KR20010102112A - Telephone answering device handling calls according to caller-id and priority party list - Google Patents

Abstract

The adaptive messaging system identifies the phone number of the incoming call (132) and uses the caller-ID device to compare (150) this phone number with the phone number in the priority target list. If the phone number of the called party is not in the priority destination list, the system picks up the call (172), identifies the call with a "regular message", records the caller-ID information (166), and calls the called party. Record 166 a message from the server. If the telephone number of the called party matches the telephone number in the priority target list, the system picks up the call 160, identifies the message as a "priority message", and records the information stored in memory (166). The message from the call target is recorded (166). If the caller-ID device cannot detect the calling party's phone number because the number is blocked, the system notifies the calling party that the user does not receive calls from subjects with the blocked phone number. And then terminates the call (144). When the user wants to play the message, the priority system first notifies that priority messages have been received (if applicable), and then plays the priority message. After all priority messages have been played, the inventive system of the present subject notifies that a canonical message has been received (if applicable) and then plays the canonical message.

Description

TELEPHONE ANSWERING DEVICE HANDLING CALLS ACCORDING TO CALLER-ID AND PRIORITY PARTY LIST}

Telephone answering systems have become commonplace in homes and small businesses, where it is impractical for a person to answer a call each time an incoming call is received. These call answering systems typically pick up telephone lines after a predetermined period of time (usually measured in a specified number of "rings"), and pre-recorded Play back an outgoing message, and then the system records the desired message from the caller.

When a user of this system becomes available at some later time, then the user can interrogate the system to play the recorded message. However, these messages include, among pertinent calls, calls from tele-marketers and other nuisance messages that the user must wade through to obtain related calls. can do.

In addition, when the user is in some important task, the user may want to call only "critical" telephone calls, having the system answer and record all other calls.

U.S. Patent 5,841,838 to Itoh et al. Discloses a telephone number and voice, if any, so that the telephone answering unit can review the user after receiving a telephone call from a particular remote telephone for a predetermined number of times. A call answering unit having a caller identification and message recording function for recording a message is disclosed. However, the user still has to search through the message to get any relevant message.

The invention of this subject relates to a home or small business telephone answering system.

1 is a block diagram of a system in accordance with the present invention.

2 is a block diagram illustrating a controller of the system of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating storing priority object data in a memory of a system and removing from the memory. FIG.

4A is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of receiving a message using the system of the present invention.

4B and 4C show modifications of the flow chart of FIG. 4A.

5 is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of retrieving a message using the system of the present invention.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a system capable of categorizing a message from an incoming call.

Another object of the invention of this subject is to provide a system that can alert a user when a priority call is being received and allow the user to pick up only selectively for these priority calls.

These objects include a telephone interface for interfacing with a telephone network,

An outgoing message recording and reproducing device connected to the telephone interface,

An incoming message recording and reproducing device connected to the telephone interface.

A Call-ID device connected to the telephone interface for detecting the telephone number of the incoming call and the name of the person associated with the telephone number;

An adaptive messaging system coupled to the caller-ID device, the originating message recording and reproducing device, and the incoming message recording and reproducing device, the controller controlling the operation of the devices;

The controller,

Means for storing a list of telephone numbers to which a user of the system has assigned priority;

Means for causing the originating message recording and reproducing device to generate a first outgoing message and terminating the incoming call when the incoming call is not detected by the caller-ID device;

Means for comparing the stored list of telephone numbers with the telephone number of an incoming call detected by the caller-ID device;

Causing the originating message recording and reproducing device to generate a second outgoing message when the comparing means finds the phone number detected by the caller-ID device in the stored list of phone numbers; If the incoming call is not answered within a predetermined time period, the incoming message recording and reproducing device causes the information on the identified telephone number, the information identifying the incoming call as a priority call, and a message from the incoming call. Means for recording and terminating the incoming call;

Causing the originating message recording and reproducing device to generate a third outgoing message when the comparing means does not find the phone number detected by the caller-ID device in the stored list of phone numbers; If the user does not answer the incoming call within a second predetermined time period, have the incoming message recording and reproducing device record information about the incoming call, a message from the incoming call, and terminate the incoming call. It is accomplished by an adaptive messaging system, including means for making it.

The invention of this subject uses a service known as Caller ID (caller identification), generally described in US Pat. No. 4,582,956 to Doughty. The caller-ID provides the service subscriber with information about the calling party. This information includes the telephone number of the call target. The invention of this subject matter includes a memory and caller-ID device for storing a list of names and phone numbers of certain subjects, referred to herein as a Priority Party List. When the caller-ID device identifies the telephone number of the incoming call, this telephone number is compared with the telephone number of the priority target list. If the phone number of the called party is not in the priority target list, the system allows the user to answer the call for a predetermined time. After a predetermined time has elapsed, the system picks up the call, identifies the call as a "Regular Message", records the caller-ID information and records the message from the callee. On the other hand, if the telephone number of the incoming call matches the telephone number of the priority target list, the system of the present invention optionally generates a special signal and allows the user for additional time in addition to the predetermined time. Have the user answer the call. After this time has elapsed, the system picks up the call, identifies the message as a "priority message", records the information stored in memory, and records the message from the callee.

In the caller-ID system, the callee has the option to prevent (block) the transmission of data identifying his / her telephone number. If the caller-ID device cannot detect the telephone number of the called party because of the blocked number, the system of the present invention does not allow the user to accept a call from the subject with the blocked telephone number. The subject is optionally notified, and the call is then terminated.

When the user wishes to play the message, the system of the invention of the subject first notices that a priority message has been received (if applicable) and then plays the priority message. After all priority messages have been played, the inventive system of the present subject notifies that a canonical message has been received (if applicable), and then plays the canonical message.

The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in view of the above and further objects and advantages as indicated in the following specification.

1 shows a block diagram of an adaptive messaging system of the present invention. The telephone 10 is shown connected to a public telephone connection 12. The adaptive messaging system includes a telephone interface 14 connected to a public telephone connection 12. The outgoing message recording and reproducing device 16 and the incoming message recording and reproducing device 18 are shown connected to the telephone interface 14. The microphone 20 is connected to the outgoing message recording and reproducing device 16 to record the outgoing message. The adaptive messaging system has a voice amplifier 22 connected to the outputs of the outgoing message recording and reproducing device 16 and the incoming message recording and reproducing device 18 for the user to voicely replay the messages on each device 16 and 18. And a speaker 24. The controller 26 is connected to the outgoing message recording and reproducing device 16 and the incoming message recording and reproducing device 18 via control lines 28 and 30 and connects a signal line 32. Connected to the incoming message recording and reproducing device 18. The signal line 34 connects the audio output from the controller 26 to the voice amplifier 22.

The caller-ID device 36 is connected to the telephone interface 14 and to the display 38 as well as to the controller 26, which also has a signal line 40 connected to the display 38. .

The adaptive messaging system further includes a speed dialer 42 connected to the telephone interface 14 as well as to the telephone 10, wherein control signals and lines from the controller 26 via the line 44 are used. Receive data signals via 46). Finally, the adaptive messaging system includes a priority message counter 48, a regular message counter 50, and a memory 52 coupled to the controller 26, which includes memory ( 52 may be an EPROM and may also be connected to the controller 26.

2 shows a block diagram of a controller 26 comprising a microprocessor 60 and an interface 62 connected by a control signal bus 64 and a data bus 66. The interface 62 connects the microprocessor 60 to the components shown in FIG. 1, which are connected to the controller 26 using a control signal bus 68 and a data bus 70. ROM memory 74 is shown coupled to microprocessor 60 and includes an operating program for an adaptive messaging system, while RAM memory 72 is coupled to microprocessor 60 to temporarily store signals. . A tone generator 76 is shown connected to the signal output from the microprocessor 60 and is connected to the voice amplifier 22 of FIG. 1 via a signal line 34. The memory 52 of FIG. 1 is shown as an EPROM, which is coupled to the microprocessor 60. Additionally, keyboard 78 is shown connected to microprocessor 60, which allows a user to enter instructions or data. Finally, a digital enunciator 80 is shown connected to the microprocessor 60, which selectively transmits the digitally generated speech signal to the speech amplifier 22 or speed dialing device 42. Is to transmit.

Before using the system of the present invention, the user needs to have the system identify the name and phone number of the person that the user considers as his priority list. 3 shows a flowchart of a method for describing this process. It will be appreciated that this method is only one of many methods that can be used to set up a system. When the set-up button on the keyboard 78 is pressed, the setup procedure is initiated in the microprocessor 60 (step 100). In step 102, microprocessor 60 displays " ENTER? Or REMOVE? &Quot; Is displayed. In step 104, the microprocessor 60 determines whether the ENTER key on the keyboard 78 has been pressed. If pressed, at step 106, microprocessor 60 displays the message " Enter a priority object name and number. &Quot; In step 108, the microprocessor 60 stores the name and telephone number entered by the user in the EPROM memory 52. The microprocessor 60 then proceeds to step 110 with " another priority target? &Quot; Is displayed. If the user presses the YES button on the keyboard 78 in step 112, the program returns to step 106 and prompts the user to enter another priority object name and number. If in step 112 the user presses the No button on the keyboard 78, the program exits from step 114. If, instead, the user wishes to remove the priority object in step 102, the user presses the “Remove” button on the keyboard 78 detected in step 116. In step 118, the microprocessor 60 displays the message " Enter a priority object name and number " and in step 120 the user responds to doing this using the keyboard 78. Microprocessor 60 then removes appropriate data from EPROM 52 and then in step 122, " another priority object? &Quot; Prompt the user. In step 124, if the user presses the YES button on the keyboard 78, the program returns to step 118 and prompts the user to enter another priority object name and number. If at step 124 the user presses the NO button on the keyboard 78, the program exits at step 114.

4A, 4B, and 4C show operational flowcharts of the system when a call is received. In step 130, the system receives a call over a public switched telephone network 12. The caller-ID device 36 processes the call in step 132 and displays the number and name of the callee in step 134. In step 136, the caller-ID device 36 determines whether the number of the called party is blocked. If so, in step 138, controller 26 determines whether the user has activated a "Blocked response." If activated, the controller 26 picks up the call at step 140 and, at step 142, activates the originating message recording and replay device 16, saying, "We call the blocked calls of the caller-ID. Unacceptable. Unblock your phone number and call. "Play Response1. At step 144, controller 26 terminates the call, resets the system at step 146, and exits the program at step 148.

If in step 136, the caller-ID device 36 determines that the number of the called party is not blocked, or in step 138, the controller 26 determines that the "blocked response" is not activated. Then, controller 26 compares the caller-ID number with the number stored in memory 52 at step 150. In step 152, if the numbers match, the controller 26, in step 154, {in step 156, the number of ring numbers between 4 and 10 rings. selectable through the tone generator 76, the voice amplifier 22, and the speaker 24, at the same time in step 158. A special tone alert indicates to the user that the call is coming from a priority object and gives the user additional time to pick up the call using the telephone 10. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 4B, in step 158.1, the controller 26 retrieves the name of the priority object from the list of priority objects stored in the memory 52, and in step 158.2. The signal is applied to the digital voice generator 80, which then causes the system to inform the name of the priority object using the voice amplifier 22 and the speaker 24. If the user does not pick up the call within the first predetermined time period, at step 160 the controller 26 responds to the call and causes the originating message recording and replay device 16 to respond at step 162. Response 2, which may inform the caller of the second telephone number of the place where the user may be, or when the user is expected to be able to receive a call at home. This response 2 can only be played to the priority object as determined by the priority object list stored in the memory 52. In step 164, the controller 26 increments the priority message counter 48, and in step 166, the incoming message recording and reproducing device 18 is controlled to call the priority message counter. Record the message by number, name / number of the callee, and message date and time. The system then goes to steps 144, 146, and 148, where the system hangs up, resets, and exits the program.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 4C, when response 2 is reproduced in step 162, controller 26 also recalls the name of the priority object in step 162.1. In step 162.2, the controller 26 causes the speed dialing device 42 to dial an alternative number (e.g., the user's cellular telephone number) for the user of the system and the user can answer the call. The controller 26 then informs the digital voice generator 80 of the name of the call priority object (step 162.3).

If, at step 152, the controller 26 does not find a match with the priority target list stored in the memory 52, then at step 168, the controller 26 is {(1 at step 170). Delay picking up the line for a second predetermined period of time, selectable by the number of rings between the number of rings three times and three. If not picking up the call, the controller 26 picks up the line at step 172 and causes the originating message recording and reproducing device 16 to replay Response3 at step 174, which response. 3 may be a standard response indicating that the user is not available and requesting the callee to leave a message, then the controller 26 increments the regular message counter 50 at step 176, Incoming mesh in step 166 Activate recording and playback device 18 to record the message of the call subject, the message number from the regular message counter 50, the caller-ID number of the call subject, and the date and time of the message. Proceed to steps 144, 146, and 148 as described.

5 shows a flowchart illustrating how the system of the present invention of the present invention reproduces a message. In step 180, the user presses a " PLAY MESSAGES " button on the keyboard 78. At step 182, controller 26 checks counters 48 and 50 to determine if any messages have been received. If not, at step 184, controller 26 causes the message " NO MESSAGES " to be reproduced via voice amplifier 22 and speaker 24. The system then resets at step 186 and the program exits at step 188.

If in step 182 the controller 26 determines that there is a message, in step 190 the controller 26 checks the priority message counter 48 to see if the messages contain priority messages. Decide If so, in step 192 the message number, telephone number, name of the callee, date and time are retrieved from the incoming message recording and reproducing device 18 and displayed by the controller 26 on the display 38. . At the same time in step 194, controller 26 uses voice amplifier 22 and speaker 24 to play the message " PRIORITY MESSAGE ", and then in step 196, the incoming message The recording and reproducing device 18 causes the message to be reproduced through the voice amplifier 22 and the speaker 24. In step 198, the controller 26 then determines whether the user wants to reply to the call using the keyboard 78. If not, at step 200, controller 26 decrements priority message counter 48 and then determines at step 202 whether this is the last priority message. If it is not the last priority message, the program returns to step 192. If this is the last priority message, then in step 204 the controller 26 determines if there is any regular message by querying the regular message counter 50. If there is no regular message, in step 206 the controller 26 sends a message " NO MORE MESSAGES " via the voice amplifier 22 and the speaker 24, and then the system Returns to step 186.

If the user wants to answer the call at step 198, then at step 208, the controller 26 suspends playback of the message by the incoming message recording and reproducing device 18, step 210 , The caller-ID phone number is sent to the speed dialing device 42. In step 212, speed dialing device 42 dials a telephone number, and in step 214, controller 26 determines whether the call is answered. If not, the program returns to step 200. If so, controller 26 then determines at step 216 if the user has terminated the call and waits for the call to end. The program then returns to step 200.

If at step 190 the controller 26 determines that there is no priority message by querying the priority message counter 48, the controller 26 then at step 218 the voice amplifier 22 and the speaker 24. Reproduces the message "NO PRIORITY MESSAGES", and then in step 220, reproduces the message "REGULAR MESSAGES". In step 222, the controller 26 displays the regular message number, caller-ID phone number, and message date and time from the counter 50 on the display 38 together with the incoming message recording and reproducing device ( 18) cause the first regular message to be played. In step 224, the controller 26 determines whether the user wants to answer the call. If not intending to reply, controller 26 decrements counter 50 at step 226, and at step 228, controller 26 determines that it is the last regular that uses regular message counter 50. Determine if it was a message. If it was not the last regular message, the program returns to step 220. If it is the last regular message, the program returns to step 204.

Finally, if the user decides to answer the call at step 224, at step 230, the controller 26 suspends playback by the incoming message recording and reproducing device 18, and step 232 , The caller-ID phone number is supplied to the speed dialing device 42. In step 234, speed dialing device 42 dials the telephone number, and in step 236, controller 26 determines if the call has been answered. If not, the program returns to step 226. If so, at step 238, controller 26 waits until the user terminates the call. The program then returns to step 226.

Although not shown in the figure, the system allows the user to (1) save all messages for review later, (2) delete all retrieved messages, or (3) delete all messages. I can understand that you can.

Numerous variations and modifications of the structures disclosed herein will exist to those skilled in the art. It should be understood, however, that the embodiments described above are provided for illustration only and should not be construed as limiting the invention. All such modifications without departing from the spirit of the invention are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

As mentioned above, the invention of this subject matter is used in home or small business telephone answering systems.

Claims (8)

Telephone interface 14 for interfacing with telephone network 12, An outgoing message recording and reproducing device 16 connected to the telephone interface 14; An incoming message recording and reproducing device (18) connected to the telephone interface (14); A caller-ID device 36 connected to the telephone interface 14 for detecting the telephone number of the incoming call and the name of the person associated with the telephone number; A controller 26 coupled to the caller-ID device 36, the originating message recording and reproducing device 16, and the incoming message recording and reproducing device 18, for controlling the operation of the devices, The controller, Means (52) for storing a list of telephone numbers to which a user of the system has assigned priority; Means (60) for comparing the stored list (52) of the telephone number with the telephone number of the incoming call detected by the caller-ID device (36); Cause the originating message recording and reproducing device 16 to originate when the comparing means 60 finds the telephone number detected by the caller-ID device 36 in the storage list 52 of the telephone number. Generate a message, and if the user does not answer the incoming call within the first predetermined time period, cause the incoming message recording and reproducing device 18 to receive information about the identified telephone number, the incoming call; Means (60) for recording information identifying a priority call as a priority call, and a message from the incoming call, and for terminating the incoming call; When the comparing means 60 does not find the telephone number detected by the caller-ID device 36 in the storage list 52 of the telephone number, to the outgoing message recording and reproducing device 16. Causes the originating message to be generated, and if the user does not answer the incoming call within a second predetermined time period, cause the incoming message recording and reproducing device 18 to send information about the incoming call from the incoming call. Means 60 for recording the message of Which includes, adaptive messaging system. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the controller (26) informs the user when the comparing means finds the telephone number detected by the caller-ID device (36) in the storage list (52) of the telephone number. Means (76) for generating an alert signal for the system. 3. The device of claim 2, wherein the storage means 52 further comprises the name of the caller, each associated with the list of telephone numbers, wherein the alert signal generating means 76 comprises: A digital voice generator 80 for generating a voice message to the user, the controller 26 recalling the name of the caller associated with the telephone number detected by the caller-ID device 36. And authorize the caller name on the digital voice generator (80). The system of claim 1, wherein the system is adapted to play a recorded message, the system comprising: Means (48, 50, 60) for checking whether any message has been stored by the incoming message recording and reproducing device; Means (80) for generating a first user message when no message is detected by said checking means, Means (80) for generating a second user message when at least one of the stored messages includes information identifying the incoming call as a priority call; Means (60) for causing the incoming message recording and reproducing device (18) to play each message including the information identifying the incoming call as a priority call; Means (60, 80) for generating a third user message when any remaining calls do not have the information identifying the incoming call as a priority call; Means (60) for causing the incoming message recording and reproducing device (18) to replay each message that does not include the priority call identification information; Further comprising, an adaptive messaging system. 5. The adaptive messaging system of claim 4, wherein the second user message is generated (60, 80) prior to playback of each message including the priority call identification information. 5. The adaptive messaging system of claim 4, wherein the third user message is generated (60, 80) prior to playback of each message that does not include the priority call identification information. The system of claim 1, wherein the adaptive messaging system comprises: Means for causing the originating message recording and reproducing device 16 to generate a further outgoing message when the incoming call is not detected by the caller-ID device 36 and terminating the incoming call. 60, further comprising an adaptive messaging system. The telephone apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the outgoing message recording and reproducing device (16) is configured such that the comparison means (60) is detected by the caller-ID device (36) in the storage list (52) of the telephone number. When a number is found, a first outgoing message is generated and the comparing means 60 does not find the telephone number detected by the caller-ID device 36 in the storage list 52 of the telephone number. Adaptive messaging system that generates a second outgoing message different from the first outgoing message when not available.