Console and extension telephone system

Abstract

A system and method for altering an incoming ring signal to produce a selected ring signal on a telephone device. The incoming ring signal is accompanied by a caller ID packet and provided by a telephone utility provider responsive to a call made by a caller. The communication system includes a system console and at least one addressable extension module. The system controller and each addressable extension module are in communication with the telephone line. The system console includes (i) means for decoding the caller ID packet to determine the identity of the caller, (ii) a storage device for storing saved caller information including caller identities and corresponding ring control information, (iii) means for selecting ring control information from the saved caller information and the identity of the caller, and (iv) means for providing the ring control information to the telephone line. Each addressable extension module additionally communicates with a respective telephone device. Each addressable extension module includes (i) means for receiving the ring control information from the telephone line, (ii) means for detecting the incoming ring signal, (iii) means for determining a duration of the incoming ring signal, and (iv) means for selectively providing communication during the incoming ring signal between the first telephone device and the telephone line in accordance with the ring control information to produce the selected ring signal. Additionally, each addressable extension module includes means for redirecting an audio signal to the telephone line and means for redirecting the audio signal from the telephone line.