Remote operational screener

• US 6,792,263 B1
• Filed: 08/15/2000
• Issued: 09/14/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 10/03/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Karen Jeanne Kite
• Original Assignee: Karen Jeanne Kite
• Inventors: Kite, Karen Jeanne
• Primary Examiner(s): GELIN, JEAN ALLAND
• Application Number:
  US09/639,386
• Time in Patent Office: 1,491 Days
• Field of Search: 455/412, 455/413, 455/462, 455/463, 455/465, 455/434, 455/403, 455/420, 455/426, 455/464, 455/74.1, 455/77, 455/88, 455/550, 455/555, 455/556, 455/557, 379/199, 379/88.19, 379/88.2, 379/88.21, 379/88.23, 379/88.24, 379/88.01, 379/88.22, 704/235, 704/200, 704/277
• US Class Current: 455/412.1
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/57 Arrangements for indicating or recording the number of the calling subscriber at the called subscriber's set at the operator set in a manual exchange H04M5/20
• 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 1/663 Preventing unauthorised calls to a telephone set
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/725 Cordless telephones user interfaces specially adapted therefor H04M1/724

Abstract

This invention provides an audible remote screening function or device for use with an answering device or machine and may also combine this screening function with an ability for remote operational control of an answering device or machine. Preferred forms of the invention provide for remote call screening of an answering device or machine, or remote call screening of an answering device or machine together with remote operational control of an answering device or machine, with the capability to remotely operate and/or remotely screen calls (incoming or pre-recorded) of that of an answering device or machine from a remote area or room via the remote function or device. In preferred forms: the audible remote screening from the device can be heard across a room or from another room; the remote device can be made to stay in an active ON mode eliminating any need for the user to search, locate, or activate the remote device or any command signal per call being screened; the remote operational control and/or screening device can be directly plugged in allowing for simultaneous power and recharge abilities for continuous power and uninterrupted operation ability; a remote-override switch located on an answering device or machine for privacy control over unauthorized access to the answering device or machine from the remote device; and small size for portability. The functions and capabilities of the remote device can be implemented, combined and used in conjunction with/into any other unit or housing.

Claims

1. Apparatus for screening the message-content or subject matter of incoming messages selected from the group consisting of audio and data signal transmissions comprising:

a call or message capturing means with

message answering means having recording means for recording or storing the incoming message-content or subject matter of incoming messages consisting of audio and/or data signal transmission calls or messages,

said message answering means having a transmitter for transmitting the incoming message-content or subject matter of the incoming calls or messages consisting of audio and/or data signal transmissions while the incoming message-content or subject matter of incoming calls or messages are received; and

a remote message screening device having a receiver for receiving the incoming message-content or subject matter of the incoming calls or messages consisting of audio and/or data signal transmissions and a loudspeaker for audibly emitting the incoming message-content or subject matter of the incoming calls or messages while said recording means receives and records the incoming message-content or subject matter of the incoming calls or messages

whereby the user can audibly screen the incoming message-content or subject matter conveyed in the incoming audio and/or data signal transmissions of a caller'"'"'s or sender'"'"'s incoming voice and/or text message as the incoming message-content or subject matter of the messages are audibly emitted from said screening apparatus so that the user is able to ascertain and decide if the incoming message-content or subject matter of the caller'"'"'s or sender'"'"'s incoming message is important enough to establish a connection with the caller or sender of the incoming message while the caller or sender is still leaving the message and while it is still being received and recorded by said screening apparatus.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a speech synthesizer for converting the incoming message-content or subject matter of an incoming text or electronic mail message into an audible message to be audibly emitted by said loudspeaker

whereby the user can audibly screen the incoming message-content or subject matter of a caller'"'"'s or sender'"'"'s incoming text or electronic mail message as the incoming message-content or subject matter of the incoming text or electronic mail messages are audibly emitted from said screening apparatus so that the user is able to ascertain and decide if the incoming message-content or subject matter of the caller'"'"'s or sender'"'"'s incoming text or electronic mail message is important enough to establish a connection with the caller or sender of the incoming message while the caller or sender is still leaving the message and while it is still being received and recorded by said screening apparatus.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said speech synthesizer and at least one of said answering means and said screening device are incorporated into a computer.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said recording means comprises a plurality of “

mailboxes”

for recording or storing the incoming calls and messages.

5. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said remote message screening device is combined with a vehicle on-board communication system

whereby the user can hear to screen the incoming message-content or subject matter conveyed in the incoming audio and/or data signal transmissions of a caller'"'"'s or sender'"'"'s incoming message as the incoming message-content or subject matter is audibly emitted through his vehicle on-board communication system so that the user can ascertain and decide if the incoming message-content or subject matter of the caller'"'"'s or sender'"'"'s incoming call or message is important enough to establish a connection through his vehicle on-board communication system with the caller or sender of the incoming message while the caller or sender is still leaving the message and while it is still being received and recorded by said screening apparatus.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said apparatus further comprises voice-activated operational controls for operating said remote message screening device and/or said message answering means.

whereby the user of said screening apparatus can use his voice to remotely operate the message answering means of said screening apparatus and/or the remote message screening device of said screening apparatus from said vehicle on-board communication system.

7. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said remote call or message screening device is incorporated into a watch.

8. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein

said call or message answering means has a base family code that allows communication with equipment having a matching family code;

and said remote call or message screening device is programmable to have a remote family code to match the base family code of said call or message answering means, thereby permitting communication between said remote call or message screening device and said call or message answering means.

9. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said speech synthesizer is further configured for converting the message-content or subject matter of recorded or stored text or electronic mail messages into an audible message to be audibly emitted by said loudspeaker

whereby the user can listen to or re-listen to the message-content or subject matter of stored text or electronic mail messages through said loudspeaker.

10. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said remote message screening device is a mobile wireless phone comprising an internet interface with means for connecting to the Internet,

said mobile wireless phone having means for receiving and audibly screening the incoming message-content or subject matter of incoming calls and messages received from the internet while the caller or sender is still leaving the message

whereby the user can audibly screen from said mobile wireless phone the incoming message-content or subject matter of incoming voice messages and/or the incoming message-content or subject matter of incoming speech synthesized text or email messages to ascertain and decide if the incoming message-content or subject matter of the caller'"'"'s or sender'"'"'s incoming message is important enough to establish a connection with the caller or sender of the incoming message while the caller or sender is still leaving the message and while the message is still being received and recorded.

11. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said remote message screening device is a wireless mobile phone, said wireless mobile phone having means for selectively switching between audibly emitting the incoming message-content or subject matter of the incoming calls and messages while the incoming calls and messages are received and recorded or privately screening the incoming message-content or subject matter of the incoming calls and messages through normal audio earpiece of said wireless mobile phone while the incoming calls and messages are received and recorded, said wireless mobile phone including a remote pickup function wherein establishing a communication with incoming call or message will stop said call or message capturing means with call or message answering means from further recording the content of the incoming calls or messages

whereby the user can audibly screen the incoming message-content or subject matter of incoming voice messages and/or the incoming message-content or subject matter of incoming speech synthesized text or email messages through said loudspeaker on said wireless mobile phone or privately screen through said normal audio earpiece of said wireless mobile phone.

12. The Apparatus of claim 1, wherein said remote message screening device further comprises a microphone and a transmitter for transmitting messages from said remote message screening device to a receiver in said message answering means.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said remote message screening device further comprises voice-activated remote operational controls for remotely operating said message answering means and/or said remote message screening device

whereby the user of said screening apparatus can use his voice to remotely operate the message answering means of said screening apparatus and/or the remote message screening device of said screening apparatus.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said message answering means comprises a voice mail enabled telephone,

whereby the incoming message-content or subject matter of voice mail messages can be screened with said remote message screening device as the incoming message-content or subject matter of the voice mail messages are received and recorded.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said remote message screening device is a wireless phone.

16. The apparatus of claim 1 a mobile wireless phone system having message capturing means for screening the incoming message-content of incoming calls and messages while the incoming calls and messages are still being recorded comprising:

a remote mobile wireless phone unit

the message capturing means of the mobile wireless phone system having a transmitter for transmitting the incoming message-content of the incoming messages to said remote mobile wireless phone unit while the incoming message-content of incoming messages are received and recorded by said message capturing means; and

said remote mobile wireless phone unit having a message screening device and receiver for receiving and screening the incoming message-content of the incoming messages from said message capturing means of the mobile wireless phone system while the incoming message-content of the incoming messages are being received and recorded

whereby the user can screen the incoming message-content of incoming messages to ascertain and decide if the incoming message-content of the caller'"'"'s or sender'"'"'s incoming message is important enough to establish a connection with the caller or sender of the incoming message while the caller or sender is still leaving the message and while the message is still being received and recorded.

17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said remote message screening device further comprises remote operational means for remotely controlling said message answering means.

18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of said remote message screening device and said message answering means is combined with a vehicle on-board communication system.

19. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said apparatus further comprises voice-activated remote operational controls for remotely operating at least one of said message answering means and said remote call or message screening device.

20. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said remote message screening device further comprises remote control means for remotely controlling said message answering means to replay the message-content or subject matter of recorded messages through said remote message screening device

whereby the user has the option to remotely control said message answering means to replay a caller'"'"'s or sender'"'"'s voice or text message.

21. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said apparatus comprises a plurality of remote message screening devices, and wherein said message answering means further comprises a switch for selectively choosing which of said plurality of remote message screening devices will receive the incoming messages.

22. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said apparatus for screening the incoming message-content or subject matter of incoming messages from the group consisting of audio and data signal transmissions screens the incoming message-content or subject matter of incoming phone call messages, phone voicemail, Internet messages, instant messaging, text messaging, E-mail messages, and/or E-mail voicemail messages.

23. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein

said message answering means further comprises a power connection configured for receiving power and for sending and receiving the incoming message-content or subject matter of incoming calls and messages as communication signals through said power connection;

and

said remote message screening device further comprises a power connection configured for receiving power and for sending and receiving the incoming message-content or subject matter of incoming calls and messages as communication signals through said power connection;

whereby the incoming message-content or subject matter of a caller'"'"'s or sender'"'"'s incoming call or message may be sent along the power connection as communication signals whereby the user can screen the incoming message-content or subject matter of a caller'"'"'s or sender'"'"'s incoming call or message after the caller or sender has commenced to the point of and is still leaving a message and while it is being received and recorded by said screening apparatus.

24. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising means for changing the incoming message-content or subject matter conveyed in the incoming audio and/or data signal transmissions of a caller'"'"'s or sender'"'"'s incoming message to a visible text form

wherein said apparatus includes a visual display with means to visually screen the incoming message-content or subject matter conveyed in a caller'"'"'s or sender'"'"'s incoming message as text

whereby the user can hear to screen the incoming message-content or subject matter of an incoming call or message that is audibly emitted from said screening apparatus and/or read to screen the incoming message-content or subject matter of an incoming call or message as an incoming visible text message to ascertain and decide if the incoming message-content or subject matter of the caller'"'"'s or sender'"'"'s incoming call or message is important enough to establish a connection with the caller or sender of the incoming message while the caller or sender is still leaving the message and while the message is still being received and recorded.

25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein at least one of said message answering means and said remote message screening device comprises an internet interface with means for connecting to the internet, said internet interface device having means for receiving and recording the incoming message-content or subject matter of incoming calls and messages received from the internet

whereby the user can hear to screen or read to screen the incoming message-content or subject matter conveyed in the incoming audio and/or data signal transmissions of a caller'"'"'s or sender'"'"'s incoming voice or text message as the incoming message-content or subject matter of the incoming messages are audibly emitted or visually displayed from said screening apparatus so that the user is able to ascertain and decide if the incoming message-content or subject matter of the caller'"'"'s or sender'"'"'s incoming message is important enough to establish a connection with the caller or sender of the incoming message while the caller or sender is still leaving the message and while it is still being received and recorded by said screening apparatus.

26. The apparatus of claim 25, further comprising:

a speech synthesizer for converting the incoming message-content or subject matter of an incoming text or electronic mail message into an audible message to be audibly emitted by said loudspeaker simultaneously as the incoming text or electronic mail messages are being received and recorded

whereby the user can hear to screen or read to screen the incoming message-content or subject matter conveyed in the incoming audio and/or data signal communication of a caller'"'"'s or sender'"'"'s incoming voice or text message as the incoming message-content or subject matter of the messages are audibly-emitted or visually displayed from said screening apparatus so that the user is able to ascertain and decide if the incoming message-content or subject matter of the caller'"'"'s or sender'"'"'s incoming message is important enough to establish a connection with the caller or sender of the incoming message while the caller or sender is still leaving the message and while it is still being received and recorded by said screening apparatus.

27. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein said internet interface device comprises a computer.

28. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein said internet interface device comprises a television receiver.

29. The apparatus of claim 25, further comprising:

a call waiting screening function for screening the incoming message-content or subject matter of subsequent or contemporaneous incoming calls or messages that arrive over a connection while the connection is occupied by said internet interface

whereby the user can audibly screen or visually screen the incoming message-content or subject matter of subsequent or contemporaneous incoming calls or messages while the user is still on the occupied connection and after the caller or sender of the subsequent or contemporaneous incoming message has commenced to the point of and is still leaving a message and while it is still being received and recorded by said screening apparatus allowing the user to screen the incoming message-content or subject matter of the subsequent or contemporaneous incoming message to ascertain and decide if the incoming message-content or subject matter of the subsequent or contemporaneous incoming message is important enough for the user to interrupt his current occupied connection and establish a new or concurrent connection with the caller or sender of the subsequent or contemporaneous incoming message.

30. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein said remote message screening device further comprises a call waiting screening function for screening the incoming message-content or subject matter of subsequent or contemporaneous incoming calls or messages that arrive over a connection while the connection is otherwise occupied while said recording means receives and records the incoming message-content or subject matter of the subsequent or contemporaneous incoming calls or messages

whereby the user can audibly screen or visually screen the incoming message-content or subject matter of subsequent or contemporaneous incoming messages while the user is still on the occupied connection and after the caller or sender of the subsequent or contemporaneous incoming message has commenced to the point of and is still leaving a message while it is still being received and recorded by said screening apparatus allowing the user to screen the incoming message-content or subject matter of the subsequent or contemporaneous incoming message to ascertain and decide if the incoming message-content or subject matter of the subsequent or contemporaneous incoming message is important enough for the user to interrupt his current occupied connection and establish a new or concurrent connection with the caller or sender of the subsequent or contemporaneous incoming message.

31. The apparatus of claim 24, further comprising means for selectively switching between audibly emitting the incoming message-content or subject matter of the incoming calls or messages while the incoming calls or messages are received and recorded and/or visually displaying the incoming message-content or subject matter of the incoming calls or messages as text while the incoming calls or messages are received and recorded

whereby the user has the screening options to be able to selectively switch between visually displaying the incoming message-content or subject matter of an incoming call or message as text so as to be able to visually screen, audibly emitting the incoming message-content or subject matter of an incoming call or message so as to be able to audibly screen, or simultaneously visually displaying and audibly emitting the incoming message-content or subject matter of an incoming call or message so as to be able to visually screen and audibly screen at the same time.

32. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein said remote message screening device is a mobile wireless phone comprising an internet interface with means for connecting to the internet,

said mobile wireless phone having means for receiving and screening the incoming message-content or subject matter of incoming voice or text messages received from the Internet while the caller or sender is still leaving the message

whereby the user can hear to screen and/or read to screen the incoming message-content or subject matter of an incoming voice or text message received from the internet to ascertain and decide if the incoming message-content or subject matter of the caller'"'"'s or sender'"'"'s incoming message is important enough to establish a connection with the caller or sender of the incoming message while the caller or sender is still leaving the message and while it is still being received and recorded.

33. Apparatus for screening incoming telephone calls comprising:

a telephone answering means having recording means for recording incoming telephone messages and for directing the incoming telephone messages into a plurality of “

mailboxes”

, said telephone answering means having a transmitter for transmitting the incoming telephone messages as audio signals simultaneously as the incoming telephone messages are received; and

at least one remote call screening device having a receiver for receiving the audio signals and a loudspeaker for audibly emitting the incoming telephone messages simultaneously as the incoming telephone messages are received and recorded;

wherein said remote call screening device includes a remote channel selector switch for selecting which of the plurality of “

mailboxes”

said remote call screening device will receive incoming telephone messages from.

34. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein said at least one remote call screening device comprises a plurality of remote call screening devices, and wherein each of said plurality of remote call screening devices includes a remote channel selector switch for selecting which of the plurality of “

mailboxes”

the remote call screening device will receive incoming telephone messages from.

35. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein said telephone answering means includes a remote pickup function wherein establishing a communication with any telephone extension of the same telephone line as said telephone answering means will stop said remote call screening device from audibly emitting the incoming telephone message.

36. The apparatus of claim 33, further comprising an activating switch located on a remote appliance in electronic communication with said apparatus, which when activated will stop said remote call screening device from audibly emitting the incoming telephone message.

37. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein said remote call screening device further comprises remote operational controls for remotely operating said telephone answering means.

38. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein said remote call screening device further comprises remote control means for remotely controlling said telephone answering means to replay recorded telephone messages from at least one of said plurality of “

mailboxes”

through said loudspeaker of said remote call screening device.

39. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein said answering means or said remote call screening device further comprises a caller identification means for further identifying the source of an incoming telephone call.

40. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein said remote call screening device further comprises a microphone and a transmitter for transmitting messages from said remote call screening device to a receiver in said telephone answering means and selectively recording the messages in at least one of said plurality of mailboxes.

41. Apparatus for screening incoming telephone calls comprising:

a first telephone answering means having recording means for recording incoming telephone messages and having a transmitter for transmitting the incoming telephone messages as audio signals on a first channel or frequency simultaneously as the incoming telephone messages are received;

a second telephone answering means having recording means for recording incoming telephone messages and having a transmitter for transmitting the incoming telephone messages as audio signals on a second channel or frequency simultaneously as the incoming telephone messages are received; and

a remote call screening device having a receiver for receiving audio signals and a loudspeaker for audibly emitting incoming telephone messages simultaneously as the incoming telephone messages are received and recorded, said remote call screening device including a channel or frequency selector switch for operating said remote call screening device to audibly emit incoming telephone messages transmitted as audio signals on said first channel or frequency and/or on said second channel or frequency.

42. The apparatus of claim 41 further comprising:

a second remote call screening device having a receiver for receiving audio signals and a loudspeaker for audibly emitting incoming telephone messages simultaneously as the incoming telephone messages are received and recorded, said second remote call screening device including a channel or frequency selector switch for operating said second remote call screening device to audibly emit incoming telephone messages transmitted as audio signals on said first channel or frequency and/or on said second channel or frequency.

43. The apparatus of claim 41 wherein said first telephone answering means includes a first channel or frequency selector switch for operating said transmitter to transmit incoming telephone messages as audio signals on said first channel or frequency and/or on said second channel or frequency, and said second telephone answering means includes a second channel or frequency selector switch for operating said transmitter to transmit incoming telephone messages as audio signals on said first channel or frequency and/or on said second channel or frequency.

44. The apparatus of claim 41 wherein said remote call screening device further comprises remote operational controls for remotely operating said first telephone answering means and said second telephone answering means, including a remote recording switch for controlling said telephone answering means to record messages communicated from said remote call screening device.

45. The apparatus of claim 41, further comprising means for being programmable to have a base family code and a remote family code to match said base family code that allows communication with equipment having a matching family code.

46. Apparatus for screening incoming telephone calls comprising:

a telephone answering means having recording means for recording incoming telephone messages and having a transmitter for transmitting the incoming telephone messages as audio signals simultaneously as the incoming telephone messages are received, said telephone answering means including a channel or frequency selector switch for operating said transmitter to transmit incoming telephone messages as audio signals on a first channel or frequency and/or on a second channel or frequency;

a first remote call screening device having a receiver for receiving audio signals transmitted on said first channel or frequency and a loudspeaker for audibly emitting incoming telephone messages simultaneously as the incoming telephone messages are received and recorded; and

a second remote call screening device having a receiver for receiving audio signals transmitted on said second channel or frequency and a loudspeaker for audibly emitting incoming telephone messages simultaneously as the incoming telephone messages are received and recorded.

47. The apparatus of claim 46 further comprising:

a second telephone answering means having recording means for recording incoming telephone messages and having a transmitter for transmitting the incoming telephone messages as audio signals simultaneously as the incoming telephone messages are received, said telephone answering means including a channel or frequency selector switch for operating said transmitter to transmit incoming telephone messages as audio signals on said first channel or frequency and/or on said second channel or frequency.

48. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein said first remote call screening device includes a first channel or frequency selector switch for operating said first remote call screening device to audibly emit incoming telephone messages transmitted as audio signals on said first channel or frequency and/or on said second channel or frequency, and said second remote call screening device includes a second channel or frequency selector switch for operating said second remote call screening device to audibly emit incoming telephone messages transmitted as audio signals on said first channel or frequency and/or on said second channel or frequency.

49. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein said first remote call screening device and said second remote call screening device further comprise remote operational controls for remotely operating said telephone answering means, including a remote recording switch for controlling said telephone answering means to record messages communicated from said remote call screening device.

50. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein said telephone answering means includes a record disable switch for selectively preventing said first remote call screening device and/or said second remote call screening device from recording messages to said telephone answering means.

51. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein said telephone answering means further comprises transmitter means for transmitting the content of said incoming telephone messages as text and said first remote call screening device and said second remote screening device having a receiver means for receiving the content of said incoming telephone messages as text simultaneously as the incoming calls and messages are received and recorded.

52. A combination cordless telephone receiver with answering machine and call screening functions handset for screening the incoming message-content or subject matter of incoming messages selected from the group consisting of audio and data signal transmissions comprising:

a handset having a speaker, a microphone, a handset receiver for receiving incoming telephone calls and messages consisting of audio and/or data signal transmission transmitted to said handset, a handset transmitter for transmitting signals from said handset, a message answering means within said handset for recording the incoming message-content or subject matter of incoming telephone messages consisting of audio and/or data signal transmission while a caller is leaving a message;

wherein said handset has a call screening mode in which the incoming message-content or subject matter of the incoming telephone calls and messages consisting of audio and/or data signal transmission transmitted to said handset is audibly emitted and/or visually displayed from said handset while the caller is still leaving the message and it is being received and recorded by said message answering means within said handset,

whereby said combination cordless telephone receiver with answering machine and call screening functions handset eliminates the need for a separate answering machine recording unit and thereby facilitates the user'"'"'s use of answering machine abilities at hand in said combination handset and the user is able to visually and/or audibly screen the incoming message-content or subject matter of a caller'"'"'s or sender'"'"'s incoming voice and/or text message from said combination handset as the incoming message-content or subject matter of the incoming messages are visually displayed and/or audibly emitted from said combination handset in order to ascertain and decide if the incoming message-content or subject matter of the caller'"'"'s or sender'"'"'s incoming message is important enough to establish a connection with the caller or sender of the incoming message from the said combination handset while the caller or sender is still leaving the incoming message and while it is still being received and recorded.

53. The combination cordless telephone receiver with answering machine and call screening functions handset of claim 52, further comprising a connection means for allowing communication with a telephone line,

whereby connection means includes a transmitter for transmitting incoming telephone messages to said combination handset and a receiver for receiving signals transmitted from said combination handset.

54. The combination cordless telephone receiver with answering machine and call screening functions handset of claim 53 wherein said connection means for allowing communication with a telephone line, further comprises a recharging means for recharging a battery in said combination handset.

55. Apparatus for screening the incoming message-content or subject matter of incoming messages selected from the group consisting of audio and data signal transmissions comprising:

a call or message capturing means with

message answering means having recording means for recording or storing the incoming message-content or subject matter of incoming calls and messages, said message answering means having a power connection for receiving power and for sending and receiving communication signals through said power connection for transmitting the incoming message-content or subject matter of the incoming calls and messages consisting of audio and/or data signal transmissions while said recording means receives and records the incoming message-content or subject matter of the incoming messages; and

a remote message screening device having a power connection for receiving power and for sending and receiving communication signals through said power connection for receiving the incoming message-content or subject matter of incoming calls and messages consisting of audio and/or data signal transmissions and a loudspeaker for audibly emitting the incoming message-content or subject matter of the incoming messages while said recording means receives and records the incoming message-content or subject matter of the incoming messages

whereby the incoming message-content or subject matter of incoming calls and messages consisting of audio and/or data signal transmissions of a caller'"'"'s or sender'"'"'s incoming voice and/or text message may be sent along the power connection whereby the user can screen the incoming message-content or subject matter conveyed in the incoming audio and/or data signal transmissions of a caller'"'"'s or sender'"'"'s incoming message after the caller or sender has commenced to the point of and is still leaving the message and while the message is still being received and recorded by said screening apparatus.

56. The apparatus of claim 55, wherein said message answering means is further configured for transmitting the message-content or subject matter of recorded or stored calls and messages as audio an/or data signals through said power connection, and said remote message screening device is further configured for receiving the message-content or subject matter of recorded or stored calls and messages as audio an/or data signals through said power connection

whereby the message-content or subject matter of a caller'"'"'s or sender'"'"'s recorded or stored message may be sent through said power connection so that the user can access or re-access the message-content or subject matter of a caller'"'"'s or sender'"'"'s recorded or stored message.

57. The apparatus of claim 55, wherein said remote message screening device further comprises means for transmitting the message-content or subject matter of calls or messages through said power connection and said message answering means further comprises means for receiving the message-content or subject matter of the calls or messages through said power connection

whereby the audio and/or data signal transmissions of the incoming message-content or subject matter of a caller'"'"'s or sender'"'"'s incoming call or message may be sent through said power connection whereby the user can screen the incoming message-content or subject matter conveyed in the incoming audio and/or data signal transmissions of a caller'"'"'s or sender'"'"'s incoming message after the caller or sender has commenced to the point of and is still leaving the message and while the message is still being received and recorded by said screening apparatus.

58. Apparatus for screening the content of incoming calls and/or messages comprising:

a call or message answering means having recording means for recording or storing the content of incoming calls and messages, said call or message answering means having a transmitter for transmitting the content of the incoming calls and messages as audio and/or data signals while the incoming calls and messages are received; and

a remote call or message screening device having a receiver for receiving the content of the incoming calls and messages as audio and/or data signals and a loudspeaker for audibly emitting the content of the incoming calls or messages while said recording means receives and records the content of the incoming calls or messages;

wherein said apparatus comprises a plurality of remote call or message screening devices, and wherein said call or message answering means further comprises a switch for selectively choosing which of said plurality of remote call or message screening devices will receive the incoming messages.

59. The apparatus of claim 58, wherein said apparatus further comprises a speech synthesizer for converting the content of incoming text or electronic mail message into an audible message to be audibly emitted by said loudspeaker on said plurality of remote call or message screening devices.

60. Apparatus for screening the content of incoming calls and/or messages comprising:

a call or message answering means having recording means for recording or storing the content of incoming calls and messages, said call or message answering means having a transmitter for transmitting the content of the incoming calls and messages as audio and/or data signals simultaneously as the incoming calls and messages are received; and

a remote call or message screening device having a receiver for receiving the content of the incoming calls and messages as audio and/or data signals and a loudspeaker for audibly emitting the content of the incoming calls or messages while said recording means receives and records the content of the incoming calls or messages; and

a speech synthesizer for converting the content of an incoming text or electronic mail message into an audible message to be audibly emitted by said loudspeaker; and

means for selectively switching between audibly emitting the content of the incoming calls and messages while the incoming calls and messages are received and recorded and/or visually displaying the content of the incoming calls and messages while the incoming calls and messages are received and recorded.

61. Apparatus for screening incoming calls and/or messages comprising:

a call or message capturing means

with call or message answering means having recording means for recording or storing the incoming message-content or subject matter of incoming calls and messages, said call or message capturing means with call or message answering means having a transmitter for transmitting the incoming message-content or subject matter of the incoming calls and messages as audio and/or data signals while the incoming message-content or subject matter of the incoming calls and messages are received; and

a remote call or message screening device having a receiver for receiving the incoming message-content or subject matter of the incoming messages as audio and/or data signals while incoming message-content or subject matter of the incoming calls or messages are received and recorded; and

a loudspeaker on said remote call or message screening device for audibly emitting the incoming message-content or subject matter of the incoming calls or messages while the incoming calls or messages are received and recorded.

wherein said remote call or message screening device is a wireless mobile phone, said wireless mobile phone having means for selectively switching between audibly emitting the content of the incoming calls and messages while the incoming calls and messages are received and recorded or privately screening the content of the incoming calls and messages through normal audio earpiece of said wireless mobile phone while the incoming calls and messages are received and recorded, said wireless mobile phone including a remote pickup function wherein establishing a communication with incoming call will stop said call or message capturing means with call or message answering means from further recording the content of the incoming calls and messages.

62. Apparatus for screening the incoming message-content or subject matter of incoming audio and/or data signals as voice calls comprising:

a call answering means having recording means for recording or storing the content of incoming audio and/or data signals as voice calls said call answering means having a transmitter for transmitting the incoming message-content or subject matter of the incoming calls while the incoming calls are received; and

a remote call screening device having a receiver for receiving the incoming message-content or subject matter of the incoming audio and/or data signals as voice calls and a speaker means for audibly screening the incoming message-content or subject matter of the incoming calls while the incoming calls are received and recorded; and

a call waiting screening function for audibly screening the incoming message-content or subject matter of subsequent or contemporaneous incoming calls that arrive over a connection while the connection is otherwise occupied

whereby the user can audibly screen the incoming message-content or subject matter of subsequent or contemporaneous incoming calls while the user is still on the occupied connection and after the caller of the subsequent or contemporaneous incoming message has commenced to the point of and is still leaving a message and while it is still being received and recorded by said screening apparatus allowing the user to audibly screen to the incoming message-content or subject matter of the subsequent or contemporaneous incoming message ascertain and decide if the incoming message-content or subject matter of the subsequent or contemporaneous incoming call is important enough for the user to interrupt his current occupied connection and establish a new or concurrent connection with the caller of the subsequent or contemporaneous incoming call.

63. Apparatus of a wireless mobile phone system including a wireless mobile phone unit with Internet Interface with means to connect to the Internet, for screening the message-content of incoming messages from the Internet comprising:

an incoming call or message capturing means with message answering means having recording means for recording or storing the incoming message-content of incoming calls or messages,

said incoming call or message capturing means with message answering means of said wireless mobile phone system having a transmitter for transmitting the incoming message-content of the incoming calls or messages to said wireless mobile phone unit while the incoming message-content of incoming calls or messages are still being received by said incoming call or message capturing means; and

said wireless mobile phone unit including a message screening device having a receiver for receiving from said incoming call or message capturing means the incoming message-content of incoming calls or messages and a loudspeaker for emitting audible message-content of incoming calls or messages while said recording means receives and records the incoming message-content of the incoming calls or messages

whereby the user can screen from said mobile wireless phone unit the incoming message-content of the incoming caller'"'"'s or sender'"'"'s incoming call or message so that the user is able to ascertain and decide if the incoming message-content of the caller'"'"'s or sender'"'"'s incoming message is important enough to establish a connection with the caller or sender of the incoming message while the caller or sender is still leaving the message and while it is still being received and recorded.

64. The apparatus of claim 63, further comprising means for changing incoming message-content of an incoming caller'"'"'s or sender'"'"'s incoming audible message to a visible text form.

wherein said apparatus includes a visual display with means to visually screen the incoming message-content of a caller'"'"'s or sender'"'"'s incoming message as text whereby the user can hear to screen the incoming message-content of an incoming call or message that is audibly emitted from said screening apparatus and/or read to screen the incoming message-content of an incoming call or message as an incoming visible text message to ascertain and decide if the incoming message-content of the caller'"'"'s or sender'"'"'s incoming call or message is important enough to establish a connection with the caller or sender of the incoming message while the caller or sender is still leaving the message and while the message is still being received and recorded.

65. The apparatus of claim 63, further comprising means for selectively switching between screening the incoming message-content of the incoming calls or messages audibly while the incoming calls or messages are received and recorded and/or screening the incoming message-content of the incoming calls or messages visually while the incoming calls or messages are received and recorded

whereby the user has the screening options to be able to selectively switch between visually displaying incoming message-content of an incoming call or message so as to be able to visually screen, audibly emitting incoming message-content of an incoming call or message so as to be able to audibly screen, or simultaneously visually displaying and audibly emitting the incoming message-content of an incoming call or message so as to be able to visually screen and audibly screen at the same time.