Telephone control system with branch routing

• US 5,375,161 A
• Filed: 02/15/1990
• Issued: 12/20/1994
• Est. Priority Date: 09/14/1984
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Aspect Communications Corporation (Alvaria Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Accessline Communications Corporation (Telanetix Incorporated)
• Inventors: Fuller, Robert M., Epler, Frederick A., Manowski, Maxwell E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Kuntz, Curtis
• Assistant Examiner(s): Bost, Dwayne D.
• Application Number:
  US07/480,242
• Time in Patent Office: 1,769 Days
• Field of Search: 379/88, 379/89, 379/142, 379/200, 379/201, 379/210-212, 379/56, 379/57, 379/67, 379/199, 379/100, 379/79, 379/188, 379/207, 379/233, 379/245-247, 379/265, 379/266
• US Class Current: 455/417
• 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 11/022 Paging systems personal calling arrangements or devices G08B3/1008; selective calling networks H04W84/022
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2203/2005 Temporarily overriding a service configuration
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2203/2011 Service processing based on information specified by a party before or during a call, e.g. information, tone or routing selection
• 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 2242/30 Determination of the location of a subscriber
• 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 3/42042 Notifying the called party of information on the calling party details within substation equipment H04M1/57, signalling details H04Q3/72
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/42059 Making use of the calling party identifier
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/42093 Notifying the calling party of information on the called or connected party
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/42102 Making use of the called 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 3/428 : Arrangements for placing incoming calls on hold
• 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 3/487 : Arrangements for providing information services, e.g. recorded voice services or time announcements
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/527 : Centralised call answering arrangements not requiring operator intervention
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/53 : Centralised arrangements for recording incoming messages , i.e. mailbox systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/533 : Voice mail systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/537 : Arrangements for indicating the presence of a recorded message , whereby the presence information might include a preview or summary of the message
• 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 11/0457 : Connection protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/1305 : Software aspects
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13072 : Sequence circuits for call signaling, ACD systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13091 : CLI, identification of calling line
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13093 : Personal computer, PC
• 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 2213/1315 : Call waiting
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13173 : Busy signals
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13174 : Data transmission, file transfer
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13175 : Graphical user interface [GUI], WWW interface, visual indication
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/1318 : Ringing
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13204 : Protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13209 : ISDN
• 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 2213/13274 : Call rejection, call barring
• 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 2213/13331 : Abbreviated dialling
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13374 : Paging
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13376 : Information service, downloading of information, 0800/0900 services
• 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 3/622 : Circuit arrangements therefor
• 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: H04W 4/12 : Messaging; Mailboxes; Announcements
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/16 : Communication-related supplementary services, e.g. call-transfer or call-hold
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 68/00 : User notification, e.g. alerting and paging, for incoming communication, change of service or the like
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 68/12 : Inter-network notification
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/10 : Connection setup
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 8/16 : selectively restricting mobility data tracking
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 8/18 : Processing of user or subscriber data, e.g. subscribed services, user preferences or user profiles; Transfer of user or subscriber data
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/022 : One-way selective calling networks, e.g. wide area paging
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/022 : Selective call receivers
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/185 : Selective call encoders for paging networks, e.g. paging centre devices
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 92/02 : Inter-networking arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 379/913 : Person locator or person-specific

Abstract

A method and apparatus for processing incoming telephone calls to a telephone control system. The apparatus includes a memory for storing electronic signals including signals representative of telephone network addresses and a processing unit for processing an incoming telephone call from a caller. Information is communicated by the processing unit to said caller indicating that the incoming call can be routed (e.g. branched) to any one of at least two telephone network destinations. The processing unit responds to the transmission by the caller of a command corresponding to the desired telephone network address by routing the incoming call to the telephone network address corresponding to the command transmitted by said caller.

Claims

1. An integrated control system and data base for connection to a telephone network for receiving and processing calls from a caller to a user, the control system comprising:

input/output means for connection to telephone network lines to input and output telephone calls;

switching control means for controllably connecting a call on one line to a different line;

memory means for controllably storing and recalling electronic signals; and

electronic processing means for accessing said memory means and said switching control means to direct the flow of input and output calls, said electronic processing means including means for;

a) processing calls to the system directed to a specific user in a selected one of at least two distinct modes, one such mode being call forwarding in which case the processing means proceeds with functions b) through d), another such mode being branch routing in which case the processing means proceeds with functions e) and (f,

b) recalling from said memory means a forwarding number,

c) implementing a call to said forwarding number,

d) switching the caller'"'"'s call to said forwarding number,

e) responding to an incoming call to a specific user by transmitting to the caller a signal indicating that said incoming call can be branched to any of a plurality of options responsive to the caller transmitting an appropriate command corresponding to the desired branch,

f) responsive to the caller transmitting said command, proceeding with functions b)-d) to forward said call, and

g) responding to a sequence comprising a plurality of schedule command mode changes and corresponding times for each such command mode change to automatically change to the commanded modes at the commanded times.

2. An integrated control system and data base for connection to a telephone network for receiving and processing calls from a caller to a user, the control system comprising:

input/output means for connection to telephone network lines to input and output telephone calls;

switching control means for controllably connecting a call on one line to a different line;

memory means for controllably storing and recalling electronic signals; and

electronic processing means for accessing said memory means and said switching control means to direct the flow of input and output calls, said electronic processing means including means for;

a) processing calls to the system directed to a specific user in a selected one of at least two distinct modes, one such mode being call forwarding in which case the processing means proceeds with functions b) through d), another such mode being branch routing in which case the processing means proceeds with functions e) and f), the system having a presently commanded mode,

b) recalling from said memory means a forwarding number,

c) implementing a call to said forwarding number,

d) switching the caller'"'"'s call to said forwarding number,

e) responding to an incoming call to a specific user by transmitting to the caller a signal indicating that said incoming call can be branched to any of a plurality of options responsive to the caller transmitting an appropriate command corresponding to the desired branch,

f) responsive to the caller transmitting said command, proceeding with functions b)-d) to forward said call, and

g) responding to said user entering a timer command mode and a corresponding time interval command to appropriately change to the presently commanded mode for said commanded interval.

3. An integrated control system and data base for connection to a telephone network for receiving and processing calls from a caller to a user, said telephone network providing automatic number identification (ANI) to said control system, the control system comprising:

input/output means for connection to telephone network lines to input and output telephone calls;

switching control means for controllably connecting a call on one line to a different line;

memory means for controllably storing and recalling electronic signals; and

electronic processing means for accessing said memory means and said switching control means to direct the flow of input and output calls, said electronic processing means including means for;

a) processing calls to the system directed to a specific user in a selected one of at least two distinct modes, one such mode being call forwarding in which case the processing means proceeds with functions b) through d), another such mode being branch routing in which case the processing means proceeds with functions e) and f),

b) recalling from said memory means a forwarding number,

c) implementing a call to said forwarding number,

d) switching the caller'"'"'s call to said forwarding number,

e) responding to an incoming call to a specific user by transmitting to the caller a signal indicating that said incoming call can be branched to any of a plurality of options responsive to the caller transmitting an appropriate command corresponding to the desired branch,

f) responsive to the caller transmitting said command, proceeding with functions b)-d) to forward said call,

g) utilizing said ANI as said user'"'"'s memory means stored forwarding number, whereby the user can update the forwarding number without manually entering the number of the telephone at the user'"'"'s present location

h) wherein calls to said system are made by dialing a sequence which includes digits to identify one of a plurality of call processing modes and

i) identifying a call to said system by a specific user by matching the ANI with a memory means stored number for said user and processing said digits as a specific mode command control signal from said user.

4. The control system of claim 3 wherein said user'"'"'s telephone station includes a telephone network provided speed calling service wherein multi-digit numbers can be recalled and dialed by the user entering a limited digit code, and wherein a sequence of said speed calling numbers are programmed as said specific mode command control signals, whereby a user can change the system mode control for processing his or her calls by entering the appropriate limited digit code.

5. An integrated control system and data base for connection to a telephone network for receiving and processing calls from a caller to a user, the control system comprising:

input/output means for connection to telephone network lines to input and output telephone calls;

switching control means for controllably connecting a call on one line to a different line;

memory means for controllably storing and recalling electronic signals; and

electronic processing means for accessing said memory means and said switching control means to direct the flow of input and output calls, said electronic processing means including means for;

a) processing calls to the system directed to a specific user in a selected one of at least two distinct modes, one such mode being call forwarding in which case the processing means proceeds with functions b) through d), another such mode being branch routing in which case the processing means proceeds with functions e) and f),

b) recalling from said memory means a forwarding number,

c) implementing a call to said forwarding number,

d) switching the caller'"'"'s call to said forwarding number,

e) responding to an incoming call to a specific user by transmitting to the caller a signal indicating that said incoming call can be branched to any of a plurality of options responsive to the caller transmitting an appropriate command corresponding to the desired branch,

f) responsive to the caller transmitting said command, proceeding with functions b)-d) to forward said call, and

g) identifying a message center control signal from said caller and, regardless of the user'"'"'s present call processing mode, permitting said caller to access a user'"'"'s provided message center memory and store a message for later access by the user.

6. An integrated control system and data base for connection to a telephone network for receiving and processing calls from a caller to a user, the control system comprising:

input/output means for connection to telephone network lines to input and output telephone calls;

switching control means for controllably connecting a call on one line to a different line;

memory means for controllably storing and recalling electronic signals; and

electronic processing means for accessing said memory means and said switching control means to direct the flow of input and output calls, said electronic processing means including means for;

a) processing calls to the system directed to a specific user in a selected one of at least two distinct modes, one such mode being call forwarding in which case the processing means proceeds with functions b) and c), another such mode being branch routing in which case the processing means proceeds with functions d) and e),

b) recalling from said memory means a forwarding number,

c) implementing a call to said forwarding number, and upon implementing a call to said forwarding number, initiating a predetermined timeout interval, identifying the condition of the user'"'"'s line within said timeout interval, wherein the duration of said timeout interval is predetermined as a function of whether the call from the caller is detected as local or long distance to thereby switch the caller'"'"'s call to said forwarding number, and, if the user'"'"'s phone rings within said timeout interval, allowing the user'"'"'s phone to ring for a predetermined sequence and, if the user does not answer within said sequence, terminating the attempt to forward the call or identifying the condition of the user'"'"'s phone being busy within said timeout interval to thereby terminate the attempt to forward the call,

d) responding to an incoming call to a specific user by transmitting to the caller a signal indicating that said incoming call can be branched to any of a plurality of options responsive to the caller transmitting an appropriate command corresponding to the desired branch, and

e) responsive to the caller transmitting said command, proceeding with functions b)-d) to forward said call.

7. An integrated control system and data base for connection to a telephone network for receiving and processing calls from a caller to a user, the control system comprising:

input/output means for connection to telephone network lines to input and output telephone calls;

switching control means for controllably connecting a call on one line to a different line;

memory means for controllably storing and recalling electronic signals; and

electronic processing means for accessing said memory means and said switching control means to direct the flow of input and output calls, said electronic processing means including means for;

a) processing calls to the system directed to a specific user in a selected one of at least two distinct modes, one such mode being call forwarding in which case the processing means proceeds with functions b) through d), another such mode being branch routing in which case the processing means proceeds with function e),

b) recalling from said memory means a forwarding number,

c) implementing a call to said forwarding number,

d) switching the caller'"'"'s call to said forwarding number,

e) responding to an incoming call to a specific user by transmitting to the caller a signal indicating that said incoming call can be branched to any of a plurality of options responsive to the caller transmitting an appropriate caller command corresponding to the desired branch,

f) identifying a user command from said user indicating that the user desires to place a call to a number, calling said number, connecting said user to said called number while causing the connection to be monitored such that, in response to a signal, the user may enter further commands to the system, and

g) responsive to the caller transmitting said caller command, proceeding with functions b)-d) to forward said call.

8. An integrated control system and data base for connection to a telephone network for receiving and processing calls from a caller to a user, the control system comprising:

input/output means for connection to telephone network lines to input and output telephone calls;

switching control means for controllably connecting a call on one line to a different line;

memory means for controllably storing and recalling electronic signals; and

electronic processing means for accessing said memory means and said switching control means to direct the flow of input and output calls, said electronic processing means including means for;

a) processing calls to the system directed to a specific user in a selected one of at least three distinct modes, one such mode being call forwarding in which case the processing means proceeds with functions b) through d), another such mode being branch routing in which case the processing means proceeds with functions e) and f) and a third such mode being a message center mode wherein the electronic processing means further comprises means for storing as a user mode control signal representing that the user is not available and, upon recalling said user mode signal in processing an incoming call, transmitting a courtesy message and recording a message sent by the caller,

b) recalling from said memory means a forwarding number,

c) implementing a call to said forwarding number,

d) switching the caller'"'"'s call to said forwarding number,

e) responding to an incoming call to a specific user by transmitting to the caller a signal indicating that said incoming call can be branched to any of a plurality of options responsive to the caller transmitting an appropriate command corresponding to the desired branch,

f) responsive to the caller transmitting said command, proceeding with functions b)-d) to forward said call, and

g) in response to said user calling the system and accessing a recorded message from a caller, identifying a command from said user indicating that the user desires to place a call to a predetermined number, calling said number, connecting the user to said called number while causing the connection to be monitored such that, in response to a signal, the user is returned to his or her recorded messages in the system.

9. An integrated control system and data base for connection to a telephone network for receiving and processing calls from a caller to a user, the control system comprising:

input/output means for connection to telephone network lines to input and output telephone calls;

switching control means for controllably connecting a call on one line to a different line;

memory means for controllably storing and recalling electronic signals; and

electronic processing means for accessing said memory means and said switching control means to direct the flow of input and output calls, said electronic processing means including means for;

g) processing calls to the system directed to a specific user in a selected one of at least two distinct modes, one such mode being call forwarding in which case the processing means proceeds with functions b) through d), another such mode being branch routing in which case the processing means proceeds with functions e) and f),

b) recalling from said memory means a forwarding number,

c) implementing a call to said forwarding number,

d) switching the caller'"'"'s call to said forwarding number,

e) responding to an incoming call to a specific user by transmitting to the caller a signal indicating that said incoming call can be branched to any of a plurality of options responsive to the caller transmitting an appropriate command corresponding to the desired branch,

f) responsive to the caller transmitting said command, proceeding with functions b)-d) to forward said call, and

g) implementing user call processing mode changes responsive to predetermined command sequences and further including user controls which, when transmitted, automatically implement said predetermined command sequences.

10. A control system for connection to a telephone network, said control system comprising:

(a) communication means for connection to communication facilities of said network for processing telephone calls via said facilities;

(b) control means for controllably routing a call placed to one telephone network address to another telephone address of said network;

(c) memory means for storing signals including signals representative of telephone network addresses; and

(d) electronic processing means for processing a telephone call received via said communication means, said processing means including a call processing mode, wherein the electronic processing means responds to an incoming call with a prompt indicating to the caller that said incoming call can be routed to any one of a plurality of locations, each location having a telephone network address represented in said memory means and, responsive to the caller transmitting a command identifying one of said locations, causing said control means to route said incoming call to the telephone network address corresponding to said one of said locations identified by said caller, said processing means also having a meet-me mode wherein the user has a paging system which has a plurality of notification states for providing different notices to said user and wherein said electronic processing means further comprises means for storing as a user mode control signal a meet-me mode signal and, upon recalling said meet-me mode signal in processing an incoming call, recalling from said memory means a user notification procedure, controlling said paging system to provide a specific notice to the user indicating that the user has a call waiting.

11. The control system of claim 10 wherein the electronic processing means further comprises means for transmitting a signal informing the caller that by transmitting a command the caller can record a message and, responsive to receipt of said command from the caller, recording the caller'"'"'s message.

12. The control system of claim 10 wherein said paging system is a radio paging system.

13. A control system for connection to a telephone network, said control system comprising:

(a) communication means for connection to communication facilities of said network for processing telephone calls via said facilities;

(b) control means for controllably routing a call placed to one telephone network address to another telephone address of said network;

(c) memory means for storing signals including signals representative of telephone network addresses; and

(d) electronic processing means for processing a telephone call received via said communication means, said processing means including a call processing mode, wherein the electronic processing means responds to an incoming call with a prompt indicating to the caller that said incoming call can be routed to any one of a plurality of locations, each location having a telephone network address represented in said memory means and, responsive to the caller transmitting a command identifying one of said locations, causing said control means to route said incoming call to the telephone network address corresponding to said one of said locations identified by said caller, said processing means also having a meet-me mode wherein the user has a notification system which has a plurality of notification states for providing different notices to said user and wherein said electronic processing means further comprises means for storing as a user mode control signal a meet-me mode signal and, upon recalling said meet-me mode signal in processing an incoming call, recalling from said memory means a user notification procedure, controlling said notification system to provide a specific notice to the user indicating that the user has a call waiting, the electronic processing means further comprises means for notifying the user by transmitting a predetermined signal to the user when the caller does not wait on the line for the user.

14. A control system for connection to a telephone network, said control system comprising:

(a) communication means for connection to communication facilities of said network for processing telephone calls via said facilities;

(b) control means for controllably routing a call placed to one telephone network address to another telephone address of said network;

(c) memory means for storing signals including signals representative of telephone network addresses; and

(d) electronic processing means for processing a telephone call received via said communication means, said processing means including a call processing mode, wherein the electronic processing means responds to an incoming call with a prompt indicating to the caller that said incoming call can be routed to any one of a plurality of locations, each location having a telephone network address represented in said memory means and, responsive to the caller transmitting a command identifying one of said locations, causing said control means to route said incoming call to the telephone network address corresponding to said one of said locations identified by said caller;

(e) a paging system wherein each user carries a paging device which receives signals from a paging system with a unique identification code assigned to each paging device, and wherein each paging device includes a signal transmitter and transmitter control means for controlling said signal transmitter such that a data signal may be transmitted to the control system; and

(f) a locator system comprising a plurality of predeterminedly located locator transmitters, with each locator transmitter transmitting to a proximate paging device a locator system signal, and wherein said transmitter control means controls said signal transmitter to transmit a control signal based on said locator system signal to said control system to revise said memory means.

49. The control system of any one of claims 14 through 21 and 43 wherein a command from said user is entered via the user'"'"'s telephone keypad.

15. A control system for connection to a telephone network, said control system comprising:

(a) communication means for connection to communication facilities of said network for processing telephone calls via said facilities, said telephone network providing automatic number identification (ANI) to said control system;

(b) control means for controllably routing a call placed to one telephone network address to another telephone address of said network;

(c) memory means for storing signals including signals representative of telephone network addresses; and

(d) electronic processing means for processing a telephone call received via said communications means, said processing means including a plurality of call processing modes, wherein calls to said system are made by a user inputting a sequence which includes digits to identify one of said plurality of call processing modes, the electronic processing means responding to an incoming call with a prompt indicating to the caller that said incoming call can be routed to any one of a plurality of locations, each location having a telephone network address represented in said memory means and, responsive to the caller transmitting a command identifying one of said locations, causing said control means to route said incoming call to the telephone network address corresponding to said one of said locations identified by said caller, and wherein the electronic processing means further comprises means for identifying a call to said system by said user by matching the ANI with a memory means stored number for said user and processing said digits as a specific mode command control signal from said user.

16. The control system of claim 15 wherein said sequence is stored for access by said user.

17. A control system for connection to a telephone network, said control system comprising:

(a) communication means for connection to communication facilities of said network for processing telephone calls via said facilities;

(b) control means for controllably routing a call placed to one telephone network address to another telephone address of said network;

(c) memory means for storing signals including signals representative of telephone network addresses; and

(d) electronic processing means for processing a telephone call received via said communication means, said processing means including a plurality of call processing modes, wherein the electronic processing means responds, in one mode, to an incoming call with a prompt indicating to the caller that said incoming call can be routed to any one of a plurality of locations, each location having a telephone network address represented in said memory means and, responsive to the caller transmitting a command identifying one of said locations, causing said control means to route said incoming call to the telephone network address corresponding to said one of said locations identified by said caller, and wherein incoming calls are handled differently depending upon the call processing mode currently commanded and further including a schedule mode, wherein said electronic processing means responds to a stored sequence comprising a plurality of call processing mode changes and corresponding times for each such call processing mode change in said stored sequence to automatically change to the commanded call-processing mode at the commanded times.

18. The control system of claim 17 wherein said call processing modes are user-selectable, wherein said processing means has a schedule change mode, and wherein said electronic processing means responds to said user transmitting said sequence of call processing modes and a corresponding time for each such call processing mode in said sequence for storage in said memory means.

19. A control system for connection to a telephone network, said control system comprising:

(a) communication means for connection to communication facilities of said network for processing telephone calls via said facilities;

(b) control means for controllably routing a call placed to one telephone network address to another telephone address of said network;

(c) memory means for storing signals including signals representative of telephone network addresses; and

(d) electronic processing means for processing a telephone call received via said communication means, said processing means having a plurality of call processing modes, including a call branching mode, wherein the electronic processing means responds to an incoming call with a prompt indicating to the caller that said incoming call can be routed to any one of a plurality of locations, each location having a telephone network address represented in said memory means and, responsive to the caller transmitting a command identifying one of said locations, causing said control means to route said incoming call to the telephone network address corresponding to said one of said locations identified by said caller, said processing means also including a timer mode, wherein said electronic processing means responds to said user entering a timer command to change to the presently commanded mode for said commanded interval, thereafter reverting to another mode.

20. A method of receiving and processing incoming telephone calls to a telephone control system, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) storing in a memory electronic signals including signals representative of telephone network addresses; and

(b) processing an incoming telephone call from a caller, including communicating information to said caller indicating that said incoming call can be routed to any one of at least two telephone network addresses, sensing the transmission by the caller of a command corresponding to the desired telephone network address and, responsive thereto, routing said incoming call to the telephone network address corresponding to the command transmitted by said caller and, in a schedule mode of operation, storing in said memory means a sequence comprising a plurality of schedule mode changes and a corresponding time for each such mode change for a user and automatically changing to a specified mode at its specified time.

21. The method of claim 20 further including the step of prompting said user to input a time for each mode change inputted in said sequence.

22. A method of receiving and processing incoming telephone calls to a telephone control system, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) storing in a memory electronic signals including signals representative of telephone network addresses; and

(b) in at least one mode of processing calls, processing an incoming telephone call from a caller, including communicating information to said caller indicating that said incoming call can be routed to any one of at least two telephone network addresses, sensing the transmission by the caller of a command corresponding to the desired telephone network address and, responsive thereto, routing said incoming call to the telephone network address corresponding to the command transmitted by said caller, and in a timer mode of operation, responding to said user entering a timer command mode and a corresponding time interval command to change to a presently commanded mode for said commanded interval, thereafter reverting to another mode.

23. A method of receiving and processing incoming telephone calls to a telephone control system, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) storing in a memory electronic signals including signals representative of telephone network addresses; and

(b) processing an incoming telephone call from a caller, including communication information to said caller indicating that said incoming call can be routed to any one of at least two telephone network addresses, sensing the transmission by the caller of a command corresponding to the desired telephone network address and, responsive thereto, routing said incoming call to the telephone network address corresponding to the command transmitted by said caller and wherein calls to said system are made by inputting a sequence which includes digits to identify one of a plurality of call processing modes and further including the steps of identifying a call to said system by a specific user by matching automatic number identification (ANI) with a memory means stored number for said user and processing said digits as a specific mode command control signal from said user.

24. The method of claim 23 wherein said sequence is stored in a memory for access by said user.

25. A method of receiving and processing incoming telephone calls to a telephone control system, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) storing in a memory electronic signals including signals representative of telephone network addresses; and

(b) processing an incoming telephone call from a caller, including communicating information to said caller indicating that said incoming call can be routed to any one of at least two telephone network addresses, sensing the transmission by the caller of a command corresponding to the desired telephone network address and, responsive thereto, routing said incoming call to a telephone network address represented in said memory means corresponding to the command transmitted by said caller, generating predetermined signals which to the caller indicate normal call processing operation but to a user indicate that the user can transmit his or her predetermined identification code to gain access to system provided functions in a command mode and, upon receipt of said predetermined identification code, causing said control means to terminate routing of the call to the telephone network address and instead transfer the user to a system command mode.

26. A method of receiving and processing incoming telephone calls to a telephone control system, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) storing in a memory electronic signals including signals representative of telephone network addresses;

(b) processing an incoming telephone call from a caller, including communicating information to said caller indicating that said incoming call can be routed to any one of at least two telephone network addresses, sensing the transmission by the caller of a command corresponding to the desired telephone network address and, responsive thereto, routing said incoming call to the telephone network address corresponding to the command transmitted by said caller; and

(c) handling incoming calls differently depending upon the state of a call processing mode currently commanded and, in a schedule mode, responding to a stored sequence comprising a plurality of call processing mode changes and corresponding times for each such call processing mode change in said stored sequence to automatically change to the commanded call-processing mode at the commanded time.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein said call processing modes are user-selectable, wherein said processing means has a schedule change mode, and further including the steps of responding to said user transmitting said sequence of call processing modes and a corresponding time for each such call processing mode in said sequence for storage in said memory means and automatically changing to the call-processing mode in said sequence at the commanded times as selected by said user.

28. A method of receiving and processing incoming telephone calls to a telephone control system, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) storing in a memory electronic signals including signals representative of telephone network addresses;

(b) in at least one mode of operation, processing an incoming telephone call from a caller, including communicating information to said caller indicating that said incoming call can be routed to any one of at least two telephone network addresses, sensing the transmission by the caller of a command corresponding to the desired telephone network address and, responsive thereto, routing said incoming call to the telephone network address corresponding to the command transmitted by said caller; and

(c) in a timer mode, responding to said user entering a timer command mode and a corresponding time interval command to change to a presently commanded mode for said commanded interval, thereafter reverting to another mode.

29. An integrated control system and data base for connection to a telephone network for receiving and processing calls from a caller to a user, the control system comprising:

input/output means for connection to telephone network lines to input and output telephone calls;

switching control means for controllably connecting a call on one line to a different line;

memory means for controllably storing and recalling electronic signals; and

electronic processing means for accessing said memory means and said switching control means to direct the flow of input and output calls, said electronic processing means including means for;

a) processing calls to the system directed to a specific user in a selected one of at least two distinct modes, one such mode being call forwarding in which case the processing means proceeds with functions b) through d), another such mode being branch routing in which case the processing means proceeds with functions e) and f),

b) recalling from said memory means a forwarding number,

c) implementing a call to said forwarding number,

d) switching the caller'"'"'s call to said forwarding number,

e) responding to an incoming call to a specific user by transmitting to the caller a signal indicating that said incoming call can be branched to any of a plurality of options responsive to the caller transmitting an appropriate command corresponding to the desired branch,

f) responsive to the caller transmitting said command, proceeding with functions b)-d) to forward said call; and

a paging system wherein each user carries a paging device which receives a radio frequency signals broadcast from a central paging system with a unique identification code assigned to each paging device;

said control system including a page alert mode wherein the electronic processing means includes means for storing a page alert mode signal and responsive to an incoming call when said page alert mode signal is present, paging said specific user to establish communication with said control system.

30. The control system of claim 29 wherein each paging device includes:

a radio frequency transmitter; and

control means for controlling said radio frequency transmitter such that a data signal may be transmitted to the control system to revise said control system memory means.

31. The control system of claim 29 wherein each paging device includes:

a radio frequency transmitter; and

control means for controlling said radio frequency transmitter such that a signal may be transmitted to the electronic processing means to revise the process by which calls to the system are handled for a specific user.

32. An integrated control system and data base for connection to a telephone network for receiving and processing calls from a caller to a user, the control system comprising:

input/output means for connection to telephone network lines to input and output telephone calls;

switching control means for controllably connecting a call on one line to a different line;

memory means for controllably storing and recalling electronic signals; and

electronic processing means for accessing said memory means and said switching control means to direct the flow of input and output calls, said electronic processing means including means for;

a) processing calls to the system directed to a specific user in a selected one of at least two distinct modes, one such mode being call forwarding in which case the processing means proceeds with functions b) through d), another such mode being branch routing in which case the processing means proceeds with functions e) and f),

b) recalling from said memory means a forwarding number,

c) implementing a call to said forwarding number,

d) switching the caller'"'"'s call to said forwarding number,

e) responding to an incoming call to a specific user by transmitting to the caller a signal indicating that said incoming call can be branched to any of a plurality of options responsive to the caller transmitting an appropriate command corresponding to the desired branch,

f) responsive to the caller transmitting said command, proceeding with functions b)-d) to forward said call,

g) identifying a call to said system from a specific user from any one of a plurality of telephones via the telephone network,

h) changing said specific user'"'"'s memory means stored forwarding number responsive to a command from said specific user, and

i) changing a user'"'"'s call processing mode responsive to a command from said user.

33. An integrated control system and data base for connection to a telephone network for receiving and processing calls from a caller to a user, the control system comprising:

input/output means for connection to telephone network lines to input and output telephone calls;

a paging system wherein each user carries a paging device which receives radio frequency signals broadcast from a central paging system with a unique identification code assigned to each paging device,

switching control means for controllably connecting a call on one line to a different line;

memory means for controllably storing and recalling electronic signals; and

electronic processing means for accessing said memory means and said switching control means to direct the flow of input and output calls, said electronic processing means including means for;

a) processing calls to the system directed to a specific user in a selected one of at least two distinct modes, one such mode being call forwarding in which case the processing means proceeds with functions b) through d), another such mode being branch routing in which case the processing means proceeds with functions e) and f),

b) recalling from said memory means a forwarding number,

c) implementing a call to said forwarding number,

d) switching the caller'"'"'s call to said forwarding number,

e) responding to an incoming call to a specific user by transmitting to the caller a signal indicating that said incoming call can be branched to any of a plurality of options responsive to the caller transmitting an appropriate command corresponding to the desired branch,

f) responsive to the caller transmitting said command, proceeding with functions b)-d) to forward said call;

and wherein said control system includes a page alert mode wherein the electronic processing means includes means for storing as a user mode control signal a page alert mode signal and responsive to an incoming call wherein said page alert mode signal is present, paging said specific user to establish communication with said control system.

34. An integrated control system and data base for connection to a telephone network for receiving and processing calls from a caller to a user, the control system comprising:

input/output means for connection to telephone network lines to input and output telephone calls;

switching control means for controllably connecting a call on one line to a different line;

memory means for controllably storing and recalling electronic signals; and

electronic processing means for accessing said memory means and said switching control means to direct the flow of input and output calls, said electronic processing means including means for;

a) processing calls to the system directed to a specific user in a selected one of at least two distinct modes, one such mode being call forwarding in which case the processing means proceeds with functions b) through e), another such mode being branch routing in which case the processing means proceeds with functions f) and g),

b) recalling from said memory means a forwarding number,

c) implementing a call to said forwarding number,

d) switching the caller'"'"'s call to said forwarding number,

e) upon implementing call forwarding in accordance with functions b) through d), generating signals which to a caller indicate normal call processing operation, said signals indicate to a user that the user can transmit an identification code to gain access to his or her system provided functions and, upon receipt of said identification code, terminating the call forwarding and transferring the user to a remote command mode,

f) responding to an incoming call to a specific user by transmitting to the caller a signal indicating that said incoming call can be branched to any of a plurality of options responsive to the caller transmitting an appropriate command corresponding to the desired branch,

g) responsive to the caller transmitting said command, proceeding with functions b)-d) to forward said call.

35. An integrated control system and data base for connection to a telephone network for receiving and processing calls from a caller to a user, the control system comprising:

a paging system wherein each user carriers a paging device to receive radio frequency signals broadcast from a central paging system with a unique identification code assigned to each paging device and wherein each paging device includes a radio frequency transmitter and radio control means for controlling said radio frequency transmitter whereby a data signal may be transmitted from the paging device to the control system to modify call processing by said control system;

input/output means for connection to telephone network lines to input and output telephone calls;

switching control means for controllably connecting a call on one line to a different line;

memory means for controllably storing and recalling electronic signals; and

electronic processing means for accessing said memory means and said switching control means to direct the flow of input and output calls, said electronic processing means being responsive to said paging system for modifying how calls are processed by said system, said electronic processing means including means for;

a) processing calls to the system directed to a specific user in a selected one of at least two distinct modes, one such mode being call forwarding in which case the processing means proceeds with functions b) through d), another such mode being branch routing in which case the processing means proceeds with functions e) and f),

b) recalling from said memory means a forwarding number,

c) implementing a call to said forwarding number,

d) switching the caller'"'"'s call to said forwarding number,

e) responding to an incoming call to a specific user by transmitting to the caller a signal indicating that said incoming call can be branched to any of a plurality of options responsive to the caller transmitting an appropriate command corresponding to the desired branch,

f) responsive to the caller transmitting said command, proceeding with functions b)-d) to forward said call.

36. The control system of claim 35 wherein said radio control means includes a keypad and associated electronics for permitting the user to manually control said radio control means to cause said transmitter to transmit said data signal.

37. An integrated control system and data base for connection to a telephone network for receiving and processing calls from a caller to a user, the control system comprising:

input/output means for connection to telephone network lines to input and output telephone calls;

switching control means for controllably connecting a call on one line to a different line;

memory means for controllably storing and recalling electronic signals; and

electronic processing means for accessing said memory means and said switching control means to direct the flow of input and output calls, said electronic processing means including means for;

a) processing calls to the system directed to a specific user in a selected one of at least three distinct modes, one such mode being call forwarding in which case the processing means proceeds with functions b) through d), another such mode being branch routing in which case the processing means proceeds with functions e) and f) and a third being a meet-me mode wherein the electronic processing means further comprises means for storing as a user mode control signal a meet-me mode signal and, upon recalling said meet-me mode signal in processing an incoming call, the processing means proceeds with function g),

b) recalling from said memory means a forwarding number,

c) implementing a call to said forwarding number,

d) switching the caller'"'"'s call to said forwarding number,

e) responding to an incoming call to a specific user by transmitting to the caller a signal indicating that said incoming call can be branched to any of a plurality of options responsive to the caller transmitting an appropriate command corresponding to the desired branch,

f) responsive to the caller transmitting said command, proceeding with functions b)-d) to forward said call, and

g) recalling from said memory means a pager access control procedure, controlling a paging system to page the user with a specific one of a plurality of indications, said specific one indicating that there is a call waiting.

38. The control system of claim 37 wherein the electronic processing means further comprises means for transmitting a courtesy signal notifying the caller that the system must page the user and informing the caller that by transmitting a command the caller would be allowed to record a message, said transmitting means transmitting said courtesy signal to the caller before said means controlling a paging system initiates a page to the user and, responsive to receipt of a command from the caller selecting an option to allow the caller to record a message, recording the caller'"'"'s message.

39. The control system of claim 37 wherein the electronic processing means further comprises means for, in the event the caller has not waited on the line, so notifying the user by transmitting a courtesy message.

40. The control system of claim 39 wherein the electronic processing means further comprises means for recalling from said memory means a courtesy signal notifying the caller that the system must page the user and informing the caller that by entering a command the caller would be allowed to record a message, transmitting said courtesy message to the caller before initiating the page to the user and, responsive to receipt of said command from the caller, recording the caller'"'"'s message.

41. An integrated control system and data base for connection to a telephone network for receiving and processing calls from a caller to a user, the control system comprising:

input/output means for connection to telephone network lines to input and output telephone calls;

switching control means for controllably connecting a call on one line to a different line;

memory means for controllably storing and recalling electronic signals;

electronic processing means for accessing said memory means and said switching control means to direct the flow of input and output calls, said electronic processing means including means for;

a) processing calls to the system directed to a specific user in a selected one of at least two distinct modes, one such mode being call forwarding in which case the processing means proceeds with functions b) through d), another such mode being branch routing in which case the processing means proceeds with functions e) and f),

b) recalling from said memory means a forwarding number,

c) implementing a call to said forwarding number,

d) switching the caller'"'"'s call to said forwarding number,

e) responding to an incoming call to a specific user by transmitting to the caller a signal indicating that said incoming call can be branched to any of a plurality of options responsive to the caller transmitting an appropriate command corresponding to the desired branch,

f) responsive to the caller transmitting said command, proceeding with functions b)-d) to forward said call, and

a paging system wherein each user carries a paging device which receives radio frequency signals broadcast from a central paging system with a unique identification code assigned to each paging device, and wherein each paging device includes;

a radio frequency transmitter; and

radio control means for controlling said radio frequency transmitter such that a data signal may be transmitted to the control system to revise said control system memory means.

42. The combination of claim 41 wherein said radio control means comprises a keypad and associated electronics allowing the user to manually revise said control system memory means stored signals.

43. The control system of claim 41 wherein each paging device includes a keypad for entry of commands by the user.

44. The combination of claim 41 in further combination with a locater system wherein said locater system comprises a plurality of predeterminedly located locater transmitters, with each locater transmitter transmitting to a proximate paging device an identification signal, and wherein said radio control means controls said radio frequency transmitter to transmit a radio signal related to said identification signal to said control system to modify call processing by said control system.

45. The combination of claim 41 in further combination with a locater system wherein each locater system comprises a plurality of predeterminedly located locater transmitters, with each locater transmitter transmitting to a proximate paging device a location signal, and wherein said radio control means controls said radio frequency transmitter to transmit a radio signal related to said location signal to said control system.

46. The combination of claim 45 wherein each locater transmitter transmits an ultrasonic signal;

and wherein each paging device includes an ultrasonic receiver for receiving said ultrasonic signal.

47. The control system of claim 45 wherein said electronic processing means, in response to receipt of said control signal, revises said control system memory means, whereby the control system will automatically forward incoming calls to a telephone near said user.

48. The control system of claim 45 wherein said electronic processing means, in response to receipt of said control signal, revises the mode by which calls to the system are handled for a specific user.

50. A control system for connection to a telephone

network, said control system comprising:

(a) communication means for connection to communication facilities of said network for processing telephone calls via said facilities;

(b) control means for controllably routing a call placed to one telephone network address to another telephone address of said network;

(c) memory means for storing signals including signals representative of telephone network addresses; and

(d) electronic processing means for processing a telephone call received via said communication means, said processing means including a call processing mode, wherein the electronic processing means responds to an incoming call with a prompt indicating to the caller that said incoming call can be routed to any one of a plurality of locations, each location having a telephone network address represented in said memory means and, responsive to the caller transmitting a command identifying one of said locations, causing said control means to route said incoming call to the telephone network address corresponding to said one of said locations identified by said caller and means for generating predetermined signals which to the caller indicate normal call processing operation but to a user indicate that the user can transmit an identification command to gain access to system provided functions in a command mode and, upon receipt of said identification command, causing said control means to terminate the routing of the call to the telephone network address and instead transfer the user to a system command mode.