CA2168545C - Audio caller identification unit - Google Patents
Audio caller identification unitInfo
- Publication number
- CA2168545C CA2168545C CA002168545A CA2168545A CA2168545C CA 2168545 C CA2168545 C CA 2168545C CA 002168545 A CA002168545 A CA 002168545A CA 2168545 A CA2168545 A CA 2168545A CA 2168545 C CA2168545 C CA 2168545C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- audio
- telephone
- unit
- unit according
- calling party
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
- H04M1/64—Automatic arrangements for answering calls; Automatic arrangements for recording messages for absent subscribers; Arrangements for recording conversations
- H04M1/65—Recording arrangements for recording a message from the calling party
- H04M1/6505—Recording arrangements for recording a message from the calling party storing speech in digital form
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
- H04M1/57—Arrangements for indicating or recording the number of the calling subscriber at the called subscriber's set
- H04M1/575—Means for retrieving and displaying personal data about calling party
- H04M1/578—Means for retrieving and displaying personal data about calling party associated with a synthesized vocal announcement
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
- H04M1/66—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers with means for preventing unauthorised or fraudulent calling
- H04M1/663—Preventing unauthorised calls to a telephone set
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Signal Processing (AREA)
- Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
- Telephonic Communication Services (AREA)
- Telephone Function (AREA)
Abstract
The unit is connected between a user's telephone and a telephone exchange providing calling party identification, such as calling number or name. The unit has user accessible audio inputs, either a microphone or an interface to a handset of the telephone. The unit also has audio message memory, a user programmable table of concordance for tracking the location of audio messages, a record/playback device, a speaker, and a controller. The unit may also have a visual display. Control keys may be connected to the controller, however their function may also be performed by using a keypad of the telephone. A speech generator may also be connected to the controller and to the speaker. In operation, the unit has programming, review, and monitoring modes. In the monitoring mode, the unit recognizes the number of a calling party (decoded from calling number delivery, call display or similar network-to-terminal signals on phone lines) by reviewing the table of concordance, finds the appropriate message for that number and plays aloud the message stored for that calling party's number either through the speaker or the handset. The unit also stores information about the call for later recovery, possibly from a remote location. In programming mode, the control keys are used to prepare the unit to receive audio messages from the microphone or handset. The unit stores the messages and programs the table of concordance.
Description
WO 95/05045 216 8 5 4 ~ PCT/CA94/00424 TECHNICAL FIELD
The invention relates to the identification of calling parties on telephone systems.
BACKGROUND ART
As program controlled switching stations have evolved, a number of custom c~ling features have been developed, including incoming calling line identification.
This feature displays the calling party's number to a display unit, allowing selective acceptance of certain calls while other calls are either not answered or routed to a message centre.
S~ple features for call display units on the market include:
Memory to store information about the previous incoming calls, including those that were not answered, such as calling party number, time and date;
Display, scroll and delete functions to remove the information stored in memory;
The date and time of each call, answered or unanswered; and The number of times that a particular number called.
These units typically require the user to walk over and look at the display in order to determine the number of the calling party. As well, customers usually remember only a few numbers that they frequently call so they often cannot identify the party simply from the calling number on the display.
A number of solutions have been proposed.
U.S. patent numbers 5,007,076, 4,922,490, and 4,899,358 to Blakley each disclose a caller identification system at a telephone switch that stores at the switch text representations entered through the called party's telephone keypad of the names corresponding to the numbers of frequent calling parties. When the number of a calling party matches one of the numbers for which a name has been stored then the system c°nverts the name from text to speech and speaks it to the called party through the called party's telephone in the blank time between rings.
U.S. patent number 4,894,861 to Fujioka discloses a single unit integrating a telephone with a call display, speech memory, a text to speech generator and a speaker.
.Lhe unit stores text representations entered at the called party's telephone keypad of calling party names corresponding to their numbers, converts them to speech when there is a match with a calling party number and speaks them through the speaker.
The use of the keypad for entering text requires the user to understand which numbers or combination of numbers correspond to a given letter and to know the spelling of the calling party's name. Alternatively, a full keyboard can be used, but this would require a custom telephone for the Blakley system or would add to the expense ~d size of the Fujioka unit.
Speech generators typically have poor sound quality or are relatively expensive.
They also have a limited number of 'voices' from which to select and can have difficulty pronouncing all but the simplest of names.
Existing units do not provide for remote access of stored calling party information. Those with display only capability cannot interface with remote telephones 216 8 5 4 5 ~T~C~4/00424 to provide information. Fujioka cannot open the telephone line and therefore cannot accept a telephone call without a user being at the unit.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect, the invention provides an audio calling party identification unit for connection to a telephone line. The unit has a line input for receiving an identifying portion of a telephone call on the line from a calling party. It also has an audio input accessible to a user of the unit to input an audio message. There is storage for an audio message in audio form. A recording device provides recording into storage of an audio message received from the audio input. A user programmable table of concordance contains the location of an audio message in the storage and a corresponding identifying po~on of a user anticipated calling party. There is an audio output and a playback device for replaying messages from storage.
The unit deciphers the identifying portions of a calling party telephone call, ~arches the table of concordance to determine the location of corresponding audio messages and plays back the corresponding audio messages from the storage through the audio output.
The line input may have a controller to decipher the identifying portions of the calling party telephone call and search the table of concordance.
The audio input may have a controller and a telephone line interface. The controller would receive audio messages from the user and pass them to the recording device for storage. A microphone connected to the recording device may be part of the audio input.
The invention relates to the identification of calling parties on telephone systems.
BACKGROUND ART
As program controlled switching stations have evolved, a number of custom c~ling features have been developed, including incoming calling line identification.
This feature displays the calling party's number to a display unit, allowing selective acceptance of certain calls while other calls are either not answered or routed to a message centre.
S~ple features for call display units on the market include:
Memory to store information about the previous incoming calls, including those that were not answered, such as calling party number, time and date;
Display, scroll and delete functions to remove the information stored in memory;
The date and time of each call, answered or unanswered; and The number of times that a particular number called.
These units typically require the user to walk over and look at the display in order to determine the number of the calling party. As well, customers usually remember only a few numbers that they frequently call so they often cannot identify the party simply from the calling number on the display.
A number of solutions have been proposed.
U.S. patent numbers 5,007,076, 4,922,490, and 4,899,358 to Blakley each disclose a caller identification system at a telephone switch that stores at the switch text representations entered through the called party's telephone keypad of the names corresponding to the numbers of frequent calling parties. When the number of a calling party matches one of the numbers for which a name has been stored then the system c°nverts the name from text to speech and speaks it to the called party through the called party's telephone in the blank time between rings.
U.S. patent number 4,894,861 to Fujioka discloses a single unit integrating a telephone with a call display, speech memory, a text to speech generator and a speaker.
.Lhe unit stores text representations entered at the called party's telephone keypad of calling party names corresponding to their numbers, converts them to speech when there is a match with a calling party number and speaks them through the speaker.
The use of the keypad for entering text requires the user to understand which numbers or combination of numbers correspond to a given letter and to know the spelling of the calling party's name. Alternatively, a full keyboard can be used, but this would require a custom telephone for the Blakley system or would add to the expense ~d size of the Fujioka unit.
Speech generators typically have poor sound quality or are relatively expensive.
They also have a limited number of 'voices' from which to select and can have difficulty pronouncing all but the simplest of names.
Existing units do not provide for remote access of stored calling party information. Those with display only capability cannot interface with remote telephones 216 8 5 4 5 ~T~C~4/00424 to provide information. Fujioka cannot open the telephone line and therefore cannot accept a telephone call without a user being at the unit.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect, the invention provides an audio calling party identification unit for connection to a telephone line. The unit has a line input for receiving an identifying portion of a telephone call on the line from a calling party. It also has an audio input accessible to a user of the unit to input an audio message. There is storage for an audio message in audio form. A recording device provides recording into storage of an audio message received from the audio input. A user programmable table of concordance contains the location of an audio message in the storage and a corresponding identifying po~on of a user anticipated calling party. There is an audio output and a playback device for replaying messages from storage.
The unit deciphers the identifying portions of a calling party telephone call, ~arches the table of concordance to determine the location of corresponding audio messages and plays back the corresponding audio messages from the storage through the audio output.
The line input may have a controller to decipher the identifying portions of the calling party telephone call and search the table of concordance.
The audio input may have a controller and a telephone line interface. The controller would receive audio messages from the user and pass them to the recording device for storage. A microphone connected to the recording device may be part of the audio input.
WO 95/05045 Z ~ 6 g 5 4 5 PCT/CA94/00424 A telephone may be connected to the controller. The controller would record audio messages from the telephone. The controller may also receive audio messages from the line.
Control keys may be used to send signals to the controller to place the unit in a program mode for programming the table of concordance according to user instructions. The control keys can be signals received from the telephone, possibly touchtone signals.
Alternatively, the control keys may be signals received from the line, possibly touchtone signals, or signals from a keypad.
The recording device and the playback device can be one unit, possibly a solid state recorder.
The audio output may have a speaker. Alternatively, the audio output may use a telephone line interface and a controller. The playback device would play back messages through the interface and the controller to the line.
A microcontroller and memory can form part of the controller. The microcontroller would control the operation of the unit according to instructions stored In the memory.
The controller can also have a demodulator for connection to the line and decoding of calling party signals on the line into a serial digital data bit stream for the microcontroller. A receiver decoding touchtone signals can form part of the controller.
A relay could be used to selectively provide a ringing signal to the telephone after a call is received and before the call is answered. The controller deciphers the calling party signals, searches the table of concordance and plays back the corresponding audio 5 2 16 ~ 5 4 5 PCT/CA94100424 message while the unit is blocking the ringing signal. Alternatively, the relay can connect a telephone to the line when the user causes the telephone to go off hook. The relay may be connected to a telephone interface to play messages from and record messages to the record/playback device through the telephone.
The calling party number could be displayed by the unit. The unit may have a display driver and a display screen. Calling party information about each call received by ~e unit could be stored in memory. A voice synthesizer could form part of the unit for converting alphanumeric character messages conveying calling party information stored in memory into speech for playing through the audio output. The character messages might contain pre-stored messages for play back.
~ a ~cond aspect, the invention also provides an audio calling party identification unit for connection to a telephone line. The unit has a line input for receiving, from the line, the telephone number of a calling party and an audio input accessible to a user of the unit to input an audio message. There is also storage for an audio message in audio form and a recording device for recording in audio form into the storage an audio message received from the audio input. A user programmable table of concordance is used for relating the location of an audio message in the storage ~d a corresponding telephone number of a user anticipated calling party. There is an audio output and a playback device for replaying messages from storage. A
microcontroller controls the operation of the unit according to instructions stored in a memory, a receiver decodes touchtone signals and a demodulator connects to the line for decoding of calling party signals on the line into a serial digital data bit stream for the microcontroller. The unit has control keys. A relay can be used to suppress the ringing signal to the phone after a call is received and before the call is answered. The 216$54 relay connects a telephone to the line when the user causes the telephone to go off hook.
The unit deciphers the telephone number of a calling party, searches the table of concordance to determine the location of corresponding audio messages, and plays back the corresponding audio messages from the storage through the audio output while the unit is suppressing the ringing signal to the telephone. The microcontroller receives signals from the control keys and places the unit in a program mode, the unit programs the table of concordance according to user instructions when in program mode.
In a third aspect the invention also provides an audio calling party identification unit for connection to a telephone line. The unit has a line input for receiving from the line an identifying portion of a telephone call placed by a calling party.
There is storage for an audio message in audio form and a programmed table of concordance for relating the location of an audio message in storage to a corresponding identifying portion of a user anticipated calling party telephone call. There is an audio output and a playback device for replaying messages from storage. The unit deciphers the identifying portions of a calling party telephone call, searches the table of concordance to determine the location of corresponding audio messages, and plays back the corresponding audio messages from the storage through the audio output.
The unit may store audio messages, and the table may be programmed, prior to sale of the unit.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
For a better understanding of the present invention and to show more clearly how it may be carned into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example> to 2~ ~$~45 the accompanying drawings which show the preferred embodiment of the present invention and in which:
Figure 1 is a block diagram of an audio caller identification unit according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention connected between a telephone exchange and a user's telephone;
Figure 2 is a detailed block diagram of a controller in the unit of Figure 1;
and Figure 3 is a detailed block diagram of the unit of Figure 1.
MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Referring to Figure 1, audio caller identification unit 1 is connected between a line input, shown as an exchange 7, and a user's telephone 5. The exchange 7 may be a conventional telephone exchange or a private branch exchange (PBX), both being encompassed under the term "exchange 7" for the purpose of this description, that provides coded information corresponding to a calling party's number andlor name.
The unit 1 has audio message storage 11, a user programmable table of concordance 13, a record/playback device 14, a speaker 15, and a controller 17. The controller 17 is connected to the exchange 7, through a jack in the unit (not shown, but as is known in the art), and to the storage 11, the record/playback device 14 and the speaker 15.
'The controller 17 forms a user accessible audio input for audio messages from a handset 23 of the telephone 5. Other audio inputs may be used, such as a microphone 26 which could form part of the unit 1, or the controller 17 as an input for audio messages from a remote telephone, not shown, calling through the exchange 7.
The controller 17 also forms a line input for receiving calling party telephone calls.
The audio message storage 11 is a random access memory (RAM) integrated circuit (for example an Oki Semiconductor MSM6389 Solid State; Recorder Data Register), however magnetic tape or another storage medium, not shown, could be used, however their functions may be limited. The record/playback device 14 could be a solid state audio record playback integrated circuit or functionally similar digital recording unit. An example of a device 14 would be an Oki Semiconductor MSM6388 or MSM6588 ADPCM Solid State Recorder. This is a digital adaptive differential pulse code modulation device 14. Alternative technologies include analog RAM devices, such as Information Storage Devices ISD 1012A family, including both the device 14 and the audio storage 11.
The table 13 is stored in a general memory 19 connected to the controller 17.
If the storage is to be a RAM integrated circuit, the general memory 19 and the audio message storage 11 could use the same integrated circuit with conseqwent modification, however given the difFerent functions of storage 11 and general memory 19, as will be discussed below, it may be easier to keep the storage 11 and the general memory 19 separated.
The speaker 15 is an audio output for the unit. An example for another audio output is the telephone line interface 40 through a relay 17d and connected, directly or indirectly, to the exchange 7 and telephone S as described below with reference to Figures 2 and 3.
Referring to Figure 2, the controller 17 is composed of a microcontroller 17a (for example, a Microchip PIC16C57 or Motorola 8051), connected between an FSK
Control keys may be used to send signals to the controller to place the unit in a program mode for programming the table of concordance according to user instructions. The control keys can be signals received from the telephone, possibly touchtone signals.
Alternatively, the control keys may be signals received from the line, possibly touchtone signals, or signals from a keypad.
The recording device and the playback device can be one unit, possibly a solid state recorder.
The audio output may have a speaker. Alternatively, the audio output may use a telephone line interface and a controller. The playback device would play back messages through the interface and the controller to the line.
A microcontroller and memory can form part of the controller. The microcontroller would control the operation of the unit according to instructions stored In the memory.
The controller can also have a demodulator for connection to the line and decoding of calling party signals on the line into a serial digital data bit stream for the microcontroller. A receiver decoding touchtone signals can form part of the controller.
A relay could be used to selectively provide a ringing signal to the telephone after a call is received and before the call is answered. The controller deciphers the calling party signals, searches the table of concordance and plays back the corresponding audio 5 2 16 ~ 5 4 5 PCT/CA94100424 message while the unit is blocking the ringing signal. Alternatively, the relay can connect a telephone to the line when the user causes the telephone to go off hook. The relay may be connected to a telephone interface to play messages from and record messages to the record/playback device through the telephone.
The calling party number could be displayed by the unit. The unit may have a display driver and a display screen. Calling party information about each call received by ~e unit could be stored in memory. A voice synthesizer could form part of the unit for converting alphanumeric character messages conveying calling party information stored in memory into speech for playing through the audio output. The character messages might contain pre-stored messages for play back.
~ a ~cond aspect, the invention also provides an audio calling party identification unit for connection to a telephone line. The unit has a line input for receiving, from the line, the telephone number of a calling party and an audio input accessible to a user of the unit to input an audio message. There is also storage for an audio message in audio form and a recording device for recording in audio form into the storage an audio message received from the audio input. A user programmable table of concordance is used for relating the location of an audio message in the storage ~d a corresponding telephone number of a user anticipated calling party. There is an audio output and a playback device for replaying messages from storage. A
microcontroller controls the operation of the unit according to instructions stored in a memory, a receiver decodes touchtone signals and a demodulator connects to the line for decoding of calling party signals on the line into a serial digital data bit stream for the microcontroller. The unit has control keys. A relay can be used to suppress the ringing signal to the phone after a call is received and before the call is answered. The 216$54 relay connects a telephone to the line when the user causes the telephone to go off hook.
The unit deciphers the telephone number of a calling party, searches the table of concordance to determine the location of corresponding audio messages, and plays back the corresponding audio messages from the storage through the audio output while the unit is suppressing the ringing signal to the telephone. The microcontroller receives signals from the control keys and places the unit in a program mode, the unit programs the table of concordance according to user instructions when in program mode.
In a third aspect the invention also provides an audio calling party identification unit for connection to a telephone line. The unit has a line input for receiving from the line an identifying portion of a telephone call placed by a calling party.
There is storage for an audio message in audio form and a programmed table of concordance for relating the location of an audio message in storage to a corresponding identifying portion of a user anticipated calling party telephone call. There is an audio output and a playback device for replaying messages from storage. The unit deciphers the identifying portions of a calling party telephone call, searches the table of concordance to determine the location of corresponding audio messages, and plays back the corresponding audio messages from the storage through the audio output.
The unit may store audio messages, and the table may be programmed, prior to sale of the unit.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
For a better understanding of the present invention and to show more clearly how it may be carned into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example> to 2~ ~$~45 the accompanying drawings which show the preferred embodiment of the present invention and in which:
Figure 1 is a block diagram of an audio caller identification unit according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention connected between a telephone exchange and a user's telephone;
Figure 2 is a detailed block diagram of a controller in the unit of Figure 1;
and Figure 3 is a detailed block diagram of the unit of Figure 1.
MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Referring to Figure 1, audio caller identification unit 1 is connected between a line input, shown as an exchange 7, and a user's telephone 5. The exchange 7 may be a conventional telephone exchange or a private branch exchange (PBX), both being encompassed under the term "exchange 7" for the purpose of this description, that provides coded information corresponding to a calling party's number andlor name.
The unit 1 has audio message storage 11, a user programmable table of concordance 13, a record/playback device 14, a speaker 15, and a controller 17. The controller 17 is connected to the exchange 7, through a jack in the unit (not shown, but as is known in the art), and to the storage 11, the record/playback device 14 and the speaker 15.
'The controller 17 forms a user accessible audio input for audio messages from a handset 23 of the telephone 5. Other audio inputs may be used, such as a microphone 26 which could form part of the unit 1, or the controller 17 as an input for audio messages from a remote telephone, not shown, calling through the exchange 7.
The controller 17 also forms a line input for receiving calling party telephone calls.
The audio message storage 11 is a random access memory (RAM) integrated circuit (for example an Oki Semiconductor MSM6389 Solid State; Recorder Data Register), however magnetic tape or another storage medium, not shown, could be used, however their functions may be limited. The record/playback device 14 could be a solid state audio record playback integrated circuit or functionally similar digital recording unit. An example of a device 14 would be an Oki Semiconductor MSM6388 or MSM6588 ADPCM Solid State Recorder. This is a digital adaptive differential pulse code modulation device 14. Alternative technologies include analog RAM devices, such as Information Storage Devices ISD 1012A family, including both the device 14 and the audio storage 11.
The table 13 is stored in a general memory 19 connected to the controller 17.
If the storage is to be a RAM integrated circuit, the general memory 19 and the audio message storage 11 could use the same integrated circuit with conseqwent modification, however given the difFerent functions of storage 11 and general memory 19, as will be discussed below, it may be easier to keep the storage 11 and the general memory 19 separated.
The speaker 15 is an audio output for the unit. An example for another audio output is the telephone line interface 40 through a relay 17d and connected, directly or indirectly, to the exchange 7 and telephone S as described below with reference to Figures 2 and 3.
Referring to Figure 2, the controller 17 is composed of a microcontroller 17a (for example, a Microchip PIC16C57 or Motorola 8051), connected between an FSK
demodulator 17b (for example, Mitel MT8841 or Exar 2211 ), a DTMF decoder 17c (for example Mitel MT8870D or Sanyo LC7385) and a relay 17d (e;lectromechanical or solid state). The FSK
demodulator 17b and relay 17d provide the connection to the exchange 7. The relay 17d and decoder 17c are connected to the telephone 5.
Refernng again to Figure 1, the unit 1 may also have a visual display 28. The display 28 is made up of a panel 30, for example an LCD panel, at lleast capable of displaying alphanumeric characters. A display driver 24 is connected between the controller 17 and the panel 30.
Control keys 32 may be connected to the controller 17, however their function may also be performed by using a specific code, such as *... or ;~ ... at a keypad 34 of the telephone 5 that will be recognized by the controller 17 and operate the unit 1 in programming mode as will be discussed further below. A speech generator 18 may ~also be connected to the controller 17 and to the speaker 1 S.
Power to the unit can be provided by a battery or AC adapter, not shown.
Referring to Figure 3, the details of the controller 17 have been added to the block diagram of Figure 1. A phone line interface 40 is connected to the device 14 and the relay 17d.
The interface 40 could be a Cermetek Telephone Line Interface Module, also known as a DAA, CH1817. Input protection 42 is connected between the exchange 7, the relay 17d and the demodulator 17b in a manner known in the art.
In operation, the microcontroller 17a provides all control, communication and other functions to the other components of the unit 1 according to instructions stored in the microcontroller 17a. The demodulator 17b decodes t:he incoming calling party signals and presents them to the microcontroller 17a as a serial di,gital data stream. The decoder 17c decodes touch-tone signals from the keypad 34 and presents them to the microcontroller 17a as digital data. The relay 17d is a sed to isolate the telephone 5 from the exchange 7 when the unit 1 is in Programming Mode as will be discussed further below.
The unit 1 has programming, review, and monitoring modes. Its basic function is to recognize the number of a caller (decoded from callin~; number delivery, call display, or similar terminal-to-network interface on phone lines) and to e;ither read the number aloud or to play back a unique stored message assigned to that caller's number. A limited number of these unique messages can be recorded by the user for anticipated c;alling parties.
All audio playback of audio messages, in any rnode, is done through the record/playback device 14. The device 14 is connected to storage 11 t:hat may contain both factory-programmed messages for generic items such as the digits 0 through 9, "Blocked Call" or "Unknown Call", and user messages for customizing responses. The de,vice 14 outputs sound through an audio amplifier 44 not shown in Figure 1 but shown in Figure 3, to the speaker 1 S.
Depending on the device 14 used, a separate amplifier 44 may not be reduired, but would form part of the device 14.
1 S All user message recording is performed throu.gh the device 14. The device 14 is connected to storage 11 that permits the recording and retrieval of customized messages. The device 14 receives sound through the microphone 26 or the handset 23 through the interface 40 and places it in storage 11 under the control of the microcontroller 17a.
Programming Mode WO 95/05045 ~ PCT/CA94/00424 To program the unit l, a user will press one of the control keys 32 on the unit 1 or dial a specific code on the keypad 34. In order to operate the telephone 5 in this manner the telephone S must be in tone mode. For ease of use, the unit 1 may have a door, not shown, over the control keys 32 that automatically sends a signal to the microcontroller 17a to place the unit 1 in programming mode when the door is opened.
In programming mode, the unit 1 will disconnect the telephone 5 from the exchange 7 line and supply power to it. The microcontroller 17a activates the relay 17d to disconnect the telephone S from the exchange 7 and the interface 40 supplies power to the telephone 5 through relay 17d. The user may (optionally) be prompted at the display 28 or over the telephone 5 to enter a password through the keypad 34 or the control keys 32. The user will then be prompted to enter the number of a calling party.
If the number is already assigned to an audio message, then the user will be given the option of reviewing the message, deleting or changing the message, or returning to Monitoring Mode. If the user elects to record a message then the user speaks the message into a microphone 26 or through the handset 23 following a prompt. The message may be limited to a length of less than six seconds. If the handset 23 is to be used for recording or prompts to the user then the relay 17d will connect the telephone 5 to the device 14 through the interface 40. After recording a message, the user will again be given the choice of reviewing the message, recording a new message, or returning to monitoring mode.
If there is insufficient memory for further messages, the user will be informed via display 28 or the handset 23.
When programming is complete, unit 1 will re-connect the phone to the exchange 7 line. When the user programs the unit 1, the user provides an anticipated calling party number at the keypad 34 or the control keys 32 and a corresponding audio message through the handset 23 or the microphone 26. The calling party number is added to the table of concordance 13 and assigned a message number. The audio message is converted to digital data, maintaining the audio form of the message, by the device 14 and stored in a block of storage 11. The message numbers correspond to numbers for the audio memory blocks. The blocks can be of fixed lengths providing typically 6 seconds of audio recording capacity.
Programming may also be done remotely from a telephone, not shown, using the remote keypad and handset for the remote telephone, not shown. The access is described more fully under Review Mode below.
Review Mode This mode will allow the user to either review the stored messages or to review the information from incoming calls stored in memory in the same manner as they are reviewed in programming mode, but without the ability to change a message unless programming mode is entered.
For stored messages, the unit 1 will allow the user to use the control keys 32 and display on the display 28 or read aloud to the speaker 15 or handset 23 from memory 19 the calling party numbers that are assigned to messages and to play back the corresponding message from storage 11 to the speaker 15 or handset 23. The user may then directly enter program mode to review, change or delete messages as described previously, then return to Review Mode. If deletion is selected then the message and the calling party number will be removed from memory 19 and storage 11.
Selecting WO 95/05045 21 b $ 5 4 5 pCT/CA94100424 change will allow a new audio message to be recorded in the block corresponding to that calling party number. Selecting review will allow the user to listen to the message.
For incoming call information, the unit 1 will allow the user to list on the display 28, or over the handset 23 or the speaker 15, the information from incoming calls which are stored in memory 19. The user can move from one call's information to the next by pressing the control keys 32. The unit 1 may also allow continuous ~quential listing of information from incoming calls. For each call, this may include any or all of:
- time of call - date of call - name of caller (where name delivery is available) - calling party number - number of times that calling party called.
The unit 1 will store this information in general memory 19 for each incoming call, up to some maximum number of calls. The user may clear the general memory 19 of incoming call data during the review of infonnation from incoming calls.
As the unit 1 can deliver a signal to the exchange 7 line, the unit 1 could also read the recorded call information over a phone line when interrogated by the user from a remote location. The user would access unit 1 by calling the number to which unit 1 is c°nnected, after which unit 1 would open the line after a prescribed number of rings.
The user might then be required to enter a security code. Unit 1 would then read out all call information in its memory 19 over the phone line, to the interrogating party. The user might be required to use the keypad of his/her phone to access specific information in memory 19. This could be done by routing the exchange 7 line through the relay 17d and the decoder 17c to decode touchtone signals. Unit 1 might note the time of the user's call and only read off new calls during subsequent interrogation. Unit 1 could be set up to not open the line when the user initially calls, if there have been no calls to unit 1 since the previous interrogation, for purposes of saving on long distance costs at the user's end.
Monitoring Mode If the user does not activate any of unit l's functions for a given time interval while the unit 1 is in Programming Mode, then the unit 1 will automatically revert to Monitoring Mode. Additionally, the user may command the unit 1 while the unit 1 is in Programming Mode to return to Monitoring Mode using the control keys 32.
In Monitoring Mode, unit 1 is dormant until an incoming call arnves. The unit 1 ~en decodes the information presented by the network-to-terminal signals after the first ring package or sequence of rings that announces an incoming call. Some multiple number services send ring signals that are a group of two or three closely spaced rings separated by a silent period, instead of the usual single ring with a silent pause. The unit 1 stores the calling party number, the time and date of the call, and the calling party's name (if included in the network-to-terminal signals) in the memory 19. The unit 1 then compares the calling party's number with those assigned in the table 13 to messages in storage 11. If a match is found, then the message number is noted and the corresponding message is played aloud on speaker 15. The microcontroller 17a either calculates or looks up in a permanent table, not shown, the memory address corresponding to the message number and provides the address to the device 14 which 216 $ 5 4 5 PCT/CA94100424 plays back the message. If no match is found, then the calling party's number is simply read aloud over the speaker 15, using a pre-recorded message from storage 11 for each digit in the number, or each digit could be pronounced using the speech generator 18.
If the number is unavailable or long distance then an appropriate message can also be played that may be factory recorded if desired.
Alternatively, the actual memory locations in storage 11 for messages, i.e.
the s~rt ~d end locations, may be recorded in the table 13 with the calling party number when the user programs the unit 1. When a call is received and a match found in the table 13 then the message recorded at the location stored in the table 13 would be played. This permits the recording of messages of varying length.
The telephone 5 may be disabled while the message is read so that the telephone 5 will not ring at that time. Unit 1 may also announce from storage messages corresponding to pertinent information from the network-to-terminal signals or information derived from searching memory 19, such as "Long Distance Call", "Unknown Call", or "Blocked Call".
In Monitoring Mode, the controller 17 decodes the incoming name/number data from the incoming FSK signal and converts it to digital data. This data is then stored in memory 19 and also used in the audio message/number playback, as previously described.
After a message is read, the telephone 5 may resume ringing as normal.
Alternatively, the unit could provide a ringing sound or some other indication of a call on the exchange 7 line. The calling party's phone number, name (if available), and other relevant information will be presented on the alphanumeric display at the same time. The unit 1 will then return to Monitoring Mode. The message or number may be read aloud more than once.
The unit 1 could be adapted to process the tele;phone name of the calling party from the terminal-to-network interface signals (where provided) and read the name of the caller aloud. The sound could be generated using DSP, speech synthesis, or similar technology.
In this case the device 14 would be bypassed when using speech synthesis, however it would still be useful for a user to employ a voice that the user likes, for example that of a voice model or company receptionist, or to record and replay names that the generator 18 has difficulty pronouncing.
A simplified version of the unit could be produced which is not programmable by the user and only has factory programmed messages for generic items such as the digits 0 through 9, "Blocked Call" or "Unknown Call". Such a unit would not require a recording device or audio input. It would be relatively inexpensive.
20607311.1
demodulator 17b and relay 17d provide the connection to the exchange 7. The relay 17d and decoder 17c are connected to the telephone 5.
Refernng again to Figure 1, the unit 1 may also have a visual display 28. The display 28 is made up of a panel 30, for example an LCD panel, at lleast capable of displaying alphanumeric characters. A display driver 24 is connected between the controller 17 and the panel 30.
Control keys 32 may be connected to the controller 17, however their function may also be performed by using a specific code, such as *... or ;~ ... at a keypad 34 of the telephone 5 that will be recognized by the controller 17 and operate the unit 1 in programming mode as will be discussed further below. A speech generator 18 may ~also be connected to the controller 17 and to the speaker 1 S.
Power to the unit can be provided by a battery or AC adapter, not shown.
Referring to Figure 3, the details of the controller 17 have been added to the block diagram of Figure 1. A phone line interface 40 is connected to the device 14 and the relay 17d.
The interface 40 could be a Cermetek Telephone Line Interface Module, also known as a DAA, CH1817. Input protection 42 is connected between the exchange 7, the relay 17d and the demodulator 17b in a manner known in the art.
In operation, the microcontroller 17a provides all control, communication and other functions to the other components of the unit 1 according to instructions stored in the microcontroller 17a. The demodulator 17b decodes t:he incoming calling party signals and presents them to the microcontroller 17a as a serial di,gital data stream. The decoder 17c decodes touch-tone signals from the keypad 34 and presents them to the microcontroller 17a as digital data. The relay 17d is a sed to isolate the telephone 5 from the exchange 7 when the unit 1 is in Programming Mode as will be discussed further below.
The unit 1 has programming, review, and monitoring modes. Its basic function is to recognize the number of a caller (decoded from callin~; number delivery, call display, or similar terminal-to-network interface on phone lines) and to e;ither read the number aloud or to play back a unique stored message assigned to that caller's number. A limited number of these unique messages can be recorded by the user for anticipated c;alling parties.
All audio playback of audio messages, in any rnode, is done through the record/playback device 14. The device 14 is connected to storage 11 t:hat may contain both factory-programmed messages for generic items such as the digits 0 through 9, "Blocked Call" or "Unknown Call", and user messages for customizing responses. The de,vice 14 outputs sound through an audio amplifier 44 not shown in Figure 1 but shown in Figure 3, to the speaker 1 S.
Depending on the device 14 used, a separate amplifier 44 may not be reduired, but would form part of the device 14.
1 S All user message recording is performed throu.gh the device 14. The device 14 is connected to storage 11 that permits the recording and retrieval of customized messages. The device 14 receives sound through the microphone 26 or the handset 23 through the interface 40 and places it in storage 11 under the control of the microcontroller 17a.
Programming Mode WO 95/05045 ~ PCT/CA94/00424 To program the unit l, a user will press one of the control keys 32 on the unit 1 or dial a specific code on the keypad 34. In order to operate the telephone 5 in this manner the telephone S must be in tone mode. For ease of use, the unit 1 may have a door, not shown, over the control keys 32 that automatically sends a signal to the microcontroller 17a to place the unit 1 in programming mode when the door is opened.
In programming mode, the unit 1 will disconnect the telephone 5 from the exchange 7 line and supply power to it. The microcontroller 17a activates the relay 17d to disconnect the telephone S from the exchange 7 and the interface 40 supplies power to the telephone 5 through relay 17d. The user may (optionally) be prompted at the display 28 or over the telephone 5 to enter a password through the keypad 34 or the control keys 32. The user will then be prompted to enter the number of a calling party.
If the number is already assigned to an audio message, then the user will be given the option of reviewing the message, deleting or changing the message, or returning to Monitoring Mode. If the user elects to record a message then the user speaks the message into a microphone 26 or through the handset 23 following a prompt. The message may be limited to a length of less than six seconds. If the handset 23 is to be used for recording or prompts to the user then the relay 17d will connect the telephone 5 to the device 14 through the interface 40. After recording a message, the user will again be given the choice of reviewing the message, recording a new message, or returning to monitoring mode.
If there is insufficient memory for further messages, the user will be informed via display 28 or the handset 23.
When programming is complete, unit 1 will re-connect the phone to the exchange 7 line. When the user programs the unit 1, the user provides an anticipated calling party number at the keypad 34 or the control keys 32 and a corresponding audio message through the handset 23 or the microphone 26. The calling party number is added to the table of concordance 13 and assigned a message number. The audio message is converted to digital data, maintaining the audio form of the message, by the device 14 and stored in a block of storage 11. The message numbers correspond to numbers for the audio memory blocks. The blocks can be of fixed lengths providing typically 6 seconds of audio recording capacity.
Programming may also be done remotely from a telephone, not shown, using the remote keypad and handset for the remote telephone, not shown. The access is described more fully under Review Mode below.
Review Mode This mode will allow the user to either review the stored messages or to review the information from incoming calls stored in memory in the same manner as they are reviewed in programming mode, but without the ability to change a message unless programming mode is entered.
For stored messages, the unit 1 will allow the user to use the control keys 32 and display on the display 28 or read aloud to the speaker 15 or handset 23 from memory 19 the calling party numbers that are assigned to messages and to play back the corresponding message from storage 11 to the speaker 15 or handset 23. The user may then directly enter program mode to review, change or delete messages as described previously, then return to Review Mode. If deletion is selected then the message and the calling party number will be removed from memory 19 and storage 11.
Selecting WO 95/05045 21 b $ 5 4 5 pCT/CA94100424 change will allow a new audio message to be recorded in the block corresponding to that calling party number. Selecting review will allow the user to listen to the message.
For incoming call information, the unit 1 will allow the user to list on the display 28, or over the handset 23 or the speaker 15, the information from incoming calls which are stored in memory 19. The user can move from one call's information to the next by pressing the control keys 32. The unit 1 may also allow continuous ~quential listing of information from incoming calls. For each call, this may include any or all of:
- time of call - date of call - name of caller (where name delivery is available) - calling party number - number of times that calling party called.
The unit 1 will store this information in general memory 19 for each incoming call, up to some maximum number of calls. The user may clear the general memory 19 of incoming call data during the review of infonnation from incoming calls.
As the unit 1 can deliver a signal to the exchange 7 line, the unit 1 could also read the recorded call information over a phone line when interrogated by the user from a remote location. The user would access unit 1 by calling the number to which unit 1 is c°nnected, after which unit 1 would open the line after a prescribed number of rings.
The user might then be required to enter a security code. Unit 1 would then read out all call information in its memory 19 over the phone line, to the interrogating party. The user might be required to use the keypad of his/her phone to access specific information in memory 19. This could be done by routing the exchange 7 line through the relay 17d and the decoder 17c to decode touchtone signals. Unit 1 might note the time of the user's call and only read off new calls during subsequent interrogation. Unit 1 could be set up to not open the line when the user initially calls, if there have been no calls to unit 1 since the previous interrogation, for purposes of saving on long distance costs at the user's end.
Monitoring Mode If the user does not activate any of unit l's functions for a given time interval while the unit 1 is in Programming Mode, then the unit 1 will automatically revert to Monitoring Mode. Additionally, the user may command the unit 1 while the unit 1 is in Programming Mode to return to Monitoring Mode using the control keys 32.
In Monitoring Mode, unit 1 is dormant until an incoming call arnves. The unit 1 ~en decodes the information presented by the network-to-terminal signals after the first ring package or sequence of rings that announces an incoming call. Some multiple number services send ring signals that are a group of two or three closely spaced rings separated by a silent period, instead of the usual single ring with a silent pause. The unit 1 stores the calling party number, the time and date of the call, and the calling party's name (if included in the network-to-terminal signals) in the memory 19. The unit 1 then compares the calling party's number with those assigned in the table 13 to messages in storage 11. If a match is found, then the message number is noted and the corresponding message is played aloud on speaker 15. The microcontroller 17a either calculates or looks up in a permanent table, not shown, the memory address corresponding to the message number and provides the address to the device 14 which 216 $ 5 4 5 PCT/CA94100424 plays back the message. If no match is found, then the calling party's number is simply read aloud over the speaker 15, using a pre-recorded message from storage 11 for each digit in the number, or each digit could be pronounced using the speech generator 18.
If the number is unavailable or long distance then an appropriate message can also be played that may be factory recorded if desired.
Alternatively, the actual memory locations in storage 11 for messages, i.e.
the s~rt ~d end locations, may be recorded in the table 13 with the calling party number when the user programs the unit 1. When a call is received and a match found in the table 13 then the message recorded at the location stored in the table 13 would be played. This permits the recording of messages of varying length.
The telephone 5 may be disabled while the message is read so that the telephone 5 will not ring at that time. Unit 1 may also announce from storage messages corresponding to pertinent information from the network-to-terminal signals or information derived from searching memory 19, such as "Long Distance Call", "Unknown Call", or "Blocked Call".
In Monitoring Mode, the controller 17 decodes the incoming name/number data from the incoming FSK signal and converts it to digital data. This data is then stored in memory 19 and also used in the audio message/number playback, as previously described.
After a message is read, the telephone 5 may resume ringing as normal.
Alternatively, the unit could provide a ringing sound or some other indication of a call on the exchange 7 line. The calling party's phone number, name (if available), and other relevant information will be presented on the alphanumeric display at the same time. The unit 1 will then return to Monitoring Mode. The message or number may be read aloud more than once.
The unit 1 could be adapted to process the tele;phone name of the calling party from the terminal-to-network interface signals (where provided) and read the name of the caller aloud. The sound could be generated using DSP, speech synthesis, or similar technology.
In this case the device 14 would be bypassed when using speech synthesis, however it would still be useful for a user to employ a voice that the user likes, for example that of a voice model or company receptionist, or to record and replay names that the generator 18 has difficulty pronouncing.
A simplified version of the unit could be produced which is not programmable by the user and only has factory programmed messages for generic items such as the digits 0 through 9, "Blocked Call" or "Unknown Call". Such a unit would not require a recording device or audio input. It would be relatively inexpensive.
20607311.1
Claims (59)
1. An audio calling party identification unit for connection to a telephone line, the unit comprising:
A. a line input for receiving from the telephone line an identifying portion of a telephone call placed by a calling party;
B. an audio input to input an audio message prior to receiving an anticipated telephone call;
C. storage for the audio message in audio form;
D. a recording device for recording in audio form into the storage the audio message received from the audio input;
E. a programmable table of concordance for relating the location of the audio message in storage to a corresponding identifying portion of the anticipated telephone call;
F. an audio output; and G. a playback device for replaying audio messages from storage;
wherein the unit is adapted to decipher the identifying portion of a calling party telephone call, search the table of concordance by a controller in the line input to determine the location of corresponding audio messages, and play back to a called party the audio message corresponding to the calling party from the storage through the audio output.
A. a line input for receiving from the telephone line an identifying portion of a telephone call placed by a calling party;
B. an audio input to input an audio message prior to receiving an anticipated telephone call;
C. storage for the audio message in audio form;
D. a recording device for recording in audio form into the storage the audio message received from the audio input;
E. a programmable table of concordance for relating the location of the audio message in storage to a corresponding identifying portion of the anticipated telephone call;
F. an audio output; and G. a playback device for replaying audio messages from storage;
wherein the unit is adapted to decipher the identifying portion of a calling party telephone call, search the table of concordance by a controller in the line input to determine the location of corresponding audio messages, and play back to a called party the audio message corresponding to the calling party from the storage through the audio output.
2. A unit according to claim 1, wherein the programmable table of concordance is in a memory separate from the storage for the audio message.
3. A unit according to claim 1, wherein the audio input comprises a telephone line interface, wherein the controller receives the audio messages and passes them through the interface to the recording device for storage.
4. A unit according to claim 1, wherein the audio input comprises a microphone connected to the recording device.
5. A unit according to claim 1, wherein the unit is adapted to be connected to a telephone and the recording device is adapted to record audio messages from the telephone.
6. A unit according to claim 1, wherein the recording device is adapted to record audio messages from the telephone line.
7. A unit according to claim 1, further comprising control keys, and wherein the controller is adapted to receive signals from the control keys and to place the unit in a programming mode, the unit adapted to program the table of concordance according to user instructions when in programming mode.
8. A unit according to claim 7, wherein the controller is adapted to receive signals from a called party telephone to place the unit in programming mode and program the table of concordance.
9. A unit according to claim 8, wherein the signals from the called party telephone are touchstone signals.
10. A unit according to claim 7, wherein the controller is adapted to receive signals from the telephone line to place the unit in programming mode and program the table of concordance.
11. A unit according to claim 10, wherein the signals on the telephone line are touchstone signals.
12. A unit according to claim 7, further comprising a keypad and wherein the control keys are on a keypad.
13. A unit according to claim 7, further comprising a door over the control keys and wherein the unit is adapted to automatically place the unit into programming mode when the door is opened.
14. A unit according to claim 1, wherein the record device and the playback device are one record/playback device.
15. A unit according to claim 14, wherein the record/playback device is a solid state recorder.
16. A unit according to claim l, wherein the audio output comprises a speaker.
17. A unit according to claim 1, wherein the audio output comprises a telephone line interface, and wherein the playback device plays back the audio messages to the called party telephone through the interface and the controller.
18. A unit according to claim 1, wherein the controller comprises a micro controller and memory, the micro controller controlling the operation of the unit according to instructions stored in the memory.
19. A unit according to claim 18, wherein the controller further comprises a demodulator for connection to the telephone line and decoding of calling party signals on the telephone line into a serial digital data bit stream for the microcontroller.
20. A unit according to claim 18 or 19 wherein the controller further comprises a receiver for decoding touchstone signals.
21. A unit according to claim 1, wherein the controller further comprises a relay for suppressing a ringing signal to the called party after a call is received by the unit and before the call is answered at a telephone, and wherein the controller deciphers calling party signals on the telephone line to determine the identifying portions of the telephone call, searches the table of concordance and plays back the corresponding audio message while the unit is suppressing the ringing signal to the called party telephone during playback of the audio message.
22. A unit according to claim 21, wherein the relay is adapted to connect the telephone to the telephone line when the user causes the telephone to go off hook.
23. A unit according to claim 21, wherein the relay is connected to a telephone interface and the unit is adapted to play messages from and record messages to the record/playback device through the telephone interface and relay.
24. A unit according to claim 21, further comprising a display for displaying calling party information derived from the identifying portion of the telephone call.
25. A unit according to claim 24, wherein the display comprises a display driver and a display screen.
26. A unit according to claim 1, wherein the controller stores in memory calling party information about each call received by the unit.
27. A unit according to claim 26, wherein the audio output comprises a telephone line interface and a controller, the playback device playing back messages through the interface and the controller to the telephone line.
28. A unit according to claim 1, further comprising a speech generator for converting text messages conveying calling party information stored in memory into audio for playing through the audio output.
29. A unit according to claim 28, wherein the text messages contain pre-stored messages for play back.
30. A unit according to claim 1, wherein the identifying portion is the telephone number of the calling party.
31. A unit according to claim 1, wherein the identifying portion is the name of the calling party.
32. An audio calling party identification unit for connection to a telephone line, the unit comprising:
A. a line input for receiving, from the telephone line, the telephone number of a calling party;
B. an audio input for receiving an audio message prior to receipt of an anticipated telephone call;
C. storage for the audio message in audio form;
D. a recording device for recording in audio form into the storage the audio message received from the audio input;
E. a user programmable table of concordance for relating the location of the audio message in the storage to a corresponding telephone number of a user anticipated calling party;
F. an audio output;
G. a playback device for replaying audio messages from storage;
H. a microcontroller and memory, the micro controller controlling the operation of the unit according to instructions stored in the memory;
I. a receiver decoding touchstone signals;
J. a demodulator for connection to the telephone line and decoding of calling party signals on the telephone line into a serial digital data bit stream for the microcontroller;
K. control keys;
L. a relay for suppressing the ringing signal to the phone after a call is received by the unit and before the call is answered at the telephone, the relay being adapted to connect the telephone to the telephone line when the user causes the telephone to go off hook;
wherein the unit is adapted to decipher the telephone number of a calling party, from the calling party signal and search the table of concordance by a controller in the line input to determine the location of the corresponding audio messages, and to play back the corresponding audio messages from the storage through the audio output while the unit is suppressing the ringing signal to the telephone, and wherein the micro controller is adapted to receive signals from the control keys and to place the unit in a programming mode, the unit being adapted to program the table of concordance according to user instructions when in the programming mode.
A. a line input for receiving, from the telephone line, the telephone number of a calling party;
B. an audio input for receiving an audio message prior to receipt of an anticipated telephone call;
C. storage for the audio message in audio form;
D. a recording device for recording in audio form into the storage the audio message received from the audio input;
E. a user programmable table of concordance for relating the location of the audio message in the storage to a corresponding telephone number of a user anticipated calling party;
F. an audio output;
G. a playback device for replaying audio messages from storage;
H. a microcontroller and memory, the micro controller controlling the operation of the unit according to instructions stored in the memory;
I. a receiver decoding touchstone signals;
J. a demodulator for connection to the telephone line and decoding of calling party signals on the telephone line into a serial digital data bit stream for the microcontroller;
K. control keys;
L. a relay for suppressing the ringing signal to the phone after a call is received by the unit and before the call is answered at the telephone, the relay being adapted to connect the telephone to the telephone line when the user causes the telephone to go off hook;
wherein the unit is adapted to decipher the telephone number of a calling party, from the calling party signal and search the table of concordance by a controller in the line input to determine the location of the corresponding audio messages, and to play back the corresponding audio messages from the storage through the audio output while the unit is suppressing the ringing signal to the telephone, and wherein the micro controller is adapted to receive signals from the control keys and to place the unit in a programming mode, the unit being adapted to program the table of concordance according to user instructions when in the programming mode.
33. An audio calling party identification unit for connection to a telephone line, the unit comprising:
A. a line input for receiving from the line an identifying portion of a telephone call placed by a calling party;
B. storage for an audio message in audio form;
C. a programmed table of concordance for relating the location of the audio message in a storage to a corresponding identifying portion of a user anticipated calling party telephone call;
D. an audio output; and E. a playback device for replaying messages from storage:
wherein the unit is adapted to decipher the identifying portions of a calling party telephone call and search the table of concordance by a controller in the line input to determine the location of the corresponding audio messages, and to play back the corresponding audio messages from the storage through the audio output.
A. a line input for receiving from the line an identifying portion of a telephone call placed by a calling party;
B. storage for an audio message in audio form;
C. a programmed table of concordance for relating the location of the audio message in a storage to a corresponding identifying portion of a user anticipated calling party telephone call;
D. an audio output; and E. a playback device for replaying messages from storage:
wherein the unit is adapted to decipher the identifying portions of a calling party telephone call and search the table of concordance by a controller in the line input to determine the location of the corresponding audio messages, and to play back the corresponding audio messages from the storage through the audio output.
34. An audio calling party identification unit according to claim 33 wherein the audio message is stored, and the table is programmed prior to sale of the unit.
35. A unit according to claim 1, wherein the unit is a standalone unit from a called party telephone.
36. A unit according to claim 1, wherein the audio input is accessible to the called party so that the called party may record, during programming mode, the audio message in audio form corresponding to an identifying portion of an anticipated calling party telephone call, the location of the audio message being programmed into the table of concordance.
37. A unit according to claim 36, wherein the audio output comprises a speaker.
38. A unit according to claim 37, wherein the audio input comprises a microphone connected to the recording device.
39. A unit according to claim 38, wherein a ringing signal to the called party is suppressed during playback of the audio message after a call is received by the unit and before the call is answered at a telephone.
40. A unit according to claim 39, further comprising a display for displaying calling party information derived from the identifying portions of the calling party telephone call.
41. A unit according to claim 40, further comprising control keys for sending signals to place the unit into the programming mode and to program the table of concordance according to user instructions when in the programming mode.
42. A unit according to claim 41, wherein the audio output comprises a telephone line interface and a controller, and wherein the playback device is for playing back the audio messages through the interface and the controller to a called party.
43. A unit according to claim 42, wherein the controller comprises a microcontroller and memory, the microcontroller controlling the operation of the unit according to instructions stored in the memory.
44. A unit according to claim 43, wherein the controller further comprises a demodulator for connection to the telephone line and for decoding of calling party signals on the telephone line into a serial digital data bit stream for the microcontroller.
45. A unit according to claim 44, wherein the controller further comprises a receiver for decoding touchstone signals.
46. A unit according to claim 45, further comprising a speech generator for converting text messages conveying calling party information stored in memory into audio for playing through the audio output.
47. A unit according to claims 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 or 46 wherein the identifying portion comprises the telephone number of the calling party.
48. A unit according to claims 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 or 46 wherein the identifying portion comprises the telephone name of the calling party.
49. An audio calling party identification unit according to claim 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 or 46, wherein the unit is a standalone unit from a called party telephone.
50. A unit according to claims 1 or 36 wherein the storage contains factory generated audio messages.
51. A unit according to claim 34, wherein the audio output comprises a speaker.
52. A unit according to claim 51, wherein a ringing signal to the called party is suppressed during playback of the audio message after a call is received by the unit and before the call is answered at a telephone.
53. A unit according to claim 52, further comprising a display for displaying calling party information derived from the identifying portions of the calling party telephone call.
54. A unit according to claim 53, wherein the audio output comprises a telephone line interface and a controller, and wherein the playback device is for playing back the audio messages through the interface and the controller to a called party.
55. A unit according to claim 54, wherein the controller comprises a microcontroller and memory, the micro controller controlling the operation of the unit according to instructions stored in the memory.
56. A unit according to claim 55, wherein the controller further comprises a demodulator for connection to the line and for decoding of a calling party signals on the telephone lien into a serial digital data bit stream for the micro controller.
57. A unit according to claim 56, further comprising a speech generator for converting text messages conveying calling party information stored in memory into audio for playing through the audio output.
58. A unit according to claims 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56 or 57, wherein the identifying portion comprises the telephone name of the calling party.
59. A unit according to claims 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56 or 57, wherein the identifying portion comprises the telephone number of the calling party.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US08/103,450 | 1993-08-06 | ||
| US08/103,450 US5481594A (en) | 1993-08-06 | 1993-08-06 | Audio caller identification unit |
| PCT/CA1994/000424 WO1995005045A1 (en) | 1993-08-06 | 1994-08-04 | Device for acoustic identification of calling parties on telephone systems |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2168545A1 CA2168545A1 (en) | 1995-02-16 |
| CA2168545C true CA2168545C (en) | 1999-10-19 |
Family
ID=22295246
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002168545A Expired - Lifetime CA2168545C (en) | 1993-08-06 | 1994-08-04 | Audio caller identification unit |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US5481594A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU7380094A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2168545C (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1995005045A1 (en) |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6310940B1 (en) | 1966-12-16 | 2001-10-30 | Ncr Corporation | Personal computer interactive phone system |
| US6038443A (en) * | 1992-01-29 | 2000-03-14 | Luneau; David J. | Calling party announcement apparatus |
| US6385312B1 (en) * | 1993-02-22 | 2002-05-07 | Murex Securities, Ltd. | Automatic routing and information system for telephonic services |
| US5764731A (en) * | 1994-10-13 | 1998-06-09 | Yablon; Jay R. | Enhanced system for transferring, storing and using signaling information in a switched telephone network |
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-
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- 1993-08-06 US US08/103,450 patent/US5481594A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1994
- 1994-08-04 AU AU73800/94A patent/AU7380094A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1994-08-04 CA CA002168545A patent/CA2168545C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1994-08-04 WO PCT/CA1994/000424 patent/WO1995005045A1/en active Application Filing
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US5481594A (en) | 1996-01-02 |
| AU7380094A (en) | 1995-02-28 |
| WO1995005045A1 (en) | 1995-02-16 |
| CA2168545A1 (en) | 1995-02-16 |
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| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLC | Lapsed (correction) | ||
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Effective date: 20140804 |