Abstract: A telephone answering device for permitting a person to switch an incoming telephone call to a message recording or answering machine for taking or recording a message from a caller onto at least one cassette of the message recording or answering machine. This device includes a telephone instrument, at least one message recording or answering machine, and a person actuated switch. The person actuated switch has a first "normal" position to permit a person to receive calls using the telephone instrument and a second position for permitting a person to switch the caller to the message recording or answering machine after the person has initially spoken to the caller.

Abstract: An information services system accessed via telephones by subscribers stores lists of codes for accessing automated telephonic information services, such as telephone banking, airline reservations, stock quotes, etc. A subscriber to an information services system according to the invention accesses the system and enters a gateway learn mode in which the subscriber is given a dial tone via a switch which permits the information services system to separately identify signals from the subscriber and from the number called by the subscriber. Representations of the dual tone multifrequency (DTMF) signals generated by the subscriber are stored as tone codes, together with time codes indicating when the DTMF signals should be generated in an execution mode. In addition, command signals, preferably received as voice signals, from the subscriber are detected using voice recognition and control codes are stored corresponding to the command signals.

Abstract: A voice mail message system detects the length of each message and provides an indication of the length to a user together with other message information when messages are requested. The indication of message length may be a qualitative one in which the number of short, medium and long messages is indicated to the user. In addition, if a user interrupts a message as it is being played back, the user is informed of the remaining length of the message.

Abstract: A messaging arrangement (10) allows an originator of a message to cancel a sent message that has not been retrieved by the recipient, if permission for such cancellation has been given by the recipient. The message originator tags (258, 378) the message with a code (51 ) when he or she creates the message. Subsequently, the originator may access (301) the message recipient's mailbox (23) and cancel (330) the message by giving the message's tag code.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system which can be subjected to remote control by an input voice command, which comprises: a voice detection circuit for detecting inputting of a voice signal; a voice command introduction circuit for introducing an inputted voice command after the detection by the voice detection circuit; a speech recognition circuit for making a comparison between the voice command introduced by the voice command introduction circuit and a voice command registered in advance to thereby recognize the introduced voice command; and a control circuit for executing, in dependency upon a recognition result from the speech recognition circuit, a command determined in advance in correspondence with the registered voice command, wherein after input of the voice signal is detected, introduction of the inputted voice command is initiated, whereby execution of the command determined in advance is carried out in dependency upon the recognition result of the introduced voice command.

Abstract: A directory answering machine which allows a desired telephone number which is registered in the form of an abbreviated dialing code to be found by an access from an external telephone even when the abbreviated code is forgotten. When a predetermined remote command is received from an external telephone to the answering machine through the telephone line, a control circuit serially reads out the telephone numbers registered in an abbreviated dialing code information memory in the form of abbreviated dialing codes and the subscriber names thereof, converts the read data into speech synthesized by a voice synthesizer, and supplies them to the telephone line through a communication circuit. When a predetermined selection signal is supplied from the external telephone, the subscriber name and the corresponding telephone number which are being output at this point in time are selected. The data are supplied again to the telephone line in a synthesized speech.

Abstract: In a telephone terminal device, for example, a telephone answering device, when the device receives an inadvertent facsimile signal while it is in operation, the telephone line is disengaged via a facsimile signal detecting means for the purpose of preventing unwanted utilization of the telephone line and unnecessary consumption of the recording medium.

Abstract: A digital telephone answering device (DTAD) that allows messages to be forwarded to certain internal mailboxes. Random access memory (RAM) is flexibly and dynamically controlled by a microprocessor or controller. Audio signals in the form of voice messages are digitized and stored in the RAM. Messages can be sorted and allocated to specific mailboxes and made retrievable by pressing a button assigned to that mailbox. Messages can also be moved or re-assigned from a common message area to a certain mailbox or mailboxes. Outgoing messages are also stored in RAM and can be of sufficient number to have an outgoing message correspond to each incoming message storage area. The normal message recording and message playback functions of the DTAD may be activated after the call has been answered on the receiving side.

Abstract: A telephone answering apparatus permits a called party to select between an automatic mode wherein a message is automatically played back to a caller without any action of the called party and a prenouncer mode wherein a message is played back to the caller when activated by the called party. The telephone answering apparatus includes a ring detector circuit connectable to an outside line and responsive to an incoming call on the outside line for producing a ring detected signal, a timer and driver circuit responsive to the ring detected signal for producing a playback signal and a manually actuatable answer switch. A mode switch capable of selecting one of the prenouncer mode and the automatic mode is connected to the timer and driver circuit, to the ring detector circuit and to the answer switch.

Abstract: A real time weather information access and distribution system having a central switching and interface unit accessed at least in part via a commercial telephone network. A remote weather station is selected by the incoming caller by means of a "decision tree" process using a touch tone phone, and the central switching and interface unit makes contact with a local interface unit at the selected geographically remote weather reporting station. Weather information being produced and broadcast locally by the weather reporting station is then provided to the geographically remote incoming caller on a real-time basis via the local interface unit, being in communication with said central switching and interface unit, and thence to individual callers desiring said real time weather information.

Abstract: A voice-controlled device of this invention includes a receiving/discriminating mechanism for receiving a DTMF signal externally input through a telephone line and discriminating the DTMF signal, a level detecting mechanism for detecting a signal level of the DTMF signal input to the receiving/discriminating mechanism, a speech recognizer for recognizing the content of a voice signal externally input through the telephone line, an input level adjustor for adjusting a signal level of the voice signal input to the speech recognizer on the basis of the signal level detection result by the level detecting mechanism, and a function executor for executing a function according to the content of the voice signal recognized by the speech recognizer.

Abstract: A telephone nuisance call mitigation device operates in conjunction with an answering machine. The usual ringer of the user's telephone(s) is deactivated. The answering maching produces a message which instructs the user to enter his secret code if he has it or else just to leave a message after the tone. The mitigation device monitors for the proper secret code being entered, and if received produces an off hook and a ringing tone in the user's home for a predetermined period. Otherwise, the user can only leave a message, and a ringing tone will never be provided to the user's house. Provision is also made for preventing erroneous detections during call out operations, and for resetting the system to maintain synchronization. The mitigation device is continuously parallel to the telephone line.

Abstract: A telephone answering machine for receiving and recording calls received over telephone lines includes one of a plurality of interchangeable base units having different functions and features, one of a plurality of interchangeable user-interface units also having different functions and features, and a system for communicating between the units. Each base unit includes a telephone line interface circuit, a player/recorder and a first controller, responsive to commands for operating the base unit devices. Each installed user-interface unit is remote from an associated installed base unit and includes user-operable key means for inputting command signals related to the recording and playing back of messages. It also includes a speaker, a microphone, a display for visually displaying information, and a second controller for controlling operation of the keys, speaker, and display. The communication system uses a standard interface for coupling any base unit to any user-interface unit.

Abstract: An electronic rescheduler for promptly and efficiently rescheduling appointments in a two part procedure. In the first step, there is an initial selection of one or more different time periods or "options" during which a new, replacement appointment would be desired; and, in resonse, the electronic rescheduler reports a listing of free time slots that are available within the selected "options". In the second, and final step, one of the reported free time slots is chosen for the new appointment, and is entered into the rescheduler to complete the rescheduling operation. A number of such "options" are made available, including "morning" or "afternoon" appointments, the "earliest" available time, and others. For office use, the electronic rescheduler can be configured as a desk top unit positioned alongside a telephone, and coupled to the phone. It may include a display screen, printer, and audible announcer, for voice response over the phone; as well as a keyboard for the various entries and selections.

Abstract: A facsimile apparatus connected to a telephone line and incorporating an automatic telephone answering and recording device, which is able to be responsive to various inputs, for example, a calling tone (CNG) or similar signal sent from a calling party's apparatus, or a specified signal sent by a calling party by pushing a DTMF tone button. If a user picks up a handset of a telehpone set connected to the telephone line during the operation of the automatic telephone answering device, the facsimile apparatus is not energized and returns to the standby mode in response to the off-hook operation of the telephone set, so that he or she can talk directly with the calling party. And during the telephone conversation between calling and called parties, the facsimile apparatus can be energized in response to manual operation by either of the parties.

Abstract: A remote control telephone service apparatus, for connection into a telephone line between a customer's telephone and a telephone switching central office main distribution frame. One or two selected code numbers are manually input into the apparatus. Later, if these correct code numbers are dialed into the apparatus, an output signal is provided to control changes in interconnect circuitry and to provide pre-recorded voice messages relative to the condition and status of the circuit. If the dialed number does not match the code number, the apparatus will not operate, but will emit a warning message or an alarm. The apparatus may also be used to disconnect a telephone from the main distribution line as long as the receiver is left in an "off-hook" condition. The apparatus will provide pre-recorded information to the customer concerning the status of his service. When the receiver is replaced, the apparatus automatically restores the telephone to full service.

Abstract: The multi-function telephone call management system enables a user to recursively activate a plurality of voice communication features on a single call connection. The multi-function telephone call management system serves to interconnect a plurality of communication devices with a single incoming telephone line. The apparatus and features provided by this multi-function telephone call management system include connection to a modem, facsimile machine, or answering machine and call forwarding, call screening, call notification and distinctive ringing services. All of the above features are provided by the multi-function telephone call management system on a single call connection by the use of the recursive feature contained therein. This recursive feature enables a caller to sequence through the various call features provided by this apparatus on a single call connection. The sequence and selection of call options are completely under control of the caller.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed which allows the sending or receiving of either speech or digital data calls over a phone line by correctly connecting either a digital data machine or a voice phone with the line without any human involvement. An analyzer connected to the phone line interrogates each incoming call to determine if it is a voice call or a digital data call. If it is a voice call, the analyzer rings the phone and connects it to the line when the phone is answered. If the incoming call is a digital data call, the data machine, e.g., fax, is connected to the phone line. The distinction between voice and digital data calls is based in part on analyses of incoming response to an interrogation of the caller with messages from a speech synthesizer. For outgoing calls, the analyzer determines which of the phone and the data machines becomes active, and connects the active one with the phone line while it blocks access to the line by the other one until the outgoing call is complete.

Abstract: An automatic telephone answering system including a recorder having an input and an output connected to a telephone line for the recording and playing of messages and which is remotely controllable through the use of a dual-tone signal. A recorder control apparatus controls the recorder and is connected to receive input signals sent over the telephone line to the recorder and output signals sent from the recorder. The recorder control apparatus generates an inhibit signal to the recorder when the recorder control apparatus detects the fact that at the input or output a signal having dual-tone frequencies continues for a predetermined maximum allowable time which is shorter than the minimum time for dual-tone signal detection, thereby preventing said signal having the dual-tone frequencies from being input to or output from the recorder over a time period longer than said minimum time for dual-tone signal detection.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing and forwarding voice signals wherein a user has increased control and flexibility in distributing voice signals. In one embodiment the originator of a stored voice signal may restrict an addressee's ability to forward a message to other users. In another, the originator may limit the addressee's ability to use the voice store and forward system until such time as the addressee responds to a stored voice signal.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a telephone answering machine stores a plurality of messages and establishes a correspondence between those messages and a plurality of phone numbers. The phone number of a caller is identified and one of the plurality of messages selected for playback based on the identified phone number and the established correspondence. In a preferred embodiment, the answering machine is microprocessor-based and the correspondence of telephone numbers to messages is stored in a memory table. Messages may be stored either on magnetic media or in semiconductor memory using a signal compression/decompression module where economy dictates in order to reduce the size of the semiconductor memory. Microprocessor control allows economical realization of a full-featured machine.

Abstract: A system which presents a user with a sequence of prompt messages and stores user responses to at least selected ones of these prompt messages, classifies the stored user responses in a first category when the user responds to a first one of the prompt messages and not to a second one of the prompt messages, and classifies the stored user reponses in a second category when the user responds to both the first and second prompt messages. In addition, this system classifies the stored user response in a third category when the response includes any one of a plurality of code words, and in a fourth category when the user response includes none of these code words. An alternate embodiment classifies stored user responses in accordance with the duration of the response to a selected prompt message. The described classification techniques materially enhance transcription efficiency.

Abstract: An arrangement for obtaining directory assistance automatically and without the assistance of an operator. A customer requesting directory assistance is connected to an automatic speech recognition unit (ASRU) and is prompted to speak commands for identifying the requested directory number. The ASRU converts received speech signals from the customer into data signals for searching a directory number data base. If a directory listing is located, the number of that listing is announced to the customer and the customer is automatically prompted to speak a command indicating whether a call to that number should be automatically established. The telecommunications switching network responds to a positive command by automatically establishing such a connection. Advantageously, such an arrangement provides directory assistance service automatically without requiring special customer equipment.

Abstract: A facsimile apparatus connected to a telephone line and incorporating an automatic telephone answering and recording device, which is able to be responsive to various inputs, for example, a calling tone (CNG) or similar signal sent from a calling party's apparatus, or a specified signal sent by a calling party by pushing a DTMF tone button. If a user picks up a handset of a telephone set connected to the telephone line during the operation of the automatic telephone answering device, the facsimile apparatus is not energized and returns to the standby mode in response to the off-hook operation of the telephone set, so that he or she can talk directly with the calling party. And during the telephone conversation between calling and called parties, the facsimile apparatus can be energized in response to manual operation, for instance, pushing of a button by either of the parties.

Abstract: A telephone answering device wherein an outgoing message translated from an original language into each of several different foreign languages is sent out in a predetermined order to a calling party of any foreign country when he pushes ten-keys on a push-button telephone in a predetermined order, so that the calling party can get the most understandable outgoing message. The outgoing messages translated into major foreign languages are previously stored depending on the country's language situation, or otherwise the prerecorded original outgoing message is translated into one of the foreign languages by a built-in translating device each time the calling party pushes a ten-key, to be delivered to the calling party.

Abstract: A method for recording incoming message signals on a telephone answering machine includes the step of generating a first instruction message on an outgoing telephone line to indicate to a party calling from a touch tone telephone a first signaling protocol for selecting which of the plurality of individuals is to receive a message from the calling party. In a subsequent step, the incoming telephone line is monitored for an incoming touch tone signal transmitted by the calling party in response to the first instruction message. In the event that a touch tone signal is received from the calling party in response to the first instruction message within a predetermined period of time from the beginning of transmission of the first instruction message, the received touch tone signal is decoded to determine the identity of a called individual to receive an incoming message signal from the calling party.

Abstract: A remote actuated command circuit establishes telephone communications between a communications device at a remote location and a local communications terminal device without interference from a telephone answering machine connected to the incoming telephone line. The remote actuated command circuit establishes these communications when it receives from the remote communications device a predetermined signal not normally available to a telephone user.

Abstract: A terminal switching control apparatus, used for a combination of a voice terminal device and a non-voice terminal device, comprises a call signal recognition detector to detect an incoming signal and distinguish the detected signal between an voice signal and an non-voice terminal call signal, a device for transmitting a response message to urge the calling party to respond if no incoming voice signal is detected, an action request device for urging the called party to respond by the voice terminal device when an incoming voice signal is recognized after transmitting the response message, a control device for switching the line connection to the non-voice terminal device if neither the voice signal nor the non-voice signal is detected by the call recognition device, and a set of mode selector switches for selecting a presence mode and an absence mode according to the presence/absence status of the called party.

Abstract: In a conventional telephone answering device with a remote retrieval function, the user sends a remote control signal during anytime of the playback of the outgoing message in order to retrieve the incoming message from the remote location, and so the security code for security is required. According to the present invention, in order to increase the accuracy of security and to make the remote control operation easier, one short word or long word of the outgoing message can be used as a timing mark for sending the remote control signal for not only experienced people but also unexperienced people. If the user feels that the recorded message was leaked to other people, it is possible to change easily the timing mark from the remote location. And further, the user can easily operate even if he uses plurality of timing marks for more security.

Abstract: A DTMF signal discriminating circuit for a remote control apparatus, the DTMF signals corresponding to a plurality of predetermined operating modes of the apparatus, the apparatus including in OGM signal generating source responsive to an input signal from a remote source for indicating that the apparatus can receive DTMF signals. The DTMF signal discriminating circuit includes a signal coupling circuit for selectively supplying the OGM signal to the remote source and receiving the DTMF signals from the remote source, including a circuit for suppressing the OGM signal for substantially preventing operation of the apparatus in any of the predetermined operating modes in response to receipt of the OGM signal by the signal coupling circuit, a discrimination circuit for receiving the DTMF signals from the signal coupling circuit and a microcomputer responsive to the discrimination circuit for controlling operation of the apparatus in an operating mode corresponding to the received DTMF signals.

Abstract: A message exchange device for communication between a manager and particular persons, which is adapted to enable a particular person to listen to a particular message directed to a particular caller and recorded on an associated channel of a multi-channel recording medium, by sending a caller-representative coded signal assigned to him, and then stores that the particular message has been transmitted.

Abstract: An electronic dispatch board for use with a voice message recording-playback machine. The dispatch board lights certain lamps responsive to signals sent from the message recording-playback machine when a message has been placed in a certain voice mailbox. The dispatch board is comprised of a serial-to-parallel converter, a board address comparator, an address signal verifier, a lamp driver, and a plurality of lamps. The address signal verifier determines if a valid address signal has been received from the message recording machine. A number of dispatch boards may be simultaneously connected to the same message recording machine. The board address comparator in each dispatch board determines if the address signal from the message recording machine is meant for that particular dispatch board. If a valid address signal has been received, a certain lamp is set to an on, off or blink state.

Abstract: A remote control unit controls at least one additional device such as a facsimile system through a telephone answering device. The telephone answering device is engaged with telephone lines upon reception of a ringing signal, and an outgoing message and an instruction message are sent out. A calling party can record an incoming message in a recorder in the telephone answering device if desired. However, when the calling party wishes to drive an additional device, a remote control signal corresponding to the desired additional device is sent in accordance with the instruction message. Then, the desired additional device can be driven, and other data can be transmitted or received. If the calling party sends the wrong remote control signal and therefore drives the wrong additional device, the calling party can reset the wrong device and drive the correct device by sending the correct remote control code, without hanging up the telephone.

Abstract: The present invention is a magnetic tape-based "voice mail" multi-user message system. The system transmits audio prompts to callers to help guide them through the various procedures. The callers respond with Touch-Tone commands. A novel circuit is provided to detect these tone commands without significant interference from the audio prompt signals. This circuit is highly insensitive to deviations in the impedance of the incoming telephone line from its expected value. A circuit is also provided to prevent Touch-Tone commands which are recorded on tape from being re-executed when they are played back from the tape. A single L.E.D. indicator on each recipient's telephone set indicates the status of the system: idle with new message waiting; idle without new message waiting; busy with new message waiting; or busy without new message waiting.

Abstract: A record/play unit and a tape controller in an automatic telephone answering device with a paging function that sets an incoming message tape in a record mode in response to a beep tone generated upon completion of the sending of a first, normal, outgoing message and a second outgoing message for providing a paging procedure to a caller when an incoming message is not recorded by the caller after the beep tone is generated. The controller thereafter drives an engaging section in response to a special code sent by the calling party. The engaging section temporarily disengages the device from the telepone lines and then engages the device with the telephone lines again. Subsequently, a DTMF oscillator is operated to dial a prestored telephone number.

Abstract: An automatic telephone answering device includes a generator for a voice synthesized acceptance message for collect calls. The acceptance message is generated in one of several modes of operation of the answering device, selected by a user. Preferably, the acceptance message is generated only in a fixed time message receiving mode.

Abstract: An automatic telephone answering apparatus includes tape recorder sections for outputting a speech message through a telephone line, and for recording and reproducing a speech signal through the telephone line, a controller for setting the tape recorder sections in predetermined modes, and a decoder for decoding a remote control signal received through the telephone line and supplying a decoded remote control signal to the controller. A muting circuit between a telephone line interface and the tape recorder sections blocks remote control signals from being recorded, in response to a timing signal generated by a DTMF receiver in the decoder.