3.3 Individual Mailbox Functions

3.3.1 Querying Mailbox Messages

Each mailbox is equipped with an area allocated for messages received (input area) and an area for stored messages (storage area). Exception: The basic/information mailbox only includes an input area and is incapable of storing messages. 

All messages in the storage area are maintained in chronological order, with the most recent message at the end. The messages in the input area can be classified as urgent, standard or private. Messages in the storage area are classified only as standard or private, since messages can only be transferred to the storage area after they have been played back. 

Characteristics of the input area: 

Unlimited number of messages until memory capacity is fully occupied

Each message is classified as either urgent, private or standard (classification can only be assigned by the sender/caller).

Urgent messages are played back first in chronological order when the mailbox is queried (see figure 3-2). Standard and private messages are then played back (ungrouped), also in chronological order.

Messages classified as "urgent" are reclassified as "normal" after they have been played back in their entirety and the user has navigated to another message or function. However, they do not appear in the list as normal messages until their position within the message sequence has been selected a second time, or until mailbox playback has been ended and restarted. This prevents messages from being displayed as urgent, and then appearing a second time as normal messages immediately thereafter.

Each message is provided with a date and time-stamp, which is announced at the end of the message. The caller's number can also be played back, provided it was transmitted with the call.

Messages in the input area that are identified as private cannot be forwarded.

All normal and private messages can be moved from the input area to the storage area (saved), and vice versa. Urgent messages cannot be moved nto the storage area.

New messages are always placed in the input area.

Characteristics of the storage area: 

Only a limited number of messages can be saved (the capacity is set by the system administration). Messages in the storage area are played back as a never-ending loop (see figure 3-2). An advance announcement informs you that you have entered the storage area.

All messages are arranged in chronological order.

Private messages are indicated by a corresponding announcement.

Messages in the storage area cannot be forwarded, nor can the caller be called back.

Messages can be moved back to the input area or deleted. Messages that are moved back to the input area are arranged in chronological order.

The following diagram illustrates how messages are arranged in the input and storage areas: 

Figure 3-2 Arrangement of Messages in the Input and Storage Areas 

Table 3-1 Possible Mailbox Functions (depending on mailbox class) 

Function	Key	Possible in Storage Area
Next message:  After all the messages in the input area have been played back, the next function is made available.  In the storage area, the 3 key always advances to the next message in toroidal-core memory (endless loop).	3	X
Previous message:  If the first message at the beginning of the input area is already selected, it is played back immediately.  In the storage area, the 3 key always advances to the previous message in the (endless) memory loop.	1	X
Repeat the message which was last played back.	2	X
Interrupt playback for a maximum of 5 seconds (pause),   resume playback with any key - the last 5 seconds of the message before the point at which interruption took place are played back as well.	5	X
Rewind 5 seconds within the currently playing message.	4	X
Fast forward 5 seconds within the currently playing message.	6	X
Delete message	0 0	X
Save message / move to the other area (input or storage area)	# #	X
Skip all messages.	*
Respond to a message (record a message in the caller's mailbox), specify attribute	8
Forward message; specify a new attribute, record comments (> 1 second), enter extension number.	9
Return call; Connection is established automatically.	* 8
Record and send a new message: specify attribute, enter extension number.	7
Access another mailbox (only possible if the other mailbox is not currently being queried by another user): enter code number, enter extension number.  If access is not possible, the previously accessed mailbox remains active.	* #
Switch back and forth between the input area and the storage area.	#	X