Telephone system with scheduled handling of calls

• US 5,610,970 A
• Filed: 12/09/1994
• Issued: 03/11/1997
• 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): Bost, Dwayne D.
• Application Number:
  US08/353,081
• Time in Patent Office: 823 Days
• Field of Search: 379/56, 379/57, 379/67, 379/79, 379/88, 379/89, 379/100, 379/142, 379/188, 379/199, 379/200, 379/201, 379/210-212, 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 telephone system which provides scheduled telephone call connecting services. The system includes a telephone switching system for concurrently servicing a plurality of telephone subscribers and a telephone switching system controller coupled to the switching system. The controller controls how calls from callers to subscribers are handled in the telephone switching system. The controller includes a memory for storing a plurality of addresses for each subscriber and a schedule for each subscriber, the controller, in response to a call directed to a subscriber, instructing the telephone switching system to connect the detected call to a selected one of the addresses stored in the memory, the selected one being selected from the plurality of addresses stored for the subscriber according to the schedule stored for the subscriber.

Claims

1. A control system for connection to a telephone network, said control system receiving and processing a telephone call from a caller to a user, wherein said telephone call is to a telephone number normally accessible via a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), said control system receiving said telephone call with no need for said caller to provide a special access code, the control system comprising:

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

switch control means for controlling at least one switch to connect 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 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), an yet another such mode being a schedule mode in which case the processing means performs function g),

b) recalling from said memory means a forwarding number for said user,

c) implementing a call to said forwarding number,

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

e) responding 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

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

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

2. The control system of claim 1 wherein the electronic processing means further comprises means for transmitting a courtesy message indicating to the caller that a call transfer is being effectuated.

3. The control system of claim 1 including a message center mode wherein the electronic processing means further comprises means for storing 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.

4. The control system of claim 1 including a call screening mode wherein the electronic processing means further comprises means for storing as a user mode control signal a screening mode signal and, in processing an incoming call when in said call screening mode, detecting whether or not said caller transmits a specific command, and proceeding with functions b)-d) to forward said call in response to said caller transmitting said specific command.

5. The control system of claim 4 wherein the electronic processing means further comprises means for responding to said caller not transmitting said specific command to process said caller'"'"'s call in accordance with a predetermined default processing mode.

6. The control system of claim 1 including a screening mode wherein the electronic processing means further comprises means for storing as a user mode control signal a screening mode signal that represents the user not being available except for callers having a code and, upon recalling said screening mode signal in processing an incoming call, transmitting a courtesy message to the caller and, responsive to said caller transmitting said code, proceeding with functions b)-d) to forward said call.

7. The control system of claim 6 wherein the electronic processing means further comprises means for responding to said caller not entering said code to process said caller'"'"'s call in accordance with a predetermined default processing mode.

8. The control system of claim 6 wherein the electronic processing means further comprises means operable in said screening mode for transmitting a courtesy message indicating that the caller can leave a message, and, in response to said caller not entering said code, recording a message sent by the caller, and allowing the specific user to call the system and access said message.

9. The control system of claim 1 including a voice-screening mode wherein the electronic control system comprise means for:

storing as a user mode control signal a voice-screen mode signal and upon recalling said voice-screening mode signal in processing an incoming call, recalling from said memory means a message requesting that the caller transmit specific identification information, transmitting said message to said caller, recording the caller'"'"'s response to said message, implementing a call to the user'"'"'s forwarding number, transmitting the caller'"'"'s response, and responding to a command response from the user to appropriately dispose of the caller'"'"'s call.

10. A telephone system for scheduled telephone call connecting services, said system comprising:

(a) a telephone switching system for concurrently servicing a plurality of telephone subscribers; and

(b) a telephone switching system controller coupled to said switching system, said controller controlling how telephone calls from callers to subscribers are handled in said telephone switching system, said controller including a memory for storing a plurality of addresses and associated call handling modes for each subscriber and a schedule for each subscriber, said controller, in response to a call directed to a subscriber, instructing said telephone switching system to connect the detected call to a selected one of the addresses stored in said memory, the selected one being selected from said plurality of addresses stored for said subscriber according to the schedule stored for said subscriber and handling the detected call in accordance with the call handling mode associated therewith.

11. The telephone system for scheduled telephone call forwarding services as claimed in claim 10, wherein said schedule is programmable and controller is responsive to received instructions for varying the schedule associated with the subscriber.

12. The telephone system of claim 10, wherein the scheduled call connecting service is implemented by a sequence of switch functions which are stored in said memory, said controller transmitting the stored sequence to said telephone switching system when instructing said telephone switching system to connect the detected call to a selected one of the telephone addresses stored in said memory and wherein said controller is, during a telephone call from said subscriber, responsive to commands from said subscriber for modifying the sequence of switch functions stored in said memory.

13. The telephone system of claim 12 wherein said controller, in response a telephone call from a caller, takes control of said telephone call, directs a courtesy message to said caller indicating that said call is being forwarded to the subscriber and implementing the forwarding of the call to the subscriber by transmitting said sequence of switch functions to said switching system.

14. The telephone system of claim 12, wherein said controller includes a message center mode of operation wherein during the telephone call a courtesy message is transmitted to the caller indicating that the caller can leave a message, the message mode having a corresponding address for storage in said memory means whereby incoming calls to the subscriber are directed to a message center at certain scheduled times and are directed to the subscriber at other scheduled times.

15. The telephone system of claim 10, wherein said controller includes a call screening mode of operation wherein during the telephone call, said controller detects whether or not said caller transmits a command indicating how said call is to be processed, and, responsive to said caller transmitting said command, instructing said switching system to transfer said telephone call to a designated address stored in said memory.

16. The telephone system of claim 10, wherein said controller includes a voice screening mode of operation wherein during the telephone call, said controller transmits a prompt for the caller to transmit identification information, records the caller'"'"'s response to said prompt, instructs said switching system to conference said telephone call to the selected one of a plurality of the addresses stored in said memory means, and transmits the caller'"'"'s recorded response to a telephone at the selected one of a plurality of the addresses.

17. The telephone system of claim 16, wherein, in said voice screening mode of operation, said controller responds to a command from the subscriber to appropriately process said telephone call.

18. The telephone system of claim 17, wherein said controller monitors said telephone call for a predetermined command and upon receipt of the predetermined command terminating, if started, or skipping, if not yet initiated:

(i) the transmission of said prompt to said caller,

(ii) the recordation of the caller'"'"'s response and

(iii) the transmission of the response to the subscriber, and immediately instructing said switching system to transfer said telephone call to the selected one of a plurality of telephone network addresses represented in said memory means.

19. The telephone system of claim 10, further including a notification system which has a plurality of notification states for providing different notices to said subscriber and wherein said controller includes a meet-me mode of operation wherein, during the telephone call, said controller controls said notification system to provide a specific notice to the subscriber indicating that the subscriber has a call waiting.

20. The telephone system of claim 19, wherein said controller transmits 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.

21. The telephone system of claim 19, wherein said notification system is a paging system.

22. The telephone system of claim 19, wherein said controller notifies the subscriber by recalling a predetermined signal and transmitting said signal to the subscriber when the caller does not wait on the line for the subscriber.

23. The telephone system of claim 10, in combination with a paging system wherein said subscriber carries a paging device for receiving signals broadcast from a central paging system with a unique identification code assigned to said paging device, and wherein said paging device includes a transmitter and means for controlling said transmitter such that a data signal may be transmitted to the controller to revise at least one of the sequences of switch functions stored in said memory.

24. The telephone system of claim 23, in further combination with a locator system wherein said locator system comprises a plurality of predeterminedly located locator transmitters, with each locator transmitter transmitting to a proximate paging device an address signal, and wherein said controller controls said transmitter to transmit a signal based on said address signal to said controller system to revise the selected address stored in said memory.

25. The telephone system of claim 10, wherein said memory stores a present mode by which the system handles incoming calls directed to the subscriber and wherein said controller identifies a call to said system from the subscriber requesting a present mode by which the system processes incoming calls directed to the subscriber, recalls from said memory means the current mode by which the system processes incoming calls directed to the subscriber, and transmits information to the subscriber which advises the subscriber of said present mode.

26. The telephone system of claim 10, wherein said controller responds to said subscriber transmitting a specific mode command to appropriately change a call processing mode by which the system processes subsequent incoming calls directed to said subscriber.

27. The telephone system of claim 10, wherein the schedule stored said memory comprises a sequence of addresses and a corresponding time for each such address and wherein said controller automatically changes to the specified address at its specified time.

28. The telephone system of claim 27, wherein each stored address corresponds to a sequence of switch instructions whereby the mode by which the telephone system handles incoming telephone calls is adjusted according to the schedule of the subscriber.

29. The telephone system of claim 27, wherein said controller includes a timer mode of operation wherein a timer command mode and a corresponding time interval command are stored in said memory, said controller changing a present mode to a different mode for said commanded interval.

30. The telephone system of claim 10, wherein said telephone switching system provides an automatic number identification of a caller (ANI) to said controller, and wherein the controller identifies a call placed by a subscriber and utilizes said ANI to update a sequence of switch functions stored in said memory as a forwarding number, whereby the subscriber can update said forwarding number without manually entering the number of the telephone at the subscriber'"'"'s present location.

31. The telephone system of claim 10, wherein said telephone switching system provides an automatic number identification of a caller (ANI) to said controller, wherein telephone calls to change a mode of operation of said controller are made by inputting a sequence which includes digits to identify one of a plurality of call processing modes and wherein the controller includes means for identifying a call to said system by said subscriber by matching the ANI with a memory stored number for said subscriber and processing said digits as a specific mode command control signal from said subscriber.

32. The telephone system of claim 10, wherein said controller identifies if the subscriber'"'"'s selected number is busy or not answered and, in such event, processes said call in a predetermined manner.

33. The telephone system of claim 10, wherein said controller includes means for subscribers to place a series of telephone calls to third parties via said controller during a single telephone call connection with said controller, said controller monitoring each telephone call in said series for a command entered by said subscriber indicating that call to a another third party is to be made and implementing a call to said another third party in response to receipt of said command.

34. A telephone system for scheduled telephone call connecting services, said system comprising:

(a) a telephone switching system for concurrently servicing a plurality of telephone subscribers;

(b) a telephone switching system controller coupled to said switching system, said controller controlling how telephone calls from callers to subscribers are branched in said telephone switching system, wherein said telephone calls are to a telephone number normally accessible via a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), said controller receiving said telephone calls with no need for the callers to provide a special access code, said controller including a memory for storing a plurality of addresses for each subscriber and a schedule for each subscriber, said controller, in response to a call directed to a subscriber, (i) issuing a programmable prompt to the caller which instructs the caller to select an option, from a plurality of options, to which the caller wishes to be branched, (ii) detecting the inputting of a selection made by the caller and (iii) instructing said telephone switching system to connect the call to an address stored in said memory corresponding to the selection made by the caller, the options available to the caller being determined according to the schedule stored for said subscriber.

35. A control system for connection to a telephone network for processing telephone calls from a caller to a user, wherein said telephone calls are to a telephone number normally accessible via a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), said controller receiving said telephone calls with no need for said callers to provide a special access code, the control system comprising:

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

a memory; and

electronic processing means for directing the flow of input and output telephone calls via said input/output means, 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 commanded call handling modes, one such commanded call handling modes including forwarding a call to a forwarding number stored in said memory, and another one such commanded call handling modes including providing a message center for the caller to leave a message for the user, and

b) storing a sequence of scheduled command mode changes and corresponding times for each such command mode change to automatically change the commanded forwarding modes at the commanded times.

36. The control system of claim 35, wherein said electronic processing means includes means for responding to an incoming call with a prompt indicating to the caller that the call is being forwarded to said specific user.

37. The control system of claim 36, wherein said prompt is stored in said memory and is changed at said commanded times.

38. The control system of claim 35, wherein, when said commanded forwarding modes are changed at said commanded times, the forwarding number used to direct calls to said specific user is also changed by said electronic processing means.

39. The control system of claim 35, wherein said electronic processing means includes means for said specific user to access said control system and modify said sequence of scheduled command mode changes.

40. The control system of claim 35, wherein said electronic processing means includes means for directing the flow of input and output calls for a plurality of users and storing a sequence of scheduled command mode changes for each one of said plurality of users.

41. The control system of claim 35, wherein said directing means directs the flow of input and output calls for a plurality of users from a plurality of callers simultaneously.

42. A control system for connection to a telephone network for processing telephone calls from a caller to a user, wherein said telephone calls are to a telephone number normally accessible via a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), said control system receiving said telephone calls with no need for the caller to provide a special access code, the control system comprising:

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

a memory; and

electronic processing means for directing the flow of input and output calls via said input/output means, 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 commanded call handling modes, one such commanded call handling modes including forwarding a call to a forwarding number stored in said memory, and another one of such commanded call handling modes including transmitting a page to the user, and

b) responding to said user entering a timer command and a corresponding time interval command to change a presently commanded forwarding mode for said commanded interval to another commanded forwarding mode.

43. The control system of claim 42, wherein said electronic processing means includes means for responding to an incoming call with a prompt indicating to the caller that the call is being forwarded to said specific user.

44. The control system of claim 43, wherein said prompt is stored in said memory and is changed for said commanded interval.

45. The control system of claim 42, wherein, when said commanded forwarding modes are changed for said commanded interval, the forwarding number used to direct calls to said specific user is also changed for said commanded interval.

46. The control system of claim 42, wherein said electronic processing means includes means for directing the flow of input and output calls for a plurality of users and for storing said timer command and said corresponding time interval command for each one of said plurality of users.

47. The control system of claim 42, wherein said directing means directs the flow of input and output calls for a plurality of users from a plurality of callers simultaneously.

48. 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.

49. The control system of claim 48 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.

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 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.

51. 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 for a user, said processing means having a plurality of call processing modes, including a call forwarding mode, wherein the electronic processing means responds to an incoming call with a prompt indicating to the caller that said incoming call is being routed to said user, said user having a current telephone network address represented in said memory means and causing said control means to route said incoming call to the current telephone network address, 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 current telephone network address for said commanded interval, thereafter reverting to another telephone network address.

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

(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.

53. The method of claim 52 further including prompting said user to input a time for each mode change inputted in said sequence.

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

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

(b) processing an incoming telephone call from a caller to a user, the user having a current telephone network address, and routing said incoming call to the current telephone network address of said user and, in a schedule mode of operation, storing in said memory means a sequence comprising a plurality of scheduled call handling mode changes and a corresponding time for each such call handling mode change for said user and automatically changing to a specified call handling mode at its specified time.

55. The method of claim 54 further including communicating information to said caller indicating that said incoming call is being routed to said user.

56. The method of claim 54 further including prompting said user to input a time for each mode change inputted in said sequence.

57. 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.

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

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

(b) processing an incoming telephone call from a caller to a user, the user having a telephone network address, and routing said incoming call to the telephone network address of said user, 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.

59. The method of claim 58, wherein the presently commanded mode is changed by changing the telephone network address, to which incoming calls are forwarded, for said interval.

60. The method of claim 58, further including communicating information to said caller indicating that said incoming call is being transferred to said user.

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

(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 the 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.

62. The method of claim 61, 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.

63. A method of receiving and processing incoming telephone calls to a telephone control system, wherein said telephone calls are to telephone network addresses normally accessible via a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), said method receiving and processing said telephone calls with no need for a caller to provide a special access code, said method comprising:

(a) storing in a memory electronic signals including signals

representative of telephone network addresses;

b) processing an incoming telephone call from said caller directed to a user in one of a plurality of commanded call processing modes; and

(c) handling incoming calls differently depending upon the state of the 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.

64. The method of claim 63 further including communicating information to said caller indicating the mode by which the caller'"'"'s call is being processed.

65. The method of claim 63, 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.

66. A method of receiving and processing incoming telephone calls to a telephone control system, wherein said telephone calls are to telephone network addresses normally accessible via a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), said method receiving and processing said telephone calls with no need for a caller to provide a special access code, said method comprising:

(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 said 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.

67. A method of receiving and processing incoming telephone calls to a telephone control system, wherein said telephone calls are to telephone network addresses normally accessible via a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), said method receiving and processing said telephone calls with no need for a caller to provide a special access code, said method comprising:

(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 said caller directed to a user by routing said incoming call to a previously stored telephone network address for said user; 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.

68. The method of claim 67 further including communicating information to said caller indicating that said incoming call is being routed to said user.

69. A communication system for routing a telephone call to a subscriber of a telephone service, wherein the subscriber of the service is assigned a unique telephone number such that an incoming call made to the subscriber'"'"'s unique telephone number via a public switched telephone network is routed to the subscriber according to a call routing schedule, said system comprising:

(a) a database for storing network addresses, a plurality of call handling modes which control how the telephone call is handled for the subscriber and a subscriber schedule indicative of (i) a selected network address for routing an incoming call at a time and day the incoming call is received and (ii) a selected call handing mode for handling the incoming call; and

(b) call routing means for routing said incoming call to said selected network address in accordance with the selected call handling mode of said subscriber schedule.

70. The system of claim 69, wherein said call routing means is responsive to signals received over said network, which signals are associated with said incoming call, to selectively route said incoming call to a selected telephonic device at the selected network address as determined by both said subscriber'"'"'s schedule and said signals.

71. The system of claim 70 wherein said signals are generated by a party calling said subscriber.

72. A telephone system for scheduled telephone call connecting services, said system comprising:

(a) a telephone switching system for concurrently servicing a plurality of telephone subscribers; and

(b) a telephone switching system controller coupled to said switching system, said controller controlling how telephone calls from callers to subscribers are handled in said telephone switching system, said controller including a memory for storing a plurality of call handling modes for each subscriber and a schedule for each subscriber, said controller, in response to a call directed to a subscriber, instructing said telephone switching system to handle the detected call in accordance with a selected one of the call handling modes stored in said memory, the selected one being selected from said plurality of call handling modes stored for said subscriber according to the schedule stored for said subscriber.

73. The telephone system of claim 72 wherein said call handling modes are selected from the group consisting of a call forwarding mode, a screened call forwarding mode, a message center mode, a call meet-me mode,and a branch routing mode.