Abstract: A system and method for controlling the use of a telephone based on usersupplied access criteria. The system includes a database for storing the access criteria. The access criteria can be modified in response to commands received from the telephone. The system also includes a switch, electrically coupled between the telephone and a telephone network, for selectively coupling the telephone and the telephone network based on the access criteria stored in the database.

Abstract: Apparatus for eliminating the necessity for manually dialing a local area code as a prefix to a call within the same area code in telephone systems in which such action is a requirement. An automatic dialer is activated and immediately transmits the local area code onto the caller's telephone line when an off-hook condition is sensed; e.g., when a telephone handset is picked up. Thus, the caller can merely then dial an ordinary seven digit telephone number within the local area code. In order to provide for the selective dialing of long distance, when the caller "flashes" his line within a predetermined period (typically, a few seconds) after picking it up, a hang-up followed by a second off-hook is emulated; however, the automatic dialer is inhibited from again transmitting the area code. Consequently, the caller is presented with a dial tone, and a telephone number, including an area code which may be different from the local area code, may be successfully dialed.

Abstract: A device and method for securing terminal equipment connected to a communications line is disclosed. The device, when inserted into the communications line between the caller and terminal equipment, places an air gap in the communications line physically preventing unauthorized callers from accessing the equipment. The device employs an authentication line separate from the communications path that is used to authenticate the caller wishing to use the terminal equipment. The caller must first call the authentication line where the information regarding the source of the caller is retrieved and stored. Once the caller's source is identified, the device answers the line and requires that the caller enter an authentication code. If a proper authentication code is entered, the device disconnects the authentication line and waits a predetermined amount of time for a call on the communications line.

Abstract: A billing system includes a telephone, a detector operably associated with said telephone for detecting when the telephone is in use and generating a signal in response to the use, a first cpu operably associated with said detector and having billing software resident on the first cpu for enabling logging of client data, user data, wherein the billing software is automatically initiated in response to the signal and prompts a user to select one of a logging and no logging of the use, the billing software includes an accrual associating device for accruing an amount of time of the use and associating the time with one client upon selection of the logging and the billing software includes a writing storing component for writing and storing data corresponding to the amount of time and the client in a memory associated with the first cpu.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for activating telephone services in response to speech are described. A directory including names is maintained for each customer. A speaker dependent speech template and a telephone number for each name, is maintained as part of each customer's directory. Speaker independent speech templates are used for recognizing commands. The present invention has the advantage of permitting a customer to place a call by speaking a person's name which serves as a destination identifier without having to speak an additional command or steering word to place the call. This is achieved by treating the receipt of a spoken name in the absence of a command as an implicit command to place a call. Explicit speaker independent commands are used to invoke features or services other than call placement. Speaker independent and speaker dependent speech recognition are performed on a customer's speech in parallel.

Abstract: A method is provided for a telephone subscriber to distinguish between callers. The method is accomplished by storing a pass code for a subscriber's telephone within a memory of the telephone system. Callers who have been informed of the pass code and who call the subscriber's telephone and enter the pass code receive special treatment. For example, upon the caller calling the subscriber's telephone, a normal ringing pattern is applied to the subscriber's telephone while a ring back signal is returned to the caller. Upon the caller entering the pass code, a special ringing pattern is applied to the subscriber's telephone. The special ringing pattern is different than the normal ringing pattern and thus indicates to a subscriber of the subscriber's telephone, even before the telephone is answered, that the caller is one of a select group of callers to whom the subscriber has shared the pass code.

Abstract: A system and method for providing prioritized greetings to subscribers having cellular telephone services based on subscriber location. The system identifies a plurality of service zones in the system, and also transmits predefined services to subscribers when located in the service zones. The system transmits service zone identification information from each service zone to each of the subscribers located in the service zone. The system also transmits to each of the subscribers zone profile information having an associated priority for which the subscriber receives differing predefined services. The system compares subscriber zone profile information with the service zone information transmitted and provides a greeting to the subscriber identifying the predefined service available to the subscriber located in that zone whereby any overlap in zones for which a subscriber receives differing predefined services will result in the greeting relating to higher prioritized zone profile information.

Abstract: Potentially fraudulent telephone calls are intercepted from public telephones. As the digits which correspond to a telephone number are entered into a telecommunications device, each number at a particular location is compared with a predetermined number. If, according to this comparison, telephone numbers which include certain digits at particular locations in the dialing sequence are entered, the telephone call is blocked. This technique may be implemented by including appropriate software into a microprocessor controlled public telephone. For public telephones which are not microprocessor controlled, a microprocessor driven system can be interposed between the public telephone and the telecommunications line. A similar algorithm can be implemented in conjunction with a PBX system.

Abstract: A telephone ringer control device selectively activates or deactivates a telephone ringer to silence a telephone during specified periods. The silent periods may be specified by a timer. In one embodiment, the ringer control device includes a remotely accessible activation circuit that allows the ringer control device to be programmed or overridden via a telephone line. In another embodiment, the ringer control device includes a caller identification to allow the user to block out all calls except for those originating from specified callers. The ringer control device may be mounted within the telephone housing, may be a stand-alone item, or may be incorporated in a telephone answering machine.

Abstract: Potentially fraudulent telephone calls are intercepted from public telephones. As the digits which correspond to a telephone number are entered into a telecommunications device, each number at a particular location is compared with a predetermined number. If, according to this comparison, telephone numbers which include certain digits at particular locations in the dialing sequence are entered, the telephone call is blocked. This technique may be implemented by including appropriate software into a microprocessor controlled public telephone. For public telephones which are not microprocessor controlled, a microprocessor driven system can be interposed between the public telephone and the telecommunications line. A similar algorithm can be implemented in conjunction with a PBX system.

Abstract: A stand-alone toll-barring device powered by the telephone line voltage or from an external supply. The device recognizes a user's personal identification number (PIN) as it is dialed in from a telephone or similar peripheral device, and has device to recall rights (if any) corresponding to that PIN from a memory table, and a device to assess whether a number being dial just after entry of the PIN is permitted under those rights. Emergency numbers and incoming calls are not barred. If the number is not permitted, the call is immediately interrupted. Reprogramming of the data is provided by a further PIN. The device may be installed within a telephone or across fixed telecommunications wiring installations within a building. Should a larger range of permitted or denied numbers be required, multiple devices can be used in series.

Abstract: A system and method for analyzing audio signals sampled from a telephone line during moving sample windows in order to detect indicia of three way calling attempts. The system and method sample audio signals on the telephone line, sort the sampled signals into a profile of levels for the sampled audio signals, and monitor the profile of sampled audio signals for reset and reference conditions. Reset conditions are pulse patterns identified from sampled audio signals that are inconsistent with patterns generated by three way call events. Reference conditions are pulse patterns identified from sampled audio signals that are consistent with patterns generated by three way call events. A sampling window and its associated profile are reset when reset conditions are detected. The profile is tagged as a potential three way call event when reference conditions are detected in a sample profile and no reset conditions are detected over the selected sampling interval (sampling window).

Abstract: A system for generating aural announcements of incoming calls within a premises has a premises phone connected within a premises phone line that forms first and second communication channels. The first communication channel is adapted for connection and communication to a phone network. An announcement controller is connected within the phone line and generates aural announcement signals along the second communication channel to a speaker which plays corresponding aural announcements. A switch may be operatively connected between the premises phone and announcement controller and switches the announcement controller into the second communication channel for transmitting aural announcement signals to a premises phone via the switch.

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: An apparatus for providing an intercom function on a telephone, without the need for an external power supply, having DTMF or pulse capabilities including an intercom operation device arranged for connection to a DTMF or pulse telephone line and to a DTMF or pulse telephone instrument. The apparatus includes a device for sensing an extension selection dual input from the DTMF or pulse telephone instrument and transmitting a corresponding extension address signal over the DTMF or pulse telephone line. Also included is an apparatus for sensing a received extension address signal from the telephone line, determining whether it corresponds to the telephone instrument to which the intercom operation apparatus is connected and, upon determination of correspondence, providing an extension selection ring output.

Abstract: A three-way call detection and response system comprising, in accordance with a preferred embodiment, a three-way call detector coupled non-intrusively, by a bridge repeater, to a communication path carrying digital signals between originator and recipient end office telecommunication switches. The three-way call detector includes an interface and a digital signal processor electrically connected to the bridge repeater for receipt of digital signals from the communication path. The three-way call detector also includes a local controller which interacts with the interface, a digital signal processor, and a remote controller. The remote controller executes a plurality of software programs which control operation of the system. In accordance with a preferred method, the three-way call detection and response system monitors the communication path for indicia representative of a three-way call signature and, hence, an attempted three-way call placement.

Abstract: A logical network is defined by a plurality of restricted class telephones in which such telephones incorporate a network access code characterizing the logical network. Each telephone contains a verification device that allows each telephone of such logical network to verify that others of such telephones are members of that logical network by transmission and receipt of a network access code. The logical network is useable on any telephone system, including public telephone service networks, cellular telephone systems and radio telephone systems. The verification device may be installed as a retroactive addition to the standard components found within existing cellular telephones or may be included as part of the technical design in new cellular telephones.

Abstract: A feature telephone phone set has a call length recording and call sorting system which can record a plurality of called numbers, date, time, length and so on of each telephone call, and store records into two separate memory areas according to whether the call is a local call or a toll call. Recorded contents can be retrieved and shown on an LCD display. When the memory is full, older records are deleted automatically or manually. Because toll calls are more important than local calls, when the memory is full different criteria of deletion are obeyed when automatic deletion is performed. Special service codes and their descriptions are also provided, and each code can be retrieved by a common key and dialled by another common key.

Abstract: A communications system is designed to exempt communications services users, such as wireless communications subscribers and calling card callers, from entering an authentication code for calls directed to pre-selected destination numbers, notwithstanding the authentication code entry requirement implemented by the communications services provider for all other calls.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for activating telephone services in response to speech are described. A directory including names is maintained for each customer. A speaker dependent speech template and a telephone number for each name, is maintained as part of each customer's directory. Speaker independent speech templates are used for recognizing commands. The present invention has the advantage of permitting a customer to place a call by speaking a person's name which serves as a destination identifier without having to speak an additional command or steering word to place the call. This is achieved by treating the receipt of a spoken name in the absence of a command as an implicit command to place a call. Explicit speaker independent commands are used to invoke features or services other than call placement. Speaker independent and speaker dependent speech recognition are performed on a customer's speech in parallel.

Abstract: A method for taking a message for a subscriber, including the steps of: receiving a communication on a calling line from a source, identifying the calling line number associated with the calling line, identifying the source of the communication, recording the message from the source, and recording the calling line number and the source identity in association with the message, whereby the message is taken for the subscriber including identification of the source and the calling line number.

Abstract: In a telephone exchange apparatus according to this invention, a message or data can be registered in an information medium such as an electronic notebook at a location away from a telephone, and the information medium is attached to the telephone to load the registered data. With this simple operation, data can be registered in a plurality of telephone exchange apparatuses, or a message can be displayed on telephones, thereby preventing registration from being forgotten, and informing a message.

Abstract: Registered on the voice dial card, which is not shown in the drawings, are a number for accessing the dial-less calling service and a user identification number. Public telephone 1 is equipped with reader 1a that reads the card. When the card is inserted in direction p, the aforementioned access number and user identification number are read by the reader. These numbers are automatically originated from public telephone 1, and switch 3 connects the line to controller 5 according to the access number. Controller 5 judges whether the customer is eligible to receive the dial-less calling service according to the user identification number, and if it judges that the customer is eligible to receive the service, it requests the caller to speak the destination name. In the following steps, the well known voice dialing is performed. According to this invention, a user can access voice dialing service from public telephones as well as non-public telephones.

Abstract: The invention provides a remote access telephone system that includes a telephone station which has two access numbers. The remote access telephone system responds to a first one of the two access numbers by providing remote access features and responds to a second one of the two access numbers by providing normal access features. The remote access telephone system also includes a remote access controller that prevents a remote caller from having access to the telephone station unless the remote caller dials a valid password. The remote access features includes remote dialing a number recalled from a directory memory based on a second party name spoken by the remote caller. A remote directory feature is provided when the remote caller speaks a remote directory command and a name. The remote access controller recalls a number corresponding to the name and outputs the number to the remote caller.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing institutional telephone activity utilizes a computer control unit to control a trunk management unit, which connects institutional telephones to outside telephone lines. The computer control unit contains a database for storing the calling privileges and restrictions of institutional users and for recording calling transactions made by the users. The computer control unit implements a prospective call screening feature whereby outside recipients of undesired calls from the institution may enter a code that directs the computer control unit to prohibit similar calls in the future.

Abstract: A Call Screening service assists a subscriber to the service to screen incoming calls. In response to an incoming call, the subscriber is given a special ring. When the subscriber answers the call, a caller who has placed the call is identified to the subscriber without connecting the subscriber to the caller. This is accomplished by prompting the caller to speak through the phone into a recording machine. The recording of the caller's name is played to the subscriber, who then has the option, still without being connected to the caller, to accept the call, refuse the call, or enable the caller to leave a recorded message for later access by the subscriber. This function is accomplished by pressing a key on a telephone keypad or by uttering a command. A special caller list can be created enabling preferred callers to reach the subscriber without being screened, and a refusal list can be generated for automatically blocking calls from disfavored callers.

Abstract: A telephone answering machine and method of use utilizes speech recognition to identify a caller from a pre-defined list of possible callers. The list may be generated by various input techniques, including a spoken voice at the called party's location, and keyboard or graphical input techniques. If the caller is identified as being on the list, the machine allows the call to progress along a first sequence, which includes ringing the called phone. If the called phone does not answer, the first sequence may provide for responding with a customized message for the calling party. If the caller is not identified as being on the list, the machine allows the call to progress along a second sequence, which includes responding with a standard recorded message. In either case, the caller is typically allowed to record a message for the called party. Additional pre-defined lists may be provided, as for determining the context of a call.

Abstract: Apparatus for routing incoming telephone calls to a telephone or an automatic answering device, wherein caller identification numbers are received, compared to stored caller identification numbers, and arranged into priority groups for handling such calls. The apparatus has at least three operating modes designed to accommodate the user at home, the user while away from home, and another when the user wants not to be disturbed. The system is programmable between and among the operating modes, group priorities, and offers a password to restrict programming changes. The inventive apparatus and method provides for connecting incoming calls to a programmed sequence of different outputs, and to switch or "bounce" the incoming call among these outputs according to the programming. A microprocessor (6), memory (10), operating mode displays (9), and an interactive two row LCD display (8) are provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing unwanted telephone calls adapted to operate in conjunction with a conventional telephone and an associated telephone line. A playback mechanism comprises an integrated circuit adapted to allow the transmission of a message via the telephone line upon the activation thereof for prompting a caller to enter a password. Also included is verification circuitry adapted to accept via the telephone line a first password and further transmit an actuation signal upon the positive verification of the first password with a predetermined second password. Finally, control circuitry is connected to the playback mechanism and verification circuitry. The control circuitry is adapted to activate the playback mechanism and allow the transmission of the message to another party upon the receipt of a call.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for prioritizing telephone calls that allow the caller to specify priority criteria relating to a call and the recipient to specify priority criteria relating to the treatment of incoming calls. The caller designates priority of the call based on specified priority criteria. The caller's specified priority criteria is stored in a database in the telephone service provider's network, is retrieved from the database when the caller places a call and is transmittal with the call through the telephone network. The call recipient designates specified priority criteria for incoming calls. The call recipient's specified priority criteria is stored in a database and is retrieved from the database in response to incoming calls. The treatment of a call, i.e. connection, termination or redirection, is based on comparison of the caller's specified priority criteria and the call recipient's specified priority criteria.

Abstract: A telephone message system overcomes the problems and limitations of presently available systems that seek to enhance inter-and intra-premises communications. The system advantageously comprises a controller unit with Caller ID capabilities and one or more adjunct units that are bridged onto a single wire-pair at a user's residential location in a parallel electrical connection. These customer installable units are merely plugged into any telephone jack and share a telephone wire-pair with existing telephone extensions without interference. Such operation is possible since communication between the controller unit and the adjunct units is limited to a frequency band different from the audio frequency band used by the existing telephone extensions on the single wire-pair. The controller unit, in one configuration, operates as an answering machine with multiple mailboxes. This functionality is advantageously combined with Caller ID, intercom and speakerphone capabilities.

Abstract: A device for muting a ringer of a telephone, the device being placed in series with a telephone ringer and having a gate alterable between a non-conductive state and a conductive state whereby a ring signal is selectively passed to the ringer. A remote calling party may activate the conductive state by sending a first and last ring signal separated by a preselected time interval, dependent upon the selected mode of the device. The device includes a gate controlled by output signals from a pair of interactive timing mechanisms, referred to as a delay timer and a window timer. In a first ring mode, the delay timer is activated by a remotely generated first ring signal and disregards all subsequent ring signals during completion of its timing sequence (the delay sequence). In a last ring mode, the delay timer is restarted upon receiving each ring signal, thus completing the delay sequence only after the last ring signal is received.

Abstract: A versatile phone system, consisting of a base unit and one or more peripheral utility devices, is used on the user's premises to provide an effective and private means of telecommunication. A plurality of telephone numbers and names are stored in the memory means of the base unit. The system responds to the ringing signals transmitted over the phone line from the caller without triggering ringer generators at the telephone sets. Alerting ringing sounds to alert the user of an incoming call will be generated only when the derived code of the received DTMF signals matches the derived identifier codes of the stored telephone numbers or the personal access code. Distinct ringing sounds will be generated if a match is on a derived identifier code of a telephone number indexed with priority. When no match occurs or a match occurs but the user does not answer after a predetermined number of rings, the caller is directed to a recording means for requesting to leave message.

Abstract: A calling party identifying apparatus electrically connected to an exchange system which can provide the calling number and the registered name of the phone set or the like includes a receiver, a microprocessor, a memory, an LCD, a key pad, a plurality of lights, and a speaker. The memory has a database installed therein including a plurality of potential callers' information each of which includes a specific caller's name, the calling number of the caller, the preference degree thereof, and the preferred hours for the caller to call. The apparatus is allowed to display the caller's name on the LCD instead of displaying the registered name of the calling device. When any call comes in, the apparatus will check the database and display the caller's name, the calling number thereof, and the preference degree thereof.

Abstract: A control device may be connected in series or in parallel to a telephone for restricting or routing calls made from the telephone to take advantage of low cost carriers for intra-LATA calls. The serial or parallel connection of the telephone can be detected as well. The device may be programmed for routing depending on the geographical location of the telephone. The central receiving office of the local phone company can be prevented from routing the call by the use of interfering tones.

Abstract: With Calling Number Identification (CNID) service, Frequency Shift Keying (FSK) data is sent over the telephone lines to the telephone service customer. A telephone subscriber may prevent their name/number from being transmitted to the party they are calling on a per call basis by dialing a prefix before they dial the desired number. The present invention allows for the automatic insertion/removal of that prefix in the number stream when the called party's number is dialed. This feature is accomplished by inserting a $ character into the dialing sequence. If the blocking feature is enabled, the $ is translated to the numeric sequence necessary to prevent the transmittal of one's telephone number. In the alternative, the $ is translated to a meaningless delimiter if the feature is disabled.

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.

Abstract: A device for detecting an operation state of a telephone hook switch in a telephone includes a timer, a controlling circuit, a counter and a table electrically interconnected. According to the present invention, the abnormal signals generated by the hook switch cannot be accepted by an exchange or even if the signals are accepted by the exchanger, the mute function of the telephone will be utilized to make the users unable to listen to each other.

Abstract: A telephone answering system is provided for use in combination with a telephone line adapted to receive incoming telephone calls, a telephone and a telephone answering machine. The system includes a circuit electrically connected to the telephone line for detecting and intercepting an incoming telephone call. Following interception of the telephone call, the circuit receives a frequency encoded signal from the caller produced by the caller pressing a predetermined sequence of numbers on a touch tone telephone. Thereafter, the entered code is compared with a user definable preset code. In the event that the entered code matches the preset code, the circuit directs the telephone call to the telephone, causing it to ring normally. In the event that the entered code matches a special access code different from the preset code, the circuit directs the telephone call to the telephone and activates the telephone to ring more rapidly than normal.

Abstract: A device is provided to prevent an unauthorized telephone unit from initiating a telephone call, where the unauthorized telephone unit is connected between the central office of the telephone company and the authorized telephone units of the user. The device includes a first detector for detecting a DC current within the lines, and a second detector for detecting the voltage across the lines which lead from the telephone office to the authorized phones. A third detector detects a dual tone multifrequency dialing signal on the line, and a fourth detector detects pulse dialing, and a logic is responsive to all four detectors. When a dialing attempt is made from an unauthorized telephone unit, the first detector will not detect a DC current in the lines to the authorized telephone units, the second detector will detect a drop in voltage across the ring and tip lines, and either the third or fourth detector will detect that a dialing effort is being made.

Abstract: A portable cellular telephone capable of recognizing a Calling Line Identification (CLI) signal. The telephone comprises a memory in which can be stored telephone numbers together with an associated operating instruction. For example the instruction may be for the telephone to respond with a "BUSY LINE" signal. When a call is received which includes a CLI signal the memory is searched to find a number corresponding to the CLI. If a match is found the normal operating sequence is interrupted to carry out the associated instruction. Hence the telephone can respond with a "BUSY LINE" signal for calls originating from selected telephone numbers, providing a call screening facility.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for use in connection with a telecommunication between a local telephone and a remote telephone, which are capable of detecting whether one of the parties to the communication has attempted to initiate a three-way, i.e., conference, call by using a hook-flash signal. The apparatus includes a low pass filter for passing energy having frequencies below about 500 Hz, and an energy detector for detecting a specific electrical energy pulse characteristic of the hook-flash having passed through the low pass filter. The existence of the hook-flash is confirmed by digital signal processing equipment which identifies a rapid drop-off in energy also characteristic of the hook-flash signal. Optionally, the hook-flash may be further confirmed by including software for cooperating with the energy detector to ascertain whether sound has occurred in the telecommunication during a predetermined period following the first hook-flash signal.

Abstract: A telephone line monitoring circuit for a MODEM monitors the TIP and RING lines of the telephone line. A first circuit of the monitoring circuit detects when a local phone goes off-hook while the MODEM is on-hook by sensing a decrease in a differential voltage between the TIP and RING lines. A second circuit detects the pick up of a local phone while the MODEM is off-hook by detecting a change in the impedance between the TIP and RING lines. A third circuit detects the hang up of a remote phone connected with the MODEM while the MODEM is off-hook by detecting a temporary break in the DC loop between the central office and MODEM. A snoop circuit monitors the telephone line for DTMF signals while the MODEM is on-hook. The snoop circuit becomes AC coupled to the telephone line when enabled, and does not apply a significant load to the telephone line.

Abstract: A telephone answering device (TAD) which includes a means of intelligently organizing voice messages, associated entered codes such as personal IDs and home telephone numbers, and information stored in the memory of the TAD. These codes or numbers are decoded by means of the caller entering DTMF signals into the telephone which are recognized, recorded and processed by the TAD. When processed with codes and personal information previously entered into the device's memory, the TAD displays the identity of the callers for each message, thus providing a menu of choices, i.e., a list of callers. This enables the user to access messages in a selective manner based on the identity of the caller. The need to listen to the actual voice messages to determine the caller's identity and the need to listen to the messages sequentially or chronologically is obviated, saving both time and effort.

Abstract: The present invention describes a system and method for enabling a caller to obtain access to services via a telephone network by entering a spoken first character string having a plurality of digits. Preferably, the method includes the steps of prompting the caller to speak the first character string beginning with a first digit and ending with a last digit thereof, recognizing each spoken digit of the first character string using a speaker-independent voice recognition algorithm, and then following entry of the last digit of the first string, initially verifying the caller's identity using a voice verification algorithm. After initial verification, the caller is again prompted to enter a second character string, which must also be recognized before access is effected.

Abstract: The present invention describes a system and method for enabling a caller to obtain access to services via a telephone network by entering a spoken password having a plurality of digits. Preferably, the method includes the steps of: (1) prompting the caller to speak the password beginning with a first digit and ending with a last digit thereof, (2) recognizing each spoken digit of the password using a speaker-independent voice recognition algorithm, (3) following entry of the last digit of the password, determining whether the password is valid, and (4) if the password is valid, verifying the caller's identity using a voice verification algorithm.

Abstract: A telephone set provided with a telephone ringer for producing a ringing sound, a telephone number storing device for storing a telephone number of a specific party in response to a registration operation performed by a user, a telephone number detecting device for detecting telephone number data input from a telephone line and a control device for controlling and causing the ringer to produce a ringing sound when a telephone number indicated by the telephone number detected by the telephone number detecting device matches the telephone number stored in the telephone number storing device. Thereby, when the specific party phones the user, the user can easily know this. For example, if the user is going to concentrate his mind upon his work, or if the user is immersed in his work at a distance from the telephone set, the user can readily know whether or not a caller is the specific party, the telephone number of which is registered in the telephone set.

Abstract: An apparatus for restricting telephone calls. The apparatus is wall mountable and can be powered by power available from a telephone line equipping a facility. Visually, the device emulates the appearance of a standard in-wall telephone connector package, with the electrical components of the device concealed with the facility wall. A programmable processor is incorporated into the apparatus allowing the user to override restrictions, enter new restrictions, or change the security code through entry of digits from a standard tone or pulse dialing telephone. Use of linear logic protocol in programming reduces complexity of programming and probability of error. The device temporarily disconnects the telephone from the network as each programming sequence is completed, preventing a tie-up of the network and reducing the probability of an accidental establishment of a local or long-distance connection.

Abstract: A telephone apparatus including a decoder, a memory, a comparison circuit and an output device. The decoder serves to detect and decode telephone number information of a calling side transmitted with bell signals through a telephone line. The memory stores telephone number data of calling sides in correspondence with operation keys. When a call is received, the comparison circuit compares the output data of the decoder with the telephone number data stored in the memory. If a coincidence is detected between the output data of the decoder and the telephone number data of the memory based on the comparison result of the comparison circuit, the output device notifies a user that the call corresponds to one of the telephone number data stored in the memory. The output device includes indication units provided in correspondence with a plurality of operation keys, and a driving control circuit for selectively activating the indication unit of the operation key corresponding to the coincident telephone number data.

Abstract: A feature telephone having an internal mechanism for providing access to its features from a remote location. Without third party intervention or the aid of special features on a PBX or public network, a remote user can set up his office phone to transfer telephony features to another phone, such as his home phone. For example, a user can gain access to his company's tie lines and private network from his home telephone. A user can also bill data calls to his office phone or receive office calls at his home phone without the use of a PBX or public network call forwarding feature. According to another aspect of the mechanism, a user can also set up a password to restrict access to his telephone's features and set up a time of day clock to activate call forwarding and feature access between predetermined hours of the day.