Call Screener

Call Screener by James Tippins

I developed this hardware device in the 80’s. I never sent it to manufacture because I did not think people at the time wanted it. I designed it because I was tired of the phone ringing at dinner time.

The device attaches to your telephone outlet. You connect your phone to it. You enter a four digit code into it (it has a small microprocessor in it) that must be dialed in when someone you know wants to call you.

The device checks that code and if valid, allows the phone to ring. Otherwise, the phone does not ring, but it has been answered and does not send the caller to voicemail. If you happen to pick up the handset at the time, the line is dead until it disconnects the caller that did not know the code. This takes place immediately so the line is clear for emergency dial out. I built a working prototype, but it is long lost in my projects boxes.

Since several decades have passed, I suggest a modern application of this device, one without hardware.

Generate code at the telephone company to do the same thing. Include a provision for real people to leave a special message for the phone owner to check and allow the owner to add the cleared phone number to those authorized to call them directly. Since most people don’t have hundreds of friends calling them, this would eliminate bothersome ringing during pre-set times like dinner. The service could also be stopped to allow all calls to ring through.