Apparatus and method that allow telephone callers to leave longer messages
AssigneeSiemens Information and Communication Networks, Inc.
InventorsLELAND LESTER, DAVID IGLEHART, KEVIN M. RAPER
Life of this patent
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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.
Claims16
A messaging system comprising:
- a data processor;
- a recording apparatus for recording messages in said messaging system, the length of recording time for said messages being controlled by said data processor;
- and
- a data input for enabling a user to input a code to said data processor, wherein if said data processor receives a preselected signal, said data processor adjusts said length of recording time in accordance with said preselected signal.
A messaging system comprising:
- a data processor;
- a recording apparatus for recording messages in said messaging system, the length of recording time for said messages being controlled by said data processor;
- and
- a data input for enabling a user to input a code to said data processor;
- wherein said code programs said data processor to adjust said length of recording time.
In a voice messaging system, a method of taking messages comprising the following steps:
- setting an allotted time for recording a message;
- receiving a message;
- and
- if the system receives a preselected signal, adding time to said allotted time.
In a voice messaging system, a method of taking messages comprising the following step:
- setting, by a call recipient, an allotted time per call for recording a message.
A system for receiving facsimile transmissions comprising:
- a data processor;
- and
- a recording apparatus for recording facsimile transmissions, the length of recording for said facsimiles being controlled by said data processor, wherein said data processor looks up information corresponding to said code in a memory and adjusts said length of recording in accordance with said information.
The system of claim 15 wherein said recording apparatus is paper.
A system for receiving electronic mail transmissions comprising:
- a data processor;
- and
- a memory for storing said electronic mail transmissions, the amount of memory allotted for each electronic mail transmission being controlled by said data processor, wherein when said system receives a preselected signal, said data processor adjusts the amount of memory allotted to said transmission in accordance with said signal.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.