Patent ID: 6067443
Filing Date: 2000-05-23
Classification: H04M,H04Q,H04W,Y10S

Abstract:
Apparatus for use in a communications system wherein an incoming call from a calling party is directed to a called party, said apparatus comprising a communications processor, said communications processor:responsive to said incoming call for determining a bidirectional communications device associated with said called party and for causing an alerting signal to be produced at said bidirectional communications device to alert said called party of said incoming call,responsive to a first signal transmitted by said bidirectional communications device for suspending further processing of said incoming call in a first call processing mode, andresponsive to a predetermined signal received from said bidirectional communications device, prior to said called party establishing a two-way telephone connection to said incoming call, for reinitiating processing of said incoming call in a different second call processing mode.