Importance

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Abstract

A fax device having a memory for storing a list of blocked callers and the capability to receive caller identification information. As calls are received the fax device compares the caller identification information of the incoming call to the list of blocked callers. If the telephone number of the incoming call is contained in the list of blocked callers, a connection is denied. If the number is not contained in the list, the call is connected. The list of blocked callers may be automatically maintained by monitoring incoming calls for frequency, date, time and number of pages. The factors may be combined to determine a usage value. If the usage value exceeds a predetermined threshold, the incoming telephone number may be added to the list of blocked callers. A list of trusted callers prevents trusted phone numbers from accidentally being added to the blocked list. A list of urgent callers includes actions such as forwarding and messaging to determine how to handle a received fax from a certain number.

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First Claim