Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A remote control unit controls at least one additional device such as a facsimile system through a telephone answering device. The telephone answering device is engaged with telephone lines upon reception of a ringing signal, and an outgoing message and an instruction message are sent out. A calling party can record an incoming message in a recorder in the telephone answering device if desired. However, when the calling party wishes to drive an additional device, a remote control signal corresponding to the desired additional device is sent in accordance with the instruction message. Then, the desired additional device can be driven, and other data can be transmitted or received. If the calling party sends the wrong remote control signal and therefore drives the wrong additional device, the calling party can reset the wrong device and drive the correct device by sending the correct remote control code, without hanging up the telephone.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim