Method and apparatus for processing telephone calls and delivering information about the calls to a pager

• US 5,694,453 A
• Filed: 05/31/1995
• Issued: 12/02/1997
• 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): Cumming, William
• Assistant Examiner(s): RICHARDSON, SCO
• Application Number:
  US08/454,826
• Time in Patent Office: 916 Days
• Field of Search: 379/57, 379/210-212, 340/825.44
• US Class Current: 379/88.11
• 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

The invention provides a apparatus and method for processing incoming telephone calls directed to a user. Incoming telephone calls have certain status information which is generated by the call processor. A transmitter is utilized for transmitting pages to a paging devices carried by users. The paging devices have a display device associated with them and the transmitted page includes the status information associated with an incoming call for display on the display of th paging device.

Claims

1. A method of processing incoming telephone calls directed to a user who is not currently available to answer the incoming telephone calls, said method comprising:

(a) processing an incoming telephone call from a caller directed to a telephone number associated with the user, said telephone number being the telephone number which the user normally utilizes to receive said incoming telephone calls, said incoming telephone call having certain status information associated therewith other than simply the telephone number at which the caller is presently located, said status information being based at least in part upon a current call handling mode by which said incoming calls are processed and reflects the current call handling mode; and

(b) transmitting a page to a paging device having a display device associated therewith, the page including said status information for display on said display device.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said status information indicates whether the call is being handled in a meet-me mode or in a message center mode.

3. A method of processing incoming telephone calls directed to a user who is not currently available to answer the incoming telephone calls, said method comprising:

(a) processing an incoming telephone call from a caller directed to a telephone number associated with the user, said telephone number being the telephone number which the user normally utilizes to receive said incoming telephone calls, said incoming telephone call having certain status information associated therewith other than simply the telephone number at which the caller is presently located; and

(b) transmitting a page to a paging device having a display device associated therewith, the page including said status information for display on said display device,

wherein incoming calls are processed in a mode selected by the user and wherein said status information transmitted to the paging device is based at least in part upon the particular mode selected by the user.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein incoming calls are processed in a meet-me mode and status information indicating that an incoming call has been received while in the meet-me mode is transmitted and further including:

(c) processing an incoming telephone call from the user to place the user into communication with the incoming call to the user; and

(d) recording a message from the caller in the event that the caller desires to leave a message for the user and transmitting a second page to the user with status information informing the user that the caller has elected to leave a message.

5. The method of claim 4 further including sensing for a request from the caller to leave a message for the user and upon receipt of said request proceeding to record a message from the caller.

11. The method of claim 3 wherein the incoming calls are processed in accordance with at least two different call-handling modes, the particular mode used in handling incoming calls being selected by the user, one of said at least two modes comprising a meet-me mode wherein the user is paged to place a telephone call, which telephone call is then processed and during which telephone call the user is connected with the caller and another of said at least two modes comprising a message center mode in which the caller is invited to leave a message and the user is notified that the caller has left a message by a page being sent to the user, and wherein the status information sent during said transmitting step includes information indicating whether the incoming call which triggered the page is being handled as a message center call or as a meet-me call.

6. An apparatus for processing incoming telephone calls directed to a user, said apparatus comprising:

(a) a call processor for processing an incoming telephone call from a caller directed to a telephone number associated with the user where the user receives telephone calls, said incoming telephone call having certain status information generated by said call processor, said status information being based at least in part upon a current call handling mode by which said incoming calls are processed by said call processor and reflects the current call handling mode; and

(b) a transmitter for transmitting a page to a paging device carried by the user, the paging device having a display device associated therewith, the transmitted page including said status information for display on said display device.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said status information indicates whether the call processor is handling the call in a meet-me mode or in a message center mode.

8. An apparatus for processing incoming telephone calls directed to a user, said apparatus comprising:

(a) a call processor for processing an incoming telephone call from a caller directed to a telephone number associated with the user where the user receives telephone calls, said incoming telephone call having certain status information generated by said call processor; and

(b) a transmitter for transmitting a page to a paging device carried by the user, the paging device having a display device associated therewith, the transmitted page including said status information for display on said display,

wherein incoming calls are processed in a mode selected by the user and wherein said status information transmitted to the paging device is based at least in part upon the particular mode selected by the user.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein:

(c) said call processor processes incoming calls in a meet-me mode and said transmitter transmits status information indicating that an incoming call has been received while in the meet-me mode and

(d) said call processor records a message from the caller in the event that the caller desires to leave a message for the user and transmits a second page to the user with status information informing the user that the caller has elected to leave a message.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said call processor includes means for sensing for a request from the caller to leave a message for the user and upon receipt of said request recording a message.