Telephone answering device which notifies a user based on call related information received from a calling party

Abstract

Apparatus and processes to provide notification to a remote user upon the occurrence of a qualifying event determined by a voice messaging system based on logged call related information, e.g., Caller ID information. A return call data directory table is maintained associating predetermined events based on logged call related information with a telephone number to be called in the event of the satisfaction of a designated event. Designated events may include a predetermined number of calls from a particular caller within a predetermined range of time or days, or a total number of calls from any caller within a predetermined range of time. An auto dialing calling module automatically dials a designated or default telephone number to notify the user of the satisfaction of the designated event. A notification message is played to the remote user, and the user is either informed of the details of the satisfied event and/or is allowed to playback voice messages or otherwise control the operation of the voice messaging system. The user may add, delete or modify any of the entries in the return call data directory table either local to the voice messaging system or from a remote location through an established telephone call.