Method of establishing a communications call

Abstract

A method system, interface and server for establishing a communications call by selecting a B party ( 6 ) using an interactive device ( 16 ) connected to a public network ( 10,12 ), sending called address data for the B party ( 6 ) and calling address data for an A party ( 4 ) to a communications platform ( 18 ) of the public network ( 10,12 ), and establishing a call between the A and B parties ( 4,6 ) over the public network ( 10,12 ) using the communications platform ( 18 ) and the called and calling address data. The called address data can be accessed from the public network, and may reside on a server of a messaging network, such as the Internet.

1 . A method of establishing a communications call, including:
 selecting a B party using an interactive device connected to a public network;   sending called address data for said B party and calling address data for an A party to communications means of said public network; and   establishing a call between said A and B parties over said public network using said communications means and said called and calling address data.   
     
     
         2 . A method as claimed in  claim 1 , including accessing said called address data from said public network. 
     
     
         3 . A method as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein said called address data is accessed in response to selecting said B party. 
     
     
         4 . A method as claimed in  claim 2 , including searching for said B party using said interactive device and a search module of said public network and a database of said public network including called address data. 
     
     
         5 . A method as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein said interactive device is a computer device including a visual display. 
     
     
         6 . A method as claimed in  claim 5 , wherein said interactive device is associated with said A party. 
     
     
         7 . A method as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein said interactive device is a communications terminal for said call. 
     
     
         8 . A method of originating a communications call, including:
 selecting a B party using an interactive device connected to a public network; and   sending, in response to selection of said B party, selected party data corresponding to said B party to said public network;   whereby said public network provides said called address data for said B party to communications means for establishing a call between an A party and said B party.   
     
     
         9 . A method as claimed in  claim 8 , including obtaining said called address data from said public network. 
     
     
         10 . A method as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein said called address data is obtained in response to a search for said B party using said public network. 
     
     
         11 . A method as claimed in  claim 10 , wherein said selected party data includes said called address data. 
     
     
         12 . A method as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein said called address data is accessed on the basis of said selected party data. 
     
     
         13 . A method as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said public network includes a messaging network for connecting a plurality of said interactive device and at least one public telecommunications network for connecting said A and B parties. 
     
     
         14 . A method as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein said messaging network provides said interactive device with a plurality of B party data. 
     
     
         15 . A method as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein said messaging network accesses and forwards said called address data to said telecommunications network. 
     
     
         16 . An interface of an interactive device for originating a communications call, including:
 means for causing display of at least one B party;   means for enabling a B party to be selected on said display; and   a link which on being activated sends selected party data corresponding to said B party to a public network, whereby said public network instructs communications means of said public network to establish a call with said B party.   
     
     
         17 . An interface as claimed in  claim 16 , wherein said public network accesses called address data of said B party for said communication means on the basis of said selected party data. 
     
     
         18 . An interface as claimed in  claim 16 , wherein said display means displays called address data for said B party, and said selected party data includes said called address data. 
     
     
         19 . An interface as claimed in  claim 16 , including means for generating a search for said B party using said public network, and means for receiving results of said search and forwarding said results to said display means. 
     
     
         20 . An interface as claimed in  claim 16 , wherein said interface is sent to said interactive device by said public network on request from said interactive device. 
     
     
         21 - 39 . (canceled)