Convenience features in a method and system for providing enhanced caller identification

US6332021A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• AMERITECH LLC · US

Inventors

• Teresa Farias Latter · Kildeer, US
• John Wesley Moss · Lake Zurich, US
• Thomas Joseph McBlain · Arlington Heights, US
• James Thomas Maciejewski · Spring Grove, US
• Mary Louise Hardzinski · Palatine, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 9, 1999
• Grant date: Dec 18, 2001
• Expiry date: Mar 9, 2019

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H04Q2213/13396
• WIPO field: Telecommunications
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

An improved system and apparatus for providing caller identification information to a called party when standard Caller ID cannot be provided. If standard caller ID information cannot be provided for a call, the call is interrupted by the present service and the calling party is prompted for audible caller identification information. In one embodiment, when the audible caller identification is provided, the call is presented to the called party with a distinctive ring at the called telephone station. In another embodiment, the calling party may enter a personal identification number (PIN) to bypass the requirement for audible caller identification information. In still another embodiment, when the PIN is entered, the call is presented with a distinctive ring at the called communication station. In still another embodiment, the called party may send the incoming call to a voice mail system.