EP0330441A2
Expired / Lapsed
EP
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Interface to and operation of a voice messaging system
Assignee: VMX Inc
•
Filing: 1989-02-22
•
Granted: —
•
Expires: 2009-02-22
Abstract
Abstract A voice messaging system (250) for use with a telephone system. The preferred embodiment comprises a voice messaging system (250) which interfaces to a PBX (210) through a feature phone interface (212), the voice messaging system emulating a feature phone. The PBX supplies information to the voice messaging system such as information on the origination and history of the call. The present invention discloses improved methods of handling calls directed to the voice messaging system based on the information supplied by the PBX.
Inventors
- 👤 David J. Ladd
- 👤 Gregory E. Pounds
- 👤 Tim J. Kusumi
- 👤 Peter A. Bonnee
- 👤 Robert R. Shepard
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
EP
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 13:51
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04Q; H04Q3/00; H04Q3/64; H04Q3/66; H04Q3/665; H04M; H04M3/00; H04M3/42; H04M3/42314; H04M3/50; H04M3/51; H04M3/527; H04M3/53; H04M3/54; H04M3/546; H04Q3/58; H04Q3/62; H04Q3/625; H04Q3/627; H04M1/00; H04M1/57; H04M2201/00; H04M2201/38; H04M2242/00; H04M2242/22; H04M3/42025; H04M3/42034; H04M3/42042; H04M3/42059; H04M3/42085; H04M3/42093; H04M3/42102; H04M3/487; H04M3/5166; H04M7/00; H04M7/009; H04M7/14; H04Q3/70
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 72
Claim 1
Independent Claim
90 words
A telephone system, comprising: a telephone switching means comprising a first port for supplying call information to a feature phone, said first port associated with a plurality of extensions; said telephone switching means further comprising a plurality of second ports, each of said second ports associated with one of said plurality of extensions; a voice messaging system coupled with said first port and said plurality of second ports for receiving said call information on said first port and further processing said call on one of said plurality of second ports.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
90 words
A telephone system, comprising: a telephone switching means comprising a first port for supplying call information to a feature phone, said first port associated with a plurality of extensions; said telephone switching means further comprising a plurality of second ports, each of said second ports associated with one of said plurality of extensions; a voice messaging system coupled with said first port and said plurality of second ports for receiving said call information on said first port and further processing said call on one of said plurality of second ports.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
The telephone system, as recited in Claim 1, wherein said voice messaging system comprises a phone emulation means for accepting call information from said first port and supplying said call information to said voice messaging system.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
53 words
The telephone system, as recited in Claim 2, wherein said telephone switching means further comprises a third plurality of ports for coupling with a plurality of telephones, said telephone switching means further comprising a circuit for switching a call from one of said plurality of telephones to one of said plurality of extensions.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
57 words
The telephone system, as recited by Claim 2, wherein said telephone switching means further comprises a fourth plurality of ports for coupling with a plurality of external telephone lines, said telephone switching means further comprising a circuit for switching a call from one of said plurality of external telephone lines to one of said plurality of extensions.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
91 words
A telephone system, comprising: a telephone switching means comprising a first port for supplying call information to a feature phone: said telephone switching means further comprising a plurality of second ports; each of said second ports associated with one of a plurality of extensions; said feature phone comprising a third port for supplying said call information; a voice messaging system coupled with said third port and said plurality of second ports for receiving said call information on said third port and further processing said call on one of said second ports.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
91 words
A telephone system, comprising: a telephone switching means comprising a first port for supplying call information to a feature phone: said telephone switching means further comprising a plurality of second ports; each of said second ports associated with one of a plurality of extensions; said feature phone comprising a third port for supplying said call information; a voice messaging system coupled with said third port and said plurality of second ports for receiving said call information on said third port and further processing said call on one of said second ports.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
35 words
The telephone system, as recited in Claim 5, wherein said voice messaging system comprises a fourth port for accepting call information from said third port and supplying said call information to said voice messaging system.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
53 words
The telephone system, as recited by Claim 5, wherein call are initially directed to the voice messaging system through said third port and said voice messaging system supplies a code on one of said second ports and said switching means supplies said call on one of said second ports responsive to said code.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
134 words
A method for processing a first telephone call in a telephone system, said telephone system comprising a switching means having a first port for supplying call information to a feature phone, said first port associated with a plurality of telephone extensions, said switching means further having a plurality of second ports, each of said second ports associated with one of said telephone extensions, and a voice messaging system coupled with said first port and said plurality of second ports, comprising the steps of: (a) said voice messaging receiving an indication of said first telephone call on said first port; (b) said switching means providing call information to said voice messaging system over said first port; (c) said voice messaging system completing processing of said first call on one of said plurality of second ports.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
134 words
A method for processing a first telephone call in a telephone system, said telephone system comprising a switching means having a first port for supplying call information to a feature phone, said first port associated with a plurality of telephone extensions, said switching means further having a plurality of second ports, each of said second ports associated with one of said telephone extensions, and a voice messaging system coupled with said first port and said plurality of second ports, comprising the steps of: (a) said voice messaging receiving an indication of said first telephone call on said first port; (b) said switching means providing call information to said voice messaging system over said first port; (c) said voice messaging system completing processing of said first call on one of said plurality of second ports.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
56 words
The method, as recited by Claim 8, wherein said voice messaging system answers said first call subsequent to receiving an indication of said first call on said first port and said voice messaging system places said first call on hold on said first port prior to said one of said plurality of second ports going off-hook.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
50 words
The method, as recited by Claim 8, wherein said voice messaging system answers said first call subsequent to receiving an indication of said first call on said first port and said voice messaging system causes one of said plurality of second ports to be conferenced in on said first call.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method, as recited by Claim 8, wherein said voice messaging system receives said call information responsive to providing a code to said switching means on said first port.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method, as recited by Claim 8, wherein said first port receives a second call on said first port prior to completion of processing of said first call on said one of said plurality of second ports.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
168 words
A method for processing a telephone call in a telephone system, said telephone system comprising a switching means having a first port for supplying call information to a feature phone, said switching means further comprising a plurality of second ports, each of said second ports associated with one of a plurality of extensions, said feature phone comprising a third port for supplying call information, said telephone system further comprising a voice messaging system coupled with said third port and said plurality of second ports, comprising the steps of: (a) said voice messaging system receiving an indication of said telephone call on said third port; (b) said switching means providing call information on said first port to said feature phone; (c) said feature phone providing said call information on said third port to said voice messaging system; (d) said voice messaging system providing a code on one of said second ports and said switching means providing said call on said one of said second ports responsive to said code.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
168 words
A method for processing a telephone call in a telephone system, said telephone system comprising a switching means having a first port for supplying call information to a feature phone, said switching means further comprising a plurality of second ports, each of said second ports associated with one of a plurality of extensions, said feature phone comprising a third port for supplying call information, said telephone system further comprising a voice messaging system coupled with said third port and said plurality of second ports, comprising the steps of: (a) said voice messaging system receiving an indication of said telephone call on said third port; (b) said switching means providing call information on said first port to said feature phone; (c) said feature phone providing said call information on said third port to said voice messaging system; (d) said voice messaging system providing a code on one of said second ports and said switching means providing said call on said one of said second ports responsive to said code.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
145 words
A method for processing a telephone call in a telephone system, said telephone system comprising a plurality of telephone stations, a switching means having a first plurality of ports for coupling with said plurality of telephone stations, and a voice messaging system, said voice messaging system coupled with said switching means, comprising the steps of: (a) said switching means directing said call at a first of said plurality of telephone stations; (b) determining said call is not answered by said first telephone station; (c) said switching means directing said call to said voice messaging system in response to said call not being answered; (d) said switching means providing said call information to said voice messaging system; (e) said voice messaging system selecting a second of said plurality of telephone stations to transfer said call to, said second telephone station selected based on said call information.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
145 words
A method for processing a telephone call in a telephone system, said telephone system comprising a plurality of telephone stations, a switching means having a first plurality of ports for coupling with said plurality of telephone stations, and a voice messaging system, said voice messaging system coupled with said switching means, comprising the steps of: (a) said switching means directing said call at a first of said plurality of telephone stations; (b) determining said call is not answered by said first telephone station; (c) said switching means directing said call to said voice messaging system in response to said call not being answered; (d) said switching means providing said call information to said voice messaging system; (e) said voice messaging system selecting a second of said plurality of telephone stations to transfer said call to, said second telephone station selected based on said call information.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
60 words
The method, as recited by Claim 14, wherein said determination that said call was unanswered comprises determining whether said first telephone station is busy, whether said call is not answered by said first telephone station for a predetermined number of rings or determining said first telephone station has been placed in a mode in which it is not accepting calls.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method, as recited by Claim 14, wherein said selection of a second of said plurality of telephone stations is based on the current time and day.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method as recited by Claim 14, wherein said second of said plurality of telephone stations is selected based on the source of a call.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method, as recited by Claim 14, wherein said set of predetermined conditions comprises selecting a second of said plurality of telephone stations based on said first telephone station.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method as recited by Claim 14, wherein said set of predetermined conditions comprises selecting a second of said plurality of telephone stations based on the time a call is received.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method as recited by Claim 14, wherein said telephone system further comprises a feature phone coupled with said voice messaging system and said switching means, said feature phone receiving said call information from said switching means and supplying said call information to said voice messaging system.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
58 words
The method, as recited by Claim 14, further comprising the steps of: (a) determining said call is unanswered by said second telephone station; (b) directing said call to said voice messaging system in response to said call being unanswered by said second telephone station; (c) said voice messaging system providing said call access to a message recording means.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method, as recited by Claim 21, wherein said message recording means is associated with said first telephone station.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method, as recited by Claim 21, wherein said message recording means provides an announcement to said call, said announcement associated with said first extension.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method, as recited by Claim 14, further comprising the step of said voice messaging system providing information to a person answering said second extension if said call is answered by said second extension.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method, as recited by Claim 24, wherein said information comprises identifying information identifying said first telephone station.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method, as recited by Claim 24, wherein said information comprises the reason said call was unanswered by said first telephone station.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
162 words
In a telephone system, said telephone system comprising a plurality of extensions and a messaging means, said messaging means comprising a plurality of mailboxes associated with said plurality of extensions, each of said mailboxes having an access code, a first method comprising: (a) accessing said messaging means from one of said telephone stations; (b) supplying said messaging means with a first identifying information, said first identifying information identifying a first mailbox; (c) supplying said messaging means with an access code for said first mailbox; (d) said messaging means allowing access to a first set of predetermined functions in response to said first identifying information and said access code; and a second method, comprising: (a) accessing said messaging means from one of said telephone extensions; (b) supplying said messaging means with a second identifying information, said second identifying information identifying a second mailbox; (c) said messaging means allowing access to a second set of predetermined functions in response to said second identifying information.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
162 words
In a telephone system, said telephone system comprising a plurality of extensions and a messaging means, said messaging means comprising a plurality of mailboxes associated with said plurality of extensions, each of said mailboxes having an access code, a first method comprising: (a) accessing said messaging means from one of said telephone stations; (b) supplying said messaging means with a first identifying information, said first identifying information identifying a first mailbox; (c) supplying said messaging means with an access code for said first mailbox; (d) said messaging means allowing access to a first set of predetermined functions in response to said first identifying information and said access code; and a second method, comprising: (a) accessing said messaging means from one of said telephone extensions; (b) supplying said messaging means with a second identifying information, said second identifying information identifying a second mailbox; (c) said messaging means allowing access to a second set of predetermined functions in response to said second identifying information.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method, as recited by Claim 27, wherein said second method is available depending on time and day.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method, as recited by Claim 27, wherein said first and second identifying information is automatically supplied by said telephone system to said messaging means.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method, as recited by Claim 27, wherein said second predetermined set of functions comprises changing a personal greeting.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method, as recited by Claim 27, wherein said second predetermined set of functions comprises sending a message.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method, as recited by Claim 27, wherein said second predetermined set of functions comprises accessing a telephone system network.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
181 words
A method for processing a telephone call in a telephone system, said telephone system comprising at least one call originating means, at least one call receiving means, switching means for switching calls from said call originating means to said call receiving means, said switching means having a first port for providing call origination and destination information to a feature phone, said first port associated with a plurality of extensions, a second plurality of ports associated with said plurality of extensions and a messaging means coupled with said first port and said plurality of second ports, comprising the steps of: (a) originating a call from one of said call originating means to one of said call receiving means; (b) determining said call was unanswered by said call receiving means; (c) said switching means providing said call to said messaging means in response to said call being unanswered; (d) said switching means providing said messaging means with said call origination and destination information; (e) said messaging means providing a voice message to said call, said voice message associated with said call receiving means.
Claim 40
Independent Claim
181 words
A method for processing a telephone call in a telephone system, said telephone system comprising at least one call originating means, at least one call receiving means, switching means for switching calls from said call originating means to said call receiving means, said switching means having a first port for providing call origination and destination information to a feature phone, said first port associated with a plurality of extensions, a second plurality of ports associated with said plurality of extensions and a messaging means coupled with said first port and said plurality of second ports, comprising the steps of: (a) originating a call from one of said call originating means to one of said call receiving means; (b) determining said call was unanswered by said call receiving means; (c) said switching means providing said call to said messaging means in response to said call being unanswered; (d) said switching means providing said messaging means with said call origination and destination information; (e) said messaging means providing a voice message to said call, said voice message associated with said call receiving means.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method, as recited by Claim 33, wherein said message may be changed by accessing said messaging means.
Claim 42
Independent Claim
220 words
A method for processing telephone calls in a telephone system, said telephone system comprising a first call originating means, a second call originating means, at least one call receiving means, switching means for switching calls from one of said first call originating means or said second said call originating means to one of said call receiving means and a messaging means, comprising the steps of: (a) said switching means receiving a first call from said first call originating means; (b) said switching means providing said first call to said messaging means, said switching means further providing a first identifying information, said first identifying information identifying said first call as originating from said first call originating means; (c) said messaging means providing a first message to said first call in response to receiving said first call and said first identifying information; said method further comprising the steps of: (a) said switching means receiving a second call from said second call originating means; (b) said switching means providing said second call to said messaging means, said switching further providing a second identifying information, said second identifying information identifying said second call as originating from said second call originating means; (c)said messaging system providing a second message to said second call in response to receiving said second call and said second identifying information.
Claim 43
Independent Claim
220 words
A method for processing telephone calls in a telephone system, said telephone system comprising a first call originating means, a second call originating means, at least one call receiving means, switching means for switching calls from one of said first call originating means or said second said call originating means to one of said call receiving means and a messaging means, comprising the steps of: (a) said switching means receiving a first call from said first call originating means; (b) said switching means providing said first call to said messaging means, said switching means further providing a first identifying information, said first identifying information identifying said first call as originating from said first call originating means; (c) said messaging means providing a first message to said first call in response to receiving said first call and said first identifying information; said method further comprising the steps of: (a) said switching means receiving a second call from said second call originating means; (b) said switching means providing said second call to said messaging means, said switching further providing a second identifying information, said second identifying information identifying said second call as originating from said second call originating means; (c)said messaging system providing a second message to said second call in response to receiving said second call and said second identifying information.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method, as recited by Claim 35, wherein said first call originating means comprises a first plurality of external telephone trunks, said first plurality of external telephone trunks coupled with said switching means.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method, as recited by Claim 36, wherein said second call originating means comprises a second plurality of external telephone trunks, said second plurality of external trunks coupled with said switching means.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method, as recited by Claim 35, wherein said switching means comprises a private branch exchange.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method, as recited by Claim 35, wherein said first message comprises a first menu of call options.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method, as recited by Claim 35, wherein said second message comprises a second menu of call options.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method, as recited by Claim 39, further comprising the step of switching said first call to one of said call receiving means in response to selection of one of said first call options.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method, as recited by Claim 40, further comprising the step of switching said second call to one of said call receiving means in response to selection of one of said second call options.
Claim 51
Independent Claim
241 words
A method for processing a telephone call in a telephone system, said telephone system comprising a plurality of telephone stations, a switching means having a first plurality of ports for coupling with said plurality of telephone stations and a voice messaging system, said voice messaging system coupled with said switching means comprising the steps of: (a) said switching means directing said call at a first of said plurality of telephone stations; (b) determining said call is not answered by said first telephone station; (c) said switching means directing said call to said voice messaging system in response to said call not being answered; (d) said switching means providing call information to said voice messaging system; (e) said voice messaging system selecting a second of said plurality of telephone stations to transfer said call to based on a set of predetermined conditions, said second telephone station selected based on said call information; (f) said voice messaging system indicating to said switching means said call is to be transferred to said second telephone station; (g) said switching means connecting said voice messaging system with said second telephone station; (h) said voice messaging system announcing said call to said second telephone station after said second telephone station answers; (i) said voice messaging system disconnecting from said call after announcing said call; (j) said switching means connecting said call with said second telephone station in response to said voice messaging system disconnecting from said call.
Claim 52
Independent Claim
241 words
A method for processing a telephone call in a telephone system, said telephone system comprising a plurality of telephone stations, a switching means having a first plurality of ports for coupling with said plurality of telephone stations and a voice messaging system, said voice messaging system coupled with said switching means comprising the steps of: (a) said switching means directing said call at a first of said plurality of telephone stations; (b) determining said call is not answered by said first telephone station; (c) said switching means directing said call to said voice messaging system in response to said call not being answered; (d) said switching means providing call information to said voice messaging system; (e) said voice messaging system selecting a second of said plurality of telephone stations to transfer said call to based on a set of predetermined conditions, said second telephone station selected based on said call information; (f) said voice messaging system indicating to said switching means said call is to be transferred to said second telephone station; (g) said switching means connecting said voice messaging system with said second telephone station; (h) said voice messaging system announcing said call to said second telephone station after said second telephone station answers; (i) said voice messaging system disconnecting from said call after announcing said call; (j) said switching means connecting said call with said second telephone station in response to said voice messaging system disconnecting from said call.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method, as recited by Claim 43, wherein said voice messaging system indicates to said switching means said call is to be transferred by temporarily interrupting loop current on said switching means and outpulsing an identification number identifying said second telephone station.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
139 words
The method, as recited by Claim 43, further comprising the steps of: (a) determining said call is not answered by said second telephone station; (b) said voice messaging system reconnecting to said call in response to said call not being answered; (c) said switching means providing said call information to said voice messaging system; (d) said voice messaging system indicating to said switching means said call is to be transferred to a third telephone station in response to said call not being answered by said second telephone station; (e) said voice messaging system announcing said call to said third telephone station after said third telephone station answers; (f) said voice messaging system disconnecting from said call; (g) said switching means connecting said call with said third telephone station in response to said voice messaging system disconnecting from said call.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method as recited by Claim 43, wherein said switching means further comprises a second port for supplying said call information to said voice messaging system.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method as recited by Claim 43, wherein said telephone system further comprises a feature phone coupled with said voice messaging system and said switching means, said feature phone receiving said call information from said switching means and supplying said call information to said voice messaging system.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method, as recited by Claim 43, wherein said selection of said second of said plurality of telephone station is based on the time and day.
Claim 58
Independent Claim
90 words
A method of processing a telephone call in a telephone system, said telephone system comprising at least one telephone station, a switching means for switching said telephone call, and a messaging means for providing messages to said telephone call, comprising the steps of: (a) said switching means receiving said telephone call and directing said telephone call at said telephone station; (b) said telephone call being unanswered by said telephone station; (c) said messaging means providing a messaging to said telephone call, said message describing the reason said call was unanswered.
Claim 59
Independent Claim
90 words
A method of processing a telephone call in a telephone system, said telephone system comprising at least one telephone station, a switching means for switching said telephone call, and a messaging means for providing messages to said telephone call, comprising the steps of: (a) said switching means receiving said telephone call and directing said telephone call at said telephone station; (b) said telephone call being unanswered by said telephone station; (c) said messaging means providing a messaging to said telephone call, said message describing the reason said call was unanswered.
Claim 60
Independent Claim
114 words
A method for processing a telephone call in a telephone system, said telephone system comprising a switching means for switching said telephone call, a first telephone extension, a second telephone extension, a third telephone extension, said first, second and third telephone extensions coupled with said switching means and a voice messaging system, comprising the steps of: (a) said switching means directing said telephone call at said first telephone extension; (b) detecting said telephone call is not answered by said first telephone extension; (c) said voice messaging system providing the caller placing said telephone call a plurality of menu options, said plurality of menu options depending on the time and day of said telephone call.
Claim 61
Independent Claim
114 words
A method for processing a telephone call in a telephone system, said telephone system comprising a switching means for switching said telephone call, a first telephone extension, a second telephone extension, a third telephone extension, said first, second and third telephone extensions coupled with said switching means and a voice messaging system, comprising the steps of: (a) said switching means directing said telephone call at said first telephone extension; (b) detecting said telephone call is not answered by said first telephone extension; (c) said voice messaging system providing the caller placing said telephone call a plurality of menu options, said plurality of menu options depending on the time and day of said telephone call.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method as recited by Claim 50, wherein said caller indicates said call is to be transferred to a second extension responsive to said menu options.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method as recited by Claim 51, wherein said caller indicates said call is to be transferred by depressing a predetermined digit on said caller's telephone set.
Claim 64
Independent Claim
144 words
A method for processing a telephone call in a telephone system, said telephone system comprising a switching means for switching said telephone call, a first telephone extension, a second telephone extension, a third telephone extension, said first, second and third telephone extensions coupled with said switching means and a voice messaging system, comprising the steps of: (a) said switching means directing said telephone call at said first telephone extension; (b) detecting said telephone call is not answered by said first telephone extension; (c) said voice messaging system providing a message to said telephone call, said message comprising information regarding the reason said first telephone station did not answer said telephone call; (d) caller placing said telephone call indicating to†said voice messaging system said telephone call is to be transferred to said second telephone extension, said second telephone extension associated with said first telephone extension.
Claim 65
Independent Claim
144 words
A method for processing a telephone call in a telephone system, said telephone system comprising a switching means for switching said telephone call, a first telephone extension, a second telephone extension, a third telephone extension, said first, second and third telephone extensions coupled with said switching means and a voice messaging system, comprising the steps of: (a) said switching means directing said telephone call at said first telephone extension; (b) detecting said telephone call is not answered by said first telephone extension; (c) said voice messaging system providing a message to said telephone call, said message comprising information regarding the reason said first telephone station did not answer said telephone call; (d) caller placing said telephone call indicating to†said voice messaging system said telephone call is to be transferred to said second telephone extension, said second telephone extension associated with said first telephone extension.
Claim 66
Independent Claim
130 words
A method for processing a telephone call in a telephone system, said telephone system comprising a switching means for switching said telephone call, a first telephone extension, a second telephone extension, a third telephone extension, said first, second and third telephone extensions coupled with said switching means and a voice messaging system, comprising the steps of: (a) said switching means directing said telephone call at said first telephone extension; (b) detecting said telephone call is not answered by said first telephone extension; (c) caller placing said telephone call indicating to said voice messaging system said telephone call is to be transferred to said second telephone extension, said second telephone extension associated with said first telephone extension; (d) said voice messaging system providing an informational message to said second telephone extension.
Claim 67
Independent Claim
130 words
A method for processing a telephone call in a telephone system, said telephone system comprising a switching means for switching said telephone call, a first telephone extension, a second telephone extension, a third telephone extension, said first, second and third telephone extensions coupled with said switching means and a voice messaging system, comprising the steps of: (a) said switching means directing said telephone call at said first telephone extension; (b) detecting said telephone call is not answered by said first telephone extension; (c) caller placing said telephone call indicating to said voice messaging system said telephone call is to be transferred to said second telephone extension, said second telephone extension associated with said first telephone extension; (d) said voice messaging system providing an informational message to said second telephone extension.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method as recited by Claim 54, wherein said informational message comprises information identifying said first telephone extension.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method as recited by Claim 54, wherein said informational message comprises information regarding the reason said first telephone extension did not answer said telephone call.
Claim 70
Independent Claim
168 words
A method for processing a telephone call in a telephone system, said telephone system comprising a switching means for switching said telephone call, a first telephone extension, a second telephone extension, a third telephone extension, said first, second and third telephone extensions coupled with said switching means and a voice messaging system, comprising the steps of: (a) said switching means directing said telephone call at said first telephone extension; (b) detecting said telephone call is not answered by said first telephone extension; (c) caller placing said telephone call indicating to said voice messaging system said telephone call is to be transferred to said second telephone extension, said second telephone extension associated with said first telephone extension; (d) detecting said telephone call is not answered by said second telephone extension; (e) reconnecting said telephone call to said voice messaging system responsive to said telephone call being unanswered by said second telephone extension; (f) said voice message allowing said caller to leave a voice message for said first telephone extension.
Claim 71
Independent Claim
168 words
A method for processing a telephone call in a telephone system, said telephone system comprising a switching means for switching said telephone call, a first telephone extension, a second telephone extension, a third telephone extension, said first, second and third telephone extensions coupled with said switching means and a voice messaging system, comprising the steps of: (a) said switching means directing said telephone call at said first telephone extension; (b) detecting said telephone call is not answered by said first telephone extension; (c) caller placing said telephone call indicating to said voice messaging system said telephone call is to be transferred to said second telephone extension, said second telephone extension associated with said first telephone extension; (d) detecting said telephone call is not answered by said second telephone extension; (e) reconnecting said telephone call to said voice messaging system responsive to said telephone call being unanswered by said second telephone extension; (f) said voice message allowing said caller to leave a voice message for said first telephone extension.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method as recited by Claim 57, wherein said caller may indicate to said voice messaging system said telephone call is to be transferred to said third extension if said telephone call is unanswered by said second telephone extension.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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