US006456696B1
`(io) Patent No.:
`a2) United States Patent
`US 6,456,696 B1
`Farganoetal.
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Sep. 24, 2002
`
`
`(54) METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR
`TEMPORARILY DEACTIVATING A CALL
`INDICATOR
`tT
`.
`‘
`Inventors: Michael J. Fargano, Louisville;
`Richard P. Fehl, Lafayette, both of CO
`(US)
`
`(75)
`
`(73) Assignee: Qwest Communications International,
`Inc., Denver, CO (US)
`
`(*) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(6) by 0 days.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 09/054,352
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Apr. 2, 1998
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`faite
`oie
`ete
`() ponauationsn part of application No, 09/001,338, filed on
`,
`(51)
`Int. Ol? sxemsweencrmnnce sms H04M 1/64; HO4M 3/42
`(52) U.S. Che seen 379/70; 379/88.11; 379/88.19;
`379/201.01; 379/201.07; 379/211.01
`(58) Field of Search oo... 379/67.1, 70, 74,
`379/82, 88.08, 88.11, 88.12, 88.15, 88.19,
`88.22, 88.23, 88.24, 210, 211, 212, 210.01,
`201.01, 201.07, 207.03, 207.12, 208.01,
`209.01, 211.01, 212.01; 455/406, 410, 414,
`415, 564, 567, 575
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`we 455/556
`4,481,382 A * 11/1984 Villa-Real.....
`340/825
`4,851,820 A *
`7/1989 Fernandez ....
`we eee
`ee ‘ : uy993 alto etal.
`....
`/
`5939
`265,
`WM,
`seezoerregves
`5363-425 A * 11/1004 Multictal. 379/38
`5.471.519 A * 11/1995 Howe et al. ..
`""370/67.1
`5,559,860 A *
`9/1996 Mizikovsky ..
`oe. 379/58
`5,604,791 A *
`2/1997 Lee ve.
`seve 379/67
`5,742,905 A *
`4/1998 Pepe et al. ccc 455/461
`
`
`
`5,754,627 A *
`5,707,778 A *
`6,018,671 A *
`6,021,181 A *
`6,216,016 B1 *
`oe
`6,252,516 Bl *
`* cited by examiner
`
`5/1998 Butler et al. ww. 455/414
`6/1998 Stone et al. we 340/636
`
`
`1/2000 Bremer........
`sess 455/567
`. 379/88.23
`2/2000 Mineretal.
`4/2001 Cronin oe 455/567
`
`:
`......... 340/825.44
`6/2001 Mottier et al.
`
`Primary Examiner—Allan Hoosain
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Marsh Fischmann &
`Breyfogle LLP
`7
`AESERACE
`on
`is deactivated on a
`indicator, such as a ringer,
`A call
`temporary or preset basis while normal call processing
`continues, so that the subscriber can attain an appropriate
`level of privacy for answering a phone call.
`In one
`embodiment, a handset (10) includes an antenna (12) for
`receiving an incoming call signal, a processor (16) for
`processing the call signal, a call indicator (48) for notifying
`the user of the incoming call, a keypad (38) for providing
`user inputs, and call indicator control subsystem (32). ‘he
`control subsystem (32) receives a temporary deactivation
`input via keypad (38) or a menu and, in response to the
`temporary deactivation input, deactivates the call indicator
`(48) for a portion of a answer waiting time period between
`receipt of the incoming call signal and a call answer input.
`For example, if the handset (10) “rings” during a business
`meeting, the subscriber may provide a first input via the
`keypad (38), menu or other input method to deactivate the
`call indicator. Once the subscriberhas left the meeting room
`or otherwise attained an appropriate level of privacy, the
`subscriber may provide a second input via the keypad (38)
`or a menu to answerthe call. Optionally, the handset (10)
`may be preset (e.g.,before entering a meeting) to provide
`only an abbreviated indication such as a “ping ring”if a call
`is received.
`In addition, a voice announcement may be
`provided, during the time period where the subscriber is
`seeking privacy, to notify the caller that the call will be
`:
`:
`,
`,
`answered shortly. Alternatively, the subscriber may allow a
`call to be forwarded tovoice mail if an appropriate level of
`privacy cannot be attained in a timely manner.
`
`17 Claims, 3 Drawing Sheets
`
`
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`U.S. Patent
`
`Sheet 1 of 3
`
`Sep. 24, 2002
`
`US 6,456,696 B1
`
`2
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`

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`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep. 24, 2002
`
`Sheet 2 of 3
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`US 6,456,696 B1
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`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep. 24, 2002
`
`Sheet 3 of 3
`
`US 6,456,696 B1
`
`
`
` PROCESS
`
`RECEIVE
`INCOMING
`SIGNAL
`
`INCOMING
`SIGNAL
`
`CONTINUE
`
`
`
`
`
`CONTINUE
`CALL
`PROCESSING
`NO ANSWER OR
`FORWARD TO VOICEMAIL
`
`
`
`TERMINATE
`CALL
`
`
`
`FIG.3
`
`4
`
`

`

`US 6,456,696 B1
`
`1
`METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR
`TEMPORARILY DEACTIVATING A CALL
`INDICATOR
`
`RELATED APPLICATIONS
`
`This application is a Continuation-In-Part application of
`US. patent application Ser. No. 09/001,338, filed Dec. 31,
`1997, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TEM-
`PORARILY DEACTIVATING A CALL INDICATOR ”
`now abandoned.
`
`10
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`15
`
`to improved
`invention relates in general
`The present
`subscriber systemsfor cellular or wireless telephones, wire-
`line customer premise equipment (CPE) and other commu-
`nications equipment. In particular,
`the present invention
`relates to a method and apparatus for deactivating an incom-
`ing call indicator, e.g., a vibrator, ringer or other indicator,
`ona per call or temporary basis. The invention is particularly :
`useful in the context of portable telephones which may be
`carried into social gatherings, business meetings and other
`events whereit is desirable to minimize disruption to others.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`25
`
`One of the great attractions of portable telephones, espe-
`cially compact cellular or wireless phones, is that they can
`be conveniently carried by a subscriber, thereby allowing the
`subscriber to be contacted as needed. The subscriber,
`therefore, need not “stay by the phone” when an important
`call is anticipated but, rather, is free to attend meetings or
`social events, conduct business or otherwise proceed nor-
`mally with his day.
`Unfortunately, there are certain situations where receiving
`an incoming call may be disruptive and inappropriate.
`Conventionally, when a portable (or other)
`telephone
`receives an incomingcall signal, a call indicator system such
`as a ringer system is activated to notify the subscriber of the
`incomingcall. Typically, the phone is programmedto ring,
`repeatedly, until either the phone is answered or a given time
`period elapses, at which point a hang up or other caller
`unavailable signal is provided. A subscriber receiving a call
`during certain meetings, social occasions or other events, is
`therefore placed in the uncomfortable position of having to
`allow the phone to continue ringing at the risk of disrupting
`his current company, answer the phone and request time to
`attain an appropriate level of privacy before continuing the
`conversation at the risk of offending the caller and current
`company, or silence the ringer by hanging up,
`thercby
`offending the caller and, to a great extent, forfeiting one
`advantage of having a portable phone.
`The problem of inappropriate phone ringing has now
`reached a level where somerestaurants and other establish-
`ments have adopted rules against phone use on the premises,
`and a significant segment of the public is coming to view
`portable phone users as ill-mannered and inconsiderate.
`Unsurprisingly, the problem is a matter of great concern to
`phone equipment manufacturers, carriers and other service
`providers.
`
`SUMMARYOF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention allows a subscriber to temporarily
`deactivate the telephone ringer, or other call indicator, until
`the subscriber can attain an appropriate level of privacy. The
`call indicator is deactivated without terminating processing
`of the incoming call.
`In this manner,
`the subscriber is
`
`40
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`55
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`60
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`65
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`2
`notified of the incoming call with minimal disruption and
`annoyance of current company. Moreover, call processing
`continues while the subscriber seeks privacy for answering
`the call such that inconvenience to the caller is minimized.
`
`According to one aspect ofthe present invention, a system
`is provided for temporarily deactivating a call indicator, Le.,
`a ringer, vibrator, or other device for notifying the subscriber
`of an incomingcall. The system involvesa called telephone
`including a receiver for receiving an incoming call signal
`from a calling telephone, a call indicator for notifying the
`subscriber of the incoming call signal and an answering
`input device for providing an answering signal in response
`to an input by the subscriber, e.g., a call pickup signal. The
`call indicator is normally active during an answering time
`period between receipt of the incoming call signal and
`receipt of the answering signal. For example, in the case of
`a ringer, the ringer may ring periodically throughout the
`answering lime period. The called telephone also includes an
`incoming call processor for receiving the incoming call
`signal and processing a call request during the answering
`time period. Among other things, the call processor may
`signal switching devices of the telecommunications network
`to set up the call and activate a timer for terminating the call
`request if the request is not answered within a predetermined
`time.
`
`The novel system includes a call indicator controller for
`deactivating the call indicator during at least a portion of the
`answering time period while processing of the call request
`continues normally. The call indicator controller includes a
`device for receiving a deactivation input from the subscriber
`and a device for controlling operation of the call indicator in
`response to the deactivation input so as to temporarily
`deactivate operation of the call indicator. The deactivation
`input may be entered by the subscriber via a keypad, menu
`or other input method (e.g., voice) of the called telephone.
`For example, a particular key of the keypad may be desig-
`nated for receiving the deactivation input. In this manner, the
`subscriber can deactivate the call indicator by pressing or
`clicking the designated key and then subsequently answer
`the incoming call by clicking any key of the keypad or a
`second key designated for answering. Alternatively,
`the
`deactivation input may be entered by the subscriber by
`clicking any key (as opposed to a designated key) of the
`keypad. The subscriber may subsequently, or immediately,
`answerthe call by clicking any key of the keypad or a key
`designated for answering. In the case where any key can be
`used to enter the deactivation input and any key can be used
`to answer, the user can immediately answer the phone by
`double clicking on any key of the keypad.
`The call
`indicator deactivation system of the present
`invention can be implemented in conjunction with any
`suitable architecture including handset and/or network com-
`ponents. In this regard, the associated logic can be wholly or
`partially programed into the hardware of a portable tele-
`phoneorthe logic can be resident elsewhere in the telecom-
`munication system. In the latter case, for example, a call
`indicator deactivation input by the subscriber may be trans-
`mitted from the called telephone to a switch, an associated
`register or other processor of the network. In response, the
`network may transmit a signal to the called telephone which
`causes the telephone to deactivate the call indicator without
`terminating call processing. It will be appreciated that other
`architectures for implementing the present invention are
`possible, e.g., a smart card based CPEfor storing data and
`execuling logic programs.
`According to another aspect of the present invention, a
`telephone can be preset to minimize disruption of social
`
`5
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`

`US 6,456,696 B1
`
`10
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`3
`gatherings, business meetings or other events due to incom-
`ing calls. A call indicator of a called telephone is associated
`with a controller for selectively operating the call indicator
`based on inputs from the subscriber. For example, a first user
`input can implement a pre-programmed operation for sub-
`stituting a single ping ring for the familiar periodic ringing
`function. A second input can restore the normal ringer
`function. The controller receives the subscriber
`inputs,
`stores information regarding the selected operation (e.g.,
`ping ring or normal ringing), and subsequently operates the
`call indicator in accordance with the selected function upon
`receiving an incoming call signal.
`In this manner,
`the
`subscriber can preset the telephone to provide a minimized
`call indication when the subscriber anticipates that he/she
`will be in settings where normal indicator operation would
`be disruptive.
`In accordance with another aspect of the present
`invention, a holding announcementis provided in conjunc-
`tion with deactivation of a call
`indicator using network
`and/or CPE equipment. The associated system includes a
`memory for storing a holding message such as “please hold,
`your call will be answered shortly” and a processor for
`recciving an incomingcall signal, cstablishing communica-
`tion between the called telephone andthe calling telephone
`and recalling and playing the stored holding message. The
`processor is preferably further operative for receiving an
`answering input from the subscriber and interrupting the
`holding message upon receipt of the answering signal so as
`to permit normal communication as between the called and
`calling telephone. The system may further monitor the
`telephone to determine whether the subscriber answers
`within a predetermined time. If no answerts received within
`the predetermined time, a further announcement may be
`provided or the call may be forwarded to network voice
`mail. An indicator light, warning messageor other indication
`can be provided so that the subscriber knows when the
`predetermined time is close to elapsing.
`In addition, a
`suitable mechanism maybe providedto allowthe subscriber
`to sclect, re-start or extend the predetermined time.
`The invention may be understood as encompassing cer-
`tain operating “modes” and a numberof “implementations”
`for selecting operation in these modes. The operating modes
`relate to whether the telephone’s incoming call indicator
`(e.g.,
`the ringer) is allowed to operate normally or is
`operated to minimize disruption. In this regard, the invention
`allows a subscriber to select between: 1) an active indicator
`mode, and 2) a temporarily deactivated mode. In the active
`indicator mode, the call indicator is active throughout the
`answerwaiting time period,i-e., until the call is answered or
`the time for answering expires. In the temporarily deacti-
`vated mode, the call indicator is deactivated during at least
`a portion of the answering time period. For example, in the
`temporarily deactivated mode, the call indicator may pro-
`vide a single ring, abbreviated ring, or other indication and
`then remain inactive for the remainderof the call answering
`time period. A numberof possible “implementations”of this
`mode selection function are possible. Generally,
`these
`implementations include: 1) a subsystem for allowing the
`subscriber to pre-select the temporarily deactivated mode
`prior to receiving a call, e.g., before entering a meeting; 2)
`asubsystem for deactivating the call indicatorafter a call has
`been received (e.g., while the phoneis ringing) by pressing
`a designated key; 3) a subsystem for deactivating the call
`indicator after a call has been reccived by pressing any key
`on the keypad; and 4) a subsystem for providing a recorded
`message while the indicator is deactivated and the caller is
`waiting for the called phone to be answered.
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`40
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`The present invention thus allows a subscriber to deacti-
`vate the telephone ringer until the subscriber can attain an
`appropriate level of privacy, thereby reducing :disruption
`and annoyance of others. The invention also allows process-
`ing of the incomingcall to continue upon deactivation of the
`call indicator so that inconvenience to the caller is mini-
`mized.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`For a more complete understanding of the present inven-
`tion and further advantages thereof, reference is now made
`to the following detailed description taken in conjunction
`with the drawings, in which:
`FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable telephone in
`connection with which the present invention can be used;
`FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a portable telephone
`system in accordance with the present invention; and
`FIG. 3 is a flow chart showinga call indicator deactivation
`process in accordance with the present invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`INVENTION
`
`In the following description, the invention is set forth in
`the context of a wireless telephone network such as various
`cellular and PCS networks. It will be appreciated that the
`invention has particular advantages in connection with such
`a telephone network as subscribers in such networks often
`have occasion to bring telephones into social gatherings,
`business meetings or other events where an incomingtele-
`phone call may be disruptive. However, various aspects of
`the invention are equally applicable to cordless telephones,
`wireline telephone systems and other communications
`equipment. That is, the invention may advantageously be
`employed in any context where it may desirable to tempo-
`rarily deactivate a ringer or other call indicator.
`Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a cordless handset system 10
`is illustrated. Generally, the handset 10 includes: an antenna
`12 for receiving/transmitting RF signals as between the
`handset 10 and a cell site antenna of a wireless/cellular
`telecommunications network; receiving/transmitting com-
`poncnts 14 associated with the antenna 12 for processing
`incoming and outgoing signals, call processing components
`16 for controlling operation of the handset 10, and user
`interface components 18 for providing an interface between
`the handset 10 and the subscriber.
`
`The receiving/transmitting components 14 include an
`incoming signal processing unit 20 and an outgoing call
`processing, unit 22. ‘he incoming signal processing unit 20
`performs a numberoffunctionsrelative to an incomingcall
`signal including: filtering the incoming signal to remove
`unnecessary wavelength bands, demodulating the high fre-
`quencycarrier signal and converting the signal into a digital
`format for processing by the call processing component 16.
`The outgoing call processing unit 22 performs a number of
`functionsrelative to transmitting a signal including process-
`ing a voiceor other signal for transmission, synthesizing the
`communication signal to apply a reference frequency, modu-
`lating the communication signal
`into a high frequency
`carrier signal andfiltering the resulting signal for transmis-
`sion.
`
`The call processing components 16 includes a processor
`24 including a CPU 26 and a memory and I/O unit 28, a
`timing subsystem 30, a call indicator control subsystem 32
`and an optional messaging subsystem 34. Operation of the
`timing system 30, control system 32 and messaging system
`
`6
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`US 6,456,696 B1
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`This mode of operation is controlled in response to the
`34 will be described in more detail below. The processor 24
`controls operation of the various components of the handset
`deactivation input key 40 and the answering input key 42.
`10. In this regard, the processor 24 receives an incoming
`In one optional
`implementation,
`the “designated key
`signal from the incoming signal processing unit 14, and
`implementation”, a particular key of the keypad 38 or menu
`notifies the subscriber of the incoming call. The processor 24
`entry is designated as the temporary deactivation input key
`also communicates with cell site/switch equipment via the
`40. Uponreceiving an input from the deactivation input key
`outgoing call processing unit 16 and antenna 12 to establish
`40, the processor 24 switches operation of the call indicator
`a channel for communication as between the handset 10 and
`48 from the active indicator mode of operation, as described
`a calling telephone that originated the incoming call signal.
`above, to the temporarily inactive mode of operation where
`With respect to outgoing calls, the processor 24 receives
`the indicator 48 is deactivated for a portion of the answering
`information from the user interface components 18, e.g., a
`time period. For example, if the handset’s ringer sounds
`phone numberand transmit signal, communicates with cell
`whenthe subscriberis at a social gathering or in a business
`site/switch equipment via the outgoing call processing unit
`meeting, the subscriber can select the deactivation key so as
`22 and antenna 12 to establish a communications channel,
`to silence the ringer. Although the ringer is silenced, the
`transmits a call request and waits for a response from the
`processor 24 will continue processing of the incomingcall.
`called telephone/network. During a phone conversation, the
`In conjunction with this designated key implementation
`processor 24 receives voice communications from the user
`of the invention, the answering input key 42 may be pro-
`interface components 18,
`transmits the voice
`vided by wayof a particular answering key/menuentry or by
`communications, receives incomingsignals, transmits voice
`pressing any of the keys of keypad 38. Preferably,
`the
`communications to the user interface components 18, and 4
`answering input 42 is provided by selecting a key other than
`detects any operating signals such as a hang up signal.
`the designated temporary deactivation input key. Thus, the
`The user interface components 18 include a number of
`subscriber can answera call immediately by simply select-
`devices for communicating with the subscriber, The display
`ing a non-designated key. Alternatively, the subscriber can
`36, provides a visual presentation of a phone numberentered
`temporarily deactivate the ringer by sclecting the designated
`by the user, information regarding an incoming call and/or
`key and then answer, when an appropriate degree of privacy
`various operating information suchasstatus of the handset’s
`is attained, by selecting a non-designated key.
`battery. The keypad 38 may include buttons corresponding
`In another
`implementation,
`the “any key
`to the numbers Q—9 for entering phone numbers or other
`numerical information as well as various other buttons such
`implementation,” the deactivation input
`is provided by
`clicking on any key of the keypad 38. Subsequently, the
`as “end”, “off”, “#°, “*”, “flash”, “send”, or other buttons.
`subscriber clicks any key of the keypad 38 to answer. In
`As described below,
`in accordance with the present
`order to answer a call immediately, the subscriber double
`invention, the keypad 38 may include one or more buttons
`clicks on any key of the keypad 38.
`that function as a temporary ringer silencer or temporarycall
`In a further implementation, the “preset implementation,”
`indicator deactivation input key 40 and an answering input
`the subscriber mayselect, e.g., by a keystroke or menu entry,
`key 42. The ear piece 44, receives communication informa-
`the deactivation input key 40 priorto receipt of an incoming
`tion from the processor 24 and provides audio signals to the
`call to preset the handset 10 for temporarily inactive mode
`subscriber. Microphone 46 receives voice or other audio
`operation. In this regard, the processor 24 may control the
`signals from the subscriber and provides corresponding
`handset’s ringer to provide a single ring or an abbreviated
`communication signals to the processor 24. Finally, the call
`“ping”ring, after which the ringer will remainsilent until the
`indicator 48 provides a signal to the subscriber that notifies
`call is answered or the time for answering expires.
`the subscriber of an incoming call. For example, the call
`indicator 48 maybearinger or other device for providing an
`In yet another implementation,
`the “messaging system
`audio indication, a vibrator, or any other device which
`implementation,” the optional messaging system 34 is used
`provides a signal that is perceptible by the subscriber.
`to provide a holding message during the answering time
`The call indicator 48, the keypad 38 including the tem-
`period. As noted above,
`in temporarily inactive mode
`porary ringer silencer input key 40 and answering input key
`operation, the call indicator 48 is deactivated for a portion of
`42, the timing subsystem 30, processor 24, control sub-
`the answering time period. This portion may be,
`for
`system 32 and optional messaging subsystem 34 are of
`example, the time between when the subscriber clicks the
`particular significance with respect
`to understanding the
`deactivation input key 40 and when the subscriber subse-
`temporary call indicator deactivation system of the present
`quently clicks the answering input key 42. Alternatively, this
`invention. In the active indicator mode, upon receiving an
`period may be the time between when the preset ringer
`incoming call signal, the processor 24 in cooperation with
`processing subsystem 32 providesan initial indication of the
`incomingcall (e.g., a “ping ring”) and when the subscriber
`the control subsystem 32 activates the call indicator 48 to
`notify the subscriber of the incoming call. The call indicator
`enters the answering input 42. In either case, a holding
`48is activated throughout the time period betweenreceipt of
`message may be transmitted to the caller during this portion
`the incoming call signal and receipt of an answering input
`of the answer waiting period.In this regard, the processor 24
`signal from the keypad 38.In the case of a ringer, the ringer
`may be programmedto prompt the subscriber to enter such
`will sound periodically throughout
`this answering time
`a holding message uponfirst activation of the handset 10 or
`period. If an answering input 42 is not received within a
`at any time thereafter.
`In response to the prompt,
`the
`given time, as measured by reference to the timing sub-
`subscriber can enter a desired holding message such as
`system 30, the processor 24 may transmit a hang up or other
`“please hold, your call will be answered shortly” by speak-
`signal by which the calling telephone is notified that the
`ing into the handset microphone 46. The processor receives
`subscriber is unavailable.
`In the temporarily deactivated
`this message and stores the message in memory 28. In
`mode of operation, the processor 24 in cooperation with the
`temporarily inactive mode operation, the processor 24 in
`control subsystem 32 controls the call indicator 48 upon
`cooperation with the messaging subsystem 34 retrieves this
`receipt of an incomingcall signal suchthat the call indicator
`message from memory 28 and transmits the message during
`is inactive for a portion of the call answer waiting period.
`the answer waiting period to the caller via the outgoing
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`US 6,456,696 B1
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`7
`processing unit 22 and antenna 12. The processor 24 can be
`used in conjunction with the timing subsystem 30 to repeat
`the message, or play a further message, if the call is not
`answeredwithin a selected time (e.g., within 30 seconds). In
`addition, the call may be forwarded to network voice mail
`system if the call is not answered within a given time. A
`suitable indication, e.g., a light, warning or other display,
`may be provided so that the subscriber knows when the
`given time is about to elapse. It will be appreciated that the
`various implementations as thus describedare not exclusive,
`but rather, certain combinations of the implementations are
`possible.
`Although the illustrated embodiment employs an archi-
`tecture wherein the various functional elements of the call
`
`indicator deactivation system are incorporated into the hard-
`ware of the handset 10, it will be appreciated that certain
`functional components may be executed cxternal
`to the
`handset, e.g., by a switch processoror other processorof the
`telecommunications network. For example,
`the timing
`system, control subsystem 32, and messaging subsystem 34,
`may be embodied in whole orin part outside of the handset
`10.
`
`FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a call indicator deacti-
`vation process in accordance with the present invention. The
`illustrated processis initiated by receiving (52) an incoming
`call signal and processing (54) the signal which includes a
`call request. Upon receiving the call request, the processor
`of a handset according to the present invention determines
`whether the handset has been preset (56) for temporarily
`inactive mode operation, ie., whether the subscriber desires
`deactivation of the call indicator for a portion of the answer-
`ing time period. If the handset has been preset, the ringer
`processing system implements (58) a “ping” ring or other
`abbreviated call indication and continues (64) call process-
`ing as normal. If the handset has not been preset for second
`modeoperation, processing continues normally byinitiating
`(60) operation of the call indicator. For example, the call
`indicator may be activated continuously or periodically
`throughoutthe call answer waiting period or until expiration
`of a given time without receiving an answering signal.
`During such active mode operation, the call indicator pro-
`cessing system monitors inputs from the handset’s keypad
`(or menu)to detect any indication that the subscriber desires
`deactivation (62) of the call indicator. For example, the user
`may provide such an indication by clicking on a designated
`or other deactivation input key. If a deactivation input is
`provided call processing continues (64) as normal but the
`call indicator is deactivated (68).
`If no deactivation input is provided, call processing con-
`tinues (64) as normal until an answering signal such as an
`off-hook signal is provided (66), or a predetermined time
`expires without receiving an answering signal. When a
`deactivation input is entered during the answer waiting
`period, further processing depends on the specific imple-
`mentation. For example, for the “any key implementation”
`discussed above, an answering signal may be provided by
`double clicking any key of the keypad if there is no
`designated deactivation input key. For the “designated key
`implementation”, an incoming call may be answered by
`clicking an undesignated key. After answering, communi-
`cation (72) between the calling and called telephone con-
`tinues as normal until a hang up inputsignal is received (74),
`and the call is terminated (76). If no answer is received
`within a predetermined time, the call may be terminated or
`forwarded to voicemail where available. Skuch voice mail
`service maybe provided as a networkservice and/or embad-
`ied in customer premise equipment. In either event, appro-
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`priate call processing logic is used to monitor answering
`status, determine whether the predetermined time has
`aelapsed, and forward the call to voicemail as appropriate.
`While various embodiments of the present invention have
`been described in detail, it is apparent that further modifi-
`cations and adaptations of the invention will occur to those
`skilled in the art. However, it is to be expressly understood
`that such modifications and adaptations are within the spirit
`and scope of the present invention.
`Whatis claimed is:
`1. Atelephone for use in a telecommunications network,
`said telephone comprising:
`a receiver, for receiving an incomingcall signal originated
`by a calling telephone, said incomingcall signal includ-
`ing a call request to establish communication between
`said calling telephone and said called telephone using
`said telecommunications network;
`answering input meansfor providing an answering signal
`in response to an answering input by said user;
`call indicator means for providing an indication percep-
`tible by a user, notifying said user of an incoming call
`signal;
`said call indicator means being active in a first mode of
`operation, during an answering time period between
`receipt of said incoming call signal and receipt of said
`answering signal;
`an incoming call processor for recciving said incoming
`call signal and processing said call request during said
`answering time period; and
`a call indicator controller for deactivating said call indi-
`cator means duringat least a portion of said answering
`time period and allowing said incoming call processor
`to process said call request during said portion of said
`answering time period, said call indicator controller,
`comprising:
`means for receiving a deactivation input entered selec-
`tively through a keypad, menu, or voice either during
`the answering time period or prior to said answering
`time period, wherein receipt of the deactivation input
`prior to the answering time period initiates a second
`mode of operation upon receipt of the incomi