant may be challenged or queried to determine the veracity and accuracy of the information transmitted in the caller-identification signal, preferably in an automated fashion utilizing a synthesized voice presentation of questions coupled with responses provided by the page-originating communicant with the key pad of the particular telephone being utilized by him or her. The page-originating communicant may then be optionally engaged by a human or automated operator which then receives an optional message for transmission to the page-receiving communicant along with the caller-identification information. Upon receipt, the portable communication device carried by the page-receiving communicant decodes the information and utilizes it in a manner to determine what is displayed on the display of the portable communication device.

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First Claim