Patent ID: 6735433
Filing Date: 2004-05-11
Classification: H04M

Abstract:
A device for automated activation of a call feature having a first state and second state, the device comprising:a transmitter for transmitting an input signal within a limited area to a portable device; a receiver for receiving an answerback signal from the portable device; and a telephone dialer for placing a call into a network for changing the state of the call feature, a processing circuit in communication with the transmitter and the receiver, the processing circuit having instructions for: determining whether the portable device is within a local proximity to the device, if yes, then: determining an actual state of the call feature, determining a predetermined state for the call feature when the portable device is within the local proximity to the device, comparing the predetermined state to the actual state for the call feature to determine whether the states are the same, if not, then placing a call to change the state of the call feature; if the portable device is not within the local proximity to the device, then: determining the actual state of the call feature, determining a predetermined state for the call feature when the portable device is not within the local proximity to the device, comparing the predetermined state to the actual state for the call feature to determine whether the states are the same, if not, then placing a call to change the state of the call feature; wherein the call feature is call forwarding, voice mail, call waiting, selective call forwarding, or auto redail on busy.