Universal calling/originating number identification

Claim 1

An interface circuit for use between a telephone central office and a subscriber's telephone instrument for identifying the source of an incoming call, including control means, display means connected to said control means operated in response to signals representative of the identity of the source of said incoming call received from said telephone central office via a telephone line, to provide a visual indication of said incoming call identification, and a calling device connected to said control means operable by a subscriber to operate said control means to transmit via said telephone line, call selection signals, the improvement comprising: a dialer circuit connected between said control means and said telephone line; sensing means connected between said telephone line and said control means operated to indicate to said control means the condition of said telephone line; decoder means connected between said telephone line and said control means, operated to decode incoming signals and extend decoded information representative of said incoming signals to said control means; a loudspeaker; recording and reproducing means connected between said loudspeaker and said control means, operated in response to said decoded information received from said control means to reproduce audibly the identification of the source of said incoming call; a microphone connected to said recording and reproducing means, said microphone and said recording and reproducing means operated by a subscriber to program in a voice memory associated with said recording and reproducing means, information related to the identity of the source of an incoming telephone call; and a computer interface connected between said control means and a computer, said decoded information extended via said computer interface to said computer.