Method and apparatus for automatically annunciating the completion of a telephone call hold interval

Abstract

A method and apparatus is disclosed which serves to automatically indicate to one (local) party to a telephone call on a telecommunication line placed in a hold condition that the other (distant) party to such call has returned to the line thus completing a call hold interval and relieving the local party of the burden of waiting while continuously aurally monitoring the call throughout the call hold interval. The invention contemplates the automatic and electronic monitoring of the telephone line during the hold condition thereof to detect the presence of a voice signal thereon, such voice signal indicating the return of the distant party to the line. Upon detection of the voice signal, an annunciation signal is generated and provided the local party to the call to therefore signal the completion of a telephone call hold interval. In one of the preferred embodiments, this operation is achieved through the utilization of a modified key equipment "line card" for a conventional telephone communication system, such "line card" being provided in addition to the standard circuits with a voice detection circuit which is actuatable during a hold condition of the telephone line to effect a ringing of the bell and/or a flashing of the key switch lamp on its associated telephone upon the detection of voice signals. In this fashion, the party that was "placed on hold" can similarly place his telephone "on hold" through the manipulation of the hold key switch or button and be recalled to the telephone when the other party returns and speaks over the telephone line.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.