Abstract: A method and apparatus for routing calls for a subscriber based on the identification of the calling party or the originating line. Generally, the present invention operates to identify a calling party or originating line and then select a routing list based on this identification. Once a routing list has been selected, the call will be routed to the destination in the routing list. More specifically, when a call is received, an inquiry is made regarding the identity of the calling party or calling line. If the identification can be determined, then an attempt to retrieve a routing list associated with this identification is made. If a routing list has been provided for the identified party or line, the routing list will be retrieved. If a routing list has not been provided for the identified party or line, a default routing list will be selected for routing the call.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for routing calls for a subscriber based on the identification of the calling party or the originating line. Generally, the present invention operates to identify a calling party or originating line and then select a routing list based on this identification. Once a routing list has been selected, the call will be routed to the destination in the routing list. More specifically, when a call is received, an inquiry is made regarding the identity of the calling party or calling line. If the identification can be determined, then an attempt to retrieve a routing list associated with this identification is made. If a routing list has been provided for the identified party or line, the routing list will be retrieved. If a routing list has not been provided for the identified party or line, a default routing list will be selected for routing the call.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for routing calls for a subscriber based on the identification of the calling party or the originating line. Generally, the present invention operates to identify a calling party or originating line and then select a routing list based on this identification. Once a routing list has been selected, the call will be routed to the destination in the routing list. More specifically, when a call is received, an inquiry is made regarding the identity of the calling party or calling line. If the identification can be determined, then an attempt to retrieve a routing list associated with this identification is made. If a routing list has been provided for the identified party or line, the routing list will be retrieved. If a routing list has not been provided for the identified party or line, a default routing list will be selected for routing the call.

Abstract: A method for handling a facsimile transmission from a source to a subscriber. The facsimile transmission includes source information such as the name of the source. The method includes the steps of receiving the facsimile transmission on a first calling line, obtaining the source information, storing the facsimile transmission, and providing the subscriber on a second calling line with the source information prior to the routing of the facsimile transmission.

Abstract: A method for returning a voice mail message for a subscriber of a voice mail service. The method includes the steps of accessing the voice mail service on a second calling line on the public switched telephone network, playing a first voice mail message for the subscriber, the first voice mail message having been received on a first calling line from a source and the first calling line number having been recorded, receiving a call back indication from the subscriber, automatically generating a call to the source, connecting the subscriber to the first calling line, monitoring the call to determine when the call is terminated, and returning the subscriber to the voice mail service.

Abstract: A personal number communications system assigns a personal number to each subscriber, and receives from each subscriber communication routing information in the form of one or more hierarchical lists of destinations based on the time of day and day of the week. The hierarchy and composition of the lists may be changed or may be overridden to direct selected communications to a specific destination. The system receives communications directed to a subscriber's personal number and identifies the source of the communication. The identification may be made through calling line identification, through a personalized list of callers, or though source identification. The system selects a first destination for the communication from the hierarchical list. At the first destination, the system announces the identified source of the communication and requests disposition information as to the acceptance, formal rejection or passive rejection, such as a no answer, of the communication.

Abstract: A method for taking a message for a subscriber, including the steps of: receiving a communication on a calling line from a source, identifying the calling line number associated with the calling line, identifying the source of the communication, recording the message from the source, and recording the calling line number and the source identity in association with the message, whereby the message is taken for the subscriber including identification of the source and the calling line number.

Abstract: A method for identifying the source of a communication, including the steps of: receiving the communication on a calling line; identifying the calling line number associated with the calling line; accessing a database to provide an identity for the source by finding a database entry corresponding to the calling line number; announcing this identity to the source; and requesting confirmation. Priority caller codes can be used to identify the source. Facsimile transmissions also can be identified before the message is delivered.