Patent ID: 6775364
Filing Date: 2004-08-10
Classification: H04M

Abstract:
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.