Method and apparatus for processing telephone calls

• US 5,841,837 A
• Filed: 05/11/1995
• Issued: 11/24/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 09/14/1984
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Aspect Communications Corporation (Alvaria Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Acessline Technologies Incorporated
• Inventors: Fuller, Robert M., Epler, Frederick A., Manowski, Maxwell E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Bost, Dwayne
• Assistant Examiner(s): MAUNG, NAY AUNG
• Application Number:
  US08/439,254
• Time in Patent Office: 1,293 Days
• Field of Search: 379/57, 379/201, 379/207, 379/210-212, 379/265, 379/266
• US Class Current: 379/211.01
• 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 present invention provides method and apparatus processing incoming telephone calls directed to a user. Signals representative of telephone network addresses are stored in a memory. An incoming telephone call from a caller is processed, including communicating information to the caller indicating that the incoming call can be routed to any one of at least two telephone network addresses. The transmission by the caller of a command corresponding to the desired telephone network address is detected and, in response thereto, the incoming call is routed to a telephone network address represented in the memory corresponding to the command transmitted by the caller. Predetermined signals are generated, which to the caller indicate normal call processing operation, but which to the user indicate that the user can transmit a signal to gain access to system provided functions. Receipt of that signal from the user is detected, and, upon receipt of that signal, routing of the call to the telephone network address is terminated (if initiated) and instead the user is transferred to a system command mode.

Claims

1. A method of processing incoming telephone calls directed to a user, 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 a telephone network address represented in said memory corresponding to the command transmitted by said caller,

(c) generating predetermined signals which to the caller indicate normal call processing operation but to the user indicate that the user can transmit a signal to gain access to system provided functions; and

(d) detecting receipt of the signal from the user, and, upon receipt of the signal, terminating, if initiated, routing of the call to the telephone network address and instead transferring the user to a system command mode.

2. The method of claim 1, further including the step of responding to said user transmitting a specific mode command by appropriately changing the present commanded mode by which subsequent incoming calls are directed to said user.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein said signal is an identification code entered by the user.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said signal is an identification code entered by the user.

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

(a) a memory for storing signals representative of telephone network addresses;

(b) a call processor for 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 corresponding to the command transmitted by said caller,

(c) a device coupled to said call processor for generating signals which to the caller indicate normal call processing operation but to the user indicate that the user can transmit a signal to gain access to system provided functions; and

(d) a signal detector coupled to said call processor for detecting receipt of the signal from the user, and, upon receipt of the signal, said call processor terminates, if initiated, routing of the call to the telephone network address and instead transfers the user to a system command mode.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein:

(e) said signal detector also detects a specific mode command signal input by the user, and

(f) said call processor responds to the detected specific mode command signal by changing the present commanded mode by which the apparatus processes subsequent incoming calls directed to said user.

7. A method of processing incoming telephone calls directed to a user, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) processing an incoming telephone call from a caller, including generating signals which to the caller indicate normal call processing operations but to the user indicate that the user can transmit a signal to gain access to system provided functions; and

(b) detecting receipt of the signal from the user, and, upon receipt of the signal, terminating current call processing operations and instead transferring the user to a system command mode.

8. The method of claim 7, further including the step of responding to said user transmitting a specific mode command by appropriately changing the present commanded mode by which the system processes subsequent incoming calls directed to said user.

9. 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 and routing said incoming call to a telephone network address represented in said memory,

(b) a signal generator coupled to said call processor for generating signals which to the caller indicate normal call processing operation but to the user indicate that the user can transmit a identification code to gain access to system provided functions; and

(c) a signal detector coupled to said call processor for detecting receipt a valid identification code from the user, and, upon receipt of the valid identification code, said call processor terminates, if initiated, routing of the call to the telephone network address and instead transfers the user to a system command mode.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein:

(d) said signal detector also detects a specific mode command signal input by the user, and

(e) said call processor responds to the detected specific mode command signal by changing the present commanded mode by which the system processes subsequent incoming calls directed to said user.

11. A method of processing incoming telephone calls to directed to a user, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) processing calls to the system directed to the user in a selected one of at least two different call processing modes,

(b) implementing user call processing mode changes in response to predetermined command sequences; and

(c) automatically transmitting a selected predetermined command sequence at a user controlled device.

12. A control system 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 in a selected one of at least two distinct call processing modes, including means for 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.

13. A method of processing incoming telephone calls directed to a user from a calling party, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) collecting information regarding the telephone number at which the calling party is presently located;

(b) processing an incoming telephone call from the calling party, including answering the call and transmitting a courtesy message to the calling party;

(c) transmitting a page to a paging device having a display device, said page including the information regarding the telephone number at which the calling party is presently located for display on said display device.

14. The method of claim 13 further including the step of:

(d) terminating the call from the calling party.

15. A method of processing incoming telephone calls directed to a user from a calling party, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) processing an incoming telephone call from the calling party;

(b) accessing a memory to determine a telephone number the incoming call should be forwarded;

(c) transmitting a page to a paging device associated with the user;

(d) routing the incoming call to the accessed telephone number.

16. The method of claim 15 further including the steps of answering the incoming call and transmitting a courtesy message to the calling party.