The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 13, 2004
Filed:
May. 21, 1999
Lynda L. Bain, Boulder, CO (US);
Mark Maize, Westminister, CO (US);
Delbert D. Steinke, Northglenn, CO (US);
Qwest Communication International Inc., Denver, CO (US);
Abstract
A system and method provide the capability for a visitor to a home or business to leave an audio message for the occupants if they are not present. Outside the home or building, an interface may be provided which is proximate to a doorbell which a visitor may employ when notification by the doorbell has proved unsuccessful. Actuation of a switch on the interface may activate a messaging system which will retrieve a stored phone number and establish a telephonic connection over a telephone network. The telephonic connection may be with a voice messaging system which, in turn, will broadcast via a speaker incorporated into the user interface, a greeting recorded by the occupant. At the end of the greeting, a visitor may then speak into a microphone incorporated into the user interface, and record an audio message. The controller may further be programmed to establish a telephonic connection remotely located between the visitor interface and a telephone. Through use of the components incorporated into the visitor interface, a two-way line of communication may be established between the visitor who is at the home or business and the occupant who may be remotely located.