Importance

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Abstract

The present invention comprises a telephone system and method for self-announcing a caller of an incoming telephone call. After an incoming telephone call is received from a caller, the telephone answers the incoming telephone call before any ring signals are generated. A message is then generated requesting the caller to self-announce him/herself. A speaker on the telephone is activated to enable the telephone users to listen to the announcement. After the caller self-announces him/herself, a user, if present, may decide to answer the incoming telephone call. The user may answer the incoming telephone call either by placing the telephone in speakerphone mode or by activating the handset and engaging in a conversation with the caller. If the user is not present or chooses not answer the incoming telephone call, the telephone transfers control to an answering machine unit so that the caller is given the choice of leaving a message. In one embodiment, the answering machine is built-in to the telephone. In another embodiment, the answering machine is an external unit attached to the telephone.

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First Claim