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. Memos can be appended to messages that have been moved or re-assigned from a common message area to a certain mailbox or mailboxes.

Abstract: A telephone answering device includes a digital recording and playback circuit for digitizing, recording and playing back a message from a telephone line; an audio random access memory for storing messages digitized by the digital recording and playback circuit; and a control unit, coupled to the audio random access memory. The control unit initially performs a test of only part of the memory in an amount sufficient to enable a user to perform predetermined basic functions, immediately after power is supplied to the device, without testing a remainder of the memory. Thereafter, a continuous repetitive series of tests of at least the remainder of the memory is performed while waiting for user input, to determine failed sections of the memory that are to be avoided during recording of a message. The failed sections of the memory, that are to be avoided during recording of a message after the determination, are marked.

Abstract: A telephone answering device (TAD) determines the "distinctiveness" of an incoming ring signal, and responds accordingly. Distinctive ring features of some current telephone utilities have established ring patterns with plural ring signals occurring within a single ring cycle. Normally, one ring signal is present per ring cycle. In the distinctive ring TAD set forth herein, ring cycles with one or more ring signals are discriminated and responded to by playing a different outgoing message corresponding to the distinctiveness of the ring cycle. In a further enhancement, the TAD does not answer the incoming telephone call if the answer ring cycle (upon which the TAD is to answer the call) is cut short, indicating that the telephone call has been answered by a person.

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 novel method is disclosed that facilitates secured transmission of data between the transmitting and receiving ends of a cordless telephone by encapsulating the desired command in a message code. This message code includes synchronization, security, and error detection codes as well as the encapsulated command. Both the process that generates the security code and the process that enables recovery from errors during data transmission efficiently utilize the limited memory and processing capabilities available on the cordless telephones.