Method and apparatus for processing telephone calls

• US 6,122,484 A
• Filed: 05/11/1995
• Issued: 09/19/2000
• 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:
  US08/439,256
• Time in Patent Office: 1,958 Days
• Field of Search: 379/56-58, 379/127, 379/142, 379/201, 379/207, 379/210, 379/216, 379/245, 379/211, 379/212, 379/214, 379/67, 379/88, 379/89, 340/825.44, 340/311.1, 455/31.1
• US Class Current: 340/7.28
• 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 an apparatus and method for processing incoming telephone calls directed to a user. A valid identification signal from the user is detected and then the user is transferred to a system command mode. In the command mode, a request from the user for information regarding a present mode by which incoming calls are processed is identified, the current mode by which incoming calls are processed is recalled from memory, and the results are transmitted to the user.

Claims

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

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

(b) processing an incoming 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 network addresses, sensing the transmission by the caller of a command corresponding to the desired network address and, responsive thereto, routing said incoming call to a 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;

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

(e) in said command mode, detecting a request by said user for information regarding a current commanded mode by which the system processes incoming calls for said user;

(f) recalling from said memory the current commanded mode by which incoming calls are presently processed for said user; and

(g) transmitting information which advises said user of said current commanded 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 current commanded mode by which subsequent incoming calls are directed to said user.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein said network addresses are telephone network addresses and wherein said incoming calls are incoming telephone calls.

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

5. 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 in accordance with a current commanded mode of handling incoming telephone calls, 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 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 signal to gain access to system provided functions;

(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, said signal detector also detecting a request by said user for information regarding the current commanded mode by which the system processes incoming calls directed to said user; and

(e) said call processor, in response to detection of said request, recalling from said memory the current commanded mode by which incoming calls directed to said user are processed and transmits information which advises said user of said current commanded mode.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein:

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

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

7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said signal generator generates ring back tones.

8. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said signal is an identification code entered by the user.

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

(a) answering an incoming telephone call from a caller and processing the incoming call in accordance with a commanded call-handling mode, wherein the caller is either a typical caller who is trying to contact the user or wherein the caller is the user, and wherein the processing step includes 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;

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

(c) detecting a request by said user for information regarding the present commanded mode by which the system processes incoming calls;

(d) recalling from said memory the present commanded mode; and

(e) transmitting information which advises said user of said present commanded mode.

10. The method of claim 9, 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.

11. The method of claim 9 wherein the call processing step communicates the information indicating normal call processing by at least transmitting ring back tones.

12. 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 in accordance with a current commanded call-handling mode and for routing said incoming call to a telephone network address represented in a memory,

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

(c) a signal detector coupled to said call processor for detecting receipt of a valid identification code from the user during said incoming telephone call, 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, said signal detector also detecting a request by said user for information regarding the current commanded call-handling mode by which the call processor processes incoming calls directed to said user, and

(d) said call processor recalling from said memory the current commanded call-handling mode, and transmits information which advises said user of said current commanded call-handling mode.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, 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 current commanded call handling mode by which the system processes subsequent incoming calls directed to said user.

14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said signal generator generates ringing sounds.

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

(a) answering said incoming calls and detecting a valid identification code received during an incoming telephone call, and, upon receipt of the valid identification code, transferring the user to a command mode, and,

(b) in said command mode;

(i) identifying a request for information regarding a present mode by which incoming calls are processed,

(ii) recalling from a memory the present mode by which incoming calls are processed, and

(iii) transmitting the recalled information to said user.

16. The method of claim 15, further including the step of generating signals which to the caller indicate normal call processing operations but to the user indicate that the user can transmit their identification code to gain access to system provided functions.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein the call processing step communicates the information indicating normal call processing by at least transmitting ringing sounds.

18. The method of claim 15, further including the step of responding to said user transmitting a specific mode command by appropriately changing a present commanded mode by which the system processes subsequent incoming calls directed to said user.

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

(a) a detector for detecting receipt of a signal during an incoming telephone call placed by the user,

(b) means for transferring the user to a command mode upon receipt of the signal, and

(c) means operable in said command mode for identifying a request from the user for information regarding a current mode by which incoming calls are processed, recalling from a memory the current mode by which incoming calls are processed, and transmitting information regarding the current mode to said user.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, further including:

(d) a call processor for processing incoming calls in accordance with a commanded mode,

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

(f) wherein said detector is coupled to said call processor and upon detecting receipt of the signal from the user, said call processor terminates current call processing of an incoming call and instead transfers the user to said command mode.

21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein said signal is an identification signal and wherein:

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

(h) said call processor responds to the specific mode command signal by changing the current commanded mode by which subsequent incoming calls directed to said user are processed.

22. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein said signal generator generates ring back tones.

23. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein said signal is an identification code input by the user.

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

(a) processing incoming calls directed to the user in a selected one of at least two different call processing modes, at least one of said two different modes causing an incoming call for the user to be forwarded to a stored network address, and

(b) identifying a message center control signal from a caller including while an incoming call is being forwarded to any stored network address, and, in response to identifying said message center control signal, permitting said caller to store a message for later access by the user.

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

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

(b) detecting receipt of a valid identification signal during a call made by the user, and, upon receipt of the valid identification signal, transferring the user to a system command mode, and,

(c) in said command mode;

(i) identifying a request from the user for information regarding a current mode by which incoming calls are processed,

(ii) recalling from a memory the current mode by which incoming calls are processed, and

(iii) transmitting information regarding the current mode to said user.

26. The method of claim 25, further including the step of generating signals which to the caller indicate normal call processing operations but to the user indicate that the user can transmit the identification signal to gain access to system provided functions.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein the step of generating signals comprises generating at least ring back tones to the caller.

28. A control system for connection to a network for receiving and processing calls from a caller to a user, the control system comprising:

call processing means for processing calls to the control system directed to a specific user in a selected one of at least two different call processing modes, at least one of said two different modes causing a call for the user to be forwarded to a stored network address, and

means for identifying a message center control signal from said caller including while a call is being forwarded to any stored network address, and, in response to identifying said message center control signal, permitting said caller to store a message for later access by the user.

29. A control system for connection to a network for receiving and processing calls from a caller to a user, the control system comprising:

call processing means for processing calls to the control system directed to a specific user in a selected one of at least two different call processing modes, and

means for detecting receipt of a valid identification signal during a call made by the user, and, upon receipt of the valid identification signal, transferring the user to a command mode, and, in said command mode identifying a request from the user for information regarding a present mode by which incoming calls are processed, recalling from a memory the present mode by which incoming calls are processed, and transmitting information regarding the present mode to said user.

30. The control system of claim 29, further including means for generating signals which to the caller indicate normal call processing operations but to the user indicate that the user can transmit the identification signal to gain access to system provided functions.

31. The control system of claim 30, wherein the generating means generates at least ring back tones to the caller.

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

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

(b) detecting a signal from the user during an incoming call placed by the user, and, upon receipt of the signal, terminating, if initiated, processing of the call in the selected call processing mode and instead transferring the user to a command mode;

(c) detecting a request by said user for information regarding the present call processing mode by which incoming calls directed to said user are processed;

(d) recalling from said memory the present mode by which incoming calls directed to said user are processed;

(e) transmitting information which advises said user of the present call processing mode; and

(f) implementing user call processing mode changes in the command mode in response to predefined command sequences.

33. The method of claim 32, further comprising:

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

34. A method of processing incoming calls directed to a user via a network providing identification information regarding a calling line, said method comprising the steps of:

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

(b) answering an incoming call placed by the user, and

(c) matching identification information transmitted in connection with said incoming call with stored identification information for the user and, if a match occurs, then processing a change to the present call processing mode.

35. The method of claim 34 where in said identification information is automatic number identification (ANI) information provided by said telephone network.

36. The method of claim 34 wherein the user has a speed calling service wherein multi-digit numbers can be recalled and dialed by the user entering a code, and wherein a sequence of speed calling numbers are programmed as mode control signals, whereby a user can change the present call processing mode by entering an appropriate code.

37. A control system for processing incoming telephonic calls directed to a user at a first network address via a communications network providing identification information regarding the calling line, said system comprising:

(a) a call processor for processing calls directed to the user at said first network address in a selected one of at least two different call processing modes, and

(b) an apparatus for answering an incoming call from a caller and for identifying the caller by matching the identification information regarding the calling line with stored identification information for said user and, if a match occurs, then processing a command from said user to change the present call processing mode.

38. The control system of claim 37 wherein the identification information regarding the calling line provided by the communications network is automatic number identification (ANI) information.

39. The control system of claim 37 wherein said user has a speed calling service wherein multi-digit numbers can be recalled and dialed by the user entering a code, and wherein a sequence of said speed calling numbers are programmed as mode command control signals, whereby a user can change the user'"'"'s call processing mode by entering the appropriate code.

40. A method of processing incoming calls from a communications network providing identification information regarding a calling line, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) processing calls directed to a user at a first network address in a selected one of at least two different call processing modes,

(b) answering a call initiated by the user and identifying the user by matching identification information associated with the call with stored identification information for the user, and

(c) if a match occurs, then processing a mode control signal from the user while the user is at a network address remote from the first network address to change the call processing mode by which subsequent incoming calls are processed.

41. The method of claim 40 wherein said identification information is automatic number identification (ANI) information provided by said communications network.

42. The method of claim 40 wherein calls are made by a user inputting a sequence which includes digits to identify one of said call processing modes and wherein said sequence is stored for access by the user.

43. A control system for connection to a network, said control system comprising:

(a) a communications port for connection to communication facilities of said network for receiving incoming calls via said facilities directed to a network address, said network providing identification information regarding a calling party to said control system;

(b) a call processor for processing an incoming call received via said communications port and directed to said network address, said call processor having a plurality of call processing modes, wherein incoming calls to said control system are made by a user inputting a sequence which includes digits identifying one of said plurality of call processing modes, and wherein the call processor answers an incoming call to said control system by said user placed from a different network address by matching the identification information associated with the incoming call with stored identification information for said user and, if a match occurs, then processing said digits as a mode control signal from said user.

44. The control system of claim 43 wherein the identification information regarding the calling party provided by the network is automatic number identification (ANI) information.

45. The control system of claim 43 wherein said sequence is stored for access by said user.

46. A method of processing incoming calls from a communications network in cooperation with a paging system wherein each of a plurality of users carries a paging device which receives signals transmitted by the paging system and wherein each paging device includes a transmitter and a transmitter control system for controlling said transmitter to selectively transmit from the paging device a plurality of data signals differing from each other as to the particular information they contain, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) processing calls directed to a user in accordance with an invoked call processing mode for said user, the invoked call processing mode for the user being a selected one of at least two call processing modes differing from each other without regard to any differences between telephone numbers to which incoming calls will be connected,

(b) changing the invoked call processing mode for the user as directed by particular information in one of said plurality of data signals which has been transmitted by and received from the user'"'"'s paging device to invoke a corresponding call processing mode for the user.

47. A call control system for processing incoming calls from a communications network in cooperation with a paging system wherein each of a plurality of users carriers a paging device to receive signals transmitted by the paging system and wherein each paging device includes a transmitter and a transmitter control system for controlling said transmitter to selectively transmit a plurality of data signals from the paging device differing from each other as to the particular information they contain, said system comprising:

(a) a call processor for processing calls directed to a particular user in accordance with an invoked call processing mode for said particular user, the invoked call processing mode for said user being a selected one of at least two call processing modes differing from each other without regard to any differences between telephone numbers to which incoming calls will be connected,

(b) a receiver for receiving data signals originating from users'"'"' paging devices, and

(c) a detector coupled to said receiver and to said call processor, said detector (i) being responsive to different data signals sent by and received from said user'"'"'s paging device to direct the invoked call processing mode for said user and (ii), in response to particular information in a data signal received, causing the invoked call processing mode for said user to correspond to the particular information in the data signal received from said user'"'"'s paging device.

48. The call control system of claim 47 wherein said transmitter control system includes a keypad and electronics for permitting the user to manually control said transmitter control system to cause said transmitter to transmit said data signal.

50. The call control system of claim 47 wherein each paging device includes a keypad for entry of commands by the user.

51. The combination of claim 47 further combination with a locator system wherein said locator system comprises a plurality of predeterminedly located locator transmitters, with each locator transmitter transmitting to a proximate paging device an identification signal, and wherein said transmitter control system controls said transmitter to transmit a signal related to said identification signal to said call control system to change the call processor'"'"'s selected call processing mode.

52. The combination of claim 47 in further combination with a locater system wherein said locator system comprises a plurality of predeterminedly located locator transmitters, with each locator transmitter transmitting to a proximate paging device a location signal, and wherein said transmitter control system controls said transmitter to transmit a signal related to said location signal to said call control system.

53. The combination of claim 52 wherein said location signal is an ultrasonic signal and wherein each paging device includes an ultrasonic receiver for receiving said ultrasonic signal.

54. The call control system of claim 52 further including electronic processing means, which, in response to receipt of said signal related to said location signal, revises a control system memory, whereby the control system will automatically forward incoming calls to a telephone near said user.

55. The control system of claim 52 further including electronic processing means, which in response to receipt of said signal related to said location signal, revises the call processing mode by which calls to the system are handled for a specific user.

49. The call control system of claim wherein said transmitter control system comprises a keypad and electronics allowing the user to manually revise the selected call processing mode.

56. A method of processing incoming calls from a communications network in cooperation with a paging system wherein each user carriers a paging device to receive signals broadcast from the paging system and wherein each paging device includes a transmitter to selectively transmit a plurality of different data signals and a transmitter control system for controlling said transmitter, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) processing calls directed to a user in accordance with data stored in a memory, in a mode selected for that user from a plurality of call processing modes differing from each other without regard to differences between telephone numbers to which incoming calls will be connected,

(b) transmitting a selected data signal from the user'"'"'s paging device, and

(c) receiving the selected data signal and, in response thereto, causing the data stored in the memory to correspond to the data signal transmitted from the user'"'"'s paging device to thereby process incoming calls to the user in a corresponding one of said plurality of call processing modes.

57. A call control system for processing incoming calls from a communications network in cooperation with a paging system wherein each user carriers a paging device to receive signals broadcast from the paging system with a unique identification code assigned to each paging device and wherein each paging device includes a transmitter to selectively transmit a plurality of different data signals and a transmitter control system for controlling said transmitter, said system comprising:

(a) a call processor for processing calls directed to each particular user in accordance with data stored in a memory, said data indicating a mode selected for the particular user from a plurality of modes differing from each other without regard to differences between telephone numbers to which incoming calls will be connected,

(b) a receiver for receiving a plurality of different data signals originating from a user'"'"'s paging device, and

(c) a detector operatively coupled to said receiver and to said memory, said detector being responsive to each one of said different data signals for updating the data stored in said memory to correspond to the data signal received from the user'"'"'s paging device and thereby to cause the selected call processing mode to correspond to the received data signal.

58. The call control system of claim 57 wherein said transmitter control system includes a keypad and electronics for permitting the user to manually control said transmitter control system to cause said transmitter to transmit said data signal.

59. The call control system of claim 57 wherein said transmitter control system comprises a keypad and electronics allowing the user to manually revise the data stored in said memory.

60. The call control system of claim 57 wherein each paging device includes a keypad for entry of commands by the user.

61. The call control system of claim 57 in combination with a locator system wherein said locator system comprises a plurality of predeterminedly located locator transmitters, with each locator transmitter transmitting to a proximate paging device an identification signal, and wherein said transmitter control system controls said transmitter to transmit a signal related to said identification signal to said call control system to modify said memory.

62. The call control system of claim 57 in combination with a locator system wherein said locator system comprises a plurality of predeterminedly located locator transmitters, with each locator transmitter transmitting to a proximate paging device a location signal, and wherein said transmitter control system controls said transmitter to transmit a signal related to said location signal to said apparatus.

63. The apparatus of claim 62 wherein said location signal is an ultrasonic signal and wherein each paging device includes an ultrasonic receiver for receiving said ultrasonic signal.

64. The call control system of claim 62 further including electronic processing means, which, in response to receipt of said signal related to said location signal, revises said control system memory, whereby the call control system will automatically forward incoming calls to a telephone near said user.

65. The control system of claim 62 further including electronic processing means, which, in response to receipt of said signal related to said location signal, revises the manner in which calls to the system are handled for a specific user.

66. A method of processing incoming calls from a communications network in cooperation with a network-accessible transmitting system, wherein each of a plurality of users carriers a bidirectional device, the bidirectional device receiving signals transmitted by the network-accessible transmitting system and also including a transmitter and a transmitter control system for controlling said transmitter to selectively transmit a plurality of different data signals from the bidirectional device, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) processing calls directed to a user in accordance with an invoked call processing mode for said user, the invoked call processing mode for the user being one of at least two different call processing modes selected from a set of different call processing modes wherein call forwarding to different telephone network addresses constitutes different call processing modes;

(b) alerting users of pending calls from calling parties by transmitting alerting signals via the network-accessible transmitting system to the user'"'"'s bidirectional device;

(c) changing the invoked call processing mode for the user according to each of a plurality of particular control data signals commanding a change to a particular different call processing mode which has been transmitted by and received from the user'"'"'s bidirectional device, changes to different call processing modes being implemented at times, including periods while a call is pending after alerting signals have been sent to the user'"'"'s bidirectional device, when the commanding control data signals are received from the user'"'"'s bidirectional device.

67. The call processing method of claim 66 wherein the set of different call processing modes includes call processing modes differing from each other irrespective of differences in telephone network addresses to which calls are forwarded.

68. A call control system for processing incoming calls from a communications network in cooperation with a transmitting system wherein each of a plurality of users carriers a bidirectional device to receive signals transmitted by the transmitting system and wherein each bidirectional device includes a transmitter and a transmitter control system for controlling said transmitter to selectively transmit a plurality of data signals from the bidirectional device, said system comprising:

(a) a call processor for processing incoming calls directed to a particular user in accordance with an invoked call processing mode for said particular user, the invoked call processing mode for said particular user being selected from a set including a plurality of different call processing modes wherein call forwarding to different telephone network addresses constitutes different call processing modes;

(b) a receiver for receiving data signals originating from users'"'"' bidirectional devices, and

(c) a detector coupled to said receiver and to said call processor, said detector

(i) being responsive, at times including while an incoming call directed to the particular user is pending, to particular control data signals received from said particular user'"'"'s bidirectional device directing the call processor to change the call processing mode invoked for said particular user to correspond to the particular directing control data signals, and

(ii) responding to receipt of such control data signals by causing the invoked call processing mode of said call processor to change to correspond to such particular control data signals.

69. The call control system of claim 68 wherein said transmitter control system includes a keypad and associated electronics for permitting the user to manually enter commands causing said transmitter control system to control said transmitter to transmit said directing control data signals.

70. The call control system of claim 69 wherein the set of different call processing modes includes call processing modes differing from each other irrespective of differences in telephone network addresses to which calls are forwarded.

71. The call control system of claim 68 combination with a locator system wherein said locator system comprises a plurality of predeterminedly located locator transmitters, with each locator transmitter transmitting to a proximate bidirectional device an identification signal, and wherein said transmitter control system controls said transmitter to transmit a signal related to said identification signal to said call control system to change the call processor'"'"'s selected call processing mode.

72. The call control system of claim 68 in combination with a locator system wherein said locator system comprises a plurality of predeterminedly located locator transmitters, with each locator transmitter transmitting to a proximate bidirectional device a location signal, and wherein said transmitter control system controls said transmitter to transmit a signal related to said location signal to said call control system.

73. The combination of claim 72 wherein said location signal is an ultrasonic signal and wherein each bidirectional device includes an ultrasonic receiver for receiving said ultrasonic signal.

74. The call control system of claim 72 further including electronic processing means, which, in response to receipt of said signal related to said location signal, revises the call processing mode by which calls to the system are handled for a specific user.

75. A method of processing incoming calls from a communications network in cooperation with a transmitting system wherein each user carriers a bidirectional device to receive signals broadcast from the transmitting system and wherein each bidirectional device includes a transmitter to selectively transmit a plurality of different data signals and a transmitter control system for controlling said transmitter, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) processing calls directed to a user in a first mode selected for that user from a plurality of different call processing modes in accordance with data stored in a memory,

(b) transmitting a selected control data signal from the user'"'"'s bidirectional device directing a change to a second call processing mode selected from the plurality of different call processing modes, the second call processing mode being different from the first call processing mode, and

(c) receiving the selected control data signal and thereupon responding, even while an incoming call is pending, by causing the data stored in the memory to correspond to the control data signal transmitted from the user'"'"'s bidirectional device to thereby process incoming calls to the user in the second call processing mode.

76. The method of claim 75 wherein the step of transmitting a selected control data signal occurs in response to the user commanding a change to the second call processing mode.

77. The method of claim 75 wherein modes of the plurality of different call processing modes differ from each other irrespective of different telephone network addresses to which an incoming call is forwarded.

78. A call control system for processing incoming calls from a communications network in cooperation with a transmitting system wherein each user carriers a bidirectional device to receive signals broadcast from the transmitting system with a unique identification code assigned to each bidirectional device and wherein each bidirectional device includes a transmitter to selectively transmit a plurality of different data signals and a transmitter control system for controlling said transmitter, said system comprising:

(a) a call processor for processing calls directed to each particular user in accordance with data stored in a memory, said data indicating a call processing mode selected for the particular user from a plurality of different call processing modes wherein forwarding a call to a different telephone network address constitutes a different call processing mode,

(b) a receiver for receiving a plurality of different data signals originating from a user'"'"'s bidirectional device, and

(c) a detector operatively coupled to said receiver and to said memory, said detector being responsive at times including while an incoming call to the user is pending to control data signals transmitted from said bidirectional device directing the call processor to update the data stored in said memory to correspond to the control data signal received from the user'"'"'s bidirectional device and thereby cause the selected call processing mode to correspond to that directed by the transmitted control data signal.

79. The call control system of claim 78 wherein user actions command the bidirectional device to transmit a plurality of different control data signals directing a plurality of different call processing modes.

80. The call control system of claim 79 wherein the plurality of different call processing modes directed by command of the user includes call processing modes differing from each other irrespective of differences between telephone network addresses to which calls are forwarded.

81. The call control system of claim 78 in combination with a locator system wherein said locator system comprises a plurality of predeterminedly located locator transmitters, with each locator transmitter transmitting to a proximate bidirectional device an identification signal, and wherein said transmitter control system controls said transmitter to transmit a signal related to said identification signal to said call control system to modify said memory.

82. The call control system of claim 78 in combination with a locator system wherein said locator system comprises a plurality of predeterminedly located locator transmitters, with each locator transmitter transmitting to a proximate bidirectional device a location signal, and wherein said transmitter control system controls said transmitter to transmit a signal related to said location signal to said apparatus.

83. The apparatus of claim 82 wherein said location signal is an ultrasonic signal and wherein each bidirectional device includes an ultrasonic receiver for receiving said ultrasonic signal.

84. The call control system of claim 82 further including electronic processing means, which, in response to receipt of said signal related to said location signal, revises said control system memory, whereby the call control system will automatically forward incoming calls to a telephone near said user.

85. The control system of claim 82 further including electronic processing means, which, in response to receipt of said signal related to said location signal, revise the manner in which calls to the system are handled for a specific user.