Transparent call discrimination (TCD) method and apparatus

摘要

A method of transparent call discrimination includes providing a call discrimination data message within a Caller ID message frame structure of an outgoing call from a call originating equipment. A type of call on an incoming telephone line of a call receiving equipment is discriminated in response to the call discrimination message, wherein the type of call is discriminated prior to an occurrence of an OFF-HOOK state of the telephone line. An appropriate device of the call receiving equipment is then activated in response to the type of call, in preparation for responding to the incoming call. Lastly, the incoming call is routed to the appropriate device in response to the discriminated type of call at the occurrence of the OFF-HOOK state. An apparatus for transparent call discrimination is also disclosed.