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 computer scans the voice messages for phrases that will be detected as DTMF digits and creates a record of where, when and for how long the possible problem maybe occurring. This allows prerecorded or synthesized messages from a Voice Response Announcement System to be checked for error causing DTMF digits prior to being placed into operation. The complete system consists of a computer containing the detection unit, a disk storage unit and scanning program. The Detection unit is placed within the computer and connects the system to the Central Office Switching Network for access to the Voice Response Announcement System.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for improving agent efficiency by reducing non-productive time such as time on hold and time for wrap-up statements. After an agent has been connected to a call the agent may determine that automated handling of the call is appropriate. Depending upon the status of the call the agent may specify that the call has been essentially completed or that the agent is on hold. The agent may speak the name of the connected party and this will be recorded. Then the agent is disconnected from the call and a message playing device, which may also replay the spoken name, is activated. If the response from the connected party indicates that an agent's attention is again needed then the same or a different agent is connected to the call. In addition, a party on hold is provided an estimate of the time before an agent becomes available and/or the number of parties ahead in the holding queue.

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: A technique for improved DTMF detection utilizes a speech detector, either alone or in combination with other information from a voice processing arrangement, to adjust the sensitivity of the DTMF detector. The DTMF detector is turned completely off when the voice processing application is in the record mode, and when speech is detected.

Abstract: A directory answering machine which allows a desired telephone number which is registered in the form of an abbreviated dialing code to be found by an access from an external telephone even when the abbreviated code is forgotten. When a predetermined remote command is received from an external telephone to the answering machine through the telephone line, a control circuit serially reads out the telephone numbers registered in an abbreviated dialing code information memory in the form of abbreviated dialing codes and the subscriber names thereof, converts the read data into speech synthesized by a voice synthesizer, and supplies them to the telephone line through a communication circuit. When a predetermined selection signal is supplied from the external telephone, the subscriber name and the corresponding telephone number which are being output at this point in time are selected. The data are supplied again to the telephone line in a synthesized speech.

Abstract: In a telephone terminal device, for example, a telephone answering device, when the device receives an inadvertent facsimile signal while it is in operation, the telephone line is disengaged via a facsimile signal detecting means for the purpose of preventing unwanted utilization of the telephone line and unnecessary consumption of the recording medium.

Abstract: A system of telephone answering devices includes a master telephone answering device (MTAD) and at least one (and often a plurality) of extension telephone answering devices (ETADs). If a telephone call is answered by someone, others nearby may be paged through the ETADs from any telephone. The ETADs can be temporarily disarmed so that they do not respond to tone codes that might otherwise activate them. When activated, the ETADs transmit back to the caller noticeably different ringback signals to indicate that the activated ETAD is responding to the caller's commands. For telephone utilities offering a distinctive ring service, the ETADs may respond to distinctive rings corresponding to the ETADs by usurping the function of and disabling the MTAD and by subsequently answering the telephone call.

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 disconnect module for a system of telephone answering devices (TADs) sharing the same telephone line. The disconnect module is connected between the telephone line and a main telephone answering device (MTAD) which initially responds to incoming telephone calls by answering the incoming call. Extension telephone answering devices (ETADs) are selectively activated by caller-initiated DTMF tone codes. When one of the ETADs is activated, the disconnect module breaks the connection between the MTAD and the telephone line. The disconnect module maintains the broken connection until the ETAD finishes its call-answering cycle, or until the caller hangs up. When the MTAD can no longer interfere with the ETAD's reception of the call, the connection between the telephone line and the MTAD may be re-established so that the MTAD can answer the next incoming telephone call. The disconnect module is powered by the telephone line or may be incorporated into the MTAD.

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: For a single telephone line having plural telephone answering devices (TADs) connected to it, a system of TADs is disclosed where only one TAD answers the telephone but all other TADs connected to the telephone line are accessible and activated by means of tones transmitted over the telephone line by the caller. The caller is notified by the answering TAD of the available tone codes which are then used to select the desired TAD. When a TAD is selected by means of tones, the first TAD is temporarily disconnected from the telephone line so that message privacy is maintained.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for improving agent efficiency by reducing non-productive time such as time on hold and time for wrap-up statements. After an agent has been connected to a call the agent may determine that automated handling of the call is appropriate. Depending upon the status of the call the agent may specify that the call has been essentially completed or that the agent is on hold. The agent may speak the name of the connected party and this will be recorded. Then the agent is disconnected from the call and a message playing device, which may also replay the spoken name, is activated. If the response from the connected party indicates that an agent's attention is again needed then the same or a different agent is connected to the call. In addition, a party on hold is provided an estimate of the time before an agent becomes available and/or the number of parties ahead in the holding queue.

Abstract: A telephone system is disclosed for remotely obtaining from a selected local telephone station audible synthesized speech representative of directory telephone numbers and/or names of previous callers stored digitally or alphanumerically in a data memory of a Caller ID interface unit at the local telephone station. The stored directory telephone numbers and/or names were previously sent to the local telephone station from terminating central office Stored Program Controlled Switching (SPCS) equipment responsively to the telephone line of the local telephone station having Caller ID service and/or other Custom Local Area Signalling System (CLASS) services which discloses a calling party directory telephone number and/or name to a called party.

Abstract: A voice-controlled device of this invention includes a receiving/discriminating mechanism for receiving a DTMF signal externally input through a telephone line and discriminating the DTMF signal, a level detecting mechanism for detecting a signal level of the DTMF signal input to the receiving/discriminating mechanism, a speech recognizer for recognizing the content of a voice signal externally input through the telephone line, an input level adjustor for adjusting a signal level of the voice signal input to the speech recognizer on the basis of the signal level detection result by the level detecting mechanism, and a function executor for executing a function according to the content of the voice signal recognized by the speech recognizer.

Abstract: A system combines a telephone answering device, or TAD, installed at each subscriber's premises and a voice mail center station. When IC memory is used as recording media of the TAD to record messages from a calling party, the memory becomes full to its capacity shortly, and the TAD cannot fulfill its function. To prevent this, a voice mail side is set to a message-receiving mode and an incoming message, or ICM, is transferred from the TAD side to the voice mail side by calling the voice mail side and receiving a particular signal from the TAD side. Then, the TAD restores its function and becomes capable of recording new ICMs. It was a common usage of the voice mail center that a calling party directly records ICMs in the voice mail center. In this system, however, an ICM stored in the voice mail center can be transferred to the TAD by controlling from the TAD as occasion demands, and the ICM can be stored in the TAD.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting and identifying DTMF signals in connection with a voice store and forward equipment (VSF) and for preventing talk-off, whether generated by the VSF or by a user of the VSF.

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: A telephone nuisance call mitigation device operates in conjunction with an answering machine. The usual ringer of the user's telephone(s) is deactivated. The answering maching produces a message which instructs the user to enter his secret code if he has it or else just to leave a message after the tone. The mitigation device monitors for the proper secret code being entered, and if received produces an off hook and a ringing tone in the user's home for a predetermined period. Otherwise, the user can only leave a message, and a ringing tone will never be provided to the user's house. Provision is also made for preventing erroneous detections during call out operations, and for resetting the system to maintain synchronization. The mitigation device is continuously parallel to the telephone line.

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 voice message storage device receives, stores and plays back voice messages transmitted on a telephone line. The device includes a first analog recording tape unit associated with a first identification signal and a first password, and a second analog recording tape unit associated with a second identification and a second password. An identification signal detecting unit is provided for detecting dial pulses or DTMF signals, denoting the identification signal and password for accessing the first or second analog recording tape unit.

Abstract: A facsimile apparatus connected to a telephone line and incorporating an automatic telephone answering and recording device, which is able to be responsive to various inputs, for example, a calling tone (CNG) or similar signal sent from a calling party's apparatus, or a specified signal sent by a calling party by pushing a DTMF tone button. If a user picks up a handset of a telehpone set connected to the telephone line during the operation of the automatic telephone answering device, the facsimile apparatus is not energized and returns to the standby mode in response to the off-hook operation of the telephone set, so that he or she can talk directly with the calling party. And during the telephone conversation between calling and called parties, the facsimile apparatus can be energized in response to manual operation by either of the parties.

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: There is provided a telephone system including a recording/reproducing section for recording an answering message to be transmitted to a calling subscriber and for reproducing the answering message, wherein a predetermined command from the calling subscriber is received through a telephone line during sending of the reproduced answering message to the telephone line, a predetermined operation is executed in correspondence with the command. In this telephone system, there are provided sections (25, 107) for generating a soundless period discrimination signal indicating a soundless period of the answering message at the time of recording the answering message, and command reception sections (11, 20, 21) for receiving the command signal in response to the soundless period discrimination signal at the time of sending the reproduced answering message to the telephone line.

Abstract: There is provided a communicating apparatus such as a television telephone having the absence recording function which can communicate either one or both of an image signal and a voice signal. The apparatus comprises: a memory such as a disk-shaped recording medium to store the voice signal and image signal so as to be concerned with each other; a judgement circuit to discriminate whether or not a personal code number which is input from a destination partner side through a public telephone line coincides with the ID number recorded on the memory; a transmitter to transmit the voice signal and the image signal stored in the memory as a pair to the line in accordance with the result of the discrimination of the judgement circuit; and a reading circuit to read out the voice signal and the image signal from the memory. After the transmitter transmitted the image signal, it transmits the voice signal.

Abstract: In an auto telephone answering apparatus for playing back an outgoing message recorded on a magnetic tape and sending the outgoing message to a calling party and for recording an incoming message from the calling party on the magnetic tape, an auto answer mode is set for automatically connecting telephone lines to the auto telephone answering apparatus upon detection of an incoming call from the calling party, playing the outgoing message recorded on the magnetic tape, and setting an incoming call wait state for recording the incoming message from the calling party on the magnetic tape after playback of the outgoing message, an end of playback of the incoming message or messages recorded on the magnetic tape is detected in a playback mode and results in an incoming message end signal, and a control causes establishment of the auto answer setting mode in response to the incoming message end signal.

Abstract: In an audio-digital telephone interface system, a control selectively prompts a caller with oral instructions to selectively provide; control signals, digital data means (numeric) or audio signals. A data cell is loaded in accordance with an operating program of the control and the resulting data packet is classified, as depending on the presence of audio signals. Data packets are returned to storage, as for subsequent off-line processing. The illustrative format receives and organizes mail order data from callers.

Abstract: An automatic telephone answering system including a recorder having an input and an output connected to a telephone line for the recording and playing of messages and which is remotely controllable through the use of a dual-tone signal. A recorder control apparatus controls the recorder and is connected to receive input signals sent over the telephone line to the recorder and output signals sent from the recorder. The recorder control apparatus generates an inhibit signal to the recorder when the recorder control apparatus detects the fact that at the input or output a signal having dual-tone frequencies continues for a predetermined maximum allowable time which is shorter than the minimum time for dual-tone signal detection, thereby preventing said signal having the dual-tone frequencies from being input to or output from the recorder over a time period longer than said minimum time for dual-tone signal detection.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing and forwarding voice signals wherein a user has increased control and flexibility in distributing voice signals. In one embodiment the originator of a stored voice signal may restrict an addressee's ability to forward a message to other users. In another, the originator may limit the addressee's ability to use the voice store and forward system until such time as the addressee responds to a stored voice signal.

Abstract: A personal voice mail system adapted to be connected to a standard touch tone telephone. This system would allow a subscriber to prerecord a message to be delivered to one or more called parties at a particular time. Additionally, the system can be made secure by requiring the called party to provide a confidential code before the message is relayed.

Abstract: A facsimile apparatus connected to a telephone line and incorporating an automatic telephone answering and recording device, which is able to be responsive to various inputs, for example, a calling tone (CNG) or similar signal sent from a calling party's apparatus, or a specified signal sent by a calling party by pushing a DTMF tone button. If a user picks up a handset of a telephone set connected to the telephone line during the operation of the automatic telephone answering device, the facsimile apparatus is not energized and returns to the standby mode in response to the off-hook operation of the telephone set, so that he or she can talk directly with the calling party. And during the telephone conversation between calling and called parties, the facsimile apparatus can be energized in response to manual operation, for instance, pushing of a button by either of the parties.

Abstract: A system and method of practicing such system involving the random selection of numbers used in a lottery type game wherein such random number picks are delivered using conventional local and long distance telephone facilities to callers/subscribers through the provision of a central computer/processing unit and a plurality of interactive voice response assemblies audibly delivering such random number picks to the caller/subscriber.

Abstract: A telephone answering device wherein an outgoing message translated from an original language into each of several different foreign languages is sent out in a predetermined order to a calling party of any foreign country when he pushes ten-keys on a push-button telephone in a predetermined order, so that the calling party can get the most understandable outgoing message. The outgoing messages translated into major foreign languages are previously stored depending on the country's language situation, or otherwise the prerecorded original outgoing message is translated into one of the foreign languages by a built-in translating device each time the calling party pushes a ten-key, to be delivered to the calling party.

Abstract: A method for recording incoming message signals on a telephone answering machine includes the step of generating a first instruction message on an outgoing telephone line to indicate to a party calling from a touch tone telephone a first signaling protocol for selecting which of the plurality of individuals is to receive a message from the calling party. In a subsequent step, the incoming telephone line is monitored for an incoming touch tone signal transmitted by the calling party in response to the first instruction message. In the event that a touch tone signal is received from the calling party in response to the first instruction message within a predetermined period of time from the beginning of transmission of the first instruction message, the received touch tone signal is decoded to determine the identity of a called individual to receive an incoming message signal from the calling party.

Abstract: An improved call waiting arrangement where a caller is free to exercise discretion in interrupting ongoing telephone calls because the caller is prompted, for example via an audible announcement, that the called party is busy on another call but that the caller may request interruption of the call by remaining off-hook. If the caller believes that his call is sufficiently important, he requests call interruption by remaining off-hook. If the caller chooses not to interrupt, he may make subsequent call attempts promptly because he knows that the called party is busy on another call rather than being away from home. Alternatively, the caller may activate auto-callback such that a call is completed between the two parties as soon as the status of the called station returns to on-hook.

Abstract: A vendor information service is offered utilizing the services of attendants for identifying customer requests and for taking orders, utilizing a voice processing unit for announcing prerecorded information to customers and for recognizing voice commands or keyed requests. Such commands or requests may be to announce another message to a customer, to set up a connection to a telephone operator, or to connect the customer directly to a vendor. A customer is initially connected to a telepone operator who ascertains the basic customer request. In response to that request, the operator sets up an announcement for the customer. A voice processing unit then monitors the customer for voice commands or keyed requests in order to play another announcement or to set up a connection from the customer to another telephone operator or a vendor attendant.

Abstract: A radio communication system includes a base station and a plurality of remote units. The remote units can be operated in one of several modes. In the Message Storage mode, a telephone or remote unit caller is verbally informed that the called remote unit is not receiving calls, and the caller is then given the option to store a voice or numeric message for later transmission to the called remote unit. If a caller enters an Override code, however, the system attempts to establish voice communication between the caller and the called remote unit. In the Call Screening mode, the caller's message is stored in the base station and, simultaneously, forwarded to the called remote unit. During reception of the message, the called remote unit can "pickup" the call and begin normal voice communications with the caller. When a remote unit changes from the Message Storage mode to some other mode, its stored messages are automatically forwarded to the remote unit.

Abstract: A telephone answering machine adapted for use in conjunction with a telephone system having a station-to-station call transfer capability for incoming calls includes a tape deck and various components for recording and playing back announcements and messages under microprocessor control. The answering machine also includes a DTMF receiver and DTMF generator for receiving and sending digit tone signals. The microprocessor directs the operation of the answering machine for recording data from a calling party, which data represent a telephone number to which the calling party wishes to be transferred. Thereafter, the microprocessor directs the operation of the answering machine for dialing this telephone number after a hook flash has been used to request a call transfer sequence by the telephone system. The telephone answering machine thereby enables call transfers to take place upon the initiative of calling parties.

Abstract: In a conventional telephone answering device with a remote retrieval function, the user sends a remote control signal during anytime of the playback of the outgoing message in order to retrieve the incoming message from the remote location, and so the security code for security is required. According to the present invention, in order to increase the accuracy of security and to make the remote control operation easier, one short word or long word of the outgoing message can be used as a timing mark for sending the remote control signal for not only experienced people but also unexperienced people. If the user feels that the recorded message was leaked to other people, it is possible to change easily the timing mark from the remote location. And further, the user can easily operate even if he uses plurality of timing marks for more security.

Abstract: A telephone answering device wherein an outgoing messsage can be repeatedly played back from the beginning in response to a predetermined special signal sent out by a calling party. In case of a call to the device through a telephone operator, the calling party can listen to the whole outgoing message again by sending the special signal after the telephone operator puts him through. The calling party can then confirm that it is his desired called party's number. Further, if a foreign calling party is not able to understand thoroughly the outgoing message in the original language after only one playback, he can listen to the outgoing message again.

Abstract: Conventional telephone answering devices incorporated in or combined with a telephone set are now generally used. However, one type of conventional telephone set has a plurality of buttons, for instance, speed dialing, mute, flash or redial buttons, and further the telephone answering device incorporated in the telephone set has also many buttons for controlling the device. The user therefore is confused at the sight of a number of buttons and hesitates to use the device. Most conventional telephone answering devices can be remotely operated from a remote location by using the number keys, and asterisk and pound sign keys of a pushbutton telephone so as to rewind, fast forward, or record an outgoing or incoming message.

Abstract: A message telephone with message recording and reproducing function equipped with remote control switch is disclosed. The message telephone has a calling signal identification circuit and after counting a predetermined number of calling signals, if the calling party once disconnects the call and orginates a second call within a predetermined time interval the device works as a message telephone after providing an identifying MF signal pass-word to work various message functions under control of the remote calling party.

Abstract: A voice mail system includes method and apparatus for muting a previously recorded audio signal upon detection of a DTMF signal to differentiate between recorded DTMF signals and valid DTMF commands. A DTMF signal detected after muting is recognized as an invalid command.

Abstract: An automatic telephone answering apparatus answers and records incoming calls and then automatically dials, repeatedly if necessary, a remote telephone whose number has been stored in the answering apparatus and reproduces a specific message which notifies the person answering the remote telephone that a message has been received and recorded for the user of the answering apparatus.

Abstract: An answering machine with one or more special features. These features include either means for providing multiple out-going messages, or multiple in-coming message locations, or both, with the message locations being selectable by the caller by means of preselected code sequences entered by the owner. When both portions of the present invention are present there are two sets of code sequences, one for out-going messages and another for in-coming messages. The number of digits in each code sequence can be the same or different, as can the actual codes since the detection of the proper code is time dependent on where in the cycle of the answering sequence the answering machine is at the time that the caller enters the code sequence.

Abstract: The invention is an add-on device which allows programming of an existing VCR (video cassette recorder) via standard phone lines. With it attached to a VCR, the user is able to call home and advance program the invention to turn on the VCR at a certain time, change to a desired channel, and start and stop recording at a certain time. These commands would be transferred and entered through the use of standard telephone "Touch Tone" signals. A voice-synthesized response from the invention would return through the phone lines to verify correct instructions. No electrical connection is made directly to the VCR. In addition, no permanent physical or visual alterations of the VCR are made. Thus, the invention is designed to remain mounted to the rear of the VCR indefinitely, since it will not hinder the normal functioning of the VCR, nor its remote control. It also may be removed without damage and installed on another VCR, if desired.

Abstract: A telephone answering device having immediate playback function, wherein incoming messages from calling parties are successively recorded after sending of an outgoing message, and the recorded incoming messages can be successively played back immediately from a beginning position of an incoming message tape without rewinding when a user operates the device manually or remotely to save time for the user.

Abstract: A telephone answering device having an immediate playback function, wherein incoming messages from calling parties are successively recorded on an incoming message tape after sending of an outgoing message, and the recorded incoming messages can be successively played back immediately from the beginning of the incoming message tape, without rewinding, when a user operates the device manually or by remote control.

Abstract: An improved call waiting arrangement where a caller is free to exercise discretion in interrupting ongoing telephone calls because the caller is prompted, for example via an audible announcement, that the called party is busy on another call but that the caller may request interruption of the call by remaining off-hook. If the caller believes that his call is sufficiently important, he requests call interruption by remaining off-hook. If the caller chooses not to interrupt, he may make subsequent call attempts promptly because he knows that the called party is busy on another call rather than being away from home. Alternatively, the caller may activate auto-callback such that a call is completed between the two parties as soon as the status of the called station returns to on-hook.