Patent ID: 7844262

Claim:
A communication device, comprising: a controller that manages operations of a transceiver for exchanging messages in a communication system, and a user interface (UI) for exchanging messages with an end user of the communication device, wherein the controller is programmed to: receive from a call processing system (CPS) over a control channel a notification signal associated with a call initiated by a third party communication device; connect to a voice channel supplied by the communication system in response to detecting the notification signal; prevent transmission of speech signals of the end user over the voice channel to avoid a calling party associated with the third party communication device from hearing audio signals in a vicinity of the communication device; receive from the CPS audio signals transmitted over the voice channel by the third party communication device that identify the calling party associated with the third party communication device; convey to the end user over a loud speaker of the UI audible signals corresponding to the audio signals received from the CPS; detect a manipulation of the UI by the end user corresponding to a call acceptance action; and transmit over the control channel an acceptance signal to the CPS requesting a direct connection to the third party communication device over the voice channel, wherein the audio signals conveyed by the CPS comprise live, audible speech of the calling party to identify the calling party prior to detecting the call acceptance action, and prior to directing the calling party to a voicemail service.