Abstract:
A messaging system allows a message recipient to assign different message lengths to different messages. In one embodiment, the recipient sets the length of time per message. In another embodiment, the recipient programs the messaging system with codes that, when matched, enable longer messages. The recipient assigns the codes to “preferred” senders. The senders transmit the code, either explicitly, for example by a sequence of keystrokes, or automatically, for example by transmitting caller identification.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Telephone voice message systems such as PHONEMAIL (™) and telephone answering machines have become an omnipresent feature of modern life. Many people receive and send several messages by voice message systems every day. 
     Most voice message systems have a limited recording time for a caller to leave a message. When the recording time is exceeded, many systems cut off the caller without a warning; this can break the caller&#39;s concentration. The caller then must place the call again. Since it may not be clear exactly when he was cut off, he may have to backtrack or summarize his previous message. 
     Some systems warn the caller that the message recording time is about to end. While this is an improvement over the sudden cut-off, such a system nonetheless interrupts the caller and can interfere with his concentration. He may then rush the remainder of his message, which can lead to misstatements. In any event, the “warning time” is often not long enough, in which case the caller must place the call again, with the disadvantages just described in the last example. In either case, the fragmentation and repetitiveness of the message process is often irritating to both the caller and the call recipient. 
     Some systems allow longer messages to be recorded. However, memory is expensive, and allowing callers to leave long messages can be costly. Furthermore, long messages left by unwanted callers such as telephone solicitors must then be dealt with. Since total recording time is limited, such calls may end up restricting the recording time or number of wanted or important calls. 
     In any event, message recording systems have a finite capacity. What is needed is a system that limits the available message time for unwanted calls without forcing important messages to become shortened, disjointed, or repetitive. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A code can be entered into the keypad that allows a caller to extend the time allotted for messages. In one variation, a hierarchy of codes can provide for different time limits for different incoming callers in accordance with previously assigned allotments. The codes can be input by the caller or can be assigned by the system after the system recognizes the caller. In another variation, the call recipient can set the message time allotment per call. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 depicts a PBX messaging system in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 depicts a telephone answering device in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 3 shows steps of a method in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 4 shows steps of an alternative method in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 5 shows steps of an alternative method in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 6 shows steps of an alternative method in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 7 shows steps of a method for use with a facsimile device. 
     FIG. 8 shows steps of a method for use with an electronic mail system 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     A telephone messaging system  100  in accordance with the present invention comprises a local telephone  102  connected to a private branch exchange (PBX)  104 . PBX  104  includes a messaging system  106  that includes a processor  108 , a memory  110 , a recorder  112 , a playback system  114 , and a timer  116 . As is well known in the art, system  106  also includes control and interface mechanisms, not shown in FIG. 1. A second telephone  118  is also connected to PBX  104 . PBX  104  connects, via a telephone line  120 , to public network  122 , which connects to remote telephones such as telephone  124 . 
     An incoming caller places a call on telephone  124  to, for example, local telephone  102 . If telephone  102  is not answered within a certain number of rings, messaging system  106  handles the call. After a prerecorded or preselected message is played to the caller, recorder  112  records the caller&#39;s message. 
     Recorder  112  contains a finite amount of recordable time. In the preferred embodiment, the total amount of recordable time is divided into time segments, with each segment recording one call. If the caller nears the end of a segment, the messaging system signals the caller that time is about to run out, and inquires whether the caller would like more time. 
     If the caller would like more time, he enters a code by pressing a preselected sequence of one or more dual-tone multiple frequency (DTMF) keys on the keypad of telephone  124 . In one embodiment, the system cues the caller, as for example instructing him to press the pound key if more time is needed. In alternatives, preferred callers have assigned codes, such as a sequence of keystrokes, that must be recognized by the processor before more time is granted. The code is recognized by checking against previously entered codes stored in memory  110 . Alternatively, the response may be given by other means, such as a voice response recognized by voice-recognition software within processor  108 . If the code is correctly entered, additional time is allotted for recording the message. 
     FIG. 2 shows a telephone answering device implementation of the present invention. A method  200  in accordance with the present invention is shown in FIG. 2. A telephone  202  is connected to a telephone answering device  204 . Answering device  204  includes a processor  206 , a memory  208 , a recorder  210 , a digital prompt playback  212 , and a timer  214 . Although for simplicity FIG. 2 depicts the telephone and answering device as separate, the invention also encompasses integral telephone answering devices. 
     Answering device  204  connects, via a telephone line  216 , to public network  218 . An incoming caller places a call on a telephone  220  to telephone  202 . If telephone  202  is not answered within a certain number of rings, telephone answering device  204  handles the call. 
     A prerecorded or preselected message is played to the caller by playback  212 , typically identifying the called party and giving instructions for recording a message. Recorder  210  records the caller&#39;s message. 
     Recorder  210  contains a finite amount of recordable time. In the preferred embodiment, the total amount of recordable time is divided into time segments, with each segment recording one call. If the caller nears the end of a segment, the device signals the caller that time is about to run out, and inquires whether the caller would like more time. 
     If the caller would like more time, he enters a code by pressing a preselected sequence of one or more dual-tone multiple frequency (DTMF) keys on the keypad of telephone  220 . In one embodiment, the system cues the caller, as for example instructing him to press the pound key if more time is needed. In alternatives, preferred callers have assigned codes, such as a sequence of keystrokes, that must be recognized by the processor before more time is granted. The code is recognized by checking against previously entered codes stored in memory  208 . Alternatively, the response may be given by other means, such as a voice response recognized by voice-recognition software within processor  206 . If the code is correctly entered, additional time is allotted for recording the message. 
     A method  300  describes steps applicable to a generalized voice messaging system, encompassing either a system such as that depicted in FIG. 1, or a telephone answering device such as that depicted in FIG.  2 . Method  300  is shown from a point beginning after a call has been placed and the messaging system has answered the call. 
     The caller records the message, at a step  302 . As has been discussed previously, the message has typically been prompted by the system. At a step  304 , the system checks whether the message is done or the recorded time is greater than or equal to the allowed time. This check consults the timer, which tracks recorded time. The first alternative in step  304  (“the message is done”) means the caller has hung up, has been silent for a preselected interval, or has otherwise indicated termination (for example, by pressing the pound key). The other alternative in step  304  means that the message has consumed the allotted interval. If either of these conditions is met, the method ends, at a step  306 . 
     Next, the system determines whether the allowed time minus the recorded time is less than or equal to a preselected (“threshold”) length of time, at a step  308 . The threshold length of time is selected to give the caller enough time to make a choice before the allowed time is up. 
     A step  310  is optional as indicated by dashed lines. In optional step  310 , the system checks to see whether the caller has been signaled. If the caller has been signaled, the method returns to step  302 . In the option shown in step  310 , the system allows a caller only one time extension. In alternatives, plural time extensions are permitted, and the step is omitted. Where step  310  is omitted, if the response to step  308  is “yes”, the method proceeds directly to a step  312 . In a third alternative, the system can allot a certain number of time extensions, in which case step  310  checks whether the caller has been signaled this number of times. 
     In step  312 , the system asks the caller if he wishes more time. The inquiry is preferably by voice playback, but alternatively can be by signal, as for example a certain tone or pattern of tones. The system can prompt the response, or the user can have a personalized code. 
     At a step  314 , the system checks whether the user has input a “yes” response within the allotted response time. If so, the system adds to the time allowed for this message, at a step  316 . 
     A method  400  in accordance with the present invention is shown in FIG.  4 . FIG. 4 depicts an embodiment where the caller inputs a code when the system answers the call. In one embodiment, the code corresponds directly to an interval of time. For example, a caller can input one sequence of keystrokes to obtain a message length of 30 seconds, and another sequence to obtain a message length of two minutes. In an alternative embodiment, the caller inputs an identifying code. The call recipient has previously set up a correspondence of identifying codes and message length. For example, callers involved in a critical project can be given codes that allow longer than average messages. Similarly, a PBX system can allot more message time than average to key managers. 
     In a step  402 , the system answers the call. As has been previously discussed, “the system” includes both answering machines and messaging systems such as PHONEMAIL (™). In a step  404 , the caller inputs a code. In a step  406 , the system adds to the allowed message time in accordance with the code entered. In a step  408 , the message is recorded. At a step  410 , the system checks whether the message is done. A completed message can be indicated by the caller hanging up or entering a signal such as pressing the pound key. If the call is done, the method ends, at a step  412 . 
     If the answer to step  410  is “no”, the method determines, at a step  414 , whether the allowed time minus the recorded time is less than or equal to a preselected threshold. The threshold is selected to allow sufficient time for the completion of the method if the answer to step  414  is “yes”. As discussed supra, in practice this step can be accomplished by comparing a readout from a timer with the allowed time. 
     If the answer to step  414  is no, the method returns to step  408 , and the message continues to be recorded. If the answer to step  414  is yes, the method proceeds to a step  416 . In step  416 , the system warns the caller that the time is about to end. After step  416 , the method continues recording, in a step  418 . At a step  420 , it is determine whether the message is finished or the recorded time is greater than or equal to the allowed time. If yes, the method ends, at step  412 . If no, the method loops back to step  418 . 
     Although the code inputting step is shown in FIG. 4 immediately after the answering step, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the step could occur virtually anywhere in the method before the method ends. It will also be apparent that the warning can be omitted. In that case, step  408  (“record message”) proceeds directly to step  420 . If the answer to  420  is yes, the method ends, at step  412 . If the answer is no, the method loops back to step  408 . 
     Steps of an alternative method  500  are depicted in FIG.  5 . In the method shown in FIG. 5, the system automatically identifies the calling party. The caller identifications can be codes recognized by the answering system, such as public telephone caller ID, or the calling extension (as local telephone  116  of FIG. 1) in a PBX or other answering system. The call recipient has previously programmed time allotments according to the telephone numbers of expected callers. For example, the recipient can allot longer message times to important business contacts or “hot” projects. 
     The first step shown in method  500  is the system answering the call, at a step  502 . At a step  504 , the system captures the caller identification. In the method depicted in FIG. 5, the capture is automatic, without the caller inputting a code. In a step  506 , the system checks the caller identification against a table stored in memory. The table lists allotted times for known caller identifications. In a step  508 , the system allots the message time prescribed in the table. 
     At a step  510 , the system records the message. At a step  512 , the system determines whether the message is done or the recorded time has exceeded the allowed time. If “no”, the method loops back to step  510 . If “yes”, the method ends at a step  514 . 
     In an alternative method  600  shown in FIG. 6, the call recipient allots time per call as part of the system setup. For example, for a total message recording length of  30  minutes, the recipient can allot two minutes per call, so that his system will record  15  separate call. Alternatively, he can allot one minute per call, and record  30  separate calls. In other variations, the recipient can allot varying times per call. For example, if the recipient checks messages often, he can allot two minutes to the first ten calls and one minute to the next ten call. Accordingly, he can receive detailed messages for most calls while decreasing the chances that callers will receive “mailbox full” notifications. 
     In a step  602  of method  600 , the called party allots time per call. In a step  604 , the system answers an incoming call. In a step  606 , the system allots the prescribed message time to the call. In a step  608 , the system records the message. In a step  610 , the system determines whether the message is done of the recorded time exceeds or is equal to the allotted time. If the answer is no, the method loops back to step  608 . If the answer is “yes”, the method ends, at a step  612 . 
     The invention also encompasses facsimile transmissions. As is apparent to those skilled in the art, facsimile devices can include components such as processors, memory, storage, and timers. Facsimile devices also can include signaling systems that elicit and analyze responses from a hog device. With facsimile transmissions, it is the length of transmission that is affected by the entering of a code. The length of transmission can be defined as length of time of transmission, by number of pages, or for systems that store transmissions in a memory, by amount of storage. As discussed above, “codes” can include caller identification. 
     A method  700  using a facsimile device is depicted in FIG.  7 . At a step  702 , the facsimile device answers the call. At a step  704 , the facsimile device determines whether a preselected code has been received from the calling device. If the device has received the code, the system allots transmission length according to the received code. The method can readily be adapted from procedures described above. The device receives the facsimile transmission, at a step  708 . At a step  710 , the device determines whether the transmission is done or the transmission length is greater than or equal to the allotted length If the answer is “no”, the method loops back to step  708 , and the device continues to receive the transmission. If “yes”, the method ends, at a step  712 . 
     If, at step  704 , the device does not receive the preselected code, the system allots a default transmission length, at a step  706 . The method then proceeds to step  708 , and follows the method from then on as described above. 
     A method  800  of the invention encompassing an electronic mail (e-mail) system is depicted in FIG.  8 . As is well known to those in the art, such systems include processors, memory, recorders, timers, storage, and display. At a step  802 , an electronic mail system receives an e-mail transmission. At a step  804 , the system determines whether a preselected code has been received from the e-mail source. If the recipient system has received the code, the system assigns an e-mail length limit according to the received code. The method can readily be adapted from procedures described above. 
     The system protocol detects the e-mail message length, at a step  808 . At a step  810 , the system determines whether the detected message length is within the length limit. If within the limit, the system stores the message at a step  812 . The method then ends, at a step  814 . If at step  810  the system determines that the message length is not within the limit, the method proceeds directly to step  814  and ends. 
     The codes in method  800  include automatic system recognition of the sender&#39;s identification, as for example, by e-mail address, as well as codes entered by the sender. Although restricting length of e-mail transmissions has not been an overriding concern for the average e-mail user, e-mail is increasingly being used for image data and even video transmissions, which can be large. Lengthy unwanted e-mail transmissions (“spamming”) can also be a problem. 
     Modifications to and variations on the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. “Call recipient” or “person called” in all places in this specification also encompasses people who are not the person called, but who manage telephone systems. For example, a manager could configure the message systems of his employees, or a parent could configure the answering machine options of his teenage child. 
     The message timer can be used in an asynchronous system to trigger an interrupt of the recording. The code need not be by input DTMF tones or keystroke sequence. For example, voice recognition software can recognize a spoken response or even identify the speaker by voice. Variations in the precise order of steps will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The methods may be combined with other steps known in the art, such as notification that the message time is about to run out. The methods are not mutually exclusive; steps from one embodiment can be combined with steps from another, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Although the embodiments discussed generally concern a preselected code adding message time to the allotted time, the invention also encompasses systems in which receiving a preselected signal causes the system to shorten the allotted time. The methods are compatible with numerous messaging system technologies, including store-and-forward systems and public network-affiliated messaging systems, such as Pacific Bell&#39;s MESSAGE CENTER (™). 
     The invention is also compatible with computer messaging systems. Codes can be entered by sequences of keyboard strokes, or by computer commands. The scope of the invention is limited only by the following claims.