Patent ID: 6594354
Filing Date: 2003-07-15
Classification: H04M

Abstract:
Apparatus for controlling an alert function of a communications terminal, the terminal being associated with a predetermined user for receiving an incoming call over a telecommunications network, the terminal alert function presenting to the user at least an audible alert of the incoming call, the apparatus comprisingcircuitry for determining whether the user is present at said communications terminal to receive the incoming call and a controller for controlling the alert function according to the determination of the user's presence at the communications terminal, wherein the controller disables at least an audible alert part of the terminal alert function if any one of the following conditions is determined: i) the user is not present at the communications terminal; ii) the user is present at the communications terminal but a stored alert parameter of the predetermined user is set to disable at least said audible part of the terminal alert function; and iii) the user is present at the communications terminal but a stored group alert parameter is set to disable at least said audible part of the terminal alert function.