Abstract: Method and apparatus for managing a telecommunications call in a telecommunications network from a caller to an end user. The method includes the steps of: (a) receiving the call from the caller, the call including caller identification information; (b) screening the call based on the caller identification through automated access to a data base; then (c) transmitting a first radio signal to a computer having a display screen which computer is locationally independent of the telecommunications network; (d) receiving the first radio signal; (e) presenting a first message including data relating to the call; (f) receiving user selection data representing a selection by the end user to identify the a function to be performed in response to the call; (g) transmitting a second radio signal representing a second message identifying the function to be performed; (h) processing the second message in response to said second radio signal; and (i) performing the identified function in the telecommunications network.

Abstract: A locator system has a plurality of locator transmitters, each transmitter transmitting a unique locator signal. Paging devices are carried by each user of the locator system and each paging device includes: (i) a receiver responsive to signals broadcast from the locator transmitters, (ii) a unique identification code stored therein, and (iii) a signal transmitter and controller for controlling the signal transmitter, the controller causing the transmitter to transmit location and identification signals based upon the locator signal received by the receiver and the unique identification code. A receiver is responsive to the signals transmitted by the signal transmitters in the paging devices and a control system handles communications from other parties to the users. The control system is coupled with the receiver and responsive to received location and identification signals to determine where to direct communications from other parties intended for a user.

Abstract: A telephone control system is disclosed which substantially enhances the accessibility of system subscribers by providing a variety of call-handling modes, and additionally provides various programming means by which those subscribers can tailor the system to suit their individual communications needs. In operation, subscribers are each assigned an individual unique telephone number (ACCESS NUMBER) which can be dialed from any location via the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). Subscribers then distribute this telephone number to persons who may wish to call them. Calls for a subscriber are routed to the control system via the PSTN. The control system determines which subscriber a call is intended for, and by referring to a database determines the method of call handling which has been preselected by that subscriber. Should the selected call handling method require that the call be delivered to another telephone number, then the control system will cause the call to be switched to that telephone.

Abstract: A remotely accessible telephone control system for connection to a telephone circuit from a telephone exchange. The system includes a detector for detecting signals on the telephone circuit, a signal generator responsive to control signals to produce predetermined signals and apply those signals to the telephone circuit; a memory; and a central processing unit programmed for monitoring signals on the telephone circuit as detected by the detector, accessing the memory and producing and applying predetermined control signals to the signal generator. The central processing unit also identifyies a call to the system from a remote user, identifyies an indication from the remote user for a desired call transfer, receives and stores a transfer number from the remote user, produces control signals to cause the signal generator to apply appropriate signals to the telephone circuit to complete a call to the transfer number, and further activating the telephone exchange to connect the remote user to the transfer number.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for processing incoming telephone calls directed to a user. A valid identification signal from the user is detected and then the user is transferred to a system command mode. In the command mode, a request from the user for information regarding a present mode by which incoming calls are processed is identified, the current mode by which incoming calls are processed is recalled from memory, and the results are transmitted to the user.

Abstract: A paging system wherein each user carries a paging device adapted to receive radio frequency signals broadcast from a central paging system with a unique identification code assigned to each paging device. Each paging device includes a radio frequency transmitter and controller for controlling the radio frequency transmitter, the controller being operable in two distinct user selectable modes, the first such mode being responsive to receiving a signal broadcast by the central paging system and responding by transmitting predetermined data back to said central paging system.

Abstract: A communication system for coupling incoming calls from a calling party to a called party. The system includes at least one paging device and a plurality of other communications devices associated with prospective called parties, each of the other communications devices possessing communications capabilities different from the paging device. A programmed computer is responsive to signalling information in an incoming call for determining which paging device is associated with the called party and for determining which of the other communications devices is associated with the called party. An alerting signal is coupled to that paging device to alert the called party of the incoming call and a signal transmitted by the called party is detected in order to control further processing of the incoming call.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for managing a telecommunications call in a telecommunications network from a caller to an end user. According to the method, telephone calls for subscribers of an automated attendant service are automatically answered by: (a) obtaining a number from a caller using an audio menu to prompt input of the number; (b) signaling a first physical switch connecting the caller to the automated attendant service to place the caller on hold; (c) calling a telephone corresponding to the number input by the caller while the caller is on hold, the calling step including the substeps of: (c1) accessing a number specification matrix to identify a telephone corresponding to the number, (c2) accessing a subscriber data base to determine a transfer method for transfers to the number of a subscriber; and (c3) calling a telephone number corresponding to the number using the transfer method determined in step (c2).

Abstract: A locator system has a plurality of locator transmitters, each transmitter transmitting a unique locator signal. Paging devices are carried by each user of the locator system and each paging device includes: (i) a receiver responsive to signals broadcast from the locator transmitters, (ii) a unique identification code stored therein, and (iii) a signal transmitter and controller for controlling the signal transmitter, the controller causing the transmitter to transmit location and identification signals based upon the locator signal received by the receiver and the unique identification code. A receiver is responsive to the signals transmitted by the signal transmitters in the paging devices and a control system handles communications from other parties to the users. The control system is coupled with the receiver and responsive to received location and identification signals to determine where to direct communications from other parties intended for a user.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for receiving a telephone call from a calling party preferably via a telephone exchange, which telephone call is placed to a called party apparatus. The receiving apparatus, on the basis of predetermined selection criteria, delivers predetermined messages to the calling party; screens the telephone call from the calling party; or re-routes the telephone call from the calling party. The receiving apparatus includes an interaction arrangement for receiving the telephone call, for obtaining identification information relating to the calling party, and for transferring the identification information to a processor.

Abstract: A telephone switching and control system connected to a telephone network for providing telephone calling services to an authorized user. The telephone switching and control system monitoring a telephone call placed via the control system to provide a additional feature not otherwise available in said telephone network.

Abstract: A system for reporting to a central station identifying information associated with a product, such as a programmed apparatus. The apparatus has a port for connection to a telephone line. The apparatus may be programmed to render itself temporarily inoperable until certain identifying information has been acquired. After receipt of such identifying information, the system initiates a telephone call to the central station and reports the entered identifying information thereto.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for placing a user and a caller into communication with each other. The user is equipped with a communicator device which has an information receiver and a transmitter. Information related to a present location of the user as the user moves about an environment is automatically transmitted, such information being based on information received by the receiver. The automatically transmitted information related to the present location of the user is receiver by a receiver. A telephone call from the caller intended for the user is processed and rerouted to the user's present location as indicated by the automatically transmitted information.

Abstract: The present invention provides method and apparatus processing incoming telephone calls directed to a user. Signals representative of telephone network addresses are stored in a memory. An incoming telephone call from a caller is processed, including communicating information to the caller indicating that the incoming call can be routed to any one of at least two telephone network addresses. The transmission by the caller of a command corresponding to the desired telephone network address is detected and, in response thereto, the incoming call is routed to a telephone network address represented in the memory corresponding to the command transmitted by the caller. Predetermined signals are generated, which to the caller indicate normal call processing operation, but which to the user indicate that the user can transmit a signal to gain access to system provided functions.

Abstract: A telephone system for providing enhanced telephone services. The system includes a telephone switch servicing a plurality of telephone subscribers via communication facilities of the switch, which facilities hande both voice and data communications. A telephone switch controller is coupled to the switch for controlling the switch to provide an enhanced service not otherwise available in the switch. The controller communicates with the switch using data in the form of switch functions. The controller includes a memory for storing a sequence of switch functions, swhich sequence defines the enhanced service. The controller communicates a prompt to a caller in response to a telephone call placed by the caller to a predetermined telephone address associated with a subscriber and communicates the sequence of switch functions stored in the memory to the switching system in response to a command received from the caller to provide the enhanced service.

Abstract: A remotely accessible telephone control system for connection to a telephone network and method of handling telephonic communications. The system includes a detector for detecting signals on received via the network. A signal generator is responsive to control signals to produce predetermined signals and apply the signals to the network. A memory is provided for storing data and a central processing unit is programmed for monitoring signals detected by the detector, accessing the memory and producing and applying predetermined control signals to the signal generator. The central processing unit also answers an incoming call to the system and transmits a prompt to the caller, and also senses for transmission of an access code.

Abstract: The invention provides a apparatus and method for processing incoming telephone calls directed to a user. Incoming telephone calls have certain status information which is generated by the call processor. A transmitter is utilized for transmitting pages to a paging devices carried by users. The paging devices have a display device associated with them and the transmitted page includes the status information associated with an incoming call for display on the display of th paging device.

Abstract: An adjunct call processor connected to a communications network for providing call processing services. The network includes a switching system including a switch for concurrently servicing a plurality of communications paths and a switch controller for controlling the switch, the switch controller being responsive to switching commands communicated to it. The adjunct call processor is coupled to the switching system for (i) automatically receiving a call from a caller which has been switched to the adjunct call processor by the switching system, (ii) interacting with the caller, and (iii) based on that interaction, transmitting one or more of the switching commands to the switching system causing the call to be handled by the switching system externally of the adjunct call processor.

Abstract: A telephone system which provides scheduled telephone call connecting services. The system includes a telephone switching system for concurrently servicing a plurality of telephone subscribers and a telephone switching system controller coupled to the switching system. The controller controls how calls from callers to subscribers are handled in the telephone switching system. The controller includes a memory for storing a plurality of addresses for each subscriber and a schedule for each subscriber, the controller, in response to a call directed to a subscriber, instructing the telephone switching system to connect the detected call to a selected one of the addresses stored in the memory, the selected one being selected from the plurality of addresses stored for the subscriber according to the schedule stored for the subscriber.

Abstract: A telephone switching and control system connected to a telephone network for providing telephone calling services to an authorized user. The telephone switching and control system includes at least one switch for concurrently servicing a plurality of users; and at least one controller for receiving user authorization information, controlling the at least one switch and, during a call from the user, permitting that call to be extended to one or more network addresses in a series of extensions of that call without requiring the user to go on hook.