System for providing automatic voice messaging in a digital network environment

• US 5,982,858 A
• Filed: 09/09/1997
• Issued: 11/09/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 06/22/1988
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Messagephone Inc.
• Original Assignee: Messagephone Inc.
• Inventors: Pugh, Joel A., Carter, Howard E., Pierce, Byron C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hunter, Daniel S.
• Application Number:
  US08/925,968
• Time in Patent Office: 791 Days
• Field of Search: 379/88.08, 379/88.16, 379/88.19, 379/88.2, 379/88.27, 379/88.24, 379/88.25, 379/88.26, 379/84, 379/210, 379/211, 379/212, 379/213, 379/214
• US Class Current: 379/88.26
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/00 Arrangements for metering, time-control or time indication ; Metering, charging or billing arrangements for voice wireline or wireless communications, e.g. VoIP
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/533 Voice mail systems

Abstract

The present invention describes as automatic voice messaging system for use in a telephone network having a calling station connectible to a first switch and a called station connectible to a second switch, with the first and second switches connected by a digital serial link. The voice messaging system preferably comprises an interface, a detection circuit, a speech circuit and a control circuit. The interface monitors signals on the digital serial link. The detection circuitry is connected to the interface for detecting busy or ring/no answer conditions at the called station upon call initiation to the called station from the calling station, and for detecting receipts of a predetermined code from the calling station indicating that the caller desires to leave a message from the called station. The speech circuit is also connected to the interface for issuing a predetermined prompt to a user of the calling station. The control circuit is connected to the detection circuit and the speech circuit for controlling the speech circuit to issue one of the predetermined prompts to the calling station upon detection of a busy or ring/no answer condition by the detection circuitry, and for thereafter connecting the calling station to a host computer upon detection of the predetermined code by the detection circuit to enable the user to record at the host computer a message for the called station.

Claims

1. A method for storing and delivering voice messages in a telecommunication circuit including at least one central office, a calling station and a called station associated so that a call initiated at said calling station causes a ringing or busy tone to be generated to a caller at said calling station by said central office indicating a noncompleted call at said called station, said method comprising the steps of monitoring said circuit to obtain billing data from said calling station upon initiation of said call, storing said billing data, detecting receipt of a predetermined code from said calling station, issuing a prerecorded prompt to said calling station before said step of detecting, wherein subsequent to said step of issuing but prior to said step of detecting, said ringing or busy tone is once again generated to said caller at said calling station, thereby enabling said caller to monitor the progress of said call, connecting said calling station to a voice message system in response to said step of detecting to enable a message to be transferred from said calling station to said called station, and transferring said stored data to said voice message system.

2. Apparatus for connection in a telecommunication circuit including at least one central office, a calling station for initiating a call, a called station for receiving said call and a voice message system for receiving voice messages from said calling station and delivering said voice messages to said called station when a condition is generated by said central office indicating a noncompleted call, said apparatus comprising means connected to said circuit for monitoring said circuit to obtain data from said calling station, means for storing said data, means for issuing a pre-recorded prompt, switch means connected in said circuit and switchable between a first position in which a call initiated at said calling station and directed to an idle or busy called station causes a ring or busy tone, respectively, to be received at said calling station and a second position in which said means for issuing a pre-recorded prompt is connected to said calling station, said switch means permitting the caller to monitor the progress of the call subsequent to issuance of said prompt, means for detecting a busy/no answer condition at said called station, control means responsive to said detecting of said busy/no answer condition for switching said switch means from its first position to its second position, means for detecting receipt of a predetermined code from said calling station, second control means responsive to said detecting of said receipt of a predetermined code for causing connection of said calling station to said voice message system to enable a message to be transferred from said calling station to said voice message system, and means for transferring said data to said voice message system.

3. Apparatus for connection in a telecommunication circuit including at least one central office, a calling station, a called station associated with said calling station so that a call initiated at said calling station causes a ringing or busy tone to be generated by said central office indicating a noncompleted call at said called station, and a voice message system for receiving voice messages from said calling station, and delivering said voice messages to said called station, said apparatus comprising means for issuing a pre-recorded prompt to said calling station, means connected to said circuit for monitoring said circuit to obtain data from said calling station, means for storing said data, means for detecting receipt of a predetermined code from said calling station, control means responsive to said detecting for causing connection of said calling station to a voice message system to enable a message to be transferred from said calling station to said voice message system, means for transferring said data to said voice message system, and switch means connected in said circuit for enabling the caller to continue to monitor the progress of the call subsequent to issuance of said prompt and prior to detecting receipt of said predetermined code.

4. A method for storing and delivering voice messages in a telecommunication circuit including at least one central office, a calling station and a called station associated so that a call initiated at said calling station causes a ringing or busy tone to be generated by said central office, indicating a noncompleted call at said called station, said method comprising the steps of storing data pertaining to said call, responding to indication by the calling party of acceptance of voice message delivery services for transferring said data to a voice message system, the caller being able to monitor the progress of the call between issuance of each of a plurality of pre-recorded prompts and prior to said responding, and then connecting said calling station to said voice message system to enable a message to be transferred from said calling station to said voice message system.

5. Apparatus for connection in a telecommunication circuit including at least one central office, a calling station and a called station associated so that a call initiated at said calling station causes a ringing or busy tone to be generated by said central office, indicating a noncompleted call at said called station, said apparatus comprising a voice message system connected in said circuit for receiving voice messages from the calling station and delivering the voice messages to the called station, means connected to said circuit for issuing user prompts for offering voice message delivery by said voice message system, means connected to said circuit for monitoring said circuit for indication from said calling station of acceptance of voice message services, wherein the caller can monitor the progress of the call between issuance of each said user prompts, and means connected to said monitoring means and responsive to said indication for disassociating said calling station from said called station and connecting said calling station to said voice message system to enable a message to be transferred from said calling station to said voice message system for delivery to said called station.

6. Apparatus for connection in a telecommunication circuit including at least one central office, a calling station and a called station associated so that a call initiated at said calling station causes a ringing or busy tone to be generated by said central office, indicating a noncompleted call at said called station, said apparatus comprising a voice message system connected in said circuit for receiving voice messages from the calling station and delivering the voice messages to the called station, a monitor connected to said circuit for monitoring said circuit for indication from said calling station of acceptance of voice message services wherein the caller can monitor the progress of the call between issuance of prompts from said voice message system, and a switch connected to said monitor and responsive to said indication for disassociating said calling station from said called station and connecting said calling station to said voice message system to enable a message to be transferred from said calling station to said voice message system for delivery of said message to said called station.

7. A line interface unit for controlling receipt and delivery of voice messages over a telephone system having a voice message facility, the voice message facility connectable to at least one calling station and a called station and normally having access prevention means for preventing storage and forwarding of voice messages unless predetermined access codes are received and verified by the access prevention means, the calling station connected to a central office, the line interface unit comprising:

a switch connected to the central office and having first and second positions and wherein signals are connected directly between the calling station and the central office when the switch is in the first position;

means for signaling the voice message facility using a digital signaling format;

means for monitoring call progress upon call initiation to the called station;

means connected to the monitoring means for detecting a predetermined condition at the called station upon call initiation to the called station, for detecting receipt of a first predetermined code from the calling station indicating that the caller desires to leave a voice message for the called station at the caller'"'"'s expense, and for detecting receipt of a second predetermined code from the voice message facility; and

control means connected to the detecting means and the switch, the control means responsive to receipt of the first predetermined code from the calling station for switching the switch from its first position to its second position to enable the signaling means to transmit a digital signal to the voice message facility;

wherein after signaling the voice message facility, the control means is responsive to receipt of the second predetermined code from the voice message facility for switching the switch from its second position back to its first position to connect the calling station to the voice message facility; and

wherein after connection of the calling station to the voice message facility, the control means transmits a digital signal to the voice message facility, the digital signal including information that, once recognized by the access prevention means of the voice message facility enables the voice message to be stored and forwarded from the voice message facility without entry of the predetermined access codes normally required by the access prevention means.

8. The line interface unit of claim 7 wherein the digital signal comprises a number of the calling station, a number of the called station, and billing information for use in billing the calling station.

9. The line interface unit of claim 7 wherein the digital signaling format is SS7.

10. A method, using a line interface unit, for controlling receipt and delivery of voice messages over a telephone system having a voice message facility connectable to at least one calling station and a called station via a central office, the voice message facility normally having access prevention means for preventing storage of voice messages unless predetermined access codes are received and verified by the access prevention means, wherein the line interface unit includes a monitor circuit for monitoring tip and ring lines of the calling station, a speech circuit for issuing a predetermined prompt to a caller at the calling station, a signaling circuit for signaling the voice message facility, a detector circuit connected to the monitor circuit for detecting signals on the tip and ring lines and a control circuit for controlling the operation of the line interface unit, the method comprising the steps of:

determining whether a predetermined condition exists at the called station upon call initiation to the called station;

if the predetermined condition exists, connecting the speech circuit to the calling station to thereby enable the speech circuit to issue the prompt;

activating the speech circuit to issue the prompt to the caller at the calling station;

determining whether a predetermined code has been received from the calling station, indicating that the caller desires to leave a voice message for the called station;

if the predetermined code has been received from the calling station, connecting the signaling circuit to the central office to thereby enable the signaling circuit to signal the voice message facility; and

activating the signaling circuit to signal the voice message facility;

determining whether a predetermined code has been received from the voice message facility; and

if the predetermined code has been received from the voice message facility, transmitting a digital signal from the line interface unit to the voice message facility, the digital signal including information that, once recognized by the access prevention means of the voice message facility, enables the voice message to be stored and forwarded from the voice message facility without entry of the predetermined access codes normally required by the access prevention means.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein the digital signal comprises a number of the calling station, a number of the called station, and billing information for use in billing the calling station.

12. A method, using a line interface unit, for controlling receipt and delivery of voice messages over a telephone system having a voice message facility connectable to at least one calling station and a called station via a central office, the line interface unit including a monitor circuit from monitoring tip and ring lines of the calling station, a speech circuit for issuing a predetermined prompt to a caller at the calling station, a signaling circuit for signaling the voice message facility, a detector circuit for detecting signals on the tip and ring lines and a control circuit for controlling the operation of the line interface unit, the method comprising the steps of:

determining whether a busy or ring/no answer condition exists at the called station upon call initiation to the called station;

if a busy or ring/no answer condition exists, connecting the speech circuit to the calling station to thereby enable the speech circuit to issue the prompt;

activating the speech circuit to issue the prompt to the caller at the calling station;

determining whether a predetermined code has been received from the calling station, indicating that the caller desires to leave a voice message for the called station;

if the predetermined code has been received from the calling station, connecting the signaling circuit to the central office to thereby enable the signaling circuit to signal the voice message facility; and

activating the signaling circuit to signal the voice message facility;

determining whether a predetermined code has been received from the voice message facility; and

if the predetermined code has been received from the voice message facility, transmitting a digital signal from the line interface unit to the voice message facility, the digital signal including a telephone number of the calling station and a destination number of the called station.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein said digital signal further includes billing information for billing the calling station.

14. A line interface unit for controlling receipt and delivery of voice messages over a telephone system having a voice message facility, the voice message facility connectable to at least one calling station and a called station and normally having access prevention means for preventing storage and forwarding of voice messages unless predetermined access codes are received and verified by the access prevention means, the calling station connected to a central office, the line interface unit comprising:

a switch connected to the central office and having first and second positions and wherein signals are connected directly between the calling station and the central office when the switch is in the first position;

means for signaling the voice message facility using a digital signaling format;

means for monitoring call progress upon call initiation to the called station;

means connected to the monitoring means for detecting a predetermined condition at the called station upon call initiation to the called station, for detecting receipt of a first predetermined code from the calling station indicating that the caller desires to leave a voice message for the called station at the caller'"'"'s expense; and

control means connected to the detecting means and the switch, the control means responsive to receipt of the first predetermined code from the calling station for switching the switch from its first position to its second position to enable the signaling means to transmit a digital signal to the voice message facility;

wherein after signaling the voice message facility, the control means switches the switch from its second position back to its first position to connect the calling station to the voice message facility; and

wherein after connection of the calling station to the voice message facility, the control means transmits a digital signal to the voice message facility, the digital signal including information that, once recognized by the access prevention means of the voice message facility enables the voice message to be stored and forwarded from the voice message facility without entry of the predetermined access codes normally required by the access prevention means.

15. The line interface unit of claim 14 wherein the digital signal comprises a number of the calling station, a number of the called station, and billing information for use in billing the calling station.

16. The line interface unit of claim 14 wherein the digital signaling format is SS7.

17. Apparatus for connection in a telecommunication circuit including at least one central office, a calling station for initiating a call, a called station for receiving said call and a voice message system for delivering a voice message to said called station, said apparatus comprising means connected to said circuit for monitoring said circuit to obtain data from said calling station, means for storing said data, means for issuing a pre-recorded prompt, switch means connected in said circuit and switchable between a first position in which a call initiated at said calling station and directed to an idle or busy called station causes a ring or busy tone, respectively, to be received at said calling station and a second position in which said means for issuing a pre-recorded prompt is connected to said calling station, means for detecting a busy/no answer condition at said called station, control means responsive to said detecting of said busy/no answer condition for switching said switch means from its first position to its second position, means for detecting receipt of a predetermined code from said calling station, second control means responsive to said detecting of said receipt of a predetermined code for causing connection of said calling station to said voice message system, and means for transferring said data to said voice message system, for subsequently enabling said voice message delivery to said called station.

18. Apparatus for connection in a telecommunication circuit including at least one central office, a calling station and a called station associated so that a call initiated at said calling station causes a ringing or busy tone to be generated by said central office, indicating a noncompleted call at said called station, said apparatus comprising a voice message system connected in said circuit for delivering a voice message to the called station, a monitor connected to said circuit for monitoring said circuit for indication from said calling station of acceptance of services and a switch connected to said monitor and responsive to said indication for disassociating said calling station from said called station and connecting said calling station to said voice message system subsequently causing said voice message to be delivered to said called station.

19. A line interface unit for controlling delivery of voice messages over a telephone system having a voice message facility, the voice message facility connectable to at least one calling station and a called station and normally having access prevention means for preventing storage and forwarding of voice messages unless predetermined access codes are received and verified by the access prevention means, the calling station connected to a central office, the line interface unit comprising:

a switch connected to the central office and having first and second positions and wherein signals are connected directly between the calling station and the central office when the switch is in the first position;

means for signaling the voice message facility using a digital signaling format;

means for monitoring call progress upon call initiation to the called station;

means connected to the monitoring means for detecting a predetermined condition at the called station upon call initiation to the called station, for detecting receipt of a first predetermined code from the calling station indicating that the caller desires to leave a voice message for the called station at the caller'"'"'s expense, and for detecting receipt of a second predetermined code from the voice message facility; and

control means connected to the detecting means and the switch, the control means responsive to receipt of the first predetermined code from the calling station for switching the switch from its first position to its second position to enable the signaling means to transmit a digital signal to the voice message facility;

wherein after signaling the voice message facility, the control means transmits a digital signal to the voice message facility, the digital signal including information that, once recognized by the access prevention means of the voice message facility enables a voice message to be forwarded from the voice message facility without entry of the predetermined access codes normally required by the access prevention means.

20. The line interface unit of claim 19 wherein the digital signal comprises a number of the calling station, a number of the called station, and billing information for use in billing the calling station.

21. The line interface unit of claim 19 wherein the digital signaling format is SS7.

22. A method, using a line interface unit, for controlling delivery of voice messages over a telephone system having a voice message facility connectable to at least one calling station and a called station via a central office, the voice message facility normally having access prevention means for preventing forwarding of voice messages unless predetermined access codes are received and verified by the access prevention means, wherein the line interface unit includes a monitor circuit for monitoring tip and ring lines of the calling station, a speech circuit for issuing a predetermined prompt to a caller at the calling station, a signaling circuit for signaling the voice message facility, a detector circuit connected to the monitor circuit for detecting signals on the tip and ring lines and a control circuit for controlling the operation of the line interface unit, the method comprising the steps of:

determining whether a predetermined condition exists at the called station upon call initiation to the called station;

if the predetermined condition exists, connecting the speech circuit to the calling station to thereby enable the speech circuit to issue the prompt;

activating the speech circuit to issue the prompt to the caller at the calling station;

determining whether a predetermined code has been received from the calling station, indicating that the caller desires to transmit a voice message for the called station;

if the predetermined code has been received from the calling station, connecting the signaling circuit to the central office to thereby enable the signaling circuit to signal the voice message facility; and

activating the signaling circuit to signal the voice message facility;

determining whether a predetermined code has been received from the voice message facility; and

if the predetermined code has been received from the voice message facility, transmitting a digital signal from the line interface unit to the voice message facility, the digital signal including information that, once recognized by the access prevention means of the voice message facility, enables the voice message to be forwarded from the voice message facility without entry of the predetermined access codes normally required by the access prevention means.

23. The method of claim 22 wherein the digital signal comprises a number of the calling station, a number of the called station, and billing information for use in billing the calling station.

24. A method, using a line interface unit, for selectively routing a telephone call and for controlling delivery of voice messages over a telephone system having a voice message facility connectable to at least one calling station and a called station via a central office, the line interface unit including a monitor circuit from monitoring tip and ring lines of the calling station, a speech circuit for issuing a predetermined prompt to a caller at the calling station, a signaling circuit for signaling the voice message facility, a detector circuit for detecting signals on the tip and ring lines and a control circuit for controlling the operation of the line interface unit, the method comprising the steps of:

determining whether a busy or ring/no answer condition exists at the called station upon call initiation to the called station;

if a busy or ring/no answer condition exists, connecting the speech circuit to the calling station to thereby enable the speech circuit to issue the prompt;

activating the speech circuit to issue the prompt to the caller at the calling station;

determining whether a predetermined code has been received from the calling station, indicating that the caller desires to leave a voice message for the called station;

if the predetermined code has been received from the calling station, connecting the signaling circuit to the central office to thereby enable the signaling circuit to signal the voice message facility; and

activating the signaling circuit to signal the voice message facility;

determining whether a predetermined code has been received from the voice message facility; and

if the predetermined code has been received from the voice message facility, transmitting a digital signal from the line interface unit to the voice message facility, the digital signal including a telephone number of the calling station and a destination number of the called station.

25. The method of claim 24 wherein said digital signal further includes billing information for billing the calling station.

26. A line interface unit for controlling delivery of voice messages over a telephone system having a voice message facility, the voice message facility connectable to at least one calling station and a called station and normally having access prevention means for preventing forwarding of voice messages unless predetermined access codes are received and verified by the access prevention means, the calling station connected to a central office, the line interface unit comprising:

a switch connected to the central office and having first and second positions and wherein signals are connected directly between the calling station and the central office when the switch is in the first position;

means for signaling the voice message facility using a digital signaling format;

means for monitoring call progress upon call initiation to the called station;

means connected to the monitoring means for detecting a predetermined condition at the called station upon call initiation to the called station, for detecting receipt of a first predetermined code from the calling station indicating that the caller desires to leave a voice message for the called station at the caller'"'"'s expense; and

control means connected to the detecting means and the switch, the control means responsive to receipt of the first predetermined code from the calling station for switching the switch from its first position to its second position to enable the signaling means to transmit a digital signal to the voice message facility;

wherein after signaling the voice message facility, the control means switches the switch from its second position back to its first position to connect the calling station to the voice message facility; and

wherein after connection of the calling station to the voice message facility, the control means transmits a digital signal to the voice message facility, the digital signal including information that, once recognized by the access prevention means of the voice message facility enables the voice message to be forwarded from the voice message facility without entry of the predetermined access codes normally required by the access prevention means.

27. The line interface unit of claim 26 wherein the digital signal comprises a number of the calling station, a number of the called station, and billing information for use in billing the calling station.

28. The line interface unit of claim 26 wherein the digital signaling format is SS7.

29. A line interface unit for controlling receipt and delivery of voice messages over a telephone system having a voice message facility, the voice message facility connectable to at least one calling station and a called station and normally having access prevention means for preventing storage and forwarding of voice messages unless predetermined access codes are received and verified by the access prevention means, the calling station connected to a central office, the line interface unit comprising:

a switch connected to the central office and having first and second positions and wherein signals are connected directly between the calling station and the central office when the switch is in the first position;

means for signaling the voice message facility;

means for monitoring call progress upon call initiation to the called station;

means connected to the monitoring means for detecting a predetermined condition at the called station upon call initiation to the called station, and for detecting receipt of a first predetermined code from the calling station indicating that the caller desires to leave a voice message for the called station at the caller'"'"'s expense; and

control means connected to the detecting means and the switch, the control means responsive to receipt of the first predetermined code from the calling station for switching the switch from its first position to its second position to enable the signaling means to signal the voice message facility;

wherein after signaling the voice message facility, the control means is responsive to receipt of the second predetermined code from the voice message facility for switching the switch from its second position back to its first position to connect the calling station to the voice message facility.

30. A method, using a line interface unit, for controlling receipt and delivery of voice messages over a telephone system having a voice message facility connectable to at least one calling station and a called station via a central office, the voice message facility normally having access prevention means for preventing storage of voice messages unless predetermined access codes are received and verified by the access prevention means, wherein the line interface unit includes a monitor circuit for monitoring a line of the calling station, a speech circuit for issuing a predetermined prompt to a caller at the calling station, a signaling circuit for signaling the voice message facility, a detector circuit connected to the monitor circuit for detecting signals on the line and a control circuit for controlling the operation of the line interface unit, the method comprising the steps of:

determining whether a predetermined condition exists at the called station upon call initiation to the called station;

if the predetermined condition exists, connecting the speech circuit to the calling station to thereby enable the speech circuit to issue the prompt;

activating the speech circuit to issue the prompt to the caller at the calling station;

determining whether a predetermined code has been received from the calling station, indicating that the caller desires to leave a voice message for the called station;

if the predetermined code has been received from the calling station, connecting the signaling circuit to the central office to thereby enable the signaling circuit to signal the voice message facility; and

activating the signaling circuit to signal the voice message facility.

31. The method of claim 30 wherein the line comprises a cellular call.

32. A method, using a line interface unit, for controlling receipt and delivery of voice messages over a telephone system having a voice message facility connectable to at least one calling station and a called station via a central office, the line interface unit including a monitor circuit from monitoring a line of the calling station, a speech circuit for issuing a predetermined prompt to a caller at the calling station, a signaling circuit for signaling the voice message facility, a detector circuit for detecting signals on the line and a control circuit for controlling the operation of the line interface unit, the method comprising the steps of:

determining whether a busy or ring/no answer condition exists at the called station upon call initiation to the called station;

if a busy or ring/no answer condition exists, connecting the speech circuit to the calling station to thereby enable the speech circuit to issue the prompt;

activating the speech circuit to issue the prompt to the caller at the calling station;

determining whether a predetermined code has been received from the calling station, indicating that the caller desires to leave a voice message for the called station;

if the predetermined code has been received from the calling station, connecting the signaling circuit to the central office to thereby enable the signaling circuit to signal the voice message facility; and

activating the signaling circuit to signal the voice message facility.

33. The method of claim 32 wherein the line comprises a cellular call.

34. A method for storing and delivering voice messages in a telecommunication circuit including at least one central office, a calling station, a called station associated with said calling station so that a call initiated at said calling station causes a ringing or busy tone to be generated, indicating a noncompleted call at said called station, an interface unit for delivering voice message service prompts, and a voice message system for receiving voice messages from said calling station and delivering said voice messages to said called station, said voice message system being remotely located from said interface unit and accessed by said interface unit via said central office, said telecommunications circuit being monitored for indication from said calling station of acceptance of voice message services wherein the caller can monitor voice message service prompts of said interface unit simultaneously with the progress of the call, then disassociating said calling station from said called station in response to said indication, and then connecting said calling station to said voice message system to enable a message to be transferred from said calling station to said voice message system for delivery to said called station.

35. The method of claim 34 wherein said telecommunications circuit is monitored by said interface unit.

36. A method for storing and delivering voice messages in a telecommunication circuit including at least one central office, a calling station, a called station associated with said calling station so that a call initiated at said calling station causes a ringing or busy tone to be generated by said central office, indicating a noncompleted call at said called station, the method comprising the steps of:

providing an interface unit for delivering voice message service prompts;

providing a voice message system for receiving voice messages from said calling station and delivering said voice messages to said called station, said voice message system being remotely located from said interface unit and accessed by said interface unit via said central office;

monitoring with said interface unit for an indication from said calling station of acceptance of voice message services at the caller'"'"'s expense, wherein the caller can monitor voice message service prompts of said interface unit simultaneously with the caller'"'"'s monitoring of the progress of the call;

disassociating said calling station from said called station in response to said indication, and then connecting said calling station to said voice message system to enable a message to be transferred from said calling station to said voice message system for delivery to said called station.

37. The method of claim 36 wherein said central office comprises equipment selected from a group consisting of an origination local exchange carrier, a destination local exchange carrier, and an interexchange carrier.

38. Apparatus for connection in a telecommunication circuit including at least one central office, a calling station and a called station associated so that a call initiated at said calling station causes a ringing or busy tone to be generated by said central office, indicating a noncompleted call at said called station, said apparatus comprising a voice message system connectable in said circuit for receiving voice messages from the calling station and delivering the voice messages to the called station, said voice message system comprising a communications interface unit for issuing user prompts for offering voice message delivery by said voice message system and a voice message facility (VMF) platform for recording voice messages left responsive to said user prompts, said communications interface unit including voice storage means for issuing user prompts for offering voice message delivery by said voice message system, service circuit means connected to said telecommunications circuit for monitoring for indication from said calling station of acceptance of voice message services at the caller'"'"'s expense wherein the caller can monitor the progress of the call during issuance of said user prompts, said communications interface unit being responsive to said indication for disassociating said calling station from said called station and connecting said calling station to said VMF platform to enable a message to be transferred from said calling station to said VMF platform for delivery to said called station.

39. The apparatus of claim 38 wherein said central office comprises equipment selected from a group consisting of an origination local exchange carrier, a destination local exchange carrier, and an interexchange carrier.

40. The apparatus of claim 38 wherein said VMF platform is located remotely from said communications interface unit and connectable thereto through said central office.