Computer-controlled paging and telephone communication system and method

• US 6,201,950 B1
• Filed: 09/22/1994
• Issued: 03/13/2001
• 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: Berg, Richard P., Fuller, Robert M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Bost, Dwayne D.
• Assistant Examiner(s): WYCHE, MYRON
• Application Number:
  US08/310,908
• Time in Patent Office: 2,364 Days
• Field of Search: 379/58, 379/59, 379/60, 379/61, 379/63, 379/57, 379/201, 379/202, 379/215, 379/217, 379/113, 379/106.06, 379/102, 379/199, 379/157, 340/825.44, 455/33.1, 455/33.2, 455/31.2, 455/421, 455/458, 455/412, 370/94.1
• US Class Current: 340/7.29
• 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 3/465 : Arrangements for simultaneously calling a number of substations until an answer is obtained
• 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 8/18 : 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

Abstract

The invention provides a method and an apparatus for placing a caller into telecommunication with a subscriber. A call from the caller, directed to the subscriber, is detected and, in response thereto, a page is initiated to the subscriber and at the same time a forward leg call is initiated to a stored telephone address. If the call on the forward leg is answered, the party answering that call is placed in telecommunication with the caller. A call from the subscriber is also detected the subscriber is placed in telecommunication with the caller together with any party on a forward leg call.

Claims

1. A communications system comprising:

(a) a central processing unit;

(b) a communications interface for connection to a telephone system and to a signaling system, the signaling system communicating with a plurality of subscribers;

(c) apparatus connecting said communications interface with said central processing unit, said central processing unit operating under program control to detect an inbound call from a caller directed to one of said subscribers via said communication interface, to initiate while the inbound call is still active a plurality of communications seeking said one of said subscribers in response to said inbound call, at least one of said communications including a signal to said one of said subscribers via said signaling system and at least another one of said communications including a telephone call placed via said communications interface to a telephone apparatus at an expected location of said one of said subscribers.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein said telephone apparatus is at an expected location which is a selectable one of a plurality of different locations.

3. The system of claim 2 wherein the plurality of communications is initiated contemporaneously.

16. The communications system of claim 2, wherein said signaling system is a paging system and wherein said subscribers carry pagers which respond to signals broadcast by said paging system.

17. The communications system of claim 2 wherein said signaling system comprises a computer controlled voice generator and a transducer for reproducing sounds generated by said voice generator, said central processing unit controlling said voice generator, in combination with said transducer, to generate audible signals corresponding to said communications.

18. The communications system of claim 2 wherein said central processing unit, in response to said one of said subscribers confirming receipt via said communication interface of at least one of said communications, placing said caller and said at least one of said subscribers into direct communication.

4. A communications system comprising:

(a) a central processing unit;

(b) a communications interface for connection to a telephone system and to a signaling system, the signaling system including a central transmitter which communicates with a plurality of receiving units carried by subscribers;

(c) apparatus connecting said communications interface and with said central processing unit, said central processing unit operating under program control to detect an inbound call from a caller directed to a telephone network address associated with one of said subscribers via said communication interface, to initiate while the inbound call is still active a plurality of communications via said interface seeking said one of said subscribers via different communication paths in response to said inbound call, at least one of said communications including a signal to said one of said subscribers via said signaling system and another of said communications including a telephone call placed to a different telephone network address via said communications interface.

5. The system of claim 4 wherein said expected location is a selectable one of a plurality of different locations.

6. The system of claim 5 wherein the plurality of communications is initiated contemporaneously.

7. A method of placing a caller into telecommunication with a subscriber, the method comprising the steps of:

(i) detecting receipt of an inbound call from said caller directed to said subscriber;

(ii) in response to receipt of said inbound call, while the inbound call is still active initiating both a page to said subscriber and a separate forward leg call to a stored telephone address of a telephone apparatus at an expected location of said subscriber;

(iii) placing said forward leg call in telecommunication with said caller, if answered; and

(iv) detecting receipt of a call from said subscriber in response to said page, and placing said subscriber in telecommunication with said caller.

12. The method of claim 7 wherein said stored telephone address is programmable to correspond to a telephone apparatus at an expected present location of said one of said subscribers, said expected location being a selected one of a plurality of locations.

20. The method of placing a caller into telecommunication with a subscriber as claimed in claim 12, and while in telecommunication with the first mentioned caller, detecting receipt of a new call from a new caller directed to said subscriber, sending a signal to said subscriber indicating that said new call has been detected and responsive to a command entered by said subscriber, toggling said subscriber between the first mentioned caller and the new caller.

21. The method of placing a caller into telecommunication with a subscriber as claimed in claim 12, and wherein said caller, said subscriber and a party on said forward leg are all in telecommunication with each other, sensing said subscriber disconnecting and allowing said party and said caller to remain in telecommunication in spite of said subscriber disconnecting.

22. The method of claim 12, further including the steps of sensing a message from a public telephone system advising that a cellular telephone connected therewith has been powered up and in response thereto changing said telephone address.

23. The method of claim 12 further including the steps of sensing a message from a public telephone system advising that a cellular telephone connected therewith has been powered up and in response thereto telephoning said subscriber at predetermined telephone address to deliver a predetermined courtesy message advising them of that fact.

24. The method of claim 12, wherein said stored telephone address is stored in a database along with a schedule and wherein, in step (ii), said stored telephone address is selected from said database in accordance with said schedule.

25. The method of claim 12, wherein in step (ii), multiple pages initiated concurrently to different locations.

26. The method of claim 12 wherein the page and separate forward leg calls are initiated contemporaneously.

27. The method of claim 26 wherein said page and said at least one forward leg calls are initiated contemporaneously.

28. The method of claim 26 wherein the processing step further includes terminating the forward leg call if it is not answered within some time period and thereafter further processing the call from the calling party.

29. The method of claim 26 wherein in response to detecting the incoming call from the called party, the processing of step (b) is terminated if the forward leg call has not been answered.

8. A method of placing a caller into telecommunication with a subscriber, the method comprising the steps of:

(i) detecting receipt of an inbound call from said caller directed to said subscriber;

(ii) in response to receipt of said inbound call while the inbound call is still active initiating both a page to said subscriber and a separate forward leg call to a stored telephone address;

(iii) placing said forward leg call in telecommunication with said caller, if answered;

(iv) detecting receipt of a call from said subscriber in response to said page, and placing said subscriber in telecommunication with said caller; and

(v) when said caller, said subscriber and a party on said forward leg are all in telecommunication with each other, sensing a command entered by said subscriber to disconnect said party.

9. A method of placing a caller into telecommunication with a subscriber, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) detecting receipt of an inbound call from said caller directed to said subscriber;

(b) in response to receipt of said inbound call, while the inbound call is still active initiating both a page to said subscriber and a separate forward leg call to a stored telephone address;

(c) placing said forward leg call in telecommunication with said caller, if answered; and

(d) detecting receipt of a call from said subscriber in response to said page, and placing said subscriber in telecommunication with said caller; and

(e) when at least two of (i) said caller, (ii) said subscriber and (iii) a party on said forward leg are in telecommunication with each other, sensing a command entered by at least one of said two to add a further forward leg to said telecommunication and adding said further forward leg in response to said command.

10. The method of placing a caller into telecommunication with a subscriber as claimed in claim 9, wherein the sensing step senses a command entered by any party in the telecommunication to add a further forward leg to said telecommunication.

11. The method of placing a caller into telecommunication with a subscriber as claimed in claim 9, wherein said further forward leg is a connection made to a voice mail system.

13. A method of placing a caller into telecommunication with a subscriber, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) detecting receipt of an inbound call from said caller directed to said subscriber;

(b) in response to receipt of said inbound call, while the inbound call is still active initiating a page to said subscriber and multiple forward leg calls to different stored telephone addresses;

(c) placing said forward leg calls in telecommunication with said caller, if answered; and

(d) detecting receipt of a call from said subscriber in response to said page, and placing said subscriber in telecommunication with said caller.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein said multiple forward leg calls are initiated to different stored telephone addresses simultaneously.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein one of said different locations is a paging system and wherein another of said locations is a speaker whereat an audible page is delivered.

19. A method of placing parties into direct voice communication with each other via telephone equipment, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) detecting an inbound call from a calling party intended for a called party;

(b) processing said inbound call by initiating while the inbound call is still active both a page to said called party and at least one forward leg call to at least one expected location of said called party, said expected location being a selected one of a plurality of locations; and

(c) during a period of time which starts after said inbound call is detected in step (a) and which ends at least when the inbound call is terminated, detecting an incoming call from the called party and, in response thereto, connecting said calling party and said called party.