Patent · US Expired

Telephone message retrieval system with improved processor and retrieval console

US4719647A · kind A · utility

20Cited by
11References
6Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJan 30, 1984
Grant dateJan 12, 1988
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 30, 2004

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH04M11/10
  • WIPO fieldTelecommunications
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A message retrieval system is disclosed which includes a plurality of answering machines, each connected to respected telephone line. Each answering machine records telephone responses on a respective message memory unit and all message memory units are connected to a single message processor. The message processor is in turn connected to a number of retrieval consoles used by operators to transcribe messages from the message memory units. The message processor operates (1) to automatically switch the mode of a headset included in the retrieval console between a transcription mode and a dialog mode to allow an operator either to transcribe messages or to conduct live telephone conversations via the same headset; (2) to allow a console to place a commanded message memory unit on hold while live telephone conversations are being conducted; (3) to disconnect a commanded message memory unit from a console in the event the console fails to command the message memory unit within a predetemined time; (4) to take positive action in the event recorded messages on one of the message memory units age excessively prior to transcription; and (5) to prevent a single operator closure of a switch …

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.