Method and apparatus for recording or forwarding messages
First Claim
1. A doorbell system for recording messages from visitors comprising:
- an interface device positioned proximate to a doorbell which includes at least one activation switch and an apparatus for receiving audio information;
an apparatus for directing audio information, remotely located from the interface device and inaccessible by a visitor, in connection with the interface device and a junction switch, which upon selection of the at least one activation switch, automatically dials a predetermined telephone number, establishes a telephonic connection with a predetermined destination, and further provides for transmission of audio information received to the destination, and upon further selection of the at least one activation switch, terminating the telephonic connection through said junction switch; and
at least one interface connectable to the apparatus and positionable remote from the interface device which is configurable to provide functionality for programming operational information employable by the apparatus in directing the audio information.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A system and method provide the capability for a visitor to a home or business to leave an audio message for the occupants if they are not present. Outside the home or building, an interface may be provided which is proximate to a doorbell which a visitor may employ when notification by the doorbell has proved unsuccessful. Actuation of a switch on the interface may activate a messaging system which will retrieve a stored phone number and establish a telephonic connection over a telephone network. The telephonic connection may be with a voice messaging system which, in turn, will broadcast via a speaker incorporated into the user interface, a greeting recorded by the occupant. At the end of the greeting, a visitor may then speak into a microphone incorporated into the user interface, and record an audio message. The controller may further be programmed to establish a telephonic connection remotely located between the visitor interface and a telephone. Through use of the components incorporated into the visitor interface, a two-way line of communication may be established between the visitor who is at the home or business and the occupant who may be remotely located.
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Citations
27 Claims
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1. A doorbell system for recording messages from visitors comprising:
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an interface device positioned proximate to a doorbell which includes at least one activation switch and an apparatus for receiving audio information;
an apparatus for directing audio information, remotely located from the interface device and inaccessible by a visitor, in connection with the interface device and a junction switch, which upon selection of the at least one activation switch, automatically dials a predetermined telephone number, establishes a telephonic connection with a predetermined destination, and further provides for transmission of audio information received to the destination, and upon further selection of the at least one activation switch, terminating the telephonic connection through said junction switch; and
at least one interface connectable to the apparatus and positionable remote from the interface device which is configurable to provide functionality for programming operational information employable by the apparatus in directing the audio information. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A method for recording messages from visitors comprising the steps of:
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providing a visitor interface which includes at least one user interface device located proximate to a notification device and a connection to telephone network;
providing an apparatus configured to direct audio information, wherein the apparatus in communication with a junction switch is remotely located from the interface device and inaccessible by a visitor;
receiving operational information through an interface which is positionable remote from the at least one user interface;
detecting activation of the user interface and using the operational information to establish a telephonic connection with a predetermined voice Messaging service;
broadcasting an audio message received from the voice Messaging system;
transmitting an audio message received at the visitor interface to a predetermined location via the telephonic connection; and
terminating the telephonic connection through said junction switch upon completion of the message from the visitor. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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25. A doorbell system for recording messages from visitors, the system comprising:
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a visitor interface device positioned proximate to a doorbell which includes at least one activation switch and an apparatus for receiving visitor input; and
a communication controller device located remotely from the visitor interface, in communication with the visitor interface device and a junction switch, which upon selection of the at least one activation switch is operable to automatically establish communication between the visitor interface and a predetermined destination, and upon further selection of the at least one activation switch, operable to terminate the communication through said junction switch. - View Dependent Claims (26, 27)
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Specification