Abstract: A telephone handset is provided with a user interface which includes a display unit, audio output unit and various user actuable keys. A phone controller implements and responds to instructions from the user interface. Where the instructions from the user interface request the connection of a call, the phone controller connects the handset to a PSTN via one of a plurality of connection means provided. Similarly, in the event of an incoming call connection request received via any one of the connection means, the phone controller enables the connection of the call. The user may choose to accept or reject the connection using the interface. The handling of an incoming or outgoing call is determined by a connection routing engine. The connection routing engine comprises an identification unit, a rules unit, a comparison unit and an enabling unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to controlling the operation of one or more controlled handsets. This is achieved by means of a filtering engine incorporated into the handset, to disable the handset from making unauthorized connections. The filtering engine is operable to communicate with a master handset or a system controller. This can allow review of the control operation and may additionally allow rapid update of the filtering criteria. In one typical example, the master handset may be held by a parent, guardian or other responsible adult and the controlled handsets may be held by one or more children. In an alternative example, it may be possible for the master handset to be held by a supervisor and the controlled handsets to be provided to supervised workers.

Abstract: A telephone handset is provided with a user interface which includes a display unit, audio output unit and various user actuable keys. A phone controller implements and responds to instructions from the user interface. Where the instructions from the user interface request the connection of a call, the phone controller connects the handset to a PSTN via one of a plurality of connection means provided. Similarly, in the event of an incoming call connection request received via any one of the connection means, the phone controller enables the connection of the call. The user may choose to accept or reject the connection using the interface. The handling of an incoming or outgoing call is determined by a connection routing engine. The connection routing engine comprises an identification unit, a rules unit, a comparison unit and an enabling unit.