Communicator for a telephone system

• US 6,067,443 A
• Filed: 05/08/1995
• Issued: 05/23/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 09/14/1984
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Aspect Communications Corporation (Alvaria Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Aspect Telecommunications Corporation (Alvaria Incorporated)
• Inventors: Fuller, Robert M., Epler, Frederick A., Manowski, Maxwell E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Bost, Dwayne D.
• Assistant Examiner(s): WYCHE, MYRON
• Application Number:
  US08/436,593
• Time in Patent Office: 1,842 Days
• Field of Search: 379/57, 379/58, 379/67, 379/88, 379/210, 379/212, 379/211, 455/31.2, 455/558, 455/414, 455/31.3
• US Class Current: 340/7.58
• 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 communication system for coupling incoming calls from a calling party to a called party. The system includes at least one paging device and a plurality of other communications devices associated with prospective called parties, each of the other communications devices possessing communications capabilities different from the paging device. A programmed computer is responsive to signalling information in an incoming call for determining which paging device is associated with the called party and for determining which of the other communications devices is associated with the called party. An alerting signal is coupled to that paging device to alert the called party of the incoming call and a signal transmitted by the called party is detected in order to control further processing of the incoming call.

Claims

1. Apparatus for use in a communications system wherein an incoming call from a calling party is directed to a called party, said apparatus comprising a communications processor, said communications processor:

responsive to said incoming call for determining a bidirectional communications device associated with said called party and for causing an alerting signal to be produced at said bidirectional communications device to alert said called party of said incoming call,

responsive to a first signal transmitted by said bidirectional communications device for suspending further processing of said incoming call in a first call processing mode, and

responsive to a predetermined signal received from said bidirectional communications device, prior to said called party establishing a two-way telephone connection to said incoming call, for reinitiating processing of said incoming call in a different second call processing mode.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said second call processing mode is a selected one of a plurality of call processing modes selectable during processing of said incoming call by transmitting from said bidirectional communications device a selected one of a corresponding plurality of mode command information signals.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said second call processing mode includes coupling said incoming call to another communications device separate and distinct from said bidirectional communications device.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first signal is the same as said predetermined signal.

5. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein at least one of said plurality of call processing modes includes suspending processing of said incoming call to await entry by said calling party of a password signal associated with said called party.

6. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said called party receives said incoming call via said another communications device, and said another communications device is a wired telephone station set.

7. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said called party is connected to said incoming call via said another communications device, which is a wireless telephone station set.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said signal transmitted by said bidirectional communicator device is a radio signal.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said communication processor, in responding to said mode command information, also couples a predetermined voice announcement to said calling party announcing said called party'"'"'s intent to receive said incoming call.

38. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said bidirectional communications device is a wireless device.

39. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said second call processing mode differs from said first call processing mode irrespective of differences in a telephone network address to which said incoming call will be connected.

40. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein each of said plurality of call processing modes differs from each other of said plurality of call processing modes irrespective of differences in a telephone network address to which said incoming call will be connected.

41. The apparatus of claim 38 wherein said bidirectional communications device lacks voice communication capacity.

55. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said incoming call is processed and terminates without said called party having established a two-way telephone connection with said calling party.

10. A bidirectional communicator device for use in a communications system, said bidirectional communicator device comprising:

a receiver for receiving a first signal from said communications system in response to an incoming call for a called party associated with said bidirectional communicator device; and

a transmitter for transmitting a second signal to said communications system, while said incoming call is being processed and without having established a bidirectional telephonic connection between said calling party and said called party, said second signal indicating a command from said called party to have said incoming call suspended from a first call processing mode, and to have said incoming call processed in a different second call processing mode.

11. The bidirectional communicator device of claim 10 wherein said first and second signals are radio signals.

42. The bidirectional communicator device of claim 10, wherein said second call processing mode differs from said first call processing mode irrespective of a telephone network address to which said incoming call will be connected.

12. A communication system for processing incoming calls from a calling party to a called party, said system comprising:

at least one wireless bidirectional communications device;

an incoming call processor responsive to signalling information in an incoming call for determining that said wireless bidirectional communications device is associated with said called party;

a transmitting system for coupling an alerting signal to said wireless bidirectional communications device associated with said called party to alert said called party of said incoming call;

a receiving system, responsive to a mode command signal transmitted by said wireless bidirectional communications device, while said incoming call is being processed, for directing said incoming call processor to terminate further processing of said incoming call in a first call processing mode, said receiving system also being responsive to a predetermined signal received from said wireless bidirectional communications device for reinitiating processing of said incoming call in a second call processing mode different from said first call processing mode.

43. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said second call processing mode is a selected one of a plurality of call processing modes selectable during processing of said incoming call by transmitting from said bidirectional communications device a selected one of a corresponding plurality of mode command information signals.

44. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said second call processing mode differs from said first call processing mode irrespective of differences in a telephone network address to which said incoming call will be connected.

45. The apparatus of claim 43 wherein each of said plurality of call processing modes differs from each other of said plurality of call processing modes irrespective of differences in a telephone network address to which said incoming call will be connected.

56. The communication system of claim 12 wherein said receiving system is responsive to said mode command signal transmitted without said called party having established a two-way telephonic connection with said calling party.

13. A method for use in a communications system wherein an incoming call from a calling party is directed to a called party, said method comprising the steps of:

determining, in response to said incoming call, a wireless bidirectional communicator device associated with said called party;

coupling an alerting signal to the determined wireless communicator device to alert said called party of said incoming call;

temporarily suspending any further processing of said incoming call in a first processing mode in response to a mode command signal transmitted by said wireless communicator device without said called party having established a bidirectional telephone connection to said incoming call; and

reinitiating processing of said incoming call in a different processing mode commanded by said mode command signal.

14. Apparatus for use in a communications system wherein an incoming call from a calling party is directed to a called party, said apparatus comprising:

means responsive to said incoming call for determining a paging device associated with said called party and at least one other communications device possessing communications capabilities different from that of said paging device and associated with said called party;

means responsive to the determined paging and other communications device for coupling an alerting signal to said paging device to alert said called party of said incoming call;

means responsive to a first signal transmitted from said pager for controlling further processing of said incoming call, including selectively coupling said incoming call to said other communications device.

15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said other communications device has two-way communications capability.

16. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said other communications device is a wired telephone station set.

17. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said other communications device is a wireless telephone station set.

18. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said first signal is transmitted by the called party via said paging device.

19. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said communications device is a wired telephone station set.

20. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said communications device is a wireless telephone station set.

21. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said first signal transmitted by said paging device is a radio signal.

22. Apparatus for use in a communications system wherein an incoming call from a calling party is directed to a called party, said apparatus comprising:

means responsive to said incoming call for determining a paging device associated with said called party and at least one other communications device possessing communications capabilities different from that of said paging device and associated with said called party;

means responsive to the determined paging and other communications device for coupling an alerting signal to said paging device to alert said called party of said incoming call;

means responsive to a first signal transmitted by said called party for controlling further processing of said incoming call, including selectively coupling said incoming call to said other communications device and coupling

a predetermined voice announcement to said calling party announcing said called party'"'"'s intent to receive said incoming call.

23. A pager for use in a communications system, said pager comprising:

means for receiving a signal from said communications system in response to an incoming call for a called party associated with said pager; and

means for transmitting a signal to said communications system indicating an intent of the called party to personally answer the call.

24. The pager of claim 23 wherein said transmitting means also includes means for transmitting another signal to said communications system indicating an intent of said called party not to personally answer said incoming call but to have said incoming call processed in a different mode of operation.

25. The pager of claim 24 wherein said signals are transmitted radio frequency signals.

26. A communication system for coupling incoming calls from a calling party to a called party, said system comprising

at least one paging device;

a plurality of other communications devices associated with prospective called parties, each of said other communications devices possessing communications capabilities different from said paging device;

means responsive to signalling information in an incoming call for determining if any said paging device is associated with said called party and for determining which of said other communications devices is associated with said called party;

means for coupling an alerting signal to said paging device to alert said called party of said incoming call;

means responsive to a signal transmitted by said paging device for controlling further processing of said incoming call.

27. The communication system of claim 26 further wherein said means responsive to a signal couples said incoming call to said another communications device, said communications device being any in a set of said other communications devices including said other communications device, whereby said incoming call is received by said called party at one of said other communications devices.

28. A method for use in a communications system wherein an incoming call from a calling party is connected to a called party, said method comprising the steps of:

determining, in response to said incoming call, a paging device associated with said called party and at least one other communications device possessing communications capabilities associated with said called party and possessing communications capabilities different from that of said paging device;

coupling an alerting signal to the determined paging device to alert said called party of said incoming call;

temporarily suspending any further processing of said incoming call; and

reinitiating processing of said incoming call in response to a signal transmitted from said paging device by said called party and coupling said incoming call to another communications device, said another communications device being any in a set of communications devices including said other communications device whereby said incoming call is received by said called party at one of said other communications devices.

29. The method of claim 28 wherein processing of said incoming call is also reinitiated in the event no signal is received from the called party within a programmed period of time, in which case the processing thereafter continues in a default mode.

30. The method of claim 28 wherein said signal is a radio frequency signal transmitted by said paging device.

31. A method of directing an incoming call from a calling part to a called party, said method comprising:

determining a paging device associated with said called party and at least one other communications device possessing communications capabilities different from that of said paging device and associated with said called party in response to said incoming call;

coupling an alerting signal to said paging device to alert said called party of said incoming call;

detecting a signal transmitted from said paging device by said called party in response to said alerting signal; and

in response to the detection of said signal, controlling further processing of said incoming call.

32. The method of claim 31 wherein said controlling step includes selectively coupling said incoming call to said other communications device.

33. The method of claim 31 wherein said controlling step includes selectively coupling said incoming call to another communications device.

34. The method of claim 31 wherein said controlling step includes selectively coupling said incoming call to voice mail.

35. The method of claim 31 wherein the signal transmitted by the called party from said paging device is a radio frequency signal.

37. The method of claim 31 wherein said controlling step includes coupling said incoming call to a selected communications device and further including the step of selecting a communications device to be the selected communications device in response to a selection signal received from the called party.

36. A method of directing an incoming call from a calling part to a called party, said method comprising:

determining a paging device associated with said called party and at least one other communications device possessing communications capabilities different from that of said paging device and associated with said called party in response to said incoming call;

coupling an alerting signal to said paging device to alert said called party of said incoming call;

detecting a signal transmitted by said called party in response to said alerting signal; and

in response to the detection of said signal, controlling further processing of said incoming call by coupling said incoming call to a selected communications device and automatically selecting a communications device to be the selected communications device in response to physical movement of the called party between rooms in a building.

46. A method of processing an incoming telephone call initiated by a calling party and directed to a telephone network address associated with a called party, said method comprising the steps of:

initiating processing of said incoming call in a first call processing mode;

sending an alerting signal to a bidirectional communications device associated with said called party to inform said called party of said incoming call;

receiving a predetermined mode change command signal from said bidirectional communications device after sending said alerting signal, without a need for said called party to establish a direct telephone connection to said incoming telephone call;

responding to said predetermined mode change command signal by changing the processing mode of said incoming telephone call to a second processing mode different from said first mode.

47. The method of processing an incoming call of claim 46 wherein said bidirectional communications device is a wireless device.

48. The method of claim 46 wherein the step of changing the processing mode is completed before said calling party is granted an opportunity to provide a voice message for said called party.

49. The method of processing an incoming call of claim 46 wherein said predetermined mode change command is one of a plurality of predetermined mode change commands, and wherein said second processing mode is one of a plurality of processing modes able to be initiated by receiving particular ones of said predetermined mode change commands.

50. The method of processing an incoming call of claim 46 in which the step of initiating processing of said incoming call in a first processing mode includes steps of:

extracting information from said incoming call identifying said called party; and

determining if a bidirectional device capable of sending a mode change command signal is associated with said called party.

51. A method of processing an incoming telephone call initiated by a calling party and directed to a telephone network address associated with a called party, said method comprising the steps of:

initiating processing of said incoming call in a first call processing mode;

sending an alerting signal to a bidirectional communications device associated with said called party to inform said called party of said incoming call;

receiving, while said incoming call is being processed and while a two-way telephonic connection between said calling party and said called party has at least not yet been established, a predetermined mode change command signal from said bidirectional communications device;

responding to said predetermined mode change command signal by changing the processing mode of said incoming telephone call to a second processing mode different from said first mode and corresponding to said predetermined mode change command.

52. The method of claim 51 wherein said bidirectional communications device is a wireless device.

53. The method of claim 52 wherein said second processing mode is one of a plurality of different processing modes selectable by receiving a corresponding predetermined mode change command, and wherein said predetermined mode change command is one of a plurality of predetermined mode change commands transmittable by said bidirectional communications device.

54. The method of claim 51 wherein the step of changing to a second processing mode is commanded by said called party without a need for said called party to initiate a telephone connection by going off hook.

57. The method of claim 51 wherein said predetermined mode change command signal is received before any telephonic voice connection is established to said incoming call.