Bell Telephone Laboratories

Lucent Technologies Inc.

At&t Information Systems Inc.

Francis M Fenton

Tse L Wang

Carl D Weiss

James H Van Ornum

Lawrence Richard Rabiner

David F Jones

Thomas M Quinn

Randolph John Pilc

Robert A Carson

Charles Eugene Allison, Jr

John A Miller

Recorded telephone messages may be automatically handled as specified by the called party by means of a background speech recognition server for a telephone network, a private branch exchange, or a personal computer telephone manager. The called party initializes the method by storing multiple action records in a computer, each containing a key word and an action description. Incoming telephone messages can then be automatically processed by subjecting the audio record of each message to a speech recognition program to produce a text record. The computer then compares the text record with the key words in the action records. When a match is found, the action specified in the action record bearing the matching key words, is performed. In this manner, recorded telephone messages may be automatically handled and prioritized as specified by the called party.

Background speech recognition for voice messaging applications

In the disclosed call transfer method and circuitry, audibly distinguishable ringing signals at a station set enable an answering party to determine whether a received call is either the original call or a previously answered call. Line status LEDs at each station set give specific visual indications to trace the progress of a call transfer.

Call transfer method and circuitry

Call coverage problems are solved in a telephone communication system by arranging the system on a station orientation basis so that any call directed to a station on any line appearance at that station will be covered by a single button on any one of a number of other coverage station sets. Any other station may also have its calls directed to that same coverage station set and, if desired, to the same call coverage button on the covering set. By separating ringing signals and flashing signals and by handling each on a station basis, it is possible to allow both ringing and visual signals of the call if covered by one station, whereas if call coverage is handled by another station it can be arranged so that only visual signals will be provided.

Communication system call coverage arrangements

A communication conferencing arrangement is disclosed which relies upon the use of a plus/minus (+/-) nonlocking button followed by the operation of a button associated with any other line appearing at the station. If the operated line button is associated with a currently active line that line will be removed from the conference. If, however, the operated button is associated with a nonactive line (held or idle) then that line will be added, in conference fashion, with the communication leads of the enabling station. Provision is made to allow any number of added connections up to a preset maximum number at any station.

Communication system conferencing arrangement

There is disclosed a communication system arrangement whereby the efficiency with which pooled facilities are used can be increased by reducing the number of lines that are dedicated to the pool. This is accomplished by making available to the pool, on a priority basis, lines that have been installed for other purposes, such as, for example, conference lines and private two-way lines. The system is arranged such that dedicated pooled lines have a higher priority than other lines which are available to the pool on a decreasing priority basis. In addition, each pooled set of lines at each station is given a visual indication using the system available lamp to indicate whether an idle line remains in the pool. This arrangement allows each station user to determine, without unnecessary seizure attempts, whether or not an available line exists in the pool.

Growing community of inventors

Middletown, NJ, United States of America

Francis M Fenton