Abstract: An anonymous testing system for taking a sample of body fluid to be tested, the sample is acquired in private and sent for analyzation to obtain results. The system comprises a test kit for creating a sample of body fluid, a personal code for anonymously identifying the sample and the person, and an electronic file telephonically created and accessed by the person taking the test and identified by the personal code. The electronic file contains the test results determined by analyzation. There is also a method of anonymously testing of a person's body fluid in private and the results to be anonymously received by the person without having to reveal his or her identification. The method comprises the steps of procuring a test kit for taking a sample of the body fluid. The test kit has a personal code associated therewith and equipment to take the sample. The person uses the equipment to obtain the sample and sends the sample with the personal code to a testing site.

Abstract: An anonymous testing system for taking a sample of body fluid to be tested, the sample is acquired in private and sent for analyzation to obtain results. The system comprises a test kit for creating a sample of body fluid, a personal code for anonymously identifying the sample and the person, and an electronic file telephonically created and accessed by the person taking the test and identified by the personal code. The electronic file contains the test results determined by analyzation. There is also a method of anonymously testing of a person's body fluid in private and the results to be anonymously received by the person without having to reveal his or her identification. The method comprises the steps of procuring a test kit for taking a sample of the body fluid. The test kit has a personal code associated therewith and equipment to take the sample. The person uses the equipment to obtain the sample and sends the sample with the personal code to a testing site.

Abstract: The personal communications controller (PCC) may be programmed with a customized service configuration based on which telecommunications functions in connection with multiple telephone terminals are managed. The PCC system is designed to provide enhanced service value to all of the telephone terminals throughout a residence coupled to a single telephone communication line entering the residence. The PCC may provide service differentiation on an individual basis to the telephone terminals and, furthermore, differentiated treatment may be effected on a per telephone call basis. The customized service configuration may be generated using a personal computer from which it is downloaded to the PCC.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for handling incoming calls when call waiting is active. If the called party is not on a call when an incoming call occurs and the called party does not answer the incoming call then a message is played to the calling party that the called party did not answer, and the called party is given the opportunity to record a message for the called party. If the called party is on a call when an incoming call occurs and, after the call waiting signal is played to the called party, the called party does not answer the incoming call then a message is played to the calling party that the called party is busy, and the called party is given the opportunity to record a message for the called party. If the called party is engaged in a first call and a second call when an incoming call occurs then a message is played to the calling party that the called party is busy, and the called party is given the opportunity to record a message for the called party.

Abstract: A database having information which the consumer desires to know, a database containing attributes of the consumer, and a database of advertising messages that an interactive voice response system can deliver to a the consumer are made responsive to telephone calls placed to an interactive voice response (IVR) system. The database of consumer attributes contains information that is already known about the consumer that can be used to decide on which advertising message to play. The consumer initiates activity by calling the interactive voice response system. Software identifies the consumer via the consumer inputted identification and plays an advertising message that, preferably, has been predetermined to have likely appeal to the consumer. The interactive voice response system is then used to disseminate the information sought by the customer (such as student grades) after first disseminating the advertising message. The advertising message can include an offer to purchase a product or service.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a telephone answering machine which can be initiated after a telephone connection is established. It comprises a memory for storing out-going messages and incoming messages, a voice processing circuit for playing the out-going messages stored in the memory and recording incoming messages into the memory, a line interface circuit connected to an external telephone network for connecting the voice processing circuit to the telephone network, a microprocessor for controlling the voice processing circuit and the line interface circuit, and a recording key connected to the microprocessor wherein the microprocessor establishes a telephone connection between the voice processing circuit and the telephone network by using the line interface circuit and initiates the voice processing circuit to play an outgoing message and record incoming messages after the recording key is actuated.

Abstract: In a telephone answering machine, when the calling party information reception unit receives calling party information, and the call detection circuit detects a receiving signal, the main control unit makes the line interface capture the communication line and generate a communication path to the calling party telephone. The main control unit then determines whether the memory has the same calling party information that has been received by the calling party information reception unit. When it has been judged in the negative, the main control unit makes the response message output unit output the first response message. When it has been judged in the affirmative, the main control unit makes the response message output unit output the second response message. Under the direction of the main control unit, the response message output unit outputs the first response message or the second response message to the calling party telephone through the communication path which is generated by the line interface 2.

Abstract: Directory assistance calls are routed to an operator tandem switch that distributes incoming directory assistance calls among available operator positions. For each call, the operator interacts with the caller to identify a directory listing sought by the caller and enters the listing information into the operator's terminal to retrieve the requisite information from a data base. An interface is provided between the directory assistance system and an intercept system to handle listings for which a directory number is no longer operative. A flag set in the data base file for the old directory listing would indicate that the number was on intercept. The system can thus provide current information contained in the directory assistance data base or updated information as to the status of subscriber's of non-working directory numbers, obtained from the intercept system data base.

Abstract: In a telephone set, a voiced and silent section detecting device detects whether the voice message stored in a storage device by an automatic answering function is a voiced section or a silent section, and the detected voiced or silent section information is stored in a storage device, corresponding to the voice message. Therefore, by pressing a skip operation button while reproducing a voice message, reproduction is started from the start position of the next voiced section.

Abstract: When a collect call is initiated by a calling party, and the call is routed to an operator services position, an automated attendant, or other system in the telephone network. In addition to playing an announcement to the called party to determine if he or she will accept the call, information is furnished to the called party, preferably by an announcement, indicating (a) the anticipated cost for the call, and, optionally, (b) the relative cost of the call, as compared to the cost that would be imposed if another carrier carried the call. This information may be obtained using the dialed number and information identifying the calling party location, and by querying a database containing (a) rate information, and optionally (b) comparative information setting forth the rates of different carriers offering collect call service in the same calling area.

Abstract: A method for billing a telephone call to a called party for a telephone call between a calling party and the called party, comprising the steps of receiving a predetermined access number; prompting for a destination number, determining if the destination number will accept the cost of the telephone call; and completing the telephone call to the destination number. The method may find potential application in a situation where, for example, a child may need to call home from a public telephone, say at a movie theatre or a mall, without using a calling card, credit card, collect charging, an operator, or coins.

Abstract: An automated message handling system and method particularly useful to efficiently exchange information between repair shops and customers waiting on items to be repaired is disclosed. The system includes a computer connected to the telephone system. A Service associate calls the system to leave voice messages for a selected customer. A Customer may access the system to listen to a message left by a service associate. Also, the system may be configured to automatically notify the customer of a pending message and may solicit a response. The access to customer messages is controlled by assignment of a code for each customer.

Abstract: A communication terminal equipment and the control method thereof, which display the message information read out from an information storing device on a display device, and perform a desired processing with respect to the displayed message information by simple inputting. The message information stored in the storing device is read out to display the message information on the display. The device and a plurality of setting items showing the corresponding processing with respect to the displayed message information are displayed on the display device. Then one of the setting items is selected from a plurality of setting items by an inputting device to execute the corresponding processing by a control device.

Abstract: A method for call back messaging is disclosed. The method allows a calling party to provide name and number information for automatic delivery to a called party in instances where the called party does not answer the incoming call, or where the line of the called party is busy. The method of the present invention may include the steps of processing an exception for an incoming call from the calling party to the called party, playing at least a first announcement to the calling party to provide the calling party an opportunity to provide information to the called party, processing information provided by the calling party, placing at least a first call to the called party to attempt to deliver the information provided by the calling party and playing at least a first message to the called party, the first messaging containing the information provided by the calling party.

Abstract: A method for receiving and processing an incoming message in a wireless messaging terminal. The method includes providing a receiver which receives the message and a memory for storing the message. The method further includes matching the message with a pre-recorded voice prompt stored in the memory and retrieving the voice prompt from the memory. In addition, the method includes playing the voice prompt as an audible alert signal through an audio output device.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system and method for monitoring the performance of a multi-line automated telephone system and detecting complete or intermittent faults on the incoming phone lines and in interactive applications accessed by the automated telephone device. The system gathers and analyzes statistical parameters associated with each incoming phone line and compares the parameters with those of other phone lines and with past statistical averages to detect out-of-tolerance lines. The system also gathers and analyzes statistical parameters associated with the execution of various applications and compares the parameters with past statistical averages to detect out-of-tolerance accesses to the applications.

Abstract: A remote audio monitor for use with a telephone answering device connected to a common telephone line enables the screening of an incoming telephone call from a remote location with respect to the answering device. The remote audio monitor monitors the changing DC voltage levels of the telephone line following the ring signal and the answering of the incoming call, and activates when the answering device has generated a beep tone on the telephone line to indicate recording of an incoming message. Upon the proper sequence of the desired events, the remote audio monitor activates a loudspeaker and broadcasts the received message in real time at a location remote from the answering device. More than one remote audio monitor can be connected to the telephone line to provide simultaneous independent monitoring from various remote locations with respect to the answering device.

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: While the answering machine is recording a message from a remote caller, if it is determined that an automatic reproduction request code has been inputted over the telephone, the time and day designated by the remote caller on which the message is to be reproduced is inputted as reproduction time data. Afterward, the message spoken by the remote caller is recorded as sound data. Also the time and day designated for reproduction is stored as automatic reproduction time data. When, by passage of time, the time registered by the clock circuit matches the time and day designated for reproduction, an alarm is sounded by the speaker 14. Then the message is reproduced.

Abstract: An automatic call distributor (10) with a switch (12) which interconnects customer telephonic units (14A) of an external telephonic network (14B) with an internal network of agent units (16) having an automated call servicing system including a voice response unit (18) with a plurality of stored scripts for servicing different types of calls from customers automatically in response to call type identification signals, such as Dial Number Identification System (DNIS) numbers, corresponding to the different types of calls associated with the different stored scripts of the voice response unit (18) to automatically service a plurality of different types of calls without customer prompting while also functioning to respond to customer prompting when no DNIS number or other call type identification is provided with the call.

Abstract: A hand-held device contains a paging receiver and a microphone to accept dictation of messages. A common digital data store holds received transmissions and dictated messages.

Abstract: A cordless telephone set including a master set and at least one personal set connected to a telephone line via the master set, in which the personal set has a detecting section for detecting whether the personal set is placed in a state wherein a battery within the personal set is charged by a charger, control keys including an outside line key, and a controller for connecting the personal set to the telephone line via the master set when it detects that the personal set is placed in the state not charged based on an output signal from the detecting section.

Abstract: A telephone exchange system accommodates a plurality of central office lines and a plurality of telephones and records a telephonic communication in a recording area shared by the plurality of telephones. When predetermined conditions are satisfied, the recording is played back or transferred. The shared recording area can be utilized effectively by erasing a recording after it has been transferred, and by detecting the presence of a voice during a telephonic communication and starting and stopping the recording operation based upon the results of detection. The time at which a recording has been made can be comprehended in the form of a voice when the recording is played back.

Abstract: The dual function switch of the present invention allows a radiotelephone user to enable or disable a feature of the radiotelephone while a call is being received and before it is answered. Before the call is received and after it is answered, the switch is a volume key. Otherwise, if the key is depressed twice (105), a feature or menu of features is displayed (109). When the call is answered, the displayed feature is activated (112).

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 answering machine has a single tape for recording phone messages wherein messages are recorded on at least two tracks. The answering machine optionally includes a voice synthesis system for generating announcement messages and a microphone for recording announcement messages and monitoring audio events either over a phone line or via a recording. Recordings on each track are executed in the same direction. In one embodiment of the invention, a first track accepts messages received without requiring that a code be transmitted. Messages are recorded on a second track in a mailbox mode of operation only when a predetermined mailbox code is received. A second embodiment includes inputs for two phone lines. The first tape track is dedicated to a first phone while the second track is dedicated to the second phone line. A third embodiment further includes the capability to record on third and fourth tracks which function as mailbox tracks for respective ones of the first and second tracks.

Abstract: A telephone terminal device, which is activated by a predetermined number of ringing signals even if a telephone call occurred immediately after a previous caller had abandoned a call before engagement of the telephone line. When the telephone terminal device is set to standby mode, the polarity of telephone line (L1, L2) is stored in microprocessor CPU-1 via photocoupler PC-3 (or PC-4) and contact y2-1. If there is a call thereafter, ringing portion of the ringing signal is detected by photocoupler PC-3 (or PC-4) via capacitor C2. During a silent period, the polarity of the telephone line (L1, L2) is checked by the aforementioned PC-3 or PC-4 via contact y2-1 which is closed. When the polarity of the telephone line at the time of abandonment of call by a caller prior to activation of the telephone terminal device coincides with the aforementioned polarity stored, the telephone terminal device is restored to standby mode (with the counter for ranging signals being cleared).

Abstract: A data processing machine comprises a plurality of elementary machines (SUPMS, DEP, ARR, . . . ) disposed in a plurality of levels (level 1, level 2, . . .), and an event presentation device (PTA) responding to the arrival of an event by identifying the lowest machine level that is active and by identifying the elementary machine that is active in this lowest active machine level to present the event to said active elementary machine.

Abstract: A method for designating messages allows individual messages to be designated as "read" if (i) the message has been played for a predetermined amount of time (150) or (ii) the replay of the message is completed (154). After a playback session, messages designated as "read" can be designated as "old" (102). Because of the queuing capability of the digital answering machine (142), stored messages can be replayed in any order, or a portion of a message can be conveniently replayed to determine whether the message should be replayed in full. As a result, new messages (i.e., messages which have not been designated as "read") can be located anywhere in the sequence of recorded messages. Such a function of the present invention allows a user to preview messages to selectively listen to messages, while maintaining a designation as "new" for any message in the sequence which has not been replayed in full or at least for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: An auxiliary baseband telephone instrument interface is provided in an answering machine to which any auxiliary telephone instrument, whether corded or cordless, can be connected and can control the answering machine functionality by use of in-band control signals. More specifically, a controllable switch arrangement is employed to connect outputs of an auxiliary instrument jack to outputs of a telephone line jack to which the answering machine is connected, or to the answering machine functionality itself and to disconnect the outputs of the auxiliary jack from the outputs of the telephone line jack or the answering machine functionality.

Abstract: In an automatic answering telephone apparatus, a correspondence table between a plurality of record areas of a speech memory and a plurality of identification numbers is provided. When an identification number is received from a calling party, an answer message is output from one record area corresponding to the received identification number of the calling party. Two separate control circuits are used to control the identification and reproduction of a recorded message.

Abstract: A method and data processing system are disclosed for processing incoming telephone calls. In one embodiment, the invention, in response to the receipt of an incoming telephone call, searches a calendar database for information describing the scheduled location of the party called. At the caller's option, the invention may transfer the incoming call to the scheduled location or telephone number of the party called or may inform the caller of the scheduled location or telephone number of the party called. The invention may search a directory database for a telephone number associated with the information describing the scheduled location of the party called if the information describing the scheduled location of the party called does not include a telephone number.

Abstract: An electrical apparatus, associated with a telecommunications line, includes a unique dual input/dual output prescribed audio actuating signal responsive circuit. The responsive circuit pursuant to a detection of the prescribed signal, in combination with a second signal pursuant to a detection by line pickup detection circuit of an off-hook condition of the telecommunications line, effecting production of an actuating output signal. The actuating signal upon suitable application, effecting an operational function of a suitably coupled associated electrical device. The associated device may be one of a number of electrical devices. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, this device is designated to be a time-day-date-stamp marker signal outputting device. The marker signal may then be recorded by a suitable recording device or, alternatively, not recorded but simply used as an audible time-day-date announcement clock.

Abstract: A remotely controlled telephone operator simulator includes a microprocessor control circuit for supplying digitally recorded voice messages and non-voice messages, as initial "answers" to an incoming telephone call, which is automatically "call forwarded" to a remote telephone set. When the call is received at the remote telephone set, the user supplies tone signals back to the initial called line. Duplexer circuits and a two-input multiplex circuit are provided to prevent these tone signals from being heard by the calling party on the first line. The tone signals, however, do cause operation of the microprocessor control circuit, to cause selected ones of the voice and non-voice messages to be supplied through the multiplex circuit to the calling line. After the desired number of these stored messages are supplied, the microprocessor control circuit switches the multiplex circuit from response to the stored messages to "live" outgoing conversation from the second telephone line.

Abstract: An automatically answerable telephone apparatus comprises a control unit having a rewritable memory for storing control data for automatically responding operation and operative to control a line signal processor and a recording and reproducing device, a writable non-volatile memory, a power source for supply a power supply voltage, a capacitor connected for holding the power supply voltage, and a power failure detector, wherein the control unit is operative, with the power supply voltage discharged by the capacitor to remove operating portion other than the control unit and the writable non-volatile memory from the power source and to transfer the control data for automatically responding operation from the rewritable memory to the writable non-volatile memory for preserving the control data when power failure occuring in the power source is detected by the power failure detector.

Abstract: An improved alerting system and method of manufacture and assembly for boats that contacts boat owners at a remote location to pending danger of water rising within the boat and permits the boat owner to contact the system to determine the rate of water rising.

Abstract: A communication apparatus, which is able to receive a peculiar information of other station and a voice message from the another station, records the peculiar information and the voice message in connection with each other.

Abstract: A storage apparatus capable of storing information in accordance with the history of use of the storage medium employed therewith. Control is performed in accordance with the history of reproduction from the storage medium and with the number of times storage operations have been performed on the storage medium. New storage operations are arranged to avoid those portions of the storage medium which have been used frequently. The apparatus may be used in conjunction with a telephone answering machine.

Abstract: An automatic answering telephone apparatus for sending an out-going message through a telephone line and recording at least one incoming message on a magnetic tape using a tape recorder which can record a conversation between an operator and a conversation partner on the magnetic tape not in the automatic answering mode, the tape recorder further having rewinding, fast-forward winding and stop functions, and including: a position detector for detecting a tape travelling position; a memory for storing the detected tape traveling position such as to store the detected tape travelling position of the end of the latest incoming massage; a line status detector for detecting a change in status of the telephone line; and a controller responsive to an output of the line status detector, the detected tape travelling position, and the stored tape travelling position for positioning the magnetic tape to the stored tape travelling position using the fast-forward winding and the stop functions when the line status detecto

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for private telephone automatic locating and answering. By installing at a receiver's location, an apparatus for automatic telephone locating and answering, the receiver not only can talk to the caller using a telephone set provided by the apparatus, but the apparatus can also automatically dial up a paging center to locate the receiver. Then the receiver may dial up his own automatic locating apparatus, to hold conversation.

Abstract: This invention is a dual-deck VCR including answering machine logic whereby the VCR can also be used to answer a video telephone system. The video cassette decks of the VCR are switched between and are shared by the VCR and telephone answering functions. The VCR can be switched between its answering mode of operation and its VCR mode of operation by a remote controller.

Abstract: A telephone answering attachment to a highfidelity music system. An adaptor switches audio signals between a telephone circuit, a double-deck recorder and an amplifier. A bell signal on the telphone circuit causes one deck to play a back a prerecorded message onto the telephone circuit and causes the other deck to then record the caller's message. A short notification message is displayed on a television screen. Otherwise, the adaptor leaves the double-deck recorder in its usual configuration.

Abstract: An answering machine arrangement includes a recording medium for recording a message from outside with a passcode being previously recorded in a particular area of the recording medium, a device for reading the passcode from the recording medium when a "play" button is depressed and a controller for judging if the passcode read from the recording medium is identical to a passcode input by an operator, such that the message recorded in the recording medium is played back only when these passcodes are identical to each other. The secrecy of the recording message is maintained. Upon changing the passcode, all messages are erased automatically.

Abstract: There is disclosed a call transfer method and device of an automatic answering phone, whereby a memory integrated circuit (IC) and a magnetic tape are used to commonly store an answering message, a call transfer message, and a caller's message. The subscriber's message and the call transfer message are recorded in different portions of the same cassette tape for reproducing the answering message.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for permitting conferencing in an automatic telephone information system by utilizing shared circular memory buffers incorporated in voice processing boards inserted in expansion slots in a PC to transfer speech from one line to another in a timed sequence controlled by the PC.

Abstract: A multiline telephone answering system includes a playback deck for supplying a prerecorded message and a plurality of interface units for interconnecting a plurality of telephone lines and the playback deck. Each interface unit is associated with a particular telephone line and supplies a start signal to the playback deck when its associated line is ringing. Each interface unit is responsive to the state of the playback deck for connecting its line to the playback deck only at the start of the prerecorded message and inhibits the connection between the playdeck and its telephone line unless that telephone line is ringing at the start of the prerecorded message.

Abstract: An automatic telephone answering machine which is capable of selecting a new outgoing message or an old outgoing message. If a new OGM is unsatisfactory, the operator may retain an old OGM and discard the new OGM. Both a semiconductor memory and a magnetic tape are utilized in switching the OGM's from one to the other. The OGM stored in the semiconductor memory is automatically checked and read out at least once at an end of storage of the OGM in the semiconductor memory, and thereafter the OGM is automatically read out again and transferred to and recorded in an area of a magnetic tape.

Abstract: A cordless telephone system comprising a master set, a slave set, and a charger includes terminals for connecting the slave set and the charger so that communication of speech signals and control signals can be conducted. The charger includes an automatic answering circuit incorporated therein. When the automatic answering circuit receives a control signal indicative of a cell incoming through the terminals from the slave set, this circuit executes an automatic answering service such as a service to reproduce an answering message to transmit the reproduced answering message to the slave set through the terminals thereafter to record a message from a person on the other side of the line transmitted from the slave set through the terminals.

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: An automatic telephone answering machine of the kind employing a microcomputer for switching from one mode of operation to another is arranged to switch from the "stop" mode to the "automatic answer" mode in response to recurring ring signals transmitted during an incoming phone call, provided those signals meet criteria such as duration of ring, length of interval between successive rings, and a minimum period of recurring ring signals. The mode switching arrangement causes the machine to switch to the "automatic answer" mode and then answer the call during the same phone call to enable the caller to confirm by receipt of the machine's outgoing announcement that the mode switch has occurred.