JP2002528967A - High-performance answering machine - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] The present invention is directed to a method and an apparatus for providing a telephone service to a user. When the second party tries to make a call using the switch while the user is on a call with the first party via the switch, the user is busy with the second party And a method and device for communicating the user and letting the user choose to interrupt or make another choice. At that time, the user can choose to put the first call on hold and connect to the second party or reject it. As embodied as an option, the user can know the identity of the second partner, so that the user can choose to connect or reject. If the second party is refused the connection, the second call is sent to the message center. In another embodiment, a user can recognize in advance a call that is really important, and can connect a new call by interrupting an existing call.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the field of telephony and high performance answering machine services that telephone companies can provide to their customers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION For several years, telephone companies have provided an answering machine service when a customer has made a reservation. If the customer has booked an answering machine service and the second party calls while the customer is talking to the first party, the customer receives another call over the phone. You hear a warning sound telling you that you are there. At that time, the customer can use the flash hook to make a call to the telephone company, wait for the first party to talk, and connect to the second party. By doing so, the customer can have a conversation with the second partner. However, there is no way for the customer to know if the second opponent is urgent when the beep sounds, or if the second opponent is more important than the first opponent.

[0003] New methods for informing customers may soon be implemented. For example, Integrated Services Digital Network (ISD)
In the network field, it will be possible in the future to use digital signal lines to signal that a customer is calling. Also, in ISDN, customers can receive calls even if they are connected or talking to other parties. Such a call can be made at the customer's telephone device or a separate terminal. In addition, Calling Line Identif
communication, hereinafter referred to as CLID), it is possible to receive information about the second call. This information is displayed on the customer's device. By receiving this information, that is, by the telephone number of the caller, the customer is allowed to choose whether to wait or connect. Other items can be obtained from the following documents. For example, AT & T reference 5 ESS ISDN Basic Rate
Interface Spec., 5E6 Software Publishing, Volume "National ISDN-1" Document Number
NO.SR-NWT-001937, February 1991, volume "National ISDN-2", document number No.SR-NWT-
002120, May 1991, AT & T literature "5ESS Switch-The Premier Solution"
Feature Handbook ”Document No. 235-390-500, September 1987, referenced and referenced by all of these. However, ISDN does not allow the other party to determine whether the call is urgent, Or providing the user with notice that was drawn in or disclosed by the other party.

An object of the present invention is to display the importance of a second telephone first while waiting for the call when the second telephone arrives without interrupting the customer. It aims to solve the problem by providing a high-performance answering machine. The present invention is based on the fact that when a new call is received, the customer can receive the information so that the customer can determine what action to take.

(Summary of the Invention) As an overall explanation, the present invention is based on the fact that when a user is talking to a first party via a telephone switch, a call is simultaneously received from a second party. In such a case, there is provided a method and apparatus for providing a high-performance answering machine function to a user. According to the present invention, receiving a call command when a call between the second party and the user begins. In general, telephone instructions are shaped by the telephone number of the user entered on the telephone by a second party. If the user's phone is actually busy, send a sincere word to the second party to the second party, for example, include a useful reply function for the second party And allow you to enter other commands. Sincere words include commands that can be entered by the other party, or commands that refuse to the other party while the sincere words are being issued. In any case, the method and apparatus allows a command to be entered into a second party as long as they wish. On the other hand, if no message is entered, the call will be handled using the already prepared form. The command includes, for example, a case where a number of codes or codes other than the display are input from the telephone input key of the second party. The command includes another command or a command that is recognized by a computer device and translated by voice. Speech recognition devices have recently become possible, and are actually embodied in some computers, and will not be discussed here. The technology in those products may be replaced with a voice command for the command described in the input key if there is a more appropriate voice recognition auxiliary device. If desired, the command hierarchy can be selected from one or the other. Additionally or alternatively, in some expressions, the method and apparatus displays a honest phrase asking the second party based on the call to match the name or purpose. Suppose a command is entered by a second person (or if their names and other information match, in which case the spoken name and other information of that person would constitute the command). At that time, if there is a command input by a call from a second person and the user is found to have a higher priority than the code of the person who was speaking before, a warning sound or other sound will be heard on the user's telephone. Can be heard.

[0006] Example Figure 1 of the adjustment switch is an example of a configuration of a high-performance voice mail system 40 of the present invention. This embodiment is for controlling an installed switchboard using the apparatus and method of the present invention, for example, directly at the telephone company's central office. Another embodiment is to embed a control switch described below, which is the device invention of the present invention. By embedding switches, additional features can be obtained that were not possible using switches that were currently located at telephone company centralized centers.

When a plurality of users are connected to the high-performance answering machine system 40, the telephone 1
One user using 0 is clearly illustrated in FIG. The telephone 10 is a standard telephone, connected to a switch 20 at the telephone company's centralized center, or to another exchange, and even to a PBX switch.

[0008] A number of other callers have telephones 11 and 12, which are also directly or through a public telephone network switch (P
The connection is made via an public switched network (PSTN) 30. Whether or not the other caller is a user of the intelligent answering machine system 40 determines whether or not to provide this service. in this way,
The smart answering service may be provided to all users connected to the switch, or may be provided only to the person who purchased the service.

The high performance answering machine system 40 includes a software-managed and programmed call processor 50 that contributes to the configuration of the high performance answering machine system 40, as will be described below. The programmed call processor 50 is preferably paired with the switch 20 at the telephone company's centralized center via a telephone line or, preferably, via a data link 54, or other suitable communication device 52. Has become. The data link 54 is preferred for providing information about the caller's requirements and personal information, as well as the reason that the call is distributed. For example, DMS10 manufactured by Northern Telecom
0 switch provides a simplified message desk interface (Simplifi
The ed Message Desk Interface (SMDI) data link provides preferably organized information. From hardware specifications, the call processor is 19
This is described and embodied in U.S. Patent Application No. 07 / 480,242, filed February 15, 1990, which is incorporated in this description. U.S. Patent Application No. 0
7 / 480,242 describes a computer 56 included in the call processor and an interface 58 with which the telephone line 52 interacts. Computer 56 is well known in the art as a general industrial device, such as an error-tolerant computer such as the Stratus R-5, or a well-known IBM personal computer type personal computer. It is preferable to use an Intel 486 chip having a disk controller (such as a UNIX (registered trademark) operating system) or a chip having a higher performance. Telephone line interface 58 is provided by a card inserted into computer 56. It is of the type like the Model D41B interface card manufactured by Dialogic. The SMDI data link 54 is connected to the computer 56 via the computer's RS232 serial port.

The telephone line group 52 is constituted by the data link 54 when one or more lines in the telephone line group 52 receive a call by the smart answering system 40. The message information passes through the switch 20 in the telephone company's centralized
It indicates who called the person via the DI data link and, if possible, the reason for the call, such as the telephone number of the called party and personal information of the called party. This latter feature is known by several names. Automatic number identification display function (Automatic Number Identific
ation (hereinafter ANI) and calling line identification function (Calling Line Identification)
, Hereinafter referred to as CLID). CLID is preferred over ANI, because it displays the direct number rather than the representative number of the third party. For most telephone users, ANI and CLID are the same, but the direct extension (Direct
This is probably not the case when using the Inward Dial (DID) at work. The telephone line group 52 is characterized in that it is provided by the switch 20 of the telephone company's centralized center, known as the communication capacity.

When the other party is busy or absent, the user of the high-performance answering machine system 40 has a feature that the switch 20 can be used from the telephone 10. If the user's telephone 10 is busy due to a call from one person (for example, a call from the telephone 11), and if the call matches from another person at that time (for example, a call from the telephone 12). In some cases) the use of switch 20 results in a busy voice mail system 40 connection. The user's telephone 10 can use the switch 20 as busy. The switch 20 can be used even when the user of the telephone 10 cannot answer the telephone. As you can often see,
To properly switch to a high quality answering machine, state the following: The switch 20 at the telephone company's centralized center is located at the telephone company's centralized center, such as the 5ESS switch commercialized by AT & T, to prioritize (or ignore) the busy state of the user's telephone. This is realized by using a “call waiting function” that can generally use the switch 20.

[0012] From this case, it can be seen that the user is connected to the terminal group in order to make the call waiting function function effectively.

The user's high-performance answering machine system 40 has an organized database 55
More efficiently, the telephone number of the other party is displayed. At that time, the computer managed by the program proves who is the user or not, and reads out the stored notices and various management parameters.

This high-performance answering machine system 40 has the following functions. If the caller attempts to make a call to the user 10 from the telephone 11 or 20, and the user's telephone is busy at that time, the switch 20 at the centralized center is directed to the telephone line group 52. As in the flowchart of FIG. 2, a computer 56 in a call processor 50 in a smart answering machine system 40 is waiting for a call coming from one of the telephone lines. This waiting is controlled by repetition 62. When a call arrives, it attempts at steps 64, 70, 76, and 80 to answer the call and answer the call over the SMDI data link. Attempted step 64 determines that a call from a group of telephone lines has arrived and determines whether the call from the user is direct or forwarded. If the call is not from the user (either directly or by transfer), the SMDI includes the ANI or CLID that could not be found in database 55. If the ANI or CLID identifies the user's phone and is displayed by the database 55, the SMDI determination code is message D (for the user's direct call), message N (the user's phone). For when there is no response from), message (letter)
B (if the user's phone is busy). At step 64, a process when an incorrect call is received is shown. Proceed to step 66, advise on proper usage, hang up, return to steps 60 and 62 via step 68. The information is conveyed by the device determining whether it is correct or not and storing it. For example, it is stored in the database 55.

When a call comes in from a group of telephone lines accepted from a user's telephone, the user's telephone number is unified when answering, based on data stored in the database 55 by, for example, ANI or CLID. One of message D, message N and message B is responded from the SMDI response code. When it is message D, in trial step 70, the call from the user is a direct call from the user and not a previous call. In such a case, the user is asked for a personal identification number (PIN) in step 72 and undertakes whether the personal identification number has been correctly entered (in the database 55, the user's personal identification number). Is stored). Then, the user can listen to the previously recorded message 55 stored in the database 55. Or
You can confirm that nothing has been recorded. According to the prior art, it can of course be deleted from the database 55. In step 74, the program returns to step 62 again.

Step 76, when the SMDI response code is message N, is when the user cannot answer the call, but when the switch at the centralized center responds with the reason. In step 78, the high answering machine 40 sends a response message (database 55) stating that the user is absent from the calling party.
Then, at step 86, the caller is prompted to leave a message, and the caller's message is recorded and stored in the database 55. This is a well-known technique. If the message waiting indication (MWI) is enabled on the user's phone, as in step 90, the MWI is set on the user's phone from step 92. . This function can be represented by, for example, displaying the user's telephone display portion in red when the user has a waiting message.

In step 80, when the SMDI response code responds to message B, that is, when the user's phone is busy and previously connected to smart telephone answering machine system 40. In such a case, at step 82, the caller is prompted to indicate that the phone is busy, to enter a command or code, and to state the requirements or name at the tone or to send a message without hanging up. I will leave it. If the command or code was not properly entered at step 84, the caller is required to leave a simple message at step 86 and the message is recorded at step 86. When the caller enters the complete command or code at step 84, smart answering system 40 responds by entering the appropriate command or code, including the entered command. If appropriate, switch 88 at the telephone company's centralized center in step 88
Send a signal to 0. According to the AT & T product 5ESS switch, the signal includes indicating a special connection code, and the call waiting function is activated by the user's home telephone number. This number is assigned to one of various numbers for the user, and a different number is assigned to each user. It is connected through the activation of a special alert device and can handle the call waiting function as you like. Thereafter, the system 40 hangs up and returns to repeating steps 60 and 62.
Switch 20 being answered by a call waiting function constituted by 5ESS
Will sound a tone to alert the user that the caller is waiting while the user is using the telephone, thereby alerting the user to the presence of the caller. The other switches are when there is no call waiting function and are described above. However, when switches in such centralized centers were used,
Another technique is to provide the user 10 from the system 40 when another call is being received.
If a call comes in, a high-performance answering machine can do just that.

As described above, when it is an urgent matter or an important call, it can be notified to the user. If the user is enabled for a distinctive calling device using 5ESS, when the call is forwarded by the call waiting function, the call waiting signal heard by the user will serve the function of the user's telephone number. And that it is connected to the user.

As can be understood from this technology, the identification call can manage a plurality of telephone numbers composed of a plurality of lines and telephones by connecting the calling method with distinctiveness by telephone numbers. . In this case, the high-performance answering machine can receive emergency information from the caller with a little conversion, and can make a call to the emergency type emergency number for that time. Alternatively, a smart answering machine system can selectively place a call to a telephone number constituted by the user's telephone line for the caller's CPID mechanism. C
The PID is the caller ID, which can be obtained by ANI, CLID or information entered by the caller. A high-performance answering machine activates a call waiting function with a telephone number composed of unusual emergency / important calls, and performs special transmission / reception to the user's telephone which requires it. For the number selection, one of the numbers configured in the telephone identification device on the user's telephone is selected. When the user is on the phone with the first party, the user can be identified by a standby tone indicating its importance rank, either directly from the caller or by a CPID call. Although this particular mechanism is not described in the diagram of FIG. 2, techniques in the field may be included and modified. 3 and 4A to 12 for the other high-performance answering machine system.
Describes this technology as well as other additional technologies.

The above-described function of the high-performance answering machine operates as follows. Assuming that Pat is trying to call Bob. She calls Bob and Bob has not called. The centralized center will then call Bob's house and call him. Bob and Pat are now talking over the phone.

Now, when Bob and Pat are talking, Fred wants to call Bob. At this time, Bob's phone is busy, so the centralized center tells him that Bob's phone is busy. At that time, Bob receives a second call from Fred from the smart answering machine system 40. The smart answering machine answered the call and provided the correct ANI (due to being called from Bob's database 55 and Bob's number).
And it is determined that the call has been received from the SMDI response code "B". That means that Bob's phone is in use, and a polite message at that time calls, for example, "Sorry, Bob is talking right now. If you want to talk to Bob right now, press 1. Tell Bob that you have a call, or leave a message while you're on the phone. " If,
When he needs to talk to Bob and Fred presses one, smart answering machine system 40 will send a signal to the public switch (typically a flash hook to get a second telephone ring tone). fuck), call with the call waiting code, and then call Bob's home phone number. When Bob is answering the call, his call is typically sent to the smart answering system 40 as busy. However, priority has been given to the fact that a call waiting code was sent from the high-performance answering machine service and that the line was prepared by providing the high-performance answering machine system 40, and that the line was busy on Bob's house telephone line. Bob hears the tones (usually tones and beeps) and knows that there is a call. Furthermore, the call from Fred was passed on to Bob,
Bob hears the ringing tone, tries to suspend the call with Pat, flashflashes, and picks up a second call. System 40 forwards the call from Fred without having Bob wait. That function is provided by a switch 20 located at the telephone company's centralized center.

In this system, the call to the majority of Bob is sent to Bob without operating the smart answering machine system 40. Only when Bob is busy or cannot answer the call is he connected to the smart answering machine system 40. Of course, by modifying or changing the program, it is also possible to make only "the response when talking", "only the response when going out", or to disable the function. In various cases, the high-end answering machine system 40 can provide this function by equipping the telephone company's centralized switch with less expensive equipment. In addition, there is no need to modify the software of the switch and to waste time and troublesome procedures. Furthermore, the smart answering machine system 40 connects to the calling party only for a short period of time to play a polite message, and until a reply is received (or until the reply time is exceeded), and In terms of means, a high-performance answering machine can provide the above functions to customers with a small number of computers. These features are the preferred use of interrupts, and high performance answering machine system 40 can handle a large number of call transfers to multiple users simultaneously.

The flowchart of FIG. 2 is an embodiment of the invention of a switch in a centralized center currently used in the United States. The call waiting function within these field technologies is:
It is a special feature of the T & T 5ESS switch, but uses a different switch for the mechanism described above.

However, low capacity switches are still offered to customers for transfer or next call. Such switches are commonly called step-by-step or crossbar switches. Having the unique switch as part of a smart answering machine according to the present invention using such a switch is described below as another feature of the present invention. FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of a high-performance answering machine system including an embedded switch. The functionality of this embodiment is independent of the switches in the centralized center, and its implementation has many advantages.

First, as described above, with additional features. Second, while using a number of different types of switches already used in the telephone company's switch centers to create these functions, a high-performance answering machine system simply puts a single switch. It is possible to provide functions easily as much as you can use it. Third, it is desirable that these functions can be used by the user by changing the physical state. US Patent Application No. filed February 15, 1990
. According to 07 / 480,242, it is stated that the preference for the user is to be able to select one telephone number regardless of their physical condition. The effect of those phone numbers is like going from home to work or something else by car. In conclusion, the answering machine provided by the method and apparatus described herein is more uniform with the implementation that the computer 56 controls only one type of switch ( Easier to control and deliver),
This is also possible when the embedded switch 20 'is provided in a high-performance answering machine system. Although this embodiment is possible with the use of complex switches, the use of a high performance simple switch is a better solution. It simplifies the program and allows for a great centralization within the telephone environment, as seen by users of the public telephone system.

Overview of embedded switch FIGS. 4 to 12 show flowcharts according to the embodiment of FIG. Regarding the embedded switch 20 ', in this embodiment, LNX2000 manufactured by Excel Co., Sagamore, Mass. Is preferred.

Those having such skills within the present technology will recognize that the nature of the technology described hereinafter is sensitive to non-embedded switches 20. Included are AT & T 5ESS or Northern Telecom DMS100 switches,
This is also true of the switches commonly used by telephone companies today. Hereinafter, the embedded switch in the high-performance answering machine system will be described.

In FIG. 3, a high-performance answering machine including a call processing processor 50 managed and programmed by software and having an embedded switch 20 ′ is a high-performance answering machine system described below. The programmed call processor is connected to the serial port of the computer 56 via the control link 53 and is also connected to the embedded switch 20 via the telephone line group 52. The call processor in terms of hardware is described in U.S. Pat. 07 / 480,242 and is disclosed in this description. U.S. Patent Application No. The call processor, as described in 07 / 480,242, includes a computer 56 and an interface 58 that affects the telephone line 52 from the computer 56. Computer 56 is an industrially-made device that is well known in the art, ie, a computer that is error-tolerant such as, for example, the Slatus R-5, or a personal computer that is well-known, such as an IBM personal computer. And a disk operating system (such as a UNIX operating system) with an Intel 486 chip or more. The telephone interface 58 is connected to the computer 56 by a card. An embedded switch 20 ', such as the D41B manufactured by Dialogic, for example, is typically connected to the PSTN 30 via a telephone company switch (for fee reasons). Operatively, the embedded switch is connected directly to the PSTN 30. Interface 58 is embedded device 20 '
And a telephone line 52. Embedded switch 20 'is switch 2
0 via a direct extension line (DID) trunk line 51.

Each user 10 of the system preferably has a unique personal telephone number identified by switch 20 ′ (that is, when a unique personal telephone number is used on the PSTN 30, the call is switched to switch 20). Via '.) The user can also determine the other telephone company's switch on the PSTN instead of the personal telephone number. If the other (ie, remote) telephone switch is provided to the user 10, it is desirable to make a call via the embedded switch without adding to the fee paid by the user.

Each user can connect to one or more people's locations. (
Preferably, the telephone numbers of the various telephones where the user is located are different (for each telephone). In this way, the calling party 11 wants to make a call to the user 10, and the calling party 11 uses the user's unique personal telephone number, and the call is switched to the user 10 at some terminal location by the switch 20. As a complete use of ', switch 20' forwards the call of the called party to the user from the telephone number in database 55 relating to the user's location. The telephone number relating to the user's whereabouts is recognized as a telephone number kept secret by the PSTN, and the user uses the basic telephone number and uses the switch 20 'to notify the user of the user's location. It is possible to transfer calls.

Referring to FIGS. 4 to 12, FIG. 4 to FIG. 6 show the control process when a call is received. It has a function of searching for stored messages and / or allowing the user to make selections in the administrative mode allowed for the user (when the telephone number of the location is known).

FIGS. 7 to 12 are flowcharts showing how to handle a call from a third party's telephone when they are called. If the call is from a user, it is allowed to enter the PIN and enters the management mode described with reference to FIGS. From the flow diagrams of the computer programs represented by FIGS.
It is operated in.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a procedure for notifying the user when the called party has not been connected to the user. Thus, this form is provided by a computer program and is known to be included in the main computer as a notification procedure to the user, and this program is operated on the computer 56. From the computer 56, both the call management system of the main computer and the user notification system of the main computer can be operated at the same time, and it is desirable that they be provided when proceeding with the process from nothing. further,
These procedures must be ones that can be provided for different connections at the same time as a technology within the technical field, and must be operated independently by different processes in the flow chart. Is required.

I. The procedure from the main computer call control procedure step 100 is a flow chart of the main computer call control procedure.
This is software control operated in the computer 56. This program controls the embedded switch 20 'and the telephone interface 58 to perform the functions of a high performance answering machine. The user notification procedure of the main computer, which is separate and related to the software program, can be seen from these flowcharts and starts at step 900 and is executed by the computer 56.

The calling control procedure of the main computer starts at step 100. In step 100, it is determined by the switch 20 'whether a call is received. Control is repeated until step 102 and continues until a call arrives. Then, in step 104, which is the path of the point control, the computer 56 performs the automatic number identification display function (
Automatic Number Identification (hereinafter ANI), calling line display function (Cal
ling Line IDentificaion (hereinafter CLID) and / or caller display function (C
Alling Party IDentification (CPID) is checked for the call. Since the ANI is based on the number on the bill, the special personal information of the called party cannot be obtained with high reliability. CLID is good because it is revealed by special telephone line information when a call is made. The CPID may specifically represent the caller's personal information. From this embodiment, it is preferred that the caller make an external call via embedded switch 20 '. In such a case, CLI
D is configured using a special line using switch 20 'for outbound calls. Thereby, the CPID preferably reveals personal information about whether or not the call is from a special person, and preferably displays the telephone number of the calling line, regardless of their telephone location. With this general feature, it is possible to obtain personal information of the person who called from the relationship of the CPID. It is envisioned that the system could be used to accurately determine who to call, and thereby control those calls appropriately. Imagine that the user can use a technique called hotline service by the user by automatically connecting the partial switch 20 and the embedded switch 20 'to the smart answering system 40 when the handset is picked up. it can. Thus, when the user picks up the handset, his CPID is examined at step 104 and the process continues to step 108.

The CPID is distributed to the switch via a different meaning number, but is generally known in the art and includes Group D trunking technology, called party There are ID lines. It also includes a personal identification number (PIN) entered by the calling party. By comparing the CPID with the number stored in the database 55, the computer 56 is called from the user's system (eg, when the user is looking up a message from home or entering a service). If the call is recognized, proceed to step 108. If the system determines that the CPID does not match the user's system, it proceeds via step 106 to step 400 labeled "Others."

At step 108, the system relays the call from user 10 to the switch, connects to an available port on telephone interface 58, and proceeds to step 112, where user 10 says “Good morning. Get a phone tone or other response, such as This and other messages are stored in database 55 along with telephone numbers and addresses, unique voice responses, PIN numbers, accurate CPIDs, and various control parameters described below. Steps 114, 118, 13
In the repetition loop formed by step 4, the correct PIN code is used by the user (before being allowed to use the message to the user or use the programmed function).
A conclusion is drawn at step 114 by seeing if it has been entered from. If the correct PIN code is found (for example, by using a * or # character at the front), the process 200 with the connection label of "Main Menu"
Proceed via step 116 to

If the correct PIN code has not been entered, proceed to step 118 where a decision is made when it is time out or the PIN code has been entered too many times. If the maximum limit has been reached, proceed to step 120 labeled "Thank you". If not, go to step 134,
It is determined whether or not the user 10 has entered a telephone number for an outside call. If so, the process proceeds to step 136; otherwise, the process returns to step 114.

From the connection step 120, labeled “Thank You”, we immediately proceed to step 122, where the user or caller responds with “Thank you ... goodbye”. Then, the process proceeds to Step 124 labeled “Disconnect from Port”, and then proceeds to Step 126. The computer 56 then instructs the telephone interface 58 to release the port for this call. Proceed to step 128 labeled "Disconnect from Switch" and then to step 130. The computer 56 then instructs the switch 20 'to release the remaining assigned and assigned switch for this call, thereby disconnecting the call. Proceed to step 132, where control returns to the beginning of the main computer call control procedure.

At step 136, the embedded switch 20 ′ is commanded to grab a possible outside line channel or port and call the telephone number entered at step 134. An extension call from the user 10 is connected by an outside line channel. Step 1
At 38, switch 20 'connects this outside line call (unless otherwise specified).
And when it finds a disconnect indication in the channel, it disconnects its configured switch and automatically disconnects the call.

[0041] from marked with process 200 of the label of the "main menu", immediately proceeds to step 202, "Hello, there message is (number) through to you. To listen to the message, press 1. The system Press 2 to select, press 3 to select the list. " Then, the process proceeds to step 204 having a label of “Repeat main menu”, and immediately proceeds to step 206. Therefore, it is determined whether the user has pressed the number “1”. If not, go to step 216. When the number “1” is pressed, the process proceeds to step 208. The user is then given the opportunity to listen to the message of another person's voice and can decide to leave or delete it if desired. Then, in step 210, a determination is made whether the user has selected to return to the main menu. If so, return to step 200. Otherwise, proceed to step 212 to check if the user is still online because it is determined that there is no more command input from the user, or because he has found a disconnection instruction. If it is determined that the user is still online, the process returns to step 208. If the user disconnects the line, or if no command has been entered within the time limit, the process proceeds from step 212 to step 124 labeled "Disconnect Port" via step 214.

When the user does not press the number “1” in the above-described portion, the process proceeds to step 216, where it is determined whether the user has pressed the number “2”. If not, the process proceeds to step 218 labeled "when 3 is pressed", and if the user presses the number "2", the process proceeds to step 220. Therefore, the user should press 1 for normal selection, 2 for VIP selection, 3 for voice selection, and 4 for call number selection. "
Is prompted. Proceeding to step 222, the user is then given the opportunity to select a selection scheme and store this selection as the latest scheme for the smart answering system to manage someone else's call. Then, the process proceeds to step 224, where the user 1
It is determined whether 0 has selected to return to the main menu. When the return selection is made, the process returns via step 226 to step 200 labeled "Main Menu". If the user did not decide to return to the main menu in step 224, go to step 228. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the user 10 is still online, based on whether there is no further command input from the user or whether a disconnection instruction is found. Step 222 when the user is confirmed to be online
Return to. If the user disconnects or if no command is entered within the time limit, the process proceeds from step 228 to step 124 labeled "Disconnect Port" via step 230.

In step 300 labeled “when 3 is pressed”, the user enters the number “3”.
It is determined whether or not has been pressed. If not, the process proceeds to step 318. Step 30
In step 2, when it is determined that the user has pressed the number "3", the process proceeds to step 304, where the user is prompted to press "1 for the VIP code selection list and 2 for the call number selection list." Prompt. Then, the process proceeds to step 306, where it is determined whether the user has pressed the number "1". If not, go to step 324. If so, the process proceeds to step 308, where the user is given an opportunity to add or delete a VIP code from the VIP personal code list stored in the computer 56. A number of VIP codes can be stored in the database 55, and each VIP code can be used to identify different potential callers. Such different names are stored and made up of respective codes, so that it is possible to advise the user of the name of the person who is waiting for the call to be taken by the user. Thus, at step 308, the user is also given the opportunity to record a name for each VIP code configuration in the list.

Then, proceeding to step 310, it is determined whether the user has selected to return to the main menu. If so, the process returns to step 200 labeled "Main Menu" via step 312. If the user did not choose to return to the main menu at step 310, the process proceeds to step 314, where the user 10 determines whether there is any further command input from the user or if a disconnection instruction is found. Determine if you are still online. When the user is confirmed to be online, return to step 308. If the user disconnects, if the user disconnects or if no command is entered within the time limit, go from step 314 to step 214 labeled "Disconnect Port" via step 316. And proceed.

When the user does not press the number “3” in step 302 in the above-described portion,
Proceeding to step 318, it is determined whether the user is still online by not receiving any further command input from the user or by finding a disconnection instruction. If the user is confirmed to be online, the process proceeds to step 321 labeled "Repeat Main Menu". If the user disconnects or no command is entered within the time limit, step 318 returns via step 322 to step 124 labeled "Port Disconnect".

In the above description, when the user does not press the number “1” in step 306, the process proceeds to step 324, where it is determined whether or not the user has input the number “2”. If not, the process proceeds to step 336. If so, the process proceeds to step 326 where the user is given the opportunity to add or delete from the personal list of caller phone numbers stored in computer 56. At step 326, the user is also given the opportunity to record a name for each telephone number configuration in the list. Then, the process proceeds to step 328, where it is determined whether the user has selected to return to the main menu. If selected, the process returns to step 200 labeled "Main Menu" via step 330. If the user did not choose to return to the main menu in step 328, the process proceeds to step 332, where the user is still online, depending on whether there is any more command input from the user or if a disconnection instruction is found. Determine if there is. When the user is confirmed to be online, return to step 326. If the user disconnects or if no command is entered within the time limit, the process proceeds from step 332 to step 124 labeled "Disconnect Port" via step 334.

In the above description, if the user does not input the number “2” in step 324, the process proceeds to step 336, and it is determined whether the user has selected to return to the main menu. Step 20 labeled "Main Menu" when selected
Return to step 0 via step 342. If the user did not select to return to the main menu in step 336, proceed to step 338, where the user is still online, depending on whether there is any more command input from the user or if a disconnection instruction is found. It is determined whether or not. When the user is confirmed to be online, return to step 304. If the user disconnects or if no command is entered within the time limit, the process proceeds from step 380 to step 124 labeled "Disconnect Port" via step 340.

When the process 400 labeled “Someone else” is reached, whether the user is a call partner other than the one trying to receive an incoming call to the user, or if the user is in the database 55
It has already been determined that the system is being called from a telephone whose data cannot be determined as belonging to the user. Step 40
At 0-404, it is determined whether or not someone else has made an accurate connection to the user via the switch. In other words, the computer 56 determines whether there is still a connection between the calling party and the user, and determines whether there is still a connection in the switch 20 '. If this is the case, proceed to step 424 to determine if the user can exit for another call. If the user is already busy or another connection is waiting,
In this embodiment, since it is limited that only one partner can stand by at the same time, no user can leave. Also, in some implementations of the present invention, when the user is already on a call, or when the connection is "disabled" such that "disable interrupts" are set, or set and examined in step 426. It is desirable that a "interrupt disable" function be provided by the user setting. If the user can talk to the other caller, proceed to step 404 labeled "New Caller". If the user is unable to talk to the other caller, go to step 426 and answer the caller saying, "I'm sorry, we're talking. , The process proceeds to a step 800 labeled “Get Message”.

In step 402, if the user has no other caller via the switch due to the review, proceed to step 406, where the computer 56 grabs a possible outside channel and calls the user's phone. Command to the switch,
At that time, a new call is connected to the user. Then, the process proceeds to a step 410, where it is determined whether the user's line is busy or no answer. If so,
Proceed to step 412 labeled "GET MESSAGE". Normally switch 20 '
Can inform the computer 56 of whether or not the call is direct using the user 10, so that there is no need to explain why the user is busy. However, with today's technology, the user can receive a call whose location is not specified by the location of the caller. By passing through a high-performance answering machine, it is possible to directly ring the telephone via the PSTN 30 without the location of the telephone being specified. Some end office switches, such as the DMS-100, can prevent a smart answering machine from linking an unspecified number of telephone calls, such as a secretary-like user. Has a connection with a telephone of the same. Thereby,
Within the technology, the location of the telephone is preferable to a telephone number that does not have a direct call to the calling party 11 and does not go through the switch 20 '. Thereby, it is possible to prevent it.

If at step 410 it was not a busy or no answer,
Proceed to step 414 where it is determined whether a PIN code has been entered.
When the user 10 calls from a telephone that cannot be recognized by the database 55 or does not have the CPID service and tries to leave a message and tries to connect to the system, the PIN is the tenth user who tried to connect. Make things clear. For example, when the user 10 is trying to connect to the system from a public telephone and the public telephone CPID is not recognized in the database 55. If the exact PI
If the N code is detected, the process proceeds to step 416 labeled "Main Menu". In step 414, if it is not the correct PIN code, then go to step 418, determine which call was answered, and return to step 410 if none was answered.

If the call is being answered, the process proceeds to step 420 where computer 56 instructs switch 20 ′ to ignore the other commands and release the call, When a disconnect instruction is given to a call, the call is automatically disconnected. Step 1 which is the first of the main computer call control procedure
Return to 00 via step 422.

When the process arrives at the step 500 labeled “new call partner”, it is assumed that the switch has called the user, at which time the user switches the embedded switch 20 ′.
Is continuing to talk to the other party via, when it is determined that it has already been determined. Proceeding from step 500 to step 502, computer 56 instructs switch 20 'to connect a new call to a connectable port of telephone interface 58. Then, the process proceeds to step 504, where it is determined whether or not the number of the call partner selected by the user 10 as a control target. Otherwise, go to step 512. If the user has selected the caller's number, the process proceeds from step 504 to step 506, where the caller's CPID is the exact call partner previously stored in the user's call number list in the database 55. It is determined whether it matches the number. If they do not match, "get message"
To step 508 labeled. If a match is found, proceed to step 508 labeled "Main Menu". If no match is found, proceed to step 510, labeled "Connected".

In step 512, the database 55 checks whether the user has selected a control target for the VIP code, and if not, proceeds to step 522. If the user has selected a VIP code and the content is stored in the database 55, the process proceeds from step 512 to step 514, where the caller is "Sorry, we are talking. If you have one, please enter it during this time, or leave a message while keeping the call. " Then, proceeding to step 516, the caller enters the correct VIP code,
It is determined whether or not the code matches the code in the user's VIP code list previously stored in the database 55. If there is no match, the process proceeds to step 518 labeled "GET MESSAGE". If there is a match, proceed to step 520 labeled "Try Connection".

In step 522, it is determined whether or not the user has selected a voice to be controlled. If not, go to step 530. If the user has selected a voice, go from step 522 to step 524 and ask the caller, "I'm sorry, I'm talking now. If you can tell your name and profession at the time of the tone, click here I will call you again. " Proceed to step 526,
The calling party is then given the opportunity to record the reason and name of the call. The process then proceeds to step 528 labeled "Try Connection".

In step 530, the hypothesis is that the user must have normally selected the selection mode, thereby prompting the user with “Sorry. We are talking. , Breaks the connection to you and tries the line for your call.Press 1 and we will call you when you have time, or leave a message while holding the phone Go to step 532, "Call me at once." To determine if the caller has entered the number "0". If number "0"
If "" has not been entered, the process proceeds to step 538, where it is determined whether or not the calling party has entered the number "1". If both the number "0" and the number "1" are entered within an appropriate time If not, step 534 labeled "Get Message"
Proceed to. If the calling party has entered the number "0", proceed to step 536 labeled "Connection Attempt". Step 540 when the caller inputs the number "1"
, Where the caller is kept in a call state, and music is being played. In step 542, it is determined whether the user is still connected to the other.
Regarding all telephones, whether a user makes a telephone call or an incoming telephone call is transmitted to each other via the embedded switch 20 '. This information is what enabled the high-performance answering machine system 40. When the user hangs up, the user returns via step 548 to step 424, labeled "outline". Therefore,
Announce that a new callee is waiting. This is found in step 544. If they are still waiting, repeat steps 542 and 544 and wait for the user to hang up. When the new caller hangs up, the configured port is disconnected via steps 546 to steps 124 and 126.

There is a good modification of the part. The trial at step 510 (instead of communicating directly to the "connection attempt") determines the new CLID and some categories without the CLID. For example, the user may have set up several categories of callers and what the caller left behind in a smart answering system (their
(As specified by CLID or CPID) to control the caller's call. If the result of the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to steps 514, 524, and 530 in the case of a call of a new party, or to step 600, which is a direct "connection attempt". The new caller follows the action in that category. Of course, some callers will be able to use step 5
08 and may be sent directly to "Get Message".

When the process proceeds to the step 600 labeled “Connection attempt”, the switch 20 ′ recognizes that a new call has been received to the user, and at that time, the user transmits another call via the switch. Suppose you were already talking to the caller of. At that time, what has already been done, the new caller has been determined by a special method of the function previously selected by the user, and the screening criterion has been completed. Then, the process proceeds from step 600 to step 602, where the telephone interface 58 instructs the new caller to play music. Then, the process proceeds to step 603, where it is determined whether the user is still connected to the previous connected party by telephone. Should the user and the previous caller be disconnected before step 603, the option is for the user to go to step 424 and to step 406 labeled "outside". The user is directly connected to the telephone via (FIG. 7). If the user is still busy, proceed to step 604, where the computer 56 tells the switch 20 'to use the switch to disconnect the busy caller from the user. Then, proceed to step 606,
Computer 56 then instructs to keep the busy calling party and proceeds to step 608, where computer 56 instructs the switch to connect the user to available telephone interface 58. Then, the process proceeds to step 610, where it is determined whether the control method is selection by telephone number or selection by VIP code. If the caller was selected by telephone number or by VIP code, the process proceeds to step 612, where computer 56 supplements the storage of the name composed of the code number. In step 614, the user is prompted, "Boo ... there is a standby phone call from (name) to you." The process then proceeds to step 616 labeled "Reconnect".

At step 618, it is determined whether a voice selection has been selected. Otherwise, go to step 626. If voice selection was selected, step 618 proceeds to step 620, where computer 56 supplements the stored work and name as recorded by the then called party. Then, the process proceeds to step 622, and simply prompts the user to say "Boo ... there is a standby phone for you." The process then proceeds to step 628 labeled "Reconnect" and to step 630, where computer 56 instructs the switch to reconnect to the original caller. Then, a step 632 labeled “waiting for user”.
Proceed to.

In steps 604-630, a connection from the other side to the user can inform the user that a new call partner is waiting with a short interruption. Without using the embedded switch, as described above, the talking party ('the other party')
There is no complete interruption by putting the device on standby, and on the other hand, by creating a conversation connection, the user can listen to messages about the new caller and continue talking to the person who is speaking. By doing so, it is only possible to partially interrupt.

From this point of view, a conversation is made to continue listening to music from the user to the calling party who is speaking, but the message is created without hearing the message about the new calling party. In this description, the original connection is made with the user and the other party. Sometimes,'
"Other party" refers to the "talking party" and depends on the context. Expressed in the technical field, these are the methods by which the system independently, in a unique manner, The intention is to operate as if the other party of the user is connected to the servant (for example, the user or the other party calls into the connection between the other party and the user). is there.

When proceeding to step 700 labeled “Waiting for user”, the switch recognizes that a new call for the user is coming, and the user has already switched the switch with the other party. On the phone via. At that time, as has already been done, the new caller is determined by the particular method of the function previously selected by the user, and the screening criteria have been completed. In addition, the system informs the user that there is a call waiting. Step 700 to Step 70
Proceed to 2 where the iterations are performed in steps 702, 706 and 710. At step 702, it is determined whether the waiting caller did not choose to wait, but instead chose to leave a simple message. Recall, as given in step 602, the music is played to the caller. The music can be interrupted by a message such as "Press X to leave a message." Thus, step 702 finds an answer to the depression of the special key (X) mentioned in the message by the presence of the DTMF tone.

In step 706, it is determined whether the new call party has connected and waited or hung up instead of leaving a message, at which time step 708 is added to step 124 labeled “Port Disconnected”. Proceed via If, at step 710, the user presses the letter “#” to connect to the waiting person, then go to step 714. Preferably, switch 20 'is capable of distinguishing DTMF sounds, and the recommended switch has such capability. On the other hand, other signaling methods such as a flash hook may be selected. The iteration, such as step 711, preferably includes a trial, to determine whether the user has ended the call with the first party. If so, the procedure immediately proceeds via step 406 labeled "outside".

The “wait” label collides in step 712. Proceeding to step 714, the computer 56 instructs the switch 20 'to disconnect the user from the talking party. Then, information about the talking party is placed in the standby data, and the talking party is placed in a standby state. Then, proceeding to step 716, the telephone interface instructs the standby music to be played to the currently waiting caller. Step 7 labeled "Connect to Calling Party" via step 718
Proceed to 20. Here, it is determined whether the user has pressed "##" to connect to a new caller or to connect to the latest standby partner in the standby data. First, through this iteration, the user attempts to connect with a new partner, thereby going to step 722 on the "yes" branch. Then, the switch 20 'receives a command to connect with a new partner. Often seen, in a program loop, the user can talk to either of the two latest partners. For example, the person on standby when the user is speaking is listening to music. Furthermore, another opponent can wait and the user can go around a few opponents. The waiting center has information about the opponent who is waiting, and when he finds the next, he calls him back from the stack. That is preferably the first partner.

First, in the repetition of the step 716, the apparatus is in a standby state, and the new party becomes the talking party. Then, the process proceeds from step 722 to step 740, in which it is determined whether or not the user has pressed the character "##" again.
The process returns to step 2 via step 762. If the waiting party is still on a call (ie, the party has not hung up the phone), an attempt is made in step 742. Step 742 generally investigates the various standby connections by determining whether the other party is still busy. If not, it switches off and refreshes the standby data and releases the used switch connection. If the user fails to press "##" again, or if the waiter is almost unavailable, proceed to step 744, where the call is disconnected because the busy party has hung up and is disconnected. Is found on the line between the user and the talking party. If the busy party has not hung up, proceed to step 746 to determine if the user hung up, and if the user hung up, give all waiting persons the call. In fact at step 748,
Say "(name-database 55) hung up. Thank you for the call" and in step 750 hang up all waiting people. Step 75
At 0, the connection of the configured switch is dropped and the standby data of the user is emptied. Proceed via step 746 to step 124 labeled "switch off". If the disconnection is not confirmed in step 746, the process returns to step 720 and repeats steps 740, 744, and 746 to search for another command (the ## key) of the user, or to use the other party talking with the user. During the telephone call with the user, it is searched whether the user hangs up and the user hangs up.

If the user disconnects the line (ie, hangs up the phone), as seen in step 744, reconnect to the user via step 752 and wait the longest Waiting person (when assuming that there are two or more waiting people .-- If there is only one waiting person, it is determined that one person has been waiting for the longest time, An attempt is made in step 752 to connect to a line to connect a person to determine if there are any waiters left in the wait data. If the stack is empty, the user is disconnected via step 760. If one or more waiters remain, call the user at step 754 with a courtesy message saying, "You have N waiters. Press ### to talk." Multiply. "N" is the number of waiting partners. If the user pressed "##", which was also step 756, step 718 proceeds via step 764. If the user hangs up the phone, step 758 has occurred, but control returns to step 748.
The program repeats in steps 756 and 758, looking for "##" or disconnection from the user. If the user presses "##", the process proceeds to step 718, and directly proceeds to step 720. Therefore, this is the trial described above. At this time, "No"
When the user selects the branch, the call is reconnected to the waiting person. If a new party calls when there is a waiting person, for example, if the user presses “##” and the branch is “yes”, the process proceeds to step 720. If the user presses "##" and no new opponent calls, take the "No" branch instead. In step 720, if the "No" branch was taken, the first oldest waiter was taken from the wait data in step 724. Also, the process proceeds to step 726, where it is determined whether information about the called party has been stored in the system. For example, the other party's number selection, VIP selection,
When the voice selection selects the other party, at least the system can use the information. If the system is an ANI or CLID or a commonly used CLI
If D can be collected, the information is available. In any case, if the extracted information on the identity of the partner is available, the process proceeds to step 728, where the information is extracted, and the process directly proceeds to step 730, where the user is given "(name) Has been connected. " This prompt is suitable for changing the form of the presentation suitable for making the information available. Then, the process proceeds to a step 734 to instruct the switch 20 'to connect the line between the user and the extracted partner. If no identity information is available,
The user is then given a simple “connected” hint at step 732 before going to step 734. After step 734, proceed to step 740, which is described above.

Upon proceeding to step 800 labeled “Get Message”, proceed immediately to step 802. The calling party is then given the user the opportunity to record and store the message. Then, the process returns to step 100, which is the beginning of the call control procedure of the main computer, via step 806.

[0067] ■. The main computer user notification procedure step 900 describes a main computer use notification procedure. That is, the software handled in the computer 56. This procedure is used when the person who actually calls the user is unfortunately unable to connect.
It informs the user and anyway a voice message is left.

From step 900, proceed to step 902, where the other party wants to be notified that the call failed and determines whether the user 10 has been notified. If the user is not to be contacted immediately, proceed to step 906, where the computer 56 instructs the switch to dial out and call the user's phone. Then, Step 908
To determine whether the user is talking or going out. If so, "disconnect"
, The computer 56 instructs the switch to disconnect the call at step 912 and returns to repeat step 902. If, in step 908, the user is not busy or out of the office, the process proceeds to step 914, where it is determined whether the call has been answered, and if not, the process returns to step 914.
If the call was answered, proceed to step 916, where computer 56 instructs the switch to connect the call to an available port on the telephone interface. Then, the process proceeds to step 918, where P
Determine if input of IN code is required, and if not, step 920
Proceed to. When the PIn code is requested, proceed to step 932 and give the user a hint, "Please enter your code number." And step 9
Proceed to 34 to determine if the correct PIN code was entered, and if so, proceed to step 920. Otherwise, go to step 936, time limit exceeded,
Alternatively, it is determined whether the number of inputs has been exceeded, and if so, the process proceeds to step 910 labeled "cut" via step 938. In step 936, if within the maximum limit, the flow returns to step 934.

At step 920, it is determined whether a message is available to the user. If so, proceed via step 922 to step 200 labeled "Main Menu"; otherwise, proceed to step 924, where there has recently been a missed call from the call partner to the user. , Determine if there are any messages left, otherwise go to step 926 labeled "Disconnect". At one point, the user was called during a call to you (possibly from 'name'). However, no message was left.
And give a hint. Step 200 labeled "Main Menu"
To step 930.

Other Embodiments Devices that enable many new advanced networks include Signaling System 7 (hereinafter SS7), Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN).
), Such as Advanced Intelligent Networ
k, AIN) finds many ways to enable special network switches, databases, processes, and signaling in high performance answering machine systems. In previous systems, device descriptions only showed two possible embodiments of the invention. The present invention not only limits these embodiments and devices, but also eliminates the various possibilities, especially in the telecommunications industry network, that have the possibility of making them available. Indeed, the configuration of the high-end answering machine system described here is the possibility of a new network that has not yet been described.

In describing embodiments of the invention, modifications may be made within the skill of the art. For example, the clear four voice hints are only examples. In order to carry out the invention, the user can change it according to the preference of the user. As mentioned above, the connection to the calling user is controlled by a "switch". The connection between the caller and the user made by the "switch" is for illustrative purposes only and is not implicitly an exclusive method of connection. The switch is not limited to the network switch, and the same applies to other devices for connecting to the other party.
The devices that include such devices are not limited to: time exchange, conversation reception, circuit selection, digital cross-connect system, reception, and course. For this and other reasons, the invention is not limited except as specifically set forth and claimed herein.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a high-performance answering machine system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a processing function of a calling process of the high-performance answering machine system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of the high-performance answering machine system of the present invention, in which an embedded switch is added.

FIG. 4 is a part of a flowchart showing a processing function of a calling process of the high-performance answering machine system of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a part of a flowchart showing processing functions of a calling process of the high-performance answering machine system of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a part of a flowchart showing processing functions of a calling process of the high-performance answering machine system of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a part of a flowchart showing processing functions of a calling process of the high-performance answering machine system of FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is a part of a flowchart showing processing functions of a calling process of the high-performance answering machine system of FIG. 3;

FIG. 9 is a part of a flowchart showing processing functions of a calling process of the high-performance answering machine system of FIG. 3;

FIG. 10 is a part of a flowchart showing a processing function of a calling process of the high-performance answering machine system of FIG. 3;

FIG. 11 is a part of a flowchart showing a processing function of a calling process of the high-performance answering machine system of FIG. 3;

FIG. 12 is a part of a flowchart showing processing functions of a calling process of the high-performance answering machine system of FIG. 3;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 User terminal 11, 12 Caller terminal 20 Adjustment switch 20 'Embedded switch 30 Public telephone network switch (PSTN) 40 High-performance answering machine system 50 Call processor 51 Additional dialing system (DID) trunk line 52 Telephone line 53 Control connection 54 Data link (RS232C) 55 Database 56 Computer 58 Telephone line interface

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Cranza Daniel Earl. 98007 Bellevue, Washington, USA 14040 NE 6th Place (72) Inventor Blanchard John T. Seattle, Washington 9004 Invemes Drive N.F.Term (reference) 5K015 AA04 AA06 AD01 AD05 AF09 FA01 GA07 5K024 AA33 AA73 BB02 BB05 BB07 CC03 DD01 DD02 DD04 EE01 FF06 GG01 GG12

Claims (19)

[Claims] When a user connects to a first party using a call channel,
A high-performance answering machine method, which is a telephone service provided to a user when a next party attempts to call the user, and includes the following steps. (A) After the second party calls, receive information about the second party. (B) While the user is talking with the first party, the user transmits the information as an auditory signal as reception information to the user via the communication channel. The first partner receives the signal sent by the user without transmitting the auditory signal as the received information to the user, and the user receives at least the auditory signal as the received information. 2. While the user receives the voice sent from the first party,
The high-performance answering machine method according to claim 1, wherein an auditory signal as reception information can be received. (C) determining whether the user has input a command to connect to the second telephone, and connecting the telephone from the second party to the user's telephone as a response to the command; 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising the step of: 4. When the third party calls the user and the user is currently in a call with an earlier party including the first and second parties: (a) B) receiving information about the third party after the third party has called, and (b) making the call to the user while the user is talking with the previous party. Although the received information is transmitted as an auditory signal as received information via the channel, the former partner receives the signal sent by the user without transmitting the auditory signal as the received information to the previous partner via the communication channel. And a step of receiving at least an auditory signal, which is the received information, (c) determining whether the user has input a command to connect to a third telephone, and responding to the third telephone as a response to the command. From the other party 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising the step of: linking the telephone with the user's telephone. 5. A step of judging and responding to a command from the user to hold the first partner, and holding the first partner. Determining whether to connect or not to connect to, and, according to the command entered next, directly transmit available information about the other party before responding to whether to hold or connect to the holding party, 4. The high-performance answering machine method according to claim 3, further comprising a step of connecting to a remote party. 6. A command to connect to the second party, to put the first party in the holding state, and to keep or connect to the holding party is all instructed by the same signal from the user. 6. The method of claim 5, further comprising the step of: 7. The high-performance answering machine method according to claim 1, further comprising a step of transmitting the received information to a user when a reminder to provide information is given to a second party. 8. The smart answering method of claim 7, including the step of providing the information as an auditory signal by a second party. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein step (b) is a function that selectively functions based on previously stored selection criteria. 10. An apparatus for providing a communication service to a user, wherein (a) a connection is established between the user and a first partner by a voice route (path) to establish a telephone call with the first partner. (B) a call processor paired with the switch and responsive to a call from a second party coming in while a user is connected to the first phone;
The call processor receives: (i) information about the second party; (ii) directly to the first party without transmitting the received information about the second party as an audible signal and to the user. The reception information about the second party is transmitted to the user as an auditory signal via the voice path (path) of the first telephone without muting the first party from the path (path). A high-performance answering machine characterized by the following. 11. The call processor is further programmed to allow the user to continue to receive the first party's voice call while also receiving an audible signal of the received information regarding the second party. High-performance answering machine described in 1. 12. The paging processor further comprises: (iii) determining whether a command to connect to a second party has been entered by the user; and (iv) converting the command to connect to the second party from the user. 12. The smart answering machine of claim 11, wherein the switch is programmed to, upon receipt, provide an instruction to the switch to enable a second party to speak to the user. 13. The call processor further comprises: (v) determining and responding to a command from a user to place the first party in a holding state, and placing the first party in a holding state; Determines whether the party has entered the next command of staying or connecting to the holding party, and if so, sending available information about the next party being held; 13. The high-performance answering machine according to claim 12, further comprising: (vii) responding to a command from the user to connect to the next party, and connecting to the next party. 14. In response to the same command from the user, the calling processor connects to the second party, puts the first party into a holding state, and keeps the connection in the holding party or connects to the next party. 14. The high-performance answering machine according to claim 13, wherein 15. The call processor is programmed to direct a connection between the voice mail function and the second telephone if a command to connect to a second party is not received within a certain period of time. The high-performance answering machine according to claim 12, wherein 16. The calling processor is programmed to urge a second party to indicate himself and to transmit a response given to the user by the second party as the personal information. A high-performance answering machine according to claim 10. 17. The response provided by the second party is an audible response,
And wherein the call processor is programmed to transmit a user's audible response as the audio signal of received information regarding a second party.
High-performance answering machine described in 1. 18. A claim programmed to advise the user about the caller when the received information for the second party exactly matches previously stored selection criteria. Item 11. A high-performance answering machine according to Item 10. 19. The system of claim 10 wherein the program is programmed to receive information about the second party in the first format and transmit it in a different format.
High-performance answering machine described in 1.