Abstract: An access controller is placed in series with a subscriber's telephone set and includes an off hook detector, a ring detector, a central office simulator and DTMF circuitry which cooperate with a microcontroller or microprocessor suitably programmed to select one of a multiple providers of services by generating an access code corresponding to one of the service providers in accordance with an algorithm which provides a desired distribution of usage by the subscriber. The controller inserts a five digit prefix, namely the access code into the dialed number. The access code allows the call to be routed through a specific long distance service provider telephone network. By inserting the access code into the dialed number the device selects a particular long distance carrier for the duration of the call. Access codes are stored in a memory list of the access controller.

Abstract: An system and apparatus records and displays information received from a premises such as ambient temperature or information received over a telephone network. A wireless transmitter generates and transmits a packet of telephone information received from the telephone network. The generated signals can be radio, infrared and ultrasonic. A packet receiver is spaced distant from the premises recording unit but within range of the packet transmission generated for receiving and storing the packet of telephone information. The packet receiver displays at least a portion of the packet of telephone information.

Abstract: An system and apparatus records and displays information received from a premises such as ambient temperature or information received over a telephone network. A premises recording unit is connected to a the received telephone network and receives and stores telephone information. The premises recording unit includes a wireless transmitter for generating and transmitting a packet of telephone information received from the telephone network. The generated signals can be radio, infrared and ultrasonic. A packet receiver is spaced distant from the premises recording unit but within range of the packet transmission generated for receiving and storing the packet of telephone information. The packet receiver displays at least a portion of the packet of telephone information.

Abstract: During an execution of communications between an originating terminal and a receiving terminal which are connected through an ISDN, when an item of information saying that a rate at which charges for the communications are shared between these terminals is changed to a given rate is transmitted from either the originating terminal or the receiving terminal to the ISDN, the communication charges after transmitting this item of information are imposed on the originating terminal and/or the receiving terminal in accordance with this rate presented. If an agreement of the other terminal is not obtained on this occasion, the charges are imposed on the originating terminal and/or the receiving terminal in accordance with an original accounting rate or the rate presented from the other terminal.

Abstract: A method for placing a surcharge on telephone solicitations including the steps of providing a local telephone number to a customer for accessing a call from an originating caller and identifying the originating caller's telephone number, as for example, by conventional caller identification systems. The method also includes the steps of advising the caller of the surcharge and providing an opportunity to complete the call by accepting the surcharge or terminating the call without charge. For example, the subscriber's equipment may incorporate an automatic answering system including voice responsive functions and call forwarding. The method also includes the steps of billing the caller for the surcharge and crediting a portion of that charge to the customer's account.

Abstract: An electronic switch (29) for automatically connecting a subscriber telephone instrument (31a, 31b, 31c, or 31d) to either of two telephone signal paths (27 or 28) is disclosed. Outbound calls are selectively routed to one or the other of the two telephone signal paths, based on the nature of the initial digits generated by the subscriber. Local calls are sent to a local exchange carrier (23a) and toll calls are sent to an inter-exchange carrier (25) via a transmission medium that may also carry other signals, such as cable television or utility energy management signals. In the event the normal path is out of service, outbound signals are sent via the other path. Inbound signals from either path are automatically routed to the subscriber. Signal routing is completely transparent to the subscriber.

Abstract: A portable cellular telephone capable of recognizing a Calling Line Identification (CLI) signal. The telephone comprises a memory in which can be stored telephone numbers together with an associated operating instruction. For example the instruction may be for the telephone to respond with a "BUSY LINE" signal. When a call is received which includes a CLI signal the memory is searched to find a number corresponding to the CLI. If a match is found the normal operating sequence is interrupted to carry out the associated instruction. Hence the telephone can respond with a "BUSY LINE" signal for calls originating from selected telephone numbers, providing a call screening facility.

Abstract: A telephone line monitoring circuit for a MODEM monitors the TIP and RING lines of the telephone line. A first circuit of the monitoring circuit detects when a local phone goes off-hook while the MODEM is on-hook by sensing a decrease in a differential voltage between the TIP and RING lines. A second circuit detects the pick up of a local phone while the MODEM is off-hook by detecting a change in the impedance between the TIP and RING lines. A third circuit detects the hang up of a remote phone connected with the MODEM while the MODEM is off-hook by detecting a temporary break in the DC loop between the central office and MODEM. A snoop circuit monitors the telephone line for DTMF signals while the MODEM is on-hook. The snoop circuit becomes AC coupled to the telephone line when enabled, and does not apply a significant load to the telephone line.

Abstract: A card and associated system and method provides disposable but secure telephone debit cards. Identifying indicia are disposed on the telephone debit card surface, and temporarily covered so that it cannot be visually or photographically detected. After purchase of a debit card from a distribution terminal or device, a user is able to remove the temporary covering and access a telephone service system by first accessing a central system server and communicating to such central system server the now revealed identifying indicia on the purchase card. The central system server monitors the duration of a user's telephone usage, and charges an appropriate associated toll against the debit card's predetermined debit limit. Separate toll rates may be applied for different forms of calls, eg., interstate long distance, intrastate long distance, local, or even collect or conference calling, or modem service.

Abstract: A portable cellular telephone capable of recognizing a Calling Line Identifications (CLI) signal. The telephone comprises a memory for storing telephone numbers and a counter for storing the respective number of calls received from telephone numbers stored in the memory. Preferably the counter comprises for each number stored in the memory an associated portion (counter field) of the same memory. The telephone may be adapted to display, e.g. on LCD, the number of calls received from telephone numbers stored in the memory. Hence the user can review at a glance how many times a particular caller has made an incoming call.

Abstract: A communication system detects special service information (e.g., calling party identification) during a silent interval between ringing signals on an incoming call and stores the information in a call record created for the call. In response to predetermined call conditions, this information is included as part of a control signal sent over an extension loop to a station terminal. Call features such as delayed ringing, hold, call transfers, line preselect and switch hook status are utilized to control where, when and if this information should be displayed at various station terminals.

Abstract: For receiving calls in a network delivering calling numbers to called lines. A device and process whereby a plurality of delivered calling number and associated announcement message pairs is automatically acquired and accumulated upon receipt of calls from unrecognized calling numbers. Upon receipt of calls from calling numbers for which matching calling number and announcement message pairs have been previously acquired in this manner, the matching announcements are automatically played to aid the user in identifying calling parties before answering calls. Calling numbers and spoken announcements thus acquired are additionally used to audibly describe previously received calls both locally and remotely, and to assist with the preparation and delivery of outgoing messages and with returning calls.

Abstract: A system to allow two or more telephone carriers to automatically connect to existing in-house telephone wiring wherein the choice of carrier is made by the calling party. Service is provided on a default basis by a primary carrier, however, the user can select and cause an alternative carrier to be connected to the in-house wiring permitting the use of standard telephone equipment with different carriers at the option of the calling party. In this system the switching arrangement is such that only one carrier is connected to the in-house wiring at any one time. Additionally, there is provision to detect incoming calls from carriers other than the default primary carrier and to switch to that carrier in response to the incoming call. Further, this system permits the packetization of outgoing information and the receipt of packetized incoming information on the secondary carrier with standard telephone equipment that is connected to the in-house wiring.

Abstract: A multi-media communication apparatus for communicating with a communication partner by using various kinds of media including image, voice and data. The communication apparatus has a memory for storing information on a communication on each medium, and forms and outputs a report for communication management from information on each communication. The communication management report can be formed manually or automatically and contains communication history along with images for identification of communication partners.

Abstract: A telephone apparatus comprises: a telephone number data detection portion for detecting telephone number data indicative of a telephone number of a calling party sent from a telephone line; a dialing portion for dialing in response to a dialing control signal; a first storing portion for storing the detected telephone number data; a second storing portion for storing information; a first control portion responsive to a first manual operation for reading out the stored telephone number from the fist storing portion; for producing the dialing control signal to call back the party using the read out telephone number data; and for causing the second storing portion to store the information in association with the stored telephone number data, the information indicating that calling-back has been finished; an indication portion for indicating the telephone number data and the stored information; and a second control portion responsive to a second manual operation for reading out the stored telephone data from the

Abstract: A call-disposition analyzer (10) for determining whether calls placed by way of a private branch exchange (PBX) (12) have been completed employs current sensors (22) to monitor the trunk lines (16) that the PBX (12) uses. It thereby records the telephone numbers dialed over the trunk lines (16). It also detects supervisory and voice signals on the trunk lines (12) so as to determine of the call's disposition--i.e., typically, so as to determine whether the call went through successfully. It stores in a memory (60) the call-disposition estimate and tags it with the telephone number that was dialed to make the call.

Abstract: A system for routing data and communications to one of a plurality of remote sites to promote reciprocal interaction among the remote sites. The system includes a central processing unit and a storage device to store a first set of data identifying a plurality of remote sites and a second set of data identifying the frequency at which each of the remote sites communicates with the system. The system selects a particular remote site to receive a particular communication by analyzing the second set of data. The system also contemplates a method of routing data and communications including the steps of storing routing data for identifying a plurality of remote sites and the frequency at which each of the remote sites communicates with a central processor, receiving a communication at the central processor, analyzing the routing data to select a particular remote site, and forwarding the communication to the selected remote site.

Abstract: An ISDN D channel congestion control method has at least either a digital subscriber line circuit common (DLCC) or a signaling controller (SGC) notify either an SGC or a packet subscriber system (PSS) of a D channel congestion according to a predetermined protocol, thereby controlling the congestion of a communication controlling apparatus.

Abstract: There is disclosed an inbound/outbound call handling system and method in which outbound calls are automatically paced so that as attendants become available a valid call is completed to be handled by the available attendant. As an inbound call is received, the system responds by halting attempts to place an outbound call and queueing the inbound call for handling by the next available attendant. The system takes advantage of an algorithm which statistically monitors average call completion time, average attendant in-use time, average time to answer and probability of a valid answer. Call placing and receiving overlap is controllable in conjunction with the monitored statistical parameters to achieve operation around any desired system operating parameter. The system is controlled by a plurality of precisely defined operational tasks operating in a hierarchical manner.

Abstract: One or more lines of a communication terminal are monitored to determine blocked calls by detecting times of incoming calls. A signal corresponding to the pattern of incoming calls is generated from the detected times. After detection of the starting time of an all lines are busy state, an estimate of blocked calls is formed from the incoming call pattern signal and the detected start of the all lines are busy state.

Abstract: A portable telephone of a type to which a plurality of subscriber numbers are registered comprises an air timer for measuring a calling period of time from start of calling and end of calling and a memory device for saving and integrating results of measuring by the air timer for each subscriber number. The portable telephone also includes a last call timer, a user timer and a system timer. The memory device includes a RAM. In the RAM, memory areas for the last call timer, user timer and system timer are provided for respective subscriber numbers. As a telephone communication is finished, a calling period of time measured by the air timer is saved in the last memory area to which the subscriber number just used is assigned and this calling period of time is also added up into the user timer memory area and/or system timer memory area for the just used subscriber number.

Abstract: A method for predicting a number of agents required to provide a given service level in a force management system is described. The force management system has the capability to generate call handling performance data including average call arrival rate and average handling time per call. From this data, the method calculates an offered load "a" equal to the average arrival rate of calls for the system times the average handling time per call. Using the calculated offered load, the method calculates two predictor values and then uses these values in successive Erlang C calculations to locate the desired number of agents required to provide a given service level.

Abstract: A telecommunications system 10 is provided which comprises a PBX system 12 coupled to a call processing system 16 through plurality of trunks 14. SMDR data records are received from the PBX system 12 by the call processing system 16 through an SMDR data line 18. The call processing system 16 includes an SMDR translation system which retrieves call records associated with each call placed through the call processing system 16 and matches these call records to SMDR data records received from the PBX system 12. The matched records are used to generate a combined SMDR output record for a particular call which is then output through an output line 30 to a call accounting system 32. In this manner, the call processing system 16 can utilize the information received from the PBX system 12 with the accurate call duration information generated in its own systems to provide for accurate call records associated with each call placed through the call processing system 16.

Abstract: A passive telephone line monitor is provided for keeping a log of telephone line activity, both incoming and outgoing, with a microcomputer (MCU) controlled by an onboard program read only memory (ROM) working with 64K bytes of random access memory (RAM) divided into 32 byte caches allowing for up to 2,000 phone call registers depending upon utilization of available space. One hundred Alpha Directory numbers can be stored from its keyboard for personalized caller identification. Upon power application, memory, input devices and registers are initialized, and time and date are entered from the monitor keypad. The microcomputer, an interrupt controlled device, detects monitor keyboard interrupt and displays the data on a liquid crystal display, and upon completion of date and time entry, the MCU clears all interrupt flags and displays current date and clock.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying duration of a call that is made over a central office line.

Abstract: A timer for automatically controlling the cumulative service time of a telephone consisting of a box mounted over and plugged into a standard wall telephone outlet. The box contains an exterior receptacle for connection with the telephone cord. The interior of the box is secured by a locked cover that prevents access to the controls as well as to the mounting screws that fasten the unit to the outlet box. The desired total amount of time of phone use permitted during each 24 hour period is selected by setting appropriate control switches and it remains unchanged until a new selection is made. At the expiration of the selected cumulative service time, the timer alerts the user of the impending disconnection by a tone signal and automatically disconnects the phone soon thereafter. The device is powered by a battery backed utility 110 VAC source and it resets itself automatically every 24 hours, so that no periodic adjustments or calibrations are required.

Abstract: A telecommunications system 10 is provided which comprises a PBX system 12 coupled to a call processing system 16 through plurality of trunks 14. SMDR data records are received from the PBX system 12 by the call processing system 16 through an SMDR data line 18. The call processing system 16 includes an SMDR translation system which retrieves call records associated with each call placed through the call processing system 16 and matches these call records to SMDR data records received from the PBX system 12. The matched records are used to generate a combined SMDR output record for a particular call which is then output through an output line 30 to a call accounting system 32. In this manner, the call processing system 16 can utilize the information received from the PBX system 12 with the accurate call duration information generated in its own systems to provide for accurate call records associated with each call placed through the call processing system 16.

Abstract: A system for registering data into a memory has memory means for storing a plurality of data in a predetermined form and retrieves the stored data for use in a desired process. The memory means is divided into a first area in which the data in the predetermined form is stored, and a second area. The data used in the desired process as well as frequency of use data are stored in the second area. The data stored in the second area is reused for the desired process, and the frequency of use data of that data is updated. When the frequency of use data reaches a predetermined state, the data is moved into the first area as formal registration data.

Abstract: In the present invention, a speech activated telephone is disclosed. The speech activated phone stores a plurality of spoken words, the telephone number and the alphanumeric word associated with each spoken word. The telephone automatically dials the telephone number in response to inputted spoken word, matching the stored spoken word. In addition, the telephone number and alphanumeric text for the matched spoken word is displayed.

Abstract: In a communication system, a programmable threshold alert system for indicating to a hunt group supervisor the relative number of incoming unanswered calls in a hunt group. Circuitry is provided for detecting the number of calls waiting to be answered and in response generating a level value signal representing the percentage of calls waiting relative to the number of active call answer stations. The level value signal is compared to one or more threshold values in response to which an output signal is generated for indicating the magnitude of the level value signal relative to the one or more threshold values, thereby providing an indication of the load on the hunt group.

Abstract: A miniaturized DNR monitoring device is adapted to communicate over a telephone line, or otherwise, with a remote unit which may also communicate with other monitoring units. The monitoring device includes a computer chip program to select target DNR data from non-target DNR data, a memory for storing a limited amount of data, a DNR output line, means for downloading stored data over its output line to its remote unit on command or upon the occurrence of preselected events, and means for identifying transmissions to and from its remote unit by a handshake routine.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method capable of indicating a communicating duration on a displaying means (LCD) of a key-phone upon a communication via the public telephone office line in a key-phone system. The method includes the steps of: a first process for driving a communicating duration starting timer and informing that communication is started; second process for initializing a buffer storing a communicating duration and driving the communicating duration increasing timer; third proces for driving said communicating duration increasing timer and then checking if it is in a state of a public telephone office line reserving, and terminating in a state of accumuating the communicating duration to a buffer; fourth process for producing present communicating duration data and transmitting the data to a key-phone; and fifth process for increasing a count value of communicating duration storing buffer, driving the communication increasing timer, and advancing to said third process.

Abstract: A telecommunications system and method of operation are provided which allows for the recording and downloading of message prompts to a telephone (80) from a remote location. A message is recorded by a recorder (70) and the recorded message is digitized by an audio digitizer (72). The messages are organized into formatted message files and stored in a storage medium (74). A host computer (76) transmits the message files through a standard telephone connection to a particular telephone station (80). The messages are used by the telephone station (80) to prompt users of the telephone during the processing of telephone calls.

Abstract: A telephone system and method of operation are disclosed which use a microprocessor control system (10), a speech generator (34) and speech memory (46) to interact with a calling party placing a long distance phone call. The telephone receives a billing account number from the calling party thorugh a keypad (24). The telephone determines the validity of the billing account number by attempting to place a telephone call using the billing account number to a controlled telephone number. If the attempt is successful the billing account number is valid and a communication path is established through a telephone line interface (38). The microprocessor controlled system (10) generates a billing record for the call which is stored in a call record memory (11). The billing record can later be retrieved to facilitate billing the call.

Abstract: A communication apparatus (e.g., a facsimile apparatus) has a monitor circuit to monitor line release after a line has been captured, a memory for storing information on a line release time when the line release is detected, and a control unit for controlling the apparatus. The control unit receives the time information from the memory at an end of a predetermined operation and can compute the appropriate time charge. A stand-by power source powers various components of the apparatus at certain times when full power is not needed, saving power use.

Abstract: A call charge allocation arrangement is implemented for a business communication system to track those situations in which a toll call is transferred from a first station to a second station. The arrangement tracks such transfers by establishing a first call record at the time the call is placed and establishing a second call record at the time the call is transferred, such that call charges which accrue prior to the transfer are entered in the first call record and call charges which accrue subsequent to the transfer are entered in the second call record.

Abstract: A telephone timing device comprising a synchronous motor driven timer energized by a circuit having at least one switch activated by removing the handset from its cradle to start a time cycle. The telephone owner preselects the talking time by setting the timer which disconnects the telephone at a the predetermined time following an audible few seconds warning time to the telephone users. Once started the circuit completes each time period to reset the telephone for a subsequent talking time period. A locked housing containing the timer surrounds the telephone modular wall outlet jack.

Abstract: There is provided a telephone call monitoring, metering and selection device, the purpose of which is to select the lowest-cost way to make a call from one point to another point. The user will program the possible carriers and rates from a standard telephone and the user will enter the time, date, taxes and other information after plugging in the unit. After selecting the destination phone number, the device will show the rates of all possible carriers and then allow the user to choose or select a desired carrier. Because carriers do not have the same quality, the low-cost carrier may not always be the carrier the user wants to select. The unit will display all carrier rates on a one minute call, five minute call, ten minute call and the like. The device will show the user on a real time basis what the calls may cost. The costing feature will apply to local and long distance calls.

Abstract: A call meter signal receiver is provided for a subscriber's private metering system operated by a call meter signal sent from a central office. The receiver is operable both by common mode and normal mode signals. The receiver is small sized and can be installed in a central office trunk of private branch exchanger equipment. The call meter signal receiver is composed of a frequency tuned receiver including two buffer circuits, the first one for receiving the common mode and the second one for receiving the normal mode signal. The first buffer circuit is connected to the input side of a hybrid circuit of the COT, and has a high impedance, while the second buffer circuit, for receiving the normal mode signal, is connected to one of the output terminals of the hybrid circuit, and has a high impedance for voice signals.

Abstract: A telephone ring time registering device for recording and displaying the times of incoming telephone calls while not answering the telephone calls. Also, the number of times the telephone rings during each incoming call is registered, so that the user may further have some indication of the urgency of each incoming call. Also, an answering machine which records an audio signal representative of the times incoming calls were registered at the beginning of each message is disclosed.

Abstract: An answering device for answering callers on at least one telephone line, has a ring detector. The ring detector is adapted to be coupled to the telephone line for sensing an incoming call thereon. The detector can provide in response to this incoming call a ring signal. Also included is a central processor coupled to the ring detector. The processor can provide a command signal that varies according to a predetermined sequence, in response to successive occurrences of the ring signal. The answering device also has a voice synthesizer coupled to the central processor. The voice synthesizer is adapted to be coupled to the telephone line for providing thereon a speech signal waveform in response to the command signal.

Abstract: There is disclosed a telephone monitoring system which system is coupled to the tip and ring lines associated with a telephone subset and which system is operative to provide output data indicative of the date and time a call is initiated, the telephone number and area code of a place called, the total minutes and seconds of the call placed, the time and day a call is started and discontinued as well as the time and date of all incoming calls. The system further includes separate timing interval apparatus to notify a user that a predetermined time period has elapsed during a telephone conversation. The system includes apparatus for monitoring the status of the subset in an off-hook and on-hook condition and to initiate various timing cycles when the subset is off-hook including a called number storage register for storing information indicative of a call to be placed by the subset during normal operation.