Telephone call responding system and control method and device therefor
US5029198A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 17, 1990 |
| Grant date | Jul 2, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 17, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04M1/663
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A telephone call responding system which allows the user to respond to an incoming telephone call without actually speaking to the caller personally, and, if desired, without having to pick up the telephone to answer a call. To activate the responder system, the user, upon receiving an incoming telephone call, selects one of a plurality of call response messages by actuating a control key of the responder system corresponding to the desired message. Once activated, the responder system connects itself to the telephone line and, utilizing speech synthesis or digital-to-analog conversion, delivers the selected message for putting-off an unwanted or nuisance call, asking the caller to call back later, or instructing a person on an extension telephone to hang up. After delivering the message, the responder system disconnects itself from the telephone line until once again activated by the user. The digital message data are pre-programmed into interchangeable plug-in non-volatile ROM units and different messages can be set up for selection. The responder system is digitally controlled, and a control method and program therefor are described. Various devices embodying the responder syste…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.