Abstract: A method for operating a user communication device (18a, 18b, 19a, 19b), and a program and user communication device that operate in accordance with that method. An interface (2d, 2b, 23, 22) of the communication device (18a, 18b, 19a, 19b) is operated to enter identifiers identifying respective calling sources (18a, 18b, 19a, 19b) from which call signals may be received. The interface also is operated for entering into the device (18a, 18b, 19a, 19b) electrical signals representing corresponding audible signals that are to be individually generated in response to calls being received from the respective calling sources (18a, 18b, 19a, 19b). The identifiers are stored in a memory (2c, 24) in association with respective ones of the electrical signals.

Abstract: Multiple characteristics of an signal are measured to determine the presence of an alert tone on an incoming signal to a customer premises equipment (CPE) in preparation for receipt of FSK modem signals. The apparatus, method, and article of manufacture discern the presence of an alert tone by measuring characteristics of the incoming signal. The alert tone is able to be discerned even under crosstalk conditions and over a wide dynamic range with the digital signal processing (DSP) method and apparatus described. Multiple characteristics of the signal are measured to determine the presence of the alert tone.

Abstract: A locking device for use in restraining a jet pump downcomer of a nuclear reactor, including an upper jaw; a lower jaw placed in an opposing position below the upper jaw; and a tightening screw movably supporting the upper jaw and the lower jaw. When installed on a jet pump downcomer, the complete assembly includes a restraining ring; a downcomer carried by the restraining ring; a wedge supported by the restraining ring and the downcomer; and a guide bolt extending in an axial direction in relation to the downcomer such that the wedge is movably supported by the guide bolt. The wedge is interposed between the upper jaw and the lower jaw, and one end of the upper jaw and a corresponding end of the lower jaw are moveably supported by the guide bolt. The upper jaw and lower jaw are supported at their respective opposite ends by the tightening screw.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for handling phone numbers in a mobile station and a mobile station. According to the invention, numbers (3a, 3b, 3c) are handled in groups (1a, 1b, 1c) which have different attributes (2a, 2b, 2c). The attributes (2a, 2b, 2c) mean e.g. rights to generate a ringing tone. In a certain operating mode, only a call belonging to a group (1a, 1b, 1c) which in that operating mode has the right to call the mobile station, will generate a ringing tone. The attributes (2a, 2b, 2c) also mean group-specific ringing tones which represent the type of the group (1a, 1b, 1c). The attributes (2a, 2b, 2c) further mean symbols on the display of a mobile station.

Abstract: A system detects an incoming telephone call and routes the ring signal to a loudspeaker so that it can be heard at a distance from the telephony device. Once the incoming call has been acknowledged the incoming signal is routed to the headset. New incoming calls are identified by verifying the presence of unique characteristics that are found only in incoming calls. In a conventional telephone the unique characteristic can be a combination of frequencies which are part of the ring signal. The frequencies can be verified by using a bandpass filter which allows only frequencies centered around the ring frequency to pass. Therefore, if a signal of correct frequency is present it will pass through the bandpass filter and activate a switch that routes the signal to the loudspeaker.

Abstract: A method of improving the CAS (customer premises equipment alert signal) tone signal detection of a telephone which uses a CAS tone signal detection chip or data signal processor in the telephone to detect a small segment of the CAS tone signal received from the exchange line and to trigger a CPU in producing an interruption signal, causing the telephone to mute the voice signal from the near end subscriber and to detect and judge the time series of the left CAS tone signal, and uses a voice signal detection circuit to monitor the voice signal from the far end subscriber, so that the telephone accurately measures the length of the CAS tone signal when no voice signal from the far end subscriber or the near end subscriber is detected, and judges, subject to the definition of a predetermined CAS tone signal length specification, whether the CAS tone signal is true or false.

Abstract: The personal communications controller (PCC) may be programmed with a customized service configuration based on which telecommunications functions in connection with multiple telephone terminals are managed. The PCC system is designed to provide enhanced service value to all of the telephone terminals throughout a residence coupled to a single telephone communication line entering the residence. The PCC may provide service differentiation on an individual basis to the telephone terminals and, furthermore, differentiated treatment may be effected on a per telephone call basis. The customized service configuration may be generated using a personal computer from which it is downloaded to the PCC.

Abstract: A telephone is provided with a means for automatically generating ringing tones to be heard by a user over ambient noise and in spite of any muffling environment in which the telephone may be located. The ambient noise is measured to determine its amplitude and frequency characteristics and appropriate amplitude and frequency characteristics of ringing tones to be heard by a user over the ambient noise are calculated and generated. The degree to which the ringing tones are muffled by the muffling environment is calculated and suitable amplitude and frequency characteristics of further ringing tones necessary to be heard by a user in spite of the muffling environment are calculated and further ringing tones having the suitable amplitude and frequency characteristics are generated.

Abstract: A caller-identification receiving apparatus can process the data message of a caller-identification without a micro-controller by utilizing a ring signal to activate circuits in a sleeping state while the telephone is on-hook. Moreover, the device has a timer to automatically activate the circuits in the sleeping state to detect the signal of a channel seizure and process the message-waiting.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for enabling communications devices to recognize call progress tones that may be used in foreign countries. The call progress tone detection system includes a communications device (50) having one or more frequency decoders (113) for determining the frequency of call progress tones, a cadence decoder (126) for determining the on/off pattern for the call progress tones and a table (122) for storing the call progress tone frequencies and the cadences. Recognition of call progress tones is accomplished by enabling the communications device (50) to receive one or more foreign call progress tones, enabling the user to associate the type of call progress tone for each call progress tone received and storing each call progress tone to a table (122) for later cross reference when initiating a call.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and method for automatic number identification (ANI) for a data access arrangement (DAA) of a modem. Modems or telephones equipped with an ANI system use the caller ID (ANI) signals to identify the calling telephone or modem. For automatic number identification, the invention uses a new switch element on the secondary winding side of a transformer and a standard DAA circuit on the primary winding side of the transformer. The invention does not require an additional AC coupling path for the caller ID (ANI) signals. During an ANI operation, the new ANI switch on the secondary winding side is opened so that the impedance looking into the modem from the telephone line side becomes relatively high and the prior art voltage divide effect is eliminated or reduced.

Abstract: A communication control software application is used in a user communication device having a processor and associated memory. The processor controls a display and a user input device. A communications terminal transmits and receives electronic mail. The communication control software application includes a phone application stored in the memory, the phone application including a business card database storing plural business cards. Each business card identifies characteristics of a particular card provider who electronic mail is to be sent to or received from. One or more of the business cards includes an associated business card agent defined by an agent software routine controlling how electronic mail is communicated between the user and the particular provider. A messaging application initiates communications to transmit or receive electronic mail.

Abstract: The personal communications controller (PCC) may be programmed with a customized service configuration based on which telecommunications functions in connection with multiple telephone terminals are managed. The PCC system is designed to provide enhanced service value to all of the telephone terminals throughout a residence coupled to a single telephone communication line entering the residence. The PCC may provide service differentiation on an individual basis to the telephone terminals and, furthermore, differentiated treatment may be effected on a per telephone call basis. The customized service configuration may be generated using a personal computer from which it is downloaded to the PCC.

Abstract: A computer controlled telephone apparatus comprised of a processor controlled telephone set, apparatus for interfacing the telephone set to a telephone network, a computer for interfacing the telephone set, comprising a stored telephony service program for receiving call control signals from the apparatus for interfacing the telephone set to the telephone network, and for controlling operation of functions of the telephone set in accordance with the stored telephony service program; and monitoring apparatus in the telephone set for monitoring operation of the telephony service program and in the event there is no operation of the controlling program, for causing direct connection of the telephone set to the apparatus for interfacing the telephone set to the telephone network.

Abstract: A telephone exchange transmits audible signals to a subscriber line to indicate exchange or network conditions. The audible signals to be transmitted to the subscriber line are selected from one or more available audible signal sources according to the contents of a store location for that subscriber line. Further store locations are provided for each subscriber line to enable selection of further audible signal sources dependent upon the condition. The subscriber may alter the contents of his or her store location by dialing a special code.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling ring volume if a telephone by memorizing the ring volume in state where a telephone call is answered responsive to ring tone of the telephone and then, generating the ring tone with the memorized ring volume when a next telephone call occurs.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a data transmission transmitted over a telephone line includes the first step of determining if a data transmission is incoming or outgoing over a telephone line. In the second method step, a modem is configured to monitor a receive portion of the telephone line if the first step determines that the transmission is outgoing. The modem is configured to monitor a transmit portion of the telephone line if the first step determines that the transmission is incoming. In the third method step, a data signal is detected from the data transmission. The method may include the further step of maintaining statistics corresponding to the data signal. The data transmission may be a facsimile transmission. The data signal may be any one of a DCS signal, an MCF signal, and an RTP signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a stutter dial tone SDT signal. The method includes the steps of, receiving a received signal from a subscriber loop, generating a signal envelope of the received signal, generating a threshold parameter value from the signal envelope, counting the number of threshold parameter crossings undertaken by the signal envelope and producing a signal indicating SDT signal has been received when number of threshold crossings exceeds a predefined value.

Abstract: A telephone line access arrangement for a telephone instrument and a modem gives priority to the telephone instrument in all instances. A microprocessor controls the modem and receives an input signal that is indicative of the existence of an off hook state for the telephone instrument. Logic device generates the input signal based upon the different electrical conditions characterizing the telephone instrument and the modem.

Abstract: A telephone apparatus for screening calls on the basis of messages containing message data, the messages being transmitted by a central office before a first ring burst is transmitted by the central office. The apparatus includes a message receiver, a decoder, a ringer and a ringer controller. The message receiver is in communication with the central office line and is operable to receive a message while the telephone is on-hook. The decoder decodes the message to extract the message data from the message. The ringer is operable to sound an audible alarm when a telephone call is received and the ringer controller prevents the ringer from sounding in response to the first ring burst, when the message data satisfies a pre-defined condition.

Abstract: A local switch includes circuitry for determining whether a called party is a subscriber of a call type delivery service when a call is being placed to the called party. The local switch also includes circuitry to generate a message to prompt the calling party to identify whether the call is urgent, normal, or telemarketing. If the calling party does not respond in a timely manner the local switch includes circuitry to analyze the response by the calling party and to generate corresponding signals to inform the called party of the unknown call type. More specifically, either a different ring pattern is generated or a specified symbol is displayed on a display or both to inform the called party of the call type. The present invention may be used in conjunction with modern communication networks such as intelligent networks and public land mobile networks.

Abstract: A variable ring count device in customer premises equipment is provided and includes a processor, a call related information detector/receiver in communication with a telephone line and a call related information directory in communication with the processor. The call related information directory associates pre-set call related information with a corresponding ring count. The processor is operable for an incoming call to compare call related information for the incoming call to the pre-set call related information in the call related information directory, and to determine a ring count for the incoming call based on a correlation between the call related information and the pre-set call related information in the call related information directory.

Abstract: A computer system has an automatic answering device and a method of automatically communicating an audio response message to a caller, in response to an incoming telephone call by the caller, when the system is in a hibernation state where the contents of all of the devices of the system have been saved and the system has substantially been turned off for the sake of reducing power consumption. The automatic answering device has an address generator for generating a set of addresses, a memory for storing audio response message data, an address selector, a data switch for switching data paths, and a digital-to-analog converter for converting the audio data into analog audio response signals. The audio response signals are sent through a modem to a caller so that the caller gets an audio response message indicating that the system is in the hibernation state.

Abstract: A method of automatically sharing and transferring information between a Work at Work (WAW) ISDN telephone and a Work at Home (WAH) ISDN telephone. This information includes, calling line identifier delivery from the WAW telephone to the WAH telephone, facilitating subsequent transferring of the call to the WAH telephone if desired. Message waiting status is also shared, facilitating the coordination of message waiting lamps at both the WAW and WAH telephone. Information from one telephone to the other is carried transparently through the ISDN network as user-to-user information, calling party subaddress, D channel X.25 packet message, lower layer compatibility or a combination of these elements. The telephones automatically establish ISDN calls between themselves and swap information pertaining to the status of the companion telephones.

Abstract: A device for identifying a line reversal signal and a ringing signal of a telephone set having a built-in ringing detection circuit includes a counter, a comparator and a latch connected with each other in series. The device can determine whether a signal on line is the line reversal signal or the ringing signal of the telephone set without using an installed CPU or a timer thereof, so as to save power and reduce the load of the CPU.

Abstract: A computer-controlled telephone system capable of answering a call to a user telephone associated with the system, notifying a user of the call, and telephoning a previous caller upon command by the user. The system has a sensor capable of determining whether the user telephone is in use, and an outgoing message delivery component activateable by the sensor when the user telephone is in use or is unanswered. The outgoing message requests identity information from a caller, and a recorder component is capable of storing this identity information. The system further includes a notification component in communication with the recorder component and capable of automatically audibly notifying the user of the occurrence of the call and capable of providing the identity information, and a dialer component capable upon command of causing dialing of a telephone number included in the identity information from the caller.

Abstract: A method of recording the bi-directional communication between a customer premises equipment (CPE) and a server of a stored program controlled system (SPCS) in an analog display services interface (ADSI) for facilitating the troubleshooting therein is disclosed. The present invention includes accessing the telephone set by a user, therefore initiating the communication between the telephone set and the server. After receiving an alerting signal from the server, the alerting signal and the corresponding received time of the alerting signal are recorded into a trace area in the telephone set. A first acknowledgment signal is sent to the server after the alerting signal is recognized, and the first acknowledgment signal is then recorded in the trace area. At least one message is sent from the server, and then the message, a start received time and an end received time of the message are recorded into the trace area and a message buffer.

Abstract: In addition to an array of basic call modules each containing a description of a procedure for causing a call state transition from current stable state to next stable state, IN call modules are provided that are activated as tasks independently of the basic call modules. Of the IN call modules, modules equipped with a message generation function contain a description of a procedure necessary for the transmission of a message to a service control point (SCP), and modules equipped with a message analysis function contain a description of a procedure necessary for the analysis of a message from the SCP. When it is determined that a call requires an additional service as a result of DP processing in the basic call processing performed in a basic call module, the basic call processing is interrupted, and an appropriate IN call module is activated. When the IN call processing performed by the IN call module is completed, the basic call module is reactivated to resume the basic call processing.

Abstract: When two or more telephone sets are in use on the same subscriber's loop, their activities may not be properly detected or monitored by the central office switch. The present invention provides a method of and an apparatus for coordinating activities so that call waiting caller ID or off-hook caller ID or other service features can work even if there are off-hook extensions on the same loop. The invention ensures that only one set among a plurality of off-hook sets responds to the switch.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to avoid wrong detection when detecting signals including CAS (Call Alert Signal) formed by specific frequencies in the audio range, wherein frequency components forming a specific signal are detected from an input signal, and it is judged whether any signal component other than that of specified frequency range is included or not in entered audio range signal by comparing the energy level of the entered audio range signal with the energy level of only the specified frequency components extracted from the input signal. If any signal component other than that of the specified frequency range is judged to be included as a result of the energy level comparison, the signal is judged not to be the CAS signal.

Abstract: The invention is a method for performing tone detection on a digital signal processor (DSP) that may be used in the presence of tone aliases caused by inadequate anti-aliasing filtering. The method involves processing an input signal at different sampling rates, and can be used with any tone detection algorithm. A tone is detected when it is present at each of the sampling rates. The method allows tone detection to be performed without the use of a proper anti-aliasing filter.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and method for automatic number identification (ANI) for a data access arrangement (DAA) of a modem. Modems or telephones equipped with an ANI system use the caller ID (ANI) signals to identify the calling telephone or modem. For automatic number identification, the invention uses a new switch element on the secondary winding side of a transformer and a standard DAA circuit on the primary winding side of the transformer. The invention does not require an additional AC coupling path for the caller ID (ANI) signals. During an ANI operation, the new ANI switch on the secondary winding side is opened so that the impedance looking into the modem from the telephone line side becomes relatively high and the prior art voltage divide effect is eliminated or reduced.

Abstract: A VMWI (Visual Message Waiting Indicator) multisense detection device solves both the problem of long CLASS VMWI signal retransmission delays and unreliable CLASS VMWI signal transmission by simultaneously enabling both stutter dial tone detection and CLASS VMWI signal detection. The multisense device samples the line each time the phone is placed on-hook or after the phone goes unanswered after a ring. If a valid CLASS VMWI signal is detected before the scheduled dial tone test, the dial tone test will be canceled. If no CLASS VMWI signal is detected, after a given amount of time, the VMWI device automatically enables stutter dial tone detection. The detection circuitry periodically polls for a preamble field of the CLASS signal to determine whether a valid CLASS signal is about to be transmitted. If the preamble indicates a CLASS signal is being transmitted, the detection circuitry remains on and the CLASS signal is received and processed.

Abstract: A message waiting notification system comprising a telephone provider's off premise central switching office connected to a Dual Signal Triggered Message Waiting Indicator (DSTMWI) circuit via a telephone line is disclosed. The central switching office transmits predetermined asynchronous Frequency Shift Keying (FSK) signals and/or audible tones indicating different types of electronically stored communication messages awaiting retrieval, such as voice mail, E-mail, fax mail and video mail. Responsive to receiving the FSK signals and/or audible tones from the central switching office via the telephone line, the DSTMWI circuit provides visual notification of any combination of different types of the electronically stored communication messages.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a convenient and flexible way for a user to dial a block code which allows the user to withhold his/her identity and telephone number when the user makes a phone call. By programming different operation modes using the keys when the apparatus is in an on-hook status, the user may elect to have a block code dialed by manually pressing a block key when desired, or to have a prompt message displayed on the screen to remind him/her to press a key to dial the block code, if so desired, when the phone is off-hook, or to have the block code auto-dialed every time the phone is off-hook. When the apparatus is in an automatic block code dialing mode, the user may override this setting and have his/her caller ID sent on a per call basis.

Abstract: A communications device is presented which is able to detect a ring signal without the need for dedicated ring signal detection circuitry. The communications device includes a hookswitch coupled between a telephone line and a communications circuit. In an open mode of the hookswitch, an electrical resistance of at least 25 megohms exists between two switch terminals of the hookswitch, and the communications circuit is essentially disconnected from the telephone line at d.c. A capacitor positioned between the switch terminals of the hookswitch couples a.c. signals from the telephone line to the communications circuit when the hookswitch is in the open mode. A DSP of the communications circuit performs ring signal detection when the hookswitch is in the open mode using electrical power provided by a power supply. The input impedance of the communications circuit is substantially equivalent to a series combination of an inductance and a resistance.

Abstract: An information signal detection device and an information signal detection method are disclosed with which it is possible to transmit information by means of a DTMF signal using a channel that is prone to distortion, such as a high-efficiency channel. The information signal detection device comprises a filter bank component and a logic component. The filter bank component receives via a channel an information signal in which are superposed sine waves of two different frequencies selected from a specific number of frequencies sent by the sender, and generates binary information patterns showing in binary information whether the signal components of the various frequencies of this information signal are present. The logic component recognizes the end of the signal region when the binary information pattern generated in the binary information pattern generation step is containing no binary information showing that a signal component is present continuously for a specific period of time.

Abstract: A telephone having an answering function includes a receiving section for receiving a voice signal, a command signal, and a receiving signal from a telephone line, and providing the voice signal, the command signal, and the receiving signal as respective outputs; a sending section for sending a response message to the telephone line in response to the receiving signal; a storing section for storing the voice signal provided by the receiving section; a determining section for determining a time period during which the response message is sent to the telephone line; a judging section for judging whether the command signal provided by the receiving section is a predetermined command signal during the time period and generating a judging signal which indicates that the command signal is the predetermined command signal; an output section for converting the voice signal provided by the receiving section into a voice and for outputting the voice; and a prohibiting section for prohibiting the voice signal from being

Abstract: The invention provides a method for detecting a call progress tone on a pair of telephone conductors (the telephone line). The level of energy stored in an energy storage device is continually checked. When the level of energy of the energy storage device is below a threshold, the system couples the telephone line to an off-hook impedance. While coupled to the telephone line, the system charges the energy storage device using current drawn from the telephone line, and the system detects the presence of the call progress tone on the telephone line.

Abstract: A device capable of analyzing call progress event information from sensors connected to switched network circuits for the purpose of identifying the beginning and end of a telephone call. The invention also collects and analyzes all events occurring between the origination and termination of the call, providing a detailed description of both telephone user and network element actions. Abnormal events are identified during this analysis so that call quality can be determined. The invention can use information supplied by sensors that are intrusive or non intrusive to the switched network circuit.

Abstract: A technique for converting specific dial tone signals received from a telephone exchange, such as those which indicate a Message Waiting, into formats that are readily recognized by telephones or adjunct devices is disclosed. A dial tone converter device is connected between the telephone exchange providing the dial tone signalling and a message indicator device (such as an integrated telephone or message display adjunct device) which does not recognize dial tone signals. Alternately, the dial tone converter device is connected in parallel with the message indicator device. Under normal conditions, the message indicator device is connected to the telephone exchange in a way that all types of signalling (including dialing, voice, and FSK) can pass to and from the exchange. At specific intervals when neither the telephone nor any extensions at the subscriber's number are in use, the dial tone converter engages the line such that the dial tone signal is provided by the telephone exchange.

Abstract: A facsimile system of distinctive ringing type capable of selective telephone and facsimile communications with a remote party calling one of telephone numbers used by the system such that the telephone numbers are called by respective call signals having respective different patterns, the system including a pattern registering device for registering as a facsimile reception pattern the pattern of the call signal assigned to call the telephone number which is exclusively used to receive a facsimile signal from the remote party, a pattern determining device for determining whether the received call signal has the registered facsimile reception pattern, a facsimile receiving device for automatically processing the facsimile signal if the call signal has the facsimile reception pattern, and a conditional facsimile reception device for automatically processing the facsimile signal if a predetermined condition is satisfied, even if the received call signal does not have the registered facsimile reception pattern.

Abstract: A method for avoiding undesired incoming calls provides a called party with an aural message indicating the telephone number of a calling party.

Abstract: An automatic call distributor (10) having a multiport switch (12) controlled by a central control processing unit (14) and an associated memory (16) for receipt of audio voice energy from answered telephonic calls through an external telephonic public switching network (22) to selectively connect the answered calls with internal telephonic units (18) coupled with the multiport switch (12) provided with a digital signal processing circuit card (30) for determining the presence of an answering machine (24) by running a pause timer and a delay timer which disables execution of the pause timer to establish a first minimum time period that an initial pause in the received voice energy from an external telephonic unit (20) must exceed to indicate the presence of a live voice in which the pause timer is disabled from timing any pauses until the end of a delay time internal, a second minimum time period which is no longer than the first minimum time period that a pause must exceed after the lapse of the delay time in

Abstract: A telephone answering device (TAD) includes a remote access mode which is operative responsive to dual tone multi-frequency (DTMF) signals. At least three bandpass filters each receive an input signal from a telephone line interface provided in the TAD. A software controlled sampling section receives outputs from all the bandpass filters for sampling outputs from the bandpass filters, the sampling section including a multiplexer which receives the outputs from all of the bandpass filters, and a peak hold circuit coupled to an output of the multiplexer. An analog-to-digital converter receives an output from the peak hold circuit, and a digital controller receives the output of the analog-to-digital converter for controlling operations of the TAD in a remote access mode responsive to the detected DTMF signals. First and second ones of the bandpass filters have respective center frequencies corresponding to frequencies of respective DTMF signals and a third bandpass filter has a different center frequency.

Abstract: A single phase locked loop based device is used to detect alert tones and to decode data in caller display services signalling systems. The device has two sets of components (resistors) to configure the device to perform tone detection and data decoding. One or both of the sets of components are connected to the device by an electronically controlled switch.

Abstract: A telephone set using two or more telephone numbers called by respective call signals having different patterns, which are stored in a pattern data memory when the call signals are received and detected in a registering mode and with which the pattern of a call signal received when the telephone set is not in the registering mode is compared to determine the telephone number being called. The registering mode is established by an operator-controlled data input device. The patterns of the call signals are detected by a pattern detector in the registering mode, and the detected patterns are registered in the pattern data memory, so that the telephone number called by each call signal is determined by a pattern determining device as a result of comparison of the pattern of each call signal with the registered patterns in the pattern data memory. The telephone set preferably has an indicator for indicating on and off patterns of the call signals stored in a temporary memory.

Abstract: A telephone adjunct interface for use with a network-based voice and/or data message storage and delivery service detects and alerts the subscriber to the existence of waiting messages. The interface device utilizes a combination of AC ring detection and outcall polling of the network to determine whether a visual and/or audible notification should be provided to the subscriber. That is, if the subscriber phone is not answered after a selected number of rings, the interface polls the network after a suitable delay to determine if any messages were left. If the subscriber line is busy or on call-forward while a calling party is seeking to leave a message, the network service platform stores the message and waits a selected interval before seeking to alert the subscriber. Advantageously, the device is configured as a small, portable and inexpensive consumer premise unit which connects easily to all standard analog telephone systems that use modular connectors.

Abstract: A telephone set of distinctive ringing type of a called party capable of generating calling sounds depending upon respective call signals of different patterns received from a remote calling party, including a pattern detector for detecting the pattern of each call signal before the telephone set is connected to the calling party, and a sound generator which operates after the telephone set is connected to the calling party, to generate calling sounds having respective different patterns, depending upon the patterns of the received call signals as detected by the sound detector.

Abstract: Provided is an exchange system accommodating an ISDN circuit as a line wire, in which a channel of the line wire is capable of being selected by an operation performed at a connected telephone. If, in a state where the ISDN circuit has been selected by the connected telephone, a terminating request which has designated the channel in the selected state is received and this terminating request is answered, the selected state on the side of the connected telephone is cancelled. As a result, the operator on the transmitting side can be informed of the fact that the transmitting operation has been interrupted. Further, by denying the received terminating request which has designated the channel in the selected state, a situation in which a transmission from the selected channel can no longer be made is eliminated.