Abstract: An improved data transmission system which uses the telephone system for transmitting information between data transmitting/receiving devices via a process intermediary is taught wherein at least some of the data transmitting/receiving devices can be actuated by a non-telephone actuation signal controlled by the process intermediary. Telephone number addresses are obtained by the process intermediately and assigned to uniquely identify non-telephone actuatable data transmitting/receiving devices. The telephone number addresses when used to transmit data to the assigned data transmitting/receiving device results in the transmitted data being received by the process intermediary and forwarded to the appropriate data transmitting/receiving device by actuating the device by means of a non-telephone actuation signal. This actuation signal causes the device to initiate a telephone communication with the process intermediary and thereby receive the transmitted data.

Abstract: An improved data transmission system which transmits data at least partially over existing telephone lines, the improvement comprising devices which, in addition to transmitting and receiving data and being actuated by a non-telephone signal, automatically complete a telephone communication with a predetermined computer. Once the device is connected to the computer, it receives information such as a particular telephone number which is used in the reception and/or transmission of data. The received information is preferably peculiar to the location of the device and can be used to appropriately program the device for carrying out a function in a manner specific to its location. The information specific to the location is determined in accordance with the telephone number of the telephone line connecting the device to the telephone system as the computer has the capability of Calling Number Identification.