Method and apparatus for selectively sending a false system information tone on a telephone line Number:6,775,364 from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) owispatent A method and apparatus for selectively sending a false system information tone (SIT) in response to an incoming telephone call is provided. One embodiment of the apparatus includes a telephone line interface, caller identification (caller ID) module, programmable oscillator, display device, and controller. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a data storage module, telephone line interface, caller ID module, programmable oscillator, display device, controller, and one or more control devices. The method includes the steps of: a) detecting a ring on the telephone line, b) receiving information about a calling party associated with the incoming telephone call, c) determining if a false SIT is to be sent based on the calling party information, and, d) if the false SIT is to be sent, i) determining when the false SIT is to be sent; ii) generating the false SIT; and, iii) sending the false SIT at the determined time.<H information, selectively, Method, and, appa, 6775364.html, Patent, pto, 6775364

Title: Method and apparatus for selectively sending a false system information tone on a telephone line

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively sending a false system information tone (SIT) in response to an incoming telephone call is provided. One embodiment of the apparatus includes a telephone line interface, caller identification (caller ID) module, programmable oscillator, display device, and controller. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a data storage module, telephone line interface, caller ID module, programmable oscillator, display device, controller, and one or more control devices. The method includes the steps of: a) detecting a ring on the telephone line, b) receiving information about a calling party associated with the incoming telephone call, c) determining if a false SIT is to be sent based on the calling party information, and, d) if the false SIT is to be sent, i) determining when the false SIT is to be sent; ii) generating the false SIT; and, iii) sending the false SIT at the determined time.

Patent Number: 6,775,364 Issued on 08/10/2004 to Knox

Inventors: Knox; Bruce R. (Kirtland Hills, OH)
Assignee: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co. (Glenwillow, OH)

Appl. No.: 10/108,587

Filed: March 27, 2002

Current U.S. Class: 379/142.01 ; 379/142.12; 379/142.13; 379/142.17; 379/188; 379/361

Current International Class: H04M 1/66 (20060101); H04M 1/57 (20060101); H04M 1/663 (20060101); H04M 15/04 (20060101); H04M 15/06 (20060101)

Field of Search: 379/142.01,142.04,142.06,142.07,142.12,142.13,142.17,93.02,93.05,93.17,70,77,81,88.21,188,199,200,322,324,325,361,362,373.01,376.01,377,387.01,399.01,399.02,433.04,185

References Cited [Referenced By]

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Other References

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Primary Examiner: Tran; Quoc D.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Fay, Sharpe, Fagan, Minnich & McKee, LLP

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus in communication with a telephone line, comprising: a base unit, the base unit further comprising: a telephone line interface module operatively coupled to the telephone line; a caller identification (caller ID) module in communication with the telephone line interface module and receiving information over the telephone line about a calling party associated with an incoming telephone call; a programmable oscillator module in communication with the telephone line interface module for selectively generating a false special information tone (SIT) substantially similar to at least a first part of a SIT; a first display device; and, a first controller in communication with the telephone line interface module, the caller ID module, the programmable oscillator module, and the first display device: i) for determining whether the false SIT is to be generated based at least in part on information received about the calling party and ii) if the false SIT is to be generated, a) for determining when the false SIT is to be generated, b) for controlling the programmable oscillator to selectively generate the false SIT, and c) for controlling the telephone line interface module to automatically send the false SIT over the telephone line at the determined time in response to the incoming telephone call after the telephone line is placed in an off-hook condition.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, the base unit further comprising: a power distribution module for distributing electrical power to the caller ID module, the programmable oscillator module, the first display device, and the first controller, wherein the power distribution module is adapted to receive power from a battery.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, the base unit further comprising: one or more control devices in communication with the first controller.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, the base unit further comprising: a transmitter in communication with the first controller; and, the apparatus further comprising: one or more wireless display remote units operatively coupled to the transmitter.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, each display remote unit further comprising: a receiver operatively coupled to the base unit when the remote unit is within communicative range of the base unit; a second display device; and, a second controller in communication with the receiver and the second display device.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, each remote unit further comprising: one or more control devices in communication with the second controller.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, the apparatus further comprising: one or more wireless monitoring remote units operatively coupled to the base unit; and, the base unit further comprising: a receiver in communication with the first controller and operatively coupled to the one or more monitoring remote units when the remote unit is within communicative range of the base unit.

8. An apparatus in communication with a telephone line, comprising: a base unit, the base unit further comprising: a data storage module for storing information about one or more potential calling parties associated with potential incoming telephone calls on the telephone line; a telephone line interface module operatively coupled to the telephone line; a caller identification (caller ID) module in communication with the telephone line interface module and receiving information over the telephone line about a first calling party associated with a first incoming telephone call; a first programmable oscillator module in communication with the telephone line interface module for selectively generating a false special information tone (SIT) substantially similar to at least a first part of a SIT; a first display device; a first controller in communication with the telephone line interface module, the caller ID module, the programmable oscillator module, and the first display device: i) for determining whether the false SIT is to be generated based at least in part on information received about the calling party and ii) if the false SIT is to be generated, a) for determining when the false SIT is to be generated, b) for controlling the programmable oscillator to selectively generate the false SIT, and c) for controlling the telephone line interface module to automatically send the false SIT over the telephone line at the determined time in response to the first incoming telephone call after the telephone line is placed in an off-hook condition; and, one or more control devices in communication with the first controller.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, the first display device further comprising: a multiple character display in communication with the first controller.

10. The apparatus according to claim 8, the base unit further comprising: a speaker module; an audio switch electrically positioned between the telephone line interface module and the first programmable oscillator and in communication with the speaker module and the first controller for selectively switching the audio signal from the first programmable oscillator to the telephone line interface module or to the speaker module; the audio signal generated by the first programmable oscillator further comprising: a telephone ringing tone, wherein when the first programmable oscillator is switched to the telephone line interface module the audio signal comprises the false SIT and when the first programmable oscillator is switched to the speaker module the audio signal comprises the telephone ringing tone; and, wherein the first controller is also: i) for determining if the telephone ringing tone is to be generated, ii) if the telephone ringing tone is to be generated, a) for controlling the programmable oscillator to generate the telephone ringing tone and b) for controlling the audio switch to communicate the telephone ringing tone to the speaker module, and iii) for controlling the audio switch to route the false SIT to the telephone line via the telephone line interface at the determined time when the false SIT should be sent on the telephone line.

11. The apparatus according to claim 8, the base unit further comprising: a transmitter in communication with the first controller; and, the apparatus further comprising: one or more wireless display remote units operatively coupled to the transmitter when the remote unit is within communicative range of the base unit.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, each remote unit further comprising: a receiver operatively coupled to the base unit when the remote unit is within communicative range of the base unit; a speaker module; a second programmable oscillator in communication with the speaker module; a second controller in communication with the receiver and the second programmable oscillator: i) for determining if a telephone ringing tone is to be generated and ii) if the telephone ringing tone is to be generated, for controlling the second programmable oscillator to generate the telephone ringing tone.

13. A method for selectively sending a false special information tone (SIT) on a telephone line in response to an incoming telephone call, comprising the steps of: a) detecting a ring on the telephone line for an incoming telephone call; b) receiving information over the telephone line about a calling party associated with the incoming telephone call; c) determining if a false SIT is to be sent over the telephone line based at least in part on the information received about the calling party; and, d) if it is determined that the false SIT is to be sent: i) determining when the false SIT is to be sent over the telephone line; ii) generating the false SIT; and, iii) automatically sending the false SIT over the telephone line at the determined time in response to the incoming telephone call after the telephone line is placed in an off-hook condition.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein step c) further comprises the steps of: e) determining if information about the calling party is not available; f) if information about the calling party is not available, determining that a false SIT is to be sent in response to the incoming telephone call; g) if information about the calling party is available, determining if the information about the calling party associated with the incoming telephone call matches information about any potential calling party within a group of potential calling parties which have been blocked from calling; and, h) if the calling party is blocked, determining that a false SIT is to be sent in response to the incoming telephone call, otherwise, determining that a false SIT is not to be sent.

15. The method according to claim 13, further comprising the following steps during step d) before sub-step d) iii): e) illuminating a blocked/not available indicator cue; and, f) extinguishing the blocked/not available indicator cue after the telephone line is placed in an off-hook condition.

16. The method according to claim 13, further comprising the following steps if it is determined that the false SIT is not to be sent during step c): e) illuminating a default indicator cue; and, f) extinguishing the default indicator cue after the telephone line is placed in an off-hook condition.

17. The method according to claim 13, further comprising the following steps during step d) before sub-step d) iii): e) annunciating a distinctive blocked/not available audible ring cue during times when a telephone ring is detected on the telephone line for the incoming telephone call; and, f) discontinuing annunciation of the distinctive blocked/not available ring cue after the telephone line is placed in an off-hook condition.

18. The method according to claim 13, further comprising the following steps if it is determined that the false SIT is not to be sent during step c): e) annunciating a default audible ring cue during times when a telephone ring is detected on the telephone line for the incoming telephone call; and, f) discontinuing annunciation of the default ring cue after the telephone line is placed in an off-hook condition.

19. The method according to claim 13, further comprising the following steps if it is determined that the false SIT is not to be sent during step c): e) determining if the information about the calling party associated with the incoming telephone call matches information about a potential calling party in a first group of potential calling parties which have been associated with a first distinctive ring cue; f) if the information matches information about a potential calling party in the first group, annunciating a first distinctive audible ring cue during times when a telephone ring is detected on the telephone line for the incoming telephone call; g) if the information does not match information about a potential calling party in any group, annunciating a default audible ring cue during times when a telephone ring is detected on the telephone line for the incoming telephone call; and, h) discontinuing annunciation of any ring cue after the telephone line is placed in an off-hook condition.

20. The method according to claim 19, further comprising the following steps after step e) if it is determined that the information about the calling party associated with the incoming telephone call does not match information about a potential calling party in the first group of potential calling parties: i) determining if the information about the calling party associated with the incoming telephone call matches information about a potential calling party in a second group of potential calling parties which have been associated with a second distinctive ring; and, j) if the information matches information about a potential calling party in the second group, annunciating a second distinctive audible ring cue during times when a telephone ring is detected on the telephone line for the incoming telephone call.

21. The method according to claim 13, further comprising the following steps if it is determined that the false SIT is not to be sent during step c): e) determining if the information about the calling party associated with the incoming telephone call matches information about a potential calling party in a first group of potential calling parties which have been associated with a first distinctive indicator cue; f) if the information matches information about a potential calling party in the first group, illuminating a first distinctive indicator cue; g) if the information does not match information about a potential calling party in any group, illuminating a default indicator cue; and, h) extinguishing any distinctive or default indicator cue associated with the incoming telephone call after the telephone line is placed in an off-hook condition.

22. The method according to claim 21, further comprising the following steps after step e) if it is determined that the information about the calling party associated with the incoming telephone call does not match information about a potential calling party in the first group of potential calling parties: i) determining if the information about the calling party associated with the incoming telephone call matches information about a potential calling party in a second group of potential calling parties which have been associated with a second distinctive indicator cue; and, j) if the information matches information about a potential calling party in the second group, illuminating a second distinctive indicator cue.

23. The method according to claim 13, wherein the first set of previously determined rules in step c) comprises the steps of: e) determining if information about the calling party is not available; f) if information about the calling party is not available, playing an outgoing message instructing the calling party to enter certain information using the telephone keypad, otherwise proceeding to step h); g) receiving information entered by the calling party over the telephone line associated with the calling party for the incoming telephone call; h) determining if the information about the calling party associated with the incoming telephone call matches information about any potential calling party within a group of potential calling parties which have been blocked from calling; and, i) if the calling party is blocked, determining that a false SIT is to be sent in response to the incoming telephone call, otherwise, determining that a false SIT is not to be sent.

24. The method according to claim 13, further comprising the following steps: e) receiving a wireless communication from a wireless remote unit monitoring a remote condition, wherein the wireless communication indicates a status of the remote condition; f) determining if a remote condition indicator cue should be illuminated based on the status of the remote condition; g) if the remote condition indicator cue should be illuminated, illuminating the remote condition indicator, otherwise extinguishing the remote condition indicator cue; and, h) repeating steps e) through g).

25. The method according to claim 13, wherein step c) further comprises the steps of: e) determining if information about the calling party is not available; and f) if information about the calling party is not available, determining that a false SIT is to be sent in response to the incoming telephone call.

26. The method according to claim 13, wherein step c) further comprises the steps of: e) determining if the information about the calling party associated with the incoming telephone call matches information about any potential calling party within a group of potential calling parties which have been blocked from calling; and, f) if the calling party is blocked, determining that a false SIT is to be sent in response to the incoming telephone call, otherwise, determining that a false SIT is not to be sent.

27. The method according to claim 13, further comprising the following steps: e) receiving a wireless communication from a wireless remote unit monitoring a remote condition, wherein the wireless communication indicates a status of the remote condition; f) determining if a remote condition indicator cue should be illuminated based on the status of the remote condition; and g) if the remote condition indicator cue should be illuminated, illuminating the remote condition indicator, otherwise extinguishing the remote condition indicator cue.

28. An apparatus in communication with a telephone line, comprising: a base unit, the base unit further comprising: a telephone line interface module operatively coupled to the telephone line; a caller identification (caller ID) module in communication with the telephone line interface module and receiving information over the telephone line about a calling party associated with an incoming telephone call; a programmable oscillator module in communication with the telephone line interface module for selectively generating a false special information tone (SIT) substantially similar to at least a first part of a SIT; and a first controller in communication with the telephone line interface module, the caller ID module, and the programmable oscillator module: i) for determining whether the false SIT is to be generated based at least in part on information received about the calling party and ii) if the false SIT is to be generated, a) for determining when the false SIT is to be generated, b) for controlling the programmable oscillator to selectively generate the false SIT, and c) for controlling the telephone line interface module to automatically send the false SIT over the telephone line at the determined time in response to the incoming telephone call after the telephone line is placed in an off-hook condition.

29. An apparatus in communication with a telephone line, comprising: a base unit, the base unit further comprising: a data storage module for storing information about one or more potential calling parties associated with potential incoming telephone calls on the telephone line; a telephone line interface module operatively coupled to the telephone line; a caller identification (caller ID) module in communication with the telephone line interface module and receiving information over the telephone line about a first calling party associated with a first incoming telephone call; a first programmable oscillator module in communication with the telephone line interface module for selectively generating a false special information tone (SIT) substantially similar to at least a first part of a SIT; and a first controller in communication with the telephone line interface module, the caller ID module, and the programmable oscillator module: i) for determining whether the false SIT is to be generated based at least in part on information received about the calling party and ii) if the false SIT is to be generated, a) for determining when the false SIT is to be generated, b) for controlling the programmable oscillator to selectively generate the false SIT, and c) for controlling the telephone line interface module to automatically send the false SIT over the telephone line at the determined time in response to the first incoming telephone call after the telephone line is placed in an off-hook condition.

30. A method for selectively sending a false special information tone (SIT) on a telephone line in response to an incoming telephone call, comprising the steps of: a) receiving information over the telephone line about a calling party associated with an incoming telephone call; b) determining if a false SIT is to be sent over the telephone line based at least in part on the information received about the calling party; and, c) if it is determined that the false SIT is to be sent: i) determining when the false SIT is to be sent over the telephone line; ii) generating the false SIT; and, iii) automatically sending the false SIT over the telephone line at the determined time in response to the incoming telephone call after the telephone line is placed in an off-hook condition.

Description

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

The invention relates to the field of telephony and more particularly to a method and apparatus for selectively sending a false system information tone (SIT) on a telephone line in response to an incoming telephone call. It finds particular application in conjunction with selectively sending the false SIT based on information received over the telephone line about the calling party associated with the incoming telephone call and will be described with particular reference thereto. However, it is to be appreciated that the invention is also amenable to other applications.

Telemarketing has increased exponentially in recent times. Many people targeted by telemarketers do not desire to receive or answer the telemarketing calls. Thus, it is desirable to provide a method and apparatus that may be used to block telemarketing calls and potentially reduce or eliminate future telemarketing calls.

One method for preventing some telemarketing calls is to have your telephone number removed from the dialing list of the telemarketer. This method, however, involves effort and is only partially effective because new calling lists are constantly generated which reestablish your number as a target.

Another method to block calls is to simply take your phone off the hook when telemarketing calls are undesired. Such a method is undesirable because the method does not permit desired calls to be connected and received. The method also causes the phone to emit a loud off-hook warning signal that may annoy the owner of the phone. Instead of leaving the phone off the hook, a person may use an answering machine or a caller identification (caller ID) device to screen calls. Both of these methods are undesirable because some people do not leave messages, and some numbers cannot be identified by the caller ID device.

In view of these deficiencies, devices have been developed to permit selective blocking of calls. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 5,467,388 discloses a method and apparatus for selectively blocking incoming telephone calls. The patent discloses an apparatus that may be programmed to selectively block calls either by time block or by number. The user must, however, spend time to program the system and remember to activate it when the blocking function is desired. Such steps are generally undesired due to the effort required by the user. Thus, a method and apparatus that automatically blocks calls placed from a predictive dialing telemarketing system is highly desirable. Further, the method and apparatus should not require any preprogramming or activation steps. Also, the system must allow desired calls to be connected while still blocking undesired calls.

To more fully understand the concepts of the present invention, it should be understood that most large-scale automated telemarketing systems use predictive or auto-dialers to place the phone calls. These dialers obtain a number to be called from a computer database and place the telemarketing calls for the operator. If a call is connected and a live person responds, the system immediately connects the call to a salesperson, operator, or solicitor who makes a presentation. If the line is unanswered, busy, or answered by an answering machine, the system flags the number and returns to the number at a later time and recalls it. In this manner, the telemarketing system continues to call all programmed numbers until a live person answers. The system also does not waste time having the operator place unanswered calls.

In other situations where the called number has been disconnected or is otherwise no longer in service, the automated telemarketing system removes the number from its computer database. The computer differentiates the status of the number by recognizing special information tones (SITs) used in the U.S. telephone network. The network uses the SITs to provide information to computers in the network. SITs include three precise, sequential tones used to identify recorded announcements provided for ineffective call attempts in the telephone network. There are seven major SIT types, known as SIT1 through SIT7. A telemarketing system is designed to maximize outbound calls and maximize completed calls. Thus, most quality telemarketing systems are designed to recognize SITs. One of the most common SITs is SIT2 which is the intercept SIT. The intercept SIT is used to describe an uncompleted call attempt due to a nonworking number. The intercept SIT begins with a tone of 913.8 Hz that is played for 274 milliseconds. This tone is followed by a second tone of 1370.6 Hz played for 274 milliseconds and completed with a third tone at 1776.7 Hz played for 380 milliseconds. When this SIT is received by a telemarketing system using a predictive dialer, the system notes that the number called is non-working and removes it from its database so that it will not be called again.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,920,623, commonly assigned to Royal Appliance Mfg. Co., discloses a method and apparatus for defeating a predictive dialing telemarketing system. The apparatus includes a signal generator in the nature of an oscillator that is capable of creating a 914 Hz sine wave that substantially imitates the first tone of an intercept SIT (i.e., SIT2) used by the telephone network to indicate a nonworking number. The oscillator signal is amplified by an amplifier. The imitation signal is selectively sent in response to an incoming telephone call when a controller closes a relay to connect the imitation signal to the telephone line. The controller is prompted to close the relay by an off-hook detector that indicates to the controller when a voice signal is established. In addition to this embodiment, the '623 patent contemplated the capability to create any of the known SIT sequences in full or in part. The device produced in conjunction with the '623 patent was powered using a conventional a.c. utility power adapter. However, there is no need to send the imitated SIT to all callers, particularly callers that are known to not be telemarketers.

Devices capable of displaying caller ID information are increasingly common. In fact, caller ID services are one of a group of network-provided enhanced services known as custom local area signaling services (CLASS).

In one common type of caller ID service, a device for displaying caller ID information is equipped with a Frequency Shift Key (FSK) detector, a controller, and a display. When a call is placed to the phone, a Stored Program Control System (SPCS) server situated within the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) activates a corresponding FSK generator also situated within the PSTN to transmit a FSK signal encoding the caller ID information over the telephone line. At the device for displaying caller ID information, when a first ring is detected, the controller enables the FSK detector, which listens for an FSK signal. If an FSK signal is detected before the second ring, it is demodulated to obtain the caller ID information. That information is then displayed. If, however, the FSK signal is not detected before the second ring, the FSK detector is disabled.

In an environment with many users of the same telephone, it can become quite irritating to always answer the phone only to find out the call is not for you. Some people resort to not answering at all--running the risk of missing potentially important calls. Existing caller ID devices can solve this problem--if you are near enough to the unit to see it.

Notably, no device currently implements selectively sending a false SIT over a telephone line based on caller ID information for the incoming telephone call. It is desirable to provide a device that includes the features of sending a false SIT over a telephone line while displaying caller ID information. Furthermore, no device currently combines the features of selectively sending a false SIT with distinctive ringing or distinctive indicator cues based on the caller ID information.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Thus, there is a particular need for a device that selectively sends a false system information tone (SIT) over a telephone line based on caller identification (caller ID) information. There is also a particular need for a device that combines the added feature of distinctive ringing or distinctive indicator cues based on the caller ID information. The invention contemplates such a device that overcomes at least one of the above-mentioned problems and others.

In one aspect of the invention, an embodiment of an apparatus in communication with a telephone line is provided. In this embodiment, the apparatus includes a base unit, the base unit including a telephone line interface module, a caller ID module, a programmable oscillator module for selectively generating a false SIT, a first display device, and a first controller.

In another aspect of the invention, another embodiment of an apparatus in communication with a telephone line is provided. In this embodiment, the apparatus includes a base unit, the base unit including a data storage module, a telephone line interface module, a caller ID module, a first programmable oscillator module for selectively generating a false SIT, a first display device, a first controller, and one or more control devices.

In still another aspect of the invention, a method for selectively sending a false SIT on a telephone line in response to an incoming telephone call is provided. The method including the steps of: a) detecting a ring on the telephone line for an incoming telephone call; b) receiving information over the telephone line about a calling party associated with the incoming telephone call; c) determining if a false SIT is to be sent over the telephone line call based on the information received about the calling party; and, d) if it is determined that the false SIT is to be sent: i) determining when the false SIT is to be sent over the telephone line; ii) generating the false SIT; and, iii) sending the false SIT over the telephone line at the determined time in response to the incoming telephone call.

One advantage of the invention is that false SITs are not generated for incoming telephone calls for which false SITs are known to not be required.

Another advantage of the invention is that distinctive information about an incoming telephone call may be presented visually and/or audibly to users before the telephone is answered.

Still other benefits and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading and understanding the description of the invention provided herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The invention is described in more detail in conjunction with a set of accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a telephone call management system in an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the telephone call management system of FIG. 1 with an additional component.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the telephone call management system of FIG. 1 with additional components, including a display remote unit.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the telephone call management system of FIG. 1 with additional components, including a monitoring remote unit.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the telephone call management system of FIG. 1 with additional components.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of another embodiment of a telephone call management system of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the telephone call management system of FIG. 6 with additional components.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the telephone call management system of FIG. 6 with additional components, including a display remote unit.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of the telephone call management system of FIG. 6 with additional components, including a monitoring remote unit.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the telephone call management system of FIG. 6 with additional components.

FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate a flow chart of a process for selectively sending a false SIT in response to an incoming telephone call based on information about the calling party.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing another selective false SIT process that adds visual indicator cues to the process of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing another selective false SIT process that adds audible ringing cues to the process of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing another selective false SIT process that adds calling party groups and distinctive ringing associated with calling party groups to the process of FIG. 13.

FIGS. 15A-15D illustrate a flow chart of another process for selectively sending a false SIT in response to an incoming telephone call based on information about the calling party.

FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing a process for controlling a remote condition indicator cue.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the invention is described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the drawings are for purposes of illustrating exemplary embodiments of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the invention to such embodiments. It is understood that the invention may take form in various components and arrangement of components and in various steps and arrangement of steps beyond those provided in the drawings and associated description. Within the drawings, like reference numerals denote like elements.

With reference to FIG. 1, a block diagram of a telephone call management system 1 in an embodiment of the invention is provided. The system 1 is operatively coupled to a standard telephone line 12 via a telephone line interface module 13. In this embodiment, the system 1 also includes a caller identification (caller ID) module 14, a programmable oscillator module 16, a power distribution module 18, a controller 20, and a display device 22. Typically these components are packaged together as a base unit. The caller ID module 14 and programmable oscillator module 16 are in communication with the telephone line interface module 13. The controller 20 is in communication with the telephone line interface module 13, caller ID module 14, programmable oscillator module 16, and display device 22. The power distribution module 18 provides the required electrical power to other components typically associated in the base unit.

The telephone line interface module 13 detects and conditions signals carried on the telephone line 12 for the caller ID module 14 and controller 20. The telephone line interface module 13 also conditions audio signals generated by the programmable oscillator module 16 and communicates the audio signals to calling parties over the telephone line 12. As such, the telephone line interface module 13 may include a variety of components in various combinations. For example, typically the telephone line interface module 13 includes a ring detector to detect an incoming telephone call. The telephone line interface module 13 communicates the detection of an incoming telephone call to the controller 20. The controller 20 may wait until the first ring is complete and enable the caller ID module 14. Between the first and second rings the telephone line interface module 13 may detect information about the calling party associated with the incoming telephone call. The calling party information may be conditioned by the telephone line interface module 13 and communicated to the caller ID module 14.

The telephone line interface module 13 also typically includes a hooking control circuit, an off-hook detector, or similar components. The hooking control circuit places the telephone line 12 in an off-hook condition when the controller 20 has determined that the system 1 will answer the incoming telephone call. The off-hook detector detects when any device at the receiving party end places the telephone line 12 in an off-hook condition. When an off-hook condition occurs, the telephone line interface module 13 communicates the condition of the telephone line 12 to the controller 20. The controller 20 may then select an audio signal to be generated and enable the programmable oscillator module 16. The telephone line interface module 13 also typically includes buffering and amplifier circuits to condition the audio signals generated by the programmable oscillator module 16 in order to properly couple the signals to the telephone line 12. The telephone line interface module 13 may also include components to detect dual tone multifrequency tones (DTMF) on the telephone line 12 for communication to the controller 20.

The caller ID module 14 operates in conjunction with commonly known caller ID services provided by telephone companies. The caller ID module 14 is a type commonly known in the art.

The programmable oscillator module 16 generates audio signals that may be sent over the telephone line. In one aspect, the programmable oscillator module 16 generates an audio signal that imitates a telephone network SIT. In other words, the programmable oscillator module 16 generates a false SIT. SITs are sine wave signals with a predetermined frequency and duration. SITs produce three precise, sequential tones used to identify certain conditions related to ineffective call attempts in the telephone network. The frequencies and durations of the tones are generally known in the art and may be obtained from numerous sources including, for example, the Audichron Operator's Manual 0M10-0022. The programmable oscillator module 16 can generate false SITs representing any one of the seven major SIT sequences (i.e., SIT1, SIT2, SIT3, SIT4, SIT5, SIT6, and SIT7). In doing so, the programmable oscillator module 16 can generate a false signal substantially similar to the first tone, first and second tone, or all three tones of any one of the seven major SITs.

A false SIT2 is particularly useful because many predictive or automated dialing systems will recognize a SIT2 as a nonworking number and, in the interest of conserving time, determine that a SIT2 has been received after the first tone in the three-tone sequence has been detected. Thus, it may only be necessary to send the first tone in the sequence to defeat a dialing system used by a telemarketer. The predictive dialing system is said to be "defeated" because the false SIT will cause the predictive dialing system to immediately disconnect the call and remove the telephone number from the telemarketer's database.

The programmable oscillator module 16 generates audio signals in response to control signals communicated by the controller 20. Thus, when the controller 20 determines a false SIT is required, the controller 20 enables the programmable oscillator module 16 and communicates the appropriate control signals to construct the required audio signal. The programmable oscillator module 16 may also generate many other types of audio signals, including an outgoing verbal message.

The power distribution module 18 is typically adapted to receive electrical power from a standard a.c. utility outlet. Alternatively, the power distribution module 18 may be adapted to receive electrical power from a battery or battery pack. Various types of batteries, including rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries, may be used. The power distribution module 18 may be adapted to receive electrical power from both the standard a.c. utility outlet and the battery/battery pack or from either the standard a.c. utility outlet or the battery/battery pack individually.

The controller 20 receives information from the telephone line interface module 13 and the caller ID module 14 and determines what information is to be displayed on the display device 22, determines when the information is displayed on the display device 22, and communicates with the display device 22 to display the information at the determined time. Alternatively, if no calling party information is received for the incoming telephone call, the controller 20 may determine that no information will be displayed on the display device 22.

Using the information from the telephone line interface module 13 and the caller ID module 14, the controller 20 also determines whether to place the telephone line 12 in an off-hook condition or to wait for another device at the receiving party end to place the telephone line in an off-hook condition. For example, if no calling party information is received for the incoming telephone call, the controller 20 may control the telephone line interface module 13 to place the telephone line in an off-hook condition. Conversely, if calling party information is received for the incoming telephone call, the controller 20 may wait for another device at the receiving party end to place the telephone line in an off-hook condition. Alternatively, the controller 20 may be set up to wait for another device at the receiving party end to place the telephone line in an off-hook condition regardless of whether or not calling party information is received.

Using the information received from the telephone line interface unit 13 and the caller ID module 14, the controller also determines whether or not to send the false SIT in response to the incoming telephone call and, if the false SIT is to be sent, communicates with the programmable oscillator module to selectively generate the false SIT and communicates with the telephone line interface module 13 to selectively send the false SIT at the determined time. For example, if the system 1 is set up so that the telephone line 12 is placed in an off-hook condition when no calling party information is received for the incoming telephone call, it is preferable that the system 1 is also set up to send a false SIT after the telephone line 12 is placed in the off-hook condition. Conversely, if calling party information is received for the incoming telephone call, the controller 20 may be set up to not send the false SIT when another device at the receiving party end places the telephone line 12 in an off-hook condition. Alternatively, the controller 20 may be set up to send a false SIT in response to each incoming telephone call regardless of whether or not calling party information is received.

The display device 22 displays information about the calling party associated with the incoming telephone call. The display device 22 may be comprised of multiple light emitting diodes (LEDs) or similar types of indicators. For example, a red LED may be used as an indicator cue that no information was detected on the telephone line between the first and second ring for the current incoming telephone call. Similarly, a green LED may be used as an indicator cue that calling party information was detected on the telephone line for the current incoming telephone call. The LEDs may be continuously illuminated or flashing during the incoming telephone call.

Alternatively, the display device may be a multiple character display or similar device capable of displaying multiple alphanumeric characters. This type of display may provide similar indicator cues to the red and green LEDs described above. Additionally, the telephone number of the calling party associated with the current incoming telephone call may be displayed. The name of the calling party may also be displayed. Other messages may also be displayed, particularly if no calling party information was received for the incoming telephone call. Conversely, if no calling party information is received for the incoming telephone call and the system 1 is set up to place the telephone line in an off-hook condition when no calling party information is received, no information may be displayed on the display device 22 for the incoming telephone call.

With reference to FIG. 2, a block diagram of the telephone call management system 1 of FIG. 1 with an additional component is provided. More specifically, control(s) 24 are added to the components of the system 1 described above. The control(s) 24 include one or more control devices in communication with the controller 20. There may be various types of control devices, including pushbutton switches, toggle switches, slide switches, momentary or latching switches, selector switches, or potentiometers. Typically, the control(s) 24 are packaged together with other components associated with the base unit. The control(s) 24 are for activation by a user and for communicating control signals associated with manual control of the base unit to the controller 20. The control(s) 24 may serve various functions, including setting up preferences for the system 1, manually disabling/enabling the caller ID module 14, manually disabling/enabling the programmable oscillator module 16 or its false SIT generation function, and acknowledging indicator cues and messages on the display device 22.

The control(s) 24 also permit calling party information from previous incoming telephone calls to be viewed on the display device 22. For this feature the combination of the caller ID module 14 and the controller 20 must store a record of the calling party information from previous incoming telephone calls. The control(s) 24 provide the user with a means of advancing forward and backward through the recorded calling party information and a means for deleting calling party information associated with a previous incoming telephone call.

With reference to FIG. 3, a block diagram of the telephone call management system 1 of FIG. 1 with additional components, including an embodiment of a display remote unit 2, is provided. A transmitter 26 is added to the components associated with the base unit in the system 1 of FIG. 1. The transmitter 26 is in communication with the controller 20 for transmitting wireless communications. Typically, the transmitter 26 is packaged together with other components associated with the base unit. The display remote unit 2 is wireless and operatively coupled to the transmitter 26 for receiving wireless communications when the display remote unit 2 is within communicative range of the transmitter 26.

The display remote unit 2 includes a receiver 29, a second controller 30, and a second display device 32. The receiver 29 is the subcomponent that is operatively coupled to the transmitter 26. Like the display device 22 associated with the base unit, the second display device 32 displays information about the calling party associated with one or more incoming telephone calls. The second display device 32 may be any type described above for the display device 22 associated with the base unit. The display devices (22, 32) can be different types, although typically all the display devices (22, 32) in the system 1 are substantially the same.

The second controller 30 is in communication with the receiver 29 and the second display device 32. The second controller 30 receives the calling party information from the controller 20 associated with the base unit via the wireless communication path. Similar to the controller 20, the second controller 30 determines what information is to be displayed on the second display device 32, determines when the information is displayed on the second display device 32, and communicates with the second display device 32 to display the information at the determined time. Alternatively, the second controller 30 may also receive commands and other information from the controller 20 associated with the base unit. In this alternative the controller 20 and second controller 30 operate in a master-slave fashion and the second display device 32 usually reflects the same information displayed on the display device 22 associated with the base unit.

The display remote unit 2 is mobile and may be positioned in a convenient location, for example, on a kitchen counter, next to a chair, on a deck or patio table, or next to a bed, so that the user may determine whether or not to answer the phone before even moving towards a more distant telephone unit. The display remote unit 2 also includes a power distribution module (not shown) adapted to receive electrical power from a battery or battery pack. Various types of batteries, including rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries, may be used. The system 1 may include multiple wireless display remote units 2. The display remote units 2 can have different types of display devices 32, although typically the display devices 32 of each display remote unit 2 in the system 1 are substantially the same.

With reference to FIG. 4, a block diagram of the telephone call management system 1 of FIG. 1 with additional components, including a monitoring remote unit 3, is provided. The monitoring remote unit 3 is wireless and operatively coupled to the base unit for transmitting wireless communications to the base unit. A receiver 27 is added to the components associated with the base unit in the system 1 of FIG. 1. The receiver 27 is in communication with the controller 20 for receiving wireless communications when the monitoring remote unit 3 is within communicative range of the base unit. Typically, the receiver 27 is packaged together with other components associated with the base unit.

The monitoring remote unit 3 includes a transmitter 36 and a monitoring device 38. The transmitter 36 is the subcomponent that is operatively coupled to the receiver 27. The monitoring device 38 is a detector, sensor, measurement instrument, or other type of monitoring device for monitoring a remote condition. Wireless communications are transmitted from the monitoring remote unit 3 indicating the status of the remote condition. The controller 20 receives the status information via the receiver 27 and determines what information is to be displayed on the display device 22, determines when the information is displayed on the display device 22, and communicates with the display device 22 to display the information at the determined time. The display device 22 may include one or more indicator cues associated with the status of the remote condition. Colored LEDs, other types of colored indicators, text messages, or combinations thereof are used as remote condition indicator cues. Remote condition indicator cues may also be included in the second display device 32 of a display remote unit 2.

An example of a remote condition that can be monitored is a garage door. The status of the garage door is open or closed as determined by a laser or infrared sensor. The monitoring remote unit 3 may periodically transmit the status of the garage door to the base unit. The controller 20 may illuminate a green LED when the garage door is closed and a red LED when the garage door is open. The indicator cues could be flashed for emphasis. Various types of remote conditions can be monitored. For example, the status of outside doors, windows, or appliances. The monitoring device 38 for the remote device 3 must be suited for the remote condition to be monitored.

The monitoring remote unit 3 also includes a power distribution module (not shown) adapted to