Remote access telephone control system

• US 4,893,335 A
• Filed: 03/20/1986
• Issued: 01/09/1990
• Est. Priority Date: 09/14/1984
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Aspect Communications Corporation (Alvaria Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Fuller Research and Development Company
• Inventors: Fuller, Robert M., Epler, Frederick A., Manowski, Maxwell E.
• Primary Examiner(s): CHERNOFF, MICHAEL B
• Application Number:
  US06/841,931
• Time in Patent Office: 1,391 Days
• Field of Search: 179/2 A, 179/2 AM, 179/5 R, 179/5 P, 179/5.5, 179/6.02, 179/18 BC, 179/18BD, 179/18 BE, 179/37, 179/84 C, 179/90 B, 179/90 D, 179/99 A, 179/18 BF , 179/90 BD, 379/40, 379/51, 379/57, 379/69, 379/95, 379/102, 379/105, 379/107, 379/142, 379/157, 379/158, 379/159, 379/167, 379/188, 379/199, 379/200, 379/202, 379/204, 379/205, 379/210 , 379/211, 379/212, 379/217, 379/355
• US Class Current: 379/200
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/006 Call diverting means
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/27 Devices whereby a plurality of signals may be stored simultaneously
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/652 Means for playing back the recorded messages by remote control over a telephone line H04M1/658 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/658 Means for redirecting recorded messages to other extensions or equipment
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/665 by checking the validity of a code
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 11/00 Telephonic communication systems specially adapted for combination with other electrical systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2203/2072 Schedules, e.g. personal calendars
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2242/22 Automatic class or number identification arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/005 Interface circuits for subscriber lines current supply H04M19/00 and subgroups; supervisory, monitoring or testing arrangements H04M3/22 and subgroups; in key telephone systems H04M9/006
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/382 using authorisation codes or passwords
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/42 Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers specially adapted for wireless communication networks H04W4/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/42059 Making use of the calling party identifier
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/42229 Personal communication services, i.e. services related to one subscriber independent of his terminal and/or location diverting calls from one subscriber to another subscriber, i.e. two different subscriptions H04M3/54; selecting arrangements in intelligent networks H04Q3/005
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/436 Arrangements for screening incoming calls , i.e. evaluating the characteristics of a call before deciding whether to answer it based on the calling party profile H04M3/42059; based on location H04M3/42348; based on presence H04M3/42365; diversion H04M3/54
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/533 Voice mail systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/54 Arrangements for diverting calls for one subscriber to another predetermined subscriber based on the calling party profile H04M3/42059; based on location H04M3/42348; based on presence H04M3/42365; to voice mail H04M3/53308
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/56 Arrangements for connecting several subscribers to a common circuit, i.e. affording conference facilities video conference systems H04N7/15
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/1305 Software aspects
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13091 CLI, identification of calling line
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13095 PIN / Access code, authentication
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13097 : Numbering, addressing
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13098 : Mobile subscriber
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13102 : Common translator
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13103 : Memory
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13106 : Microprocessor, CPU
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13141 : Hunting for free outlet, circuit or channel
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13173 : Busy signals
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13174 : Data transmission, file transfer
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/1318 : Ringing
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13204 : Protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13213 : Counting, timing circuits
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13216 : Code signals, frame structure
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/1322 : PBX
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13222 : PBX circuits in public exchange, centrex
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13224 : Off-net subscriber, dial in to/out from network, teleworking
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/1324 : Conference call
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/1325 : Priority service
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13256 : Call screening
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/1326 : Consultation call, broker's call, call hold, toggling
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13271 : Forced release
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13282 : Call forward, follow-me, call diversion
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13286 : Direct in-dialling in PBX, DDI
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13299 : Bus
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13305 : Transistors, semiconductors in general
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/1332 : Logic circuits
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13322 : Integrated circuits
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13374 : Paging
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13377 : Recorded announcement
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13385 : Off-net subscriber
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13405 : Dual frequency signaling, DTMF
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13513 : UPT - personal as opposed to terminal mobility, inc. number portability
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13515 : authentication, authorisation - fraud prevention
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13532 : mobile networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13533 : multivendor and hybrid, e.g. public/private, networks, inc. international
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13547 : subscriber, e.g. profile, database, database access
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 3/005 : Personal communication services, e.g. provisions for portability of subscriber numbers
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 3/54 : in which the logic circuitry controlling the exchange is centralised
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 3/542 : Logic circuits or arrangements therefor
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 3/54525 : Features introduction
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 3/54566 : Intelligent peripherals, adjunct processors
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 3/54591 : Supervision, e.g. fault localisation, traffic measurements, avoiding errors, failure recovery, monitoring, statistical analysis
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 3/625 : Arrangements in the private branch exchange
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 3/627 : Details
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 3/72 : Finding out and indicating number of calling subscriber
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 379/911 : Distinctive ringing
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 379/914 : Programmable telephone component

Abstract

A telephone control system connects to the telephone line from a telephone exchange. The control system includes a detector for detecting signals on the line, a signal generator for producing and applying control signals to the telephone line, memory for storing electronic signals and a central processor for monitoring signals on the line as detected by the detector, accessing the memory to produce and apply control signals to the signal generator. The control system is programmable to provide a variety of controllable functions to a remote user including activation of the conferencing/transferring function provided by the telephone exchange to allow a user to sequentially complete successive phone calls through the control system without the user hanging-up, or to redirect calls to pre-programmed, remotely controllable numbers. In addition, the control system is capable of receiving, storing and redirecting messages to pagers.

Claims

1. A telephone control system connected between a telephone line and a local telephone station, said system comprising:

a decoder for determining numbers being dialed by said local station and outputting information signals corresponding thereto;

a dialer selectively placing on said telephone line dialing signals corresponding to digit identifying signals;

processor means receiving the information signals from said decoder, said processor means examining information signals corresponding to numbers being dialed, determining if said information signals have a predetermined value, recording the information signals for numbers being dialed at least up until the time that said processor means determines if a call over said telephone line is being attempted and, in response to said processor means determining that a call over said telephone line is being attempted and within a period thereafter that is independent of the rate of subsequently dialing digits, outputting to said dialer digit identifying signals corresponding to the information signals recorded by said processor means at least up until the time that said processor means has determined that a call over said telephone line is being attempted thereby placing dialing signals corresponding to said information signals on said telephone line; and

a switch actuatable to a first position in which said telephone station is connected to said telephone line, said switch being actuated by said processor means to said first position responsive to said processor means determining that a call over said telephone line is being attempted and after said processor means has outputted to said dialer the digit identifying signals corresponding to all information signals recorded in said processor means prior thereto, whereby after said switch has been activated to said first position, said dialing signals are thereafter placed on said telephone line in real time as they are generated by said local telephone station.

2. The telephone control system of claim 1, further including a memory recording a plurality of said information signals corresponding to respective telephone numbers, said memory selectively outputting said identifying signals to said processor means.

3. The telephone control system of claim 1 wherein said processor means includes memory means for recording a number previously dialed by the local station and timing means for periodically causing said processor means to output to said dialer digit identifying signals corresponding to the number recorded in said memory means.

4. The telephone control system of claim 3 further including means for recognizing that the telephone station corresponding to said digit identifying signals has gone off hook and, in response thereto, for preventing dialing signals from being thereafter generated on said telephone trunk line by said dialer until the telephone station corresponding to said digit identifying signals has gone on hook.

5. The telephone control system of claim 1 further including memory dial means, comprising:

storage means for recording the digits of a plurality of telephone numbers and at least one dial mode identifier code interspersed among the digits of at least some of said telephone numbers for identifying a dual-tone multifrequency dialing mode or a dial-pulse dialing mode;

selector means for selecting a telephone number corresponding to a digit dialed by said local telephone station; and

means for applying to said dialer digit identifying signals corresponding to the digits of the selected telephone number and dial codes interspersed among the digits of the selected telephone number, said dialer being responsive to said dial codes to place on said telephone line dual-tone multifrequency tones corresponding to said digit identifying signals subsequent to dual-tone multifrequency dial mode identifier codes being applied to said dialer and to place dial pulses corresponding to said digit identifying signals subsequent to dial pulse dial mode identifier codes being applied to said dialer whereby telephone numbers recorded in said storage means may be dialed in any combination of dial pulses and dual-tone multifrequency tones.

6. The telephone control system of claim 1 further including memory dial means, comprising:

storage means for recording the digits of a plurality of telephone numbers and at least one dial pause identifier code interspersed among the digits of at least some of said telephone numbers;

selector means for selecting a telephone number corresponding to a digit dialed by said local telephone station;

a supervisory signal detector for detecting a predetermined supervisory signal on said telephone line and outputting a supervisory signal detection indication in response thereto;

means for applying to said dialer digit identifying signals corresponding to the digits of the selected telephone number and pause identifier codes interspersed among the digits of the selected telephone number, said dialer applying to said telephone line dialing signals corresponding to the digits of the selected telephone number until a pause identifer code is received, said dialer applying to said telephone line dialing signals corresponding to the digits of the selected telephone number upon receipt of a supervisory signal detection indication from such supervisory signal detector.

17. The telephone control system of claim 1 further including a supervisory signal detector for detecting a predetermined supervisory signal on said line and outputting a supervisory signal detection indication to said processor means responsive thereto and wherein said processor means initiates recording the digits being dialed by said local station and actuates said switch from said first position after a predetermined number of digits have been dialed by said local station and at least up until said supervisory signal detector outputs said supervisory signal detection indication and, in response to said supervisory signal detection indication, outputting to said dialer digit identifying signals corresponding to the digits recorded by said processor means after said predetermined number of digits have been dialed by said local station and at least until the time that said processor means receives said supervisory signal detection indication, said processor means then actuating said switch to said first position so that said dialing signals are thereafter placed on said telephone line as they are generated by said local telephone station.

7. A telephone control system connected between a telephone line and a local telephone station, said station comprising:

switch means actuated by an off-hook signal for decreasing the impedance between terminals of said control system that are connected to said telephone line;

processor means for momentarily terminating said off-hook signal while a first telephone station is connected to said local telephone station to generate a first hook-flash signal, then allowing a telephone number for a second telephone station to be dialed on said telephone line and then once again momentarily terminating said off-hook signal to generate a second hook-flash signal suitable for causing said first telephone station to be connected to said second telephone station;

storage means for recording the telephone number for said second telephone station;

a dialer receiving an output from said storage means, said dialer being responsive to an initiate signal for applying dialing signals to said telephone line that correspond to the telephone number for said second telephone station;

a ring detector for detecting a ring signal on said telephone line and for generating a ring detect signal in response thereto, wherein said processor means receives an output from said ring detector and generates said off-hook signal in response to said ring detect signal thereby taking said local telephone station off-hook, said processor means further generating in sequence said first hook-flash signal, said initiate signal and said second hook-flash signal thereby forwarding the call placed by said first telephone station to said second telephone station;

and wherein said storage means records a plurality of telephone numbers associated with respective second telephone stations, said system further including a decoder for decoding dialing signals on said line to determine a number being dialed by said first telephone station, wherein said processor means receives an output from said decoder and causes said dialer to apply dialing signals to said line corresponding to a telephone number recorded in said storage means, said telephone number being designated by a respective number being decoded by said decoder thereby forwarding the telephone call placed by said first telephone station to one of several second telephone stations depending upon the number being dialed by said first telephone station.

8. The telephone control system of claim 7 further including said decoder determines numbers being dialed by said local telephone station, and wherein said processor means receives an output from said decoder and generates said first hook-flash signal responsive to said local station dialing a predetermined number and then outputs a dial tone to said local telephone station, said telephone number for said second telephone station being dialed by said local telephone station thereby initiating a conference telephone call between said local, first and second telephone stations.

9. The telephone control system of claim 7 wherein said decoder further comprises means for decoding a telephone number dialed by said first telephone station and wherein said processor means receives an output from said decoder and replaces a predetermined telephone number recorded in said storage means with a telephone number dialed by said first telephone station in the event that said telephone number includes a predetermined access code thereby remotely modifying the telephone station to which calls subsequently placed to said local station are forwarded.

10. The telephone control system of claim 7 wherein said decoder further comprises means for decoding a telephone number dialed by said first telephone station and wherein said processor means receives an output from said decoder and, in the event that said telephone number includes a predetermined access code, causes said storage means to record the telephone number dialed by said first telephone station, generates said first hook-flash signal, generates said initiate signal to cause said dialer to apply dialing signals to said telephone line that correspond to the telephone number dialed by said first telephone station and recorded in said storage means and then generates said second hook-flash signal to connect said first telephone station to the station dialed by said first station thereby allowing said first station to dial telephone stations through said local telephone station.

11. The telephone control system of claim 7 further including an answering machine connected to the local station telephone line and wherein said processor means delays generating said initiate signal until after said answering machine has recorded a message from said first telephone station and broadcast a message to said first telephone station.

12. The telephone control system of claim 7 wherein said storage means further records the telephone number of a telephone paging station, wherein said dialer applies dialing signals to said telephone trunk line that correspond to the telephone number for said paging station in response to a page alert signal and wherein said processing means generates said page alert signal prior to generating said initiate signal.

13. The telephone control system of claim 12 further including an answering machine connected to the local station telephone lines and wherein said processor means delays generating said page alert signal and said initiate signal until after said answering machine has recorded a message from said first telephone station and/or broadcast a message to said first telephone station.

14. The telephone control system of claim 7 wherein the decoder further comprises means for decoding dialing signals on said line to determine a number being dialed by said first telephone station, and wherein said processor means generates said initiate signal only if a predetermined number is decoded by said decoder thereby forwarding the telephone call placed by said first telephone station to said second telephone station only in response to a predetermined number being dialed by said first telephone station.

15. The telephone control system of claim 7 further including an answering machine connected to the local station telephone line and wherein said processor means delays generating said initiate signal until after said answering machine has broadcast a list of call forwarding destinations and corresponding call forwarding codes that may be dialed by said first station.

16. A system for reporting to a central telephone station the telephone number associated with a telephone unit having an identifying number and being connected to a telephone line, comprising:

inhibit means for rendering said telephone unit inoperable until the telephone number associated with said telephone unit has been entered into said telephone unit;

storage means for storing the telephone number associated with said telephone unit; and

dialing means for automatically causing said telephone unit to dial the telephone number of said central telephone station and, after said central telephone station has gone off-hook, dialing the telephone number associated with said telephone unit and a number corresponding to said identifying number thereby informing said central telephone station the telephone number to which said telephone unit is connected.

18. A remotely accessible telephone control system for connection to a telephone line from a telephone exchange, the telephone exchange providing a user controlled call conferencing function, the system comprising:

detector means for detecting signals on said telephone line;

signal generating means responsive to control signals to produce predetermined signals and apply said signals to said telephone line;

memory means for controllably storing electronic signals; and

central processing means for monitoring signals on said telephone line as detected by said detector means, accessing said memory means and producing and applying predetermined control signals to said signal generating means, said central processing means including means for;

(a) identifying a call to said system from a remote user,

(b) identifying a control signal from said remote user indicating a desired call transfer to a predetermined number,

(c) receiving and storing said predetermined transfer number from said remote user,

(d) activating the call conferencing function of the telephone exchange to place the remote user on hold,

(e) producing control signals to cause the signal generating means to apply appropriate signals to said telephone line to complete a call to said predetermined transfer number,

(f) further activating said telephone exchange to connect said remote user to said predetermined transfer number,

(g) detecting the completion of the call between said remote user and said transfer number and, in response thereto,

(h) repeating items (b) through (f) to allow said remote user to call a further transfer number.

19. The system of claim 18 wherein item (g) further comprises means for detecting the absence of an audio signal on the connection between said remote user and the transfer number for a predetermined time period.

20. The system of claim 18 wherein item (g) further comprises means for ignoring a momentary disconnection on the line between said remote user and said transfer number caused by a transient event.

21. The system of claim 19 wherein item (g) further comprises means for ignoring a momentary disconnection on the line between said remote user and said transfer number caused by a transient event.

22. The system of claim 18 wherein item (g) further comprises means for detecting a disconnection on the line between said remote user and said transfer number and then maintaining a connection to said remote user for a predetermined time period, thereby allowing the remote user time to initiate a further transfer call per item (h).

23. The system of claim 21 wherein item (g) further comprises means for detecting a disconnection on the line between said remote user and said transfer number and then maintaining a connection to said remote user for a predetermined time period, thereby allowing the remote user time to initiate a further transfer call per item (h).

24. The system of claim 18 wherein said telephone exchange further provides a "call waiting" function, the central processing means further comprising means for detecting an incoming call while a remote user-to-transfer call is in operation and causing said signal generating means to return a busy signal to said incoming caller.

25. A remotely accessible telephone control system for connecting to a telephone line from a telephone exchange, the telephone exchange providing a user controlled call conferencing function, the system comprising:

detector means for detecting signals on said telephone line;

signal generating means responsive to control signals to produce predetermined signals and apply said signals to said telephone line;

memory means for controllably storing electronic signals; and

central processing means for monitoring signals on said telephone line as detected by said detector means, accessing said memory means and producing and applying predetermined control signals to said signal generating means, said central processing means including means for;

(a) identifying a call to said system from a remote user,

(b) activating the call conferencing function of the telephone exchange to place the remote user on hold,

(c) recalling from said memory means a predetermined transfer number,

(d) producing control signals to cause the signal generating means to apply appropriate signals to said telephone line to complete a call to said predetermined transfer number,

(e) further activating said telephone exchange to connect said remote user to said predetermined transfer number,

(f) identifying a call from a remote user indicating a desired change in said predetermined transfer number,

(g) receiving from said remote user the new transfer number, and

(h) loading into said memory said new predetermined number.

26. The system of claim 25 wherein the central processing means further includes means for:

(i) disconnecting said system from said remote user-to-transfer number connection while maintaining said remote user to transfer number connection such that said system is free to process other incoming calls.

27. The system of claim 25 wherein the central processing means further includes means for (i) detecting the completion of the call between said remote user and said transfer number.

28. The system of claim 27 wherein item (i) further comprises means for detecting the absence of an audio signal on the connection between said remote user and the transfer number for a predetermined time period.

29. The system of claim 27 wherein item (i) further comprises means for ignoring a momentary disconnection on the line between said remote user and said transfer number caused by a transient event.

30. The system of claim 28 wherein item (i) further comprises means for ignoring a momentary disconnection on the line between said remote user and said transfer number caused by a transient event.

31. The system of claim 25 wherein said telephone exchange further provides a "call waiting" function, the central processing means further comprising means for detecting an incoming call while a remote user-to-transfer call is in operation and causing said signal generating means to return a busy signal to said incoming caller.

32. The system of claim 25 wherein said central processing means further includes means for causing said signal generating means to apply an artificial ring-back signal on the line to said remote user prior to item (b) such that the remote user has reduced awareness of the transfer operation.

33. The system of claim 32 wherein said central processing means causes said artificial ring signal to be produced with similar cadence as an actual ring signal.

34. A remotely accessible telephone control system for connection to at least one telephone line from a telephone exchange, the telephone exchange providing a user controlled call function including call conferencing, the system comprising:

detector means for detecting signals on a telephone line;

signal generating means responsive to control signals to produce predetermined signals and apply such signals to said telephone line;

memory means for controllably storing electronic signals; and

central processing means for monitoring signals on said telephone line as detected by said detector means, accessing said memory means and producing and applying predetermined control signals to said signal generating means, said central processing means including means for;

(a) identifying a call to said system from a remote user via said telephone exchange;

(b) identifying a desired call control function;

(c) producing control signals to cause the signal generating means to apply all appropriate signals to said telephone line to accomplish said desired call control function while maintaining said remote user call to said telephone exchange;

(d) activating the call conferencing function of the telephone exchange to place the remote user on hold;

(e) recalling from said memory means a predetermined transfer number;

(f) producing control signals to cause the signal generating means to apply appropriate signals to said telephone line to complete a call to said predetermined transfer number;

(g) further activating said telephone exchange to connect said remote user to said predetermined transfer number;

(h) identifying a call from a remote user indicating a desired change in said predetermined transfer number;

(i) receiving from said remote user the new transfer number; and

(j) loading into said memory means said predetermined transfer number.

35. The remotely accessible telephone control system of claim 34 wherein the central processing means further comprises means for:

(k) identifying a control signal from said remote user indicating the desired call transfer to a predetermined number;

(l) receiving and storing said predetermined transfer number from said remote user;

(m) activating the call conferencing function of the telephone exchange to place the remote user on hold;

(n) producing control signals to cause the signal generating means to apply appropriate signals to said telephone line to complete a call to said predetermined transfer number; and

(o) further activating said telephone exchange to connect said remote user to said predetermined transfer number.

36. The remotely accessible telephone control system of claim 35 wherein the central processing means further includes means for;

(p) disconnecting said system from said remote user-to-transfer number connection such that said system is free to process other incoming calls.

37. The remotely accessible telephone control system of claim 35 wherein the central processing means further includes means for:

(p) detecting the completion of the call between said remote user and said transfer number and, in response thereto;

(q) repeating items (k) through (o) above to allow said remote user to call a further transfer number.

38. The remotely accessible telephone control system of claim 37 wherein item (i) further comprises means for detecting the absence of an audio signal on the connection between said remote user and the transfer number for a predetermined time period.

39. The remotely accessible telephone control system of claim 35 wherein said telephone exchange further provides a "call waiting" function, the central processing means further comprising means for detecting an incoming call while a remote user-to-transfer call is in operation and causing said signal generating means to return a busy signal to said incoming caller.

40. The remotely accessible telephone control system of claim 34 wherein the central processing means further includes means for:

(k) disconnecting said system from said remote user-to-transfer number connection such that said system is free to process other incoming calls.

41. The remotely accessible telephone control system of claim 34 wherein said central processing means further includes means for causing said signal generating means to apply an artificial ring-back signal on the line to said remote user prior to item (c) such that the remote user has reduced awareness of the transfer operation.

42. The remotely accessible telephone control system of claim 41 wherein said central processing means causes said artificial ring signal to be produced with similar cadence as an actual ring signal.

43. The remotely accessible telephone control system of claim 34 wherein said control processing means further comprises means for:

(k) activating said signal generating means to transmit a message to a remote user allowing said user to transmit a message on the line;

(l) storing a remote user transmitted message in said memory means;

(m) terminating the connection to said remote user;

(n) recalling from said memory means a predetermined pager access service number;

(o) causing said signal generating means to complete a call to said predetermined pager access service number;

(p) recalling said remote user transmitted message from memory; and

(q) causing said signal generating means to transmit said remote user transmitted message to said pager access service number, whereby said pager access service is activated to transmit said remote user transmitted message to a predetermined pager.

44. The remotely accessible telephone control system of claim 43 wherein said central processing means further includes means for:

(r) recalling from said memory means a predetermined terminating control signal; and

(s) causing said signal generating means to transmit said predetermined terminating control signal to said pager access service following transmission of said remote user transmitted number.

45. A remotely accessible telephone control system for connection to at least one telephone line from a telephone exchange, the telephone exchange providing a user controlled call function including call conferencing, the system comprising:

detector means for detecting signals on a telephone line;

signal generating means responsive to control signals to produce predetermined signals and apply such signals to said telephone line;

memory means for controllably storing electronic signals; and

central processing means for monitoring signals on said telephone line as detected by said detector means, accessing said memory means and producing and applying predetermined control signals to said signal generating means, said central processing means including means for;

(a) identifying a cell to said system from a remote user via said telephone exchange;

(b) identifying a remote user desired call control function;

(c) producing control signals to cause the signal generating means to apply all appropriate signals to said telephone line to accomplish said desired call control function while maintaining said remote user call to said telephone exchange;

(d) activating the call conferencing function of the telephone exchange to place the remote user on hold;

(e) recalling from said memory means a predetermined transfer number;

(f) producing control signals to cause the signal generating means to apply appropriate signals to said telephone line to complete a call to said predetermined transfer number;

(g) further activating said telephone exchange to connect said remote user to said predetermined transfer number;

(h) identifying a call from a remote user indicating a desired change in said predetermined transfer number;

(i) receiving from said remote user the new transfer number; and

(j) loading into said memory means said predetermined transfer number.

46. The remotely accessible telephone control system of claim 45 wherein the central processing means further comprises means for:

(k) identifying a control signal from said remote user indicating a desired call transfer to a predetermined number;

(l) receiving and storing said predetermined transfer number from said remote user;

(m) activating the call conferencing function of the telephone exchange to place the remote user on hold;

(n) producing control signals to cause the signal generating means to apply appropriate signals to said telephone line to complete a call to said predetermined transfer number; and

(o) further activating said telephone exchange to connect said remote user to said predetermined transfer number.

47. The remotely accessible telephone control system of claim 46 wherein the central processing means further includes means for:

(p) disconnecting said system from said remote user-to-transfer number connection such that said system is free to process other incoming calls.

48. The remotely accessible telephone control system of claim 46 wherein the central processing means further includes means for:

(p) detecting the completion of the call between said remote user and said transfer number and, in response thereto;

(g) repeating items (k) through (o) above to allow said remote user to call a further transfer number.

49. The remotely accessible telephone control system of claim 48 wherein item (p) further comprises means for detecting the absence of an audio signal on the connection between said remote user and the transfer number for a predetermined time period.

50. The remotely accessible telephone control system of claim 46 wherein the telephone exchange further provides a "call waiting" function, the central processing means further comprising means for detecting an incoming call while a remote user-to-transfer call is in operation and causing said signal generating means to return a busy signal to said incoming caller.

51. The remotely accessible telephone control system of claim 45 wherein the central processing means further includes means for:

(k) disconnecting said system from said remote user-to-transfer number connection such that said system is free to process other incoming calls.

52. The remotely accessible telephone control system of claim 45 wherein the telephone exchange further provides a "call waiting" function, the central processing means further comprising means for detecting an incoming call from an incoming caller while a remote user-to-transfer call is in operation and causing said signal generating means to return a busy signal to said incoming caller.

53. The remotely accessible telephone control system of claim 45 wherein said central processing means further includes means for causing said signal generating means to apply an artificial ring-back signal on the line to said remote user prior to item (c) such that the remote user has reduced awareness of the transfer operation.

54. The remotely accessible telephone control system of claim 53 wherein said central processing means causes said artificial ring signal to be produced with similar cadence as an actual ring signal.

55. The remotely accessible telephone control system of claim 45 wherein said control processing means further comprises means of:

(k) activating said signal generating means to transmit a message to a remote user allowing said user to transmit a message on the line;

(l) storing a remote user transmitted message in said memory means;

(m) terminating the connection to said remote user;

(n) recalling from said memory means a predetermined pager access service number;

(o) causing said signal generating means to complete a call to said predetermined paper access service number;

(p) recalling said remote user transmitted message from memory; and

(q) causing said signal generating means to transmit said remote user transmitted message to said pager access service number, whereby said pager access service is activated to transmit said remote user transmitted message to a predetermined pager.

56. The remotely accessible telephone control system of claim 55 wherein said central processing means further includes means for:

(r) recalling from said memory means a predetermined terminating control signal; and

(s) causing said signal generating means to transmit said predetermined terminating control signal to said pager access service following transmission of said remote user transmitted number.