Call authorization feature

摘要

A call processing method, system and communication device for providing call authorization features. Generally described, the present application relates to authorizing communications between devices during call setup time. In one illustrative embodiment, communications within a telephone network configured within a private branch exchange or carrier are filtered using an authorizing device. The authorizing device can be activated using different procedures including, but not limited to, feature access codes and pin numbers. When a call is received from a calling device, the telephone network can reserve a line for the call to the intended restricted device. The authorizing device can thereafter be alerted about the call. A user of the authorizing device can answer the call or direct the telephone network to block the call, connect the call with the restricted device through the reserved line, or forward the call to a third device.

主权项

1. A call processing method comprising:
receiving a call from a calling device intended for a restricted device; calling an authorizing device regarding said call from said calling device, wherein said authorizing device is external to said calling device; receiving a call handling selection from said authorizing device comprising user input in response to said authorizing device being called by said calling device for at least one of blocking, authorizing, answering and redirecting said call; and applying said call handling selection from said authorizing device comprising at least one of prohibiting said call from said calling device when blocked, connecting said calling device with said restricted device when authorized, connecting said calling device with said authorizing device when answered, and connecting said calling device with a third device when redirected, further comprising providing a busy signal to said calling device when said restricted device is unavailable.