System and method for providing voice messaging services utilizing a network connection

• US 6,442,245 B1
• Filed: 02/02/1999
• Issued: 08/27/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 02/02/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Unisys Corporation
• Original Assignee: Unisys Corporation
• Inventors: Vanderford, Jan, Smith, Shawn W., Castagna, William D.
• Primary Examiner(s): WEAVER, SCOTT LOUIS
• Application Number:
  US09/243,213
• Time in Patent Office: 1,302 Days
• Field of Search: 379/67.1, 379/70, 379/88.12, 379/88.17, 379/88.22, 379/90.01, 379/93.17, 379/93.23, 379/210, 379/211, 379/212, 379/213, 379/214, 379/215, 379/210.01, 379/210.02, 379/211.01, 379/211.02, 379/212.01, 379/214.01, 379/215.01, 379/372, 379/373.01
• US Class Current: 379/88.12
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/578 associated with a synthesized vocal announcement
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/654 Telephone line monitoring circuits therefor, e.g. ring detectors
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/663 Preventing unauthorised calls to a telephone set
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2203/253 where a visual mode is used instead of a voice mode
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/53341 Message reply
• 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 7/0027 Collaboration services where a computer is used for data transfer and the telephone is used for telephonic communication

Abstract

When an incoming call is received, a signal is sent to a computer that monitors the telephone line. If the telephone is not answered, the messaging system sends a signal and streaming audio signals to the computer. The signals are output over speakers connected to the computer.

Claims

1. A method of monitoring a message left by a calling party and optionally communicating via a communications network with said calling party, the method comprising:

receiving an incoming call via a telecommunications network at a messaging device;

transmitting a signal from said messaging device to a computing device, via a telecommunications network, the signal indicating that said incoming call has been received;

playing at said messaging device a first message;

receiving at said messaging device a second message to be recorded; and

transmitting from said messaging device to said computing device, streaming audio signals via a communications network.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said streaming audio signals comprise the first message.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein said streaming audio signals comprise the second message.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein said streaming audio signals comprise a conversation.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

receiving a signal at said messaging device from said computing device,

indicating that said computing device will process the call,

ceasing recordation of said second message at the messaging device; and

transferring said incoming call to a network telephony network for enabling the taking of said incoming call at the computing device using the computing device'"'"'s microphone and speakers.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

receiving a signal from a telephone via a central office, indicating that said telephone has been taken off hook;

ceasing to record said second message at said messaging device; and

transferring said incoming call to said central office for reconnection of said incoming call to said telephone.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein said incoming call may be to one of a list comprising:

a home telephone directory number of a subscriber,

a business directory number of the subscriber,

a cellular phone telephone number of the subscriber and

any combination thereof.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising transmitting a signal causing said computing device to load computer-executable instructions for processing said streaming audio signals.