Abstract: A method of screening incoming telephone calls and programming screening options and apparatus that allows incoming calls to be screened according to various criteria programmed by a subscriber.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 31, 2006
Date of Patent:
February 17, 2009
Assignee:
Ameritech Properties, Inc.
Inventors:
Eileen Cecilia Schwab, Gayle Roberta Ekstrom, Gisele A Marcus, Edward Alan Ossello
Abstract: A method and apparatus permit handling of unwanted calls from callers such as telemarketers, when caller identification is provided. In one embodiment, the called party adds the caller identification information for the telemarketer to a personal list after receiving the unwanted call. Subsequent calls from the telemarketer are intercepted. In a second embodiment, the called party identifies the telemarketer by detecting the caller identification information before answering the call. By providing a screen listing indication, the caller identification information is added to the called party's personal list before the call is completed, permitting the call to be intercepted and while future calls from the telemarketer to be intercepted.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 6, 2006
Date of Patent:
May 13, 2008
Assignee:
Ameritech Properties, Inc.
Inventors:
Patrick J. Walsh, Theodore J. Myers, Jose M. Cruz, Bruce E. Stuckman, John G. Rauch