Patent ID: 6590965
Filing Date: 2003-07-08
Classification: H04M

Abstract:
A method of providing voice mail service with automatic caller identification through a telephone network comprising a traffic network with a plurality of central office switching systems and an interoffice signaling network, the method comprising:detecting a need to forward a call intended for a voice mail subscriber to a voice mail system providing a voice mailbox for the subscriber; identifying a telephone number associated with a calling station; forwarding the call to the voice mail system; receiving the telephone number in the voice mail system from an end office switching system coupled to the voice mail system; obtaining name information corresponding to the telephone number by launching a query containing the telephone number from the voice mail system to a line identification database coupled to the interoffice signaling network, and receiving a response containing the name information in the voice mail system from the line identification database; within the voice mail system, recording the telephone number and the name information received from the network in association with the voice mailbox of the subscriber; converting the stored telephone number and name information to an audible announcement; and transmitting the audible announcement through the telephone network from the voice mail system to the subscriber, during a review of contents of the voice mailbox by the subscriber.