WO2001057824A1

WO2001057824A1 - System and method for operation of a device using caller id function of a telephone

Info

Publication number: WO2001057824A1
Application number: PCT/IL2001/000093
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alexander Shemer; Robert Shechorry
Original assignee: Alexander Shemer; Robert Shechorry
Priority date: 2000-02-04
Filing date: 2001-01-31
Publication date: 2001-08-09
Also published as: AU2001230472A1

Abstract

A system and method for operating a device using the caller ID information broadcast by a cellular telephone which enable operation of the device by authorized individuals without completing a telephone connection, i.e., 'on-hook' is disclosed. The system includes a telephone in proximity to the device capable of receiving the caller ID information, a memory storing a list of authorized users identified by their caller ID information, a comparing mechanism for comparing incoming caller ID information to the list, and an operator capable of transmitting a signal to the device so that if incoming caller ID information is in the list, the operator transmits a signal to the device which operates the device.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPERATION OF A DEVICE USING CALLER ID FUNCTION OF A TELEPHONE

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system and method for operating

a device using the caller ID information broadcast by a cellular

telephone. The system and method of the present invention enable

operation of the device by authorized individuals without completing a

telephone connection, i.e., "on-hook". More particularly, the present

invention relates to a system and method for operation of a device by a

list of authorized people, the composition of the list being easily edited.

Cellular telephones have become a mainstay of modern society.

In early years, the services provided by cellular telephone networks were

expensive and of limited quality and coverage. As such, these systems

were typically used to a limited extent by a small sector of society. As

more sophisticated cellular networks evolved, covering larger areas, the

use of cellular communication gradually increased. Competition and

technical advances have helped to dramatically lower the cost of cellular

services, while, at the same time, increase the quality and range of services provided. In addition, the cellular telephone itself has evolved

from a bulky device to a user friendly, compact device.

Despite the widespread use of cellular telephones and despite the

fact that these devices are carried constantly by most users, the primary

use of cellular networks remains transmission of voice messages. This is

despite the fact that cellular telephones operate on two channels, a voice

channel and a data channel. The data channel is most commonly used for

features such as caller ID. Caller ID involves transmitting the telephone

number of the calling party to the called party during the power ringing

phase of the call. A caller ID processing device connected in parallel

with the handset at the called party's premises displays the calling party's

phone number while the called party's phone is still "on hook" (i.e.,

without answering the phone). In conventional telephony, transmission

of the caller ID signal typically occurs as a Frequency Shift Key (FSK)

binary signal between the first and second rings of the called party's

telephone.

Since, cellular telephones are assigned to a user rather than to a

physical location, a cellular telephone can be used to identify its user via

the caller ID information which is broadcast by the telephone when an outgoing call is placed therefrom. Theoretically, unauthorized people

other than the user may identify themselves as the user in this way. In

practice, the likelihood that unauthorized use will occur is very low since

loss or theft of a cellular phone is apt to be reported immediately in order

to prevent unwanted communication charges on the user account.

Physical access to a premises can be controlled by use of security

personnel. Security personnel must be provided with an accurate list of

authorized users, and their ability to rapidly scan such a list is often poor.

In addition, security personnel may allow unauthorized persons access to

a premises for any one of a number of reasons.

Therefore, physical access to an area is most commonly controlled

by a user operated device. The simplest such device is a key. Magnetic

cards (U.S. Pat. No. 3,750,828), readable badges (U.S. Pat. No.

3,010,100), keyboard devices (U.S. Pat. No. 3,8310,065), and coder

transmitters (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,086,298; 4,868,195; and 4,973,958) are all

included in prior art teachings. Keys and magnetic cards are easily lost

or duplicated. In many systems, multiple users carry identical keys or

cards. This means that loss or duplication of a single key or card may

require replacement of devices carried by multiple users in order to preserve security. Readable badges and coder transmitters are more

difficult to duplicate and less likely to become lost. However, these

devices are also more costly and complicated to manufacture and

distribute. As such, they are ill suited to uses in which the list of persons

authorized to have physical access changes frequently.

PCT/US97/03023 teaches use of a public switched telephone

network (PSTN) transmitting "...caller identification information,

distinctive ringing, and other special central office signals..." to

facilitate on-hook communication to perform applications including

screen telephony, downloading of ADSI/UTS script, script management,

PC telephony, display-based marketing, automated meter reading, and

appliance control. Use of a cellular communication network or cellular

telephone to accomplish these tasks is not taught, nor is regulation of

physical access to premises taught by this patent.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,100,375; 4,647,721 and 5,379,341 all teach

operation of a device via a telephone. However, none of these patents

teach the use of caller ID information to allow or deny the caller

permission to operate the device. In addition, none of these patents

specifically teach the use of cellular telephones either as a means of operation of the device from a distance, or to receive the incoming call

and operate the device.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,351,289 teaches automatic control of the ring

signal of a telephone based on caller ID information received with an

incoming call. The teachings of this patent deal only with

allowing/suppressing the power ring signal of a telecommunication

device, and not with control of devices other than the telecommunication

device receiving the call.

PCTUS93/06272 teaches the use of cellular telephones to activate

and deactivate an alarm system. However, the teachings of this patent

rely on caller transmission of an identification code via dual tone

multi-frequency transmission (DTMF). This means that the alarm

system must be connected to a telephone which answers (goes off hook).

In addition, accidental or unauthorized transmission of an identification

code, transmissible by DTMF, is far more likely to occur than

unauthorized use of a cellular telephone. This patent does not teach the

use of caller ID information broadcast during the incoming call to

identify the user. U.S. Pat. No. 5,377,260 teaches the use of caller ID information to

automatically retrieve customer records and make them available to a

telephone operator that subsequently answers the incoming call. This

patent does not teach intentional operation of a device by the party

placing the incoming call. That is, the customer initiating the incoming

call activates, via caller ID information transmitted through the telephone

network, a computer belonging to the company they have called.

However, activation of the computer is not the reason for placing the call,

and the customer may not even be aware that they have performed the

activation. Incoming calls specifically originating from cellular

telephones are not taught by this patent.

There is thus a widely recognized need for, and it would be highly

advantageous to have, a system and method for permitting authorized

users to operate a device by means of a cellular telephone which

transmits caller ID information so that operation of the device can be

accomplished without completing the call. Such a system and method

are especially advantageous in situations where the device to be operated

is not readily connectable to a conventional telephone line and in

situations where the list of authorized users changes frequently. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided

a system for allowing authorized users to operate a device by placing a

call from a cellular telephone broadcasting caller ID information, the

system comprising (a) a telephone in proximity to the device, the

telephone capable of receiving the caller ID information broadcast by the

cellular telephone; (b) a memory storing a list of authorized users, each

of the authorized users in the list being identified by a unique caller ID

information; (c) a comparing mechanism for comparing caller ID

information of an incoming call to information in the list; and (d) an

operator capable of transmitting a signal to the device; wherein, if the

caller ID information of the incoming call is in the list the operator

transmits a signal to the device so as to operate the device.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is

provided a method for allowing authorized users to operate a device by

placing a call from a cellular telephone broadcasting caller ID

information, the method comprising the steps of (a) placing a telephone

in proximity to the device, the telephone capable of receiving the caller

ID information broadcast from the cellular telephone; (b) storing a list of authorized users, each of the authorized users in the list being identified

by a unique caller ID information; (c) comparing caller ID information of

an incoming call to information in the list; wherein, if the caller ID

information of the incoming call is in the list, transmitting a signal to the

device so as to operate the device.

According to further features in preferred embodiments of the

invention described below, the memory of the system forms an integral

part of the telephone.

According to still further features in the described preferred

embodiments, the comparing mechanism of the system foπns an integral

part of the telephone.

According to still further features in the described preferred

embodiments, if the caller ID information of the incoming call is in the

list, the telephone is preprogrammed to ring at a unique tone, whereas the

operator is capable of identifying the unique tone so as to operate the

device only if the unique tone is generated.

According to still further features in the described preferred

embodiments, the operator is electronically communicating with the

telephone and receives the tone as digital audio data. According to still further features in the described preferred

embodiments, the operator is audially communicating with the telephone

receives the tone as analog audio data.

According to still further features in the described preferred

embodiments, if the caller ID information of the incoming call is in the

list the telephone is preprogrammed to display a unique set of symbols,

whereas the operator is capable of identifying the unique set of symbols

so as to operate the device only if the unique set of symbols is displayed.

According to still further features in the described preferred

embodiments, the memory forms a part of a computer, the computer is

capable of receiving a signal from the telephone and of transmitting a

signal to the device, so as to serve as the operator.

According to still further features in the described preferred

embodiments, the comparing mechanism forms a part of a computer, the

computer is capable of receiving a signal from the telephone and of

transmitting a signal to the device, so as to serve as the operator.

According to still further features in the described preferred

embodiments, the computer includes an optical device capable of

receiving and interpreting a visual signal from the telephone. According to still further features in the described preferred

embodiments, the computer receives digital data from the telephone.

According to still further features in the described preferred

embodiments, the telephone is of a type selected from the group

including, but not limited to, a corded telephone connected to the public

switched telephone network, a cordless telephone connected to the public

switched telephone network and a cellular telephone communicating with

a cellular communication network.

According to still further features in the described preferred

embodiments, the operator forms an integral part of the device.

According to still further features in the described preferred

embodiments, the system further comprises a mechanism for debiting an

account of each of the authorized users based upon the operation of the

device by each of the authorized users.

According to still further features in the described preferred

embodiments, the device is selected from the group including, but not

limited to, a gate, a door, a motor, a vending machine, a vehicle, a valve,

an alarm system, and a computer. The present invention successfully addresses the shortcomings of

the presently known configurations by providing a system and method for

allowing authorized users to operate a device by placing a call from a

cellular telephone broadcasting caller ID information which eliminates

the need to distribute special user operated devices, prevents operation of

the device by unauthorized users, does not require completion of a phone

call and facilitates frequent changes in the list of authorized users.

Implementation of the method and system of the present invention

involves performing or completing selected tasks or steps manually,

automatically, or a combination thereof. Moreover, according to actual

instrumentation and equipment of preferred embodiments of the method

and system of the present invention, several selected steps could be

implemented by hardware or by software on any operating system of any

firmware or a combination thereof. For example, as hardware, selected

steps of the invention could be implemented as a chip or a circuit. As

software, selected steps of the invention could be implemented as a

plurality of software instructions being executed by a computer using any

suitable operating system. In any case, selected steps of the method and

system of the invention could be described as being performed by a data processor, such as a computing platform for executing a plurality of

instructions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is herein described, by way of example only, with

reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to

the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way

of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred

embodiments of the present invention only, and are presented in the

cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily

understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the

invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of

the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental

understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings

making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the

invention may be embodied in practice.

In the drawings: FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the components of the system

showing features of several different embodiments of the present

invention;

FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating receipt of an incoming call with

caller ID information and eventual operation of the device if the call

originated from a cellular phone belonging to an authorized user; and

FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram showing transmission of a signal from

a telephone to a device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is of a system and method which can be

employed to operate a device using the caller ID information broadcast

by a cellular telephone. Specifically, the present invention can be used to

enable operation of the device by authorized individuals without

completing a telephone connection, i.e., "on-hook". Alternately or

additionally, the present invention relates to a system and method for

operation of a device by a list of authorized people, the composition of

the list being easily edited. The principles and operation of a system and method for operating

a device using the caller ID information broadcast by a cellular telephone

according to the present invention may be better understood with

reference to the drawings and accompanying descriptions.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in

detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its

application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the

components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the

drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being

practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that

the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of

description and should not be regarded as limiting.

For purposes of this specification and the accompanying claims,

the terms "operator" and "operator device" are synonymous and are

therefore used interchangeably.

For purposes of this specification and the accompanying claims,

the term "telephone" includes all devices equipped to receive an

incoming telephone call. The term telephone therefore includes, but is

not limited to, conventional telephones (either cord or cordless), cellular telephones including those with satellite communication capabilities, fax

machines and computers using telephone answering/facsimile hardware

(e.g., modem)/software.

For purposes of this specification and the accompanying claims,

the term "computer" refers to any device capable of performing the

described processes, whether integrated within another device, e.g., a

telephone, or whether connected to other components of the system via

an interface.

Referring now to the drawings, Figure 1 illustrates system 1 which

serves for allowing authorized users to operate a device 34 by placing a

call from a cellular telephone broadcasting caller ID information 2. The

system includes a telephone 4 which is in proximity to device 34.

Telephone 4 is capable of receiving incoming call containing caller ID

information 2 which is broadcast by a cellular telephone. System 1

further includes a memory 6 which serves for storing a list of authorized

users, each of the authorized users in the list being identified by a unique

caller ID information such as, but not limited to, a cellular telephone

number or a name. System 1 still further includes a comparing

mechanism 8 which serves for comparing caller ID information 2 of an incoming call to information in the list. In addition, system 1 includes a

operator 10 which is capable of transmitting a signal to device 34.

Thus, according to the present invention, if caller ID information 2

of the incoming call is in the list, operator 10 transmits a signal to device

34 so as to operate device 34.

Operator 10 may take one of several forms, as detailed

hereinbelow.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, memory 6

of system 1 forms an integral part of telephone 4.

According to another embodiment of the present invention,

comparing mechanism 8 of system 1 forms an integral part of telephone

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, if

caller ID information 2 of the incoming call is in the list stored in

memory 6, telephone 4 is preprogrammed to actuate ringer 16 to ring at a

unique tone, whereas operator 10 is capable of identifying the unique

tone so as to operate device 34 only if the unique tone is generated. To

this end, operator 10 is preferably electronically communicating, as

indicated at 18, with telephone 4 and receives the tone as digital audio data. Thus, if telephone 4 is a cellular telephone, operator 10 receives

audio data via a cable connected to cellular telephone 4 via a port

designed for the attachment of an earphone.

According to still other embodiments of the invention, operator 10

is audially communicating with telephone 4 and receives the tone as an

analog audio data. This audio communication may, for example, be via

speaker 20 of telephone 4 which air transmits audible tone 19 to

microphone 22 which is connected to operator 10. In this case, receipt of

audible tone 19 by microphone 22 actuates operator 10 and causes device

34 to operate.

In an alternative embodiment, speaker 20 may be replaced by, for

example, a bell, a whistle, an oscillator, a synthesizer, or a siren.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, if

caller ID information 2 of the incoming call is in the list stored in

memory 6, telephone 4 is preprogrammed to display a unique set of

symbols 26, whereas operator 10 is capable of identifying unique set of

symbols 26 so as to operate the device only if unique set of symbols 26 is

displayed. Identification of unique set of symbols 26 on display 24 is, for

example, by means of an optical device 30, connected and operative with

operator 10. Pictured embodiments include optical device 30 on

computer 28 identifying unique set of symbols 26 on display 24 of

telephone 4; optical device 30 on device 34 identifying unique set of

symbols 26 on display 24 of telephone 4; and optical device 30 on device

34 identifying unique set of symbols 26 on display 24 of computer 28.

Unique set of symbols 26 may be displayed by any one of a

number of types of display 24, including, but not limited to, an LCD

display, an LED display, a CRT screen and a light source.

For purposes of this specification and the accompanying claims,

the term "optical device" refers to any device capable of recognizing a

visually perceptible signal. This definition includes, but is not limited to,

optical devices being capable of character recognition, which are known

as OCR devices.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention,

memory 6 forms a part of computer 28 which is capable of receiving a

signal from telephone 4 and of transmitting a signal to device 34. so as to

serve as operator 10. According to another preferred embodiment of the present

invention, comparing mechanism 8 forms a part of computer 28 which is

capable of receiving a signal from telephone 4 and of transmitting a

signal to device 34, so as to serve as operator 10.

According to still other preferred embodiments of the present

invention, computer 28 includes optical device 30 capable of receiving

and interpreting a visual signal from the telephone 4. This signal may be,

for example, unique set of symbols 26 or a pulse of light of a specific

wavelength or duration.

Preferably, computer 28 receives digital data from telephone 4.

This data may be, for example, digital data from ringer 16 describing a

tone frequency and transmitted as electronic communication 18. More

preferably, this data includes the ID information in a digital form. Such

data can be communicated between telephone 4 and computer 28 via, for

example, wire/hardware communication or remote communication,

including, but not limited to, ultrasonic and electromagnetic

communication, e.g., infrared, radio or microwave communication.

Telephone 4 used while implementing the present invention can

be of a type including, but not limited to, a corded telephone connected to the public switched telephone network, a cordless telephone connected to

the public switched telephone network or a cellular telephone

communicating with a cellular communication network.

In a presently preferred embodiment of the present invention,

operator 10 forms an integral part of device 34.

System 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention

further comprises a mechanism 32 for debiting an account of each of the

authorized users based upon the operation of device 34 by each of the

authorized users. In the pictured embodiment, mechanism 32 is shown as

part of computer 28. Mechanism 32 may debit accounts in real-time, as

each operation by an authorized user occurs, or gather and store

information for later debiting. Storage may occur, for example, on

removable media including, but not limited to, a floppy disc, a zip disc, a

jazz disc, a magnetic optical cartridge or a tape. Alternately, storage may

occur on the hard drive of computer 28 or on a remote server in

communication with computer 28, and/or a solid state memory.

Device 34 of the present invention can be any device requiring

authorized or identified operation or access. Such a device, may be or include a gate, a door, a motor, a vending machine, a vehicle, a valve, an

alarm system and/or a computer.

The invention is also embodied by a method for allowing

authorized users to operate a device by placing a call from a cellular

telephone broadcasting caller ID information. The method according to

the present invention is effected by implementing the following method

steps, in which, in a first step a telephone capable of receiving caller ID

information broadcast from the cellular telephone is placed in proximity

to the device. In a second step a list of authorized users, each of the

authorized users in the list being identified by a unique caller ID

information, such as, but not limited to, a cellular telephone number, is

stored and edited as required. In a third step the caller ID information of

an incoming call is compared to the information in the list. In cases

where the caller ID information of the incoming call is in the list,

transmission of a signal to the device is effected, so as to operate the

device.

Figure 2 shows some possible sequence of events which may

occur between receipt of an incoming call, as indicated by 40, from a

cellular telephone which is identifiable by caller ID information and operation, as indicated by 64, of the device according to various

embodiments of the invention. Thus, upon receipt of incoming call 40,

comparison, as indicated at 42, of its associated caller ID information to a

list of authorized users identified by a unique caller ID information, such

as their cellular telephone numbers stored in memory 6 is perfoπned.

These processes occur without establishing a telephone connection, i.e.,

the telephone receiving the incoming call (4 in Figure 1) remains

"on-hook". According to preferred embodiments of the invention,

comparison 42 may occur within telephone 4, within computer 28, or

within device 34, depending on the locations of memory 6 and comparing

mechanism 8 (see Figure 1).

As indicated at 44, comparison may or may not produce a match

to the list of authorized users which are stored in memory 6. In cases

where no match 44 is produced, as indicated at 46, no signal is generated

and, as indicated at 47, the device is not operated. As indicated at 48, in

cases where a match is produced, a signal is generated 48 in one of

several forms, including, but not limited to, digital signal 50, audio data

signal 52 and optical display 56. In preferred embodiments where a signal is generated directly as

digital signal 50, the signal is interpreted by operator 62 and, as indicated

at 64, the device is operated.

In preferred embodiments where a signal is generated as optical

display 56, the signal is received by optical device 58 and is interpreted

by operator 62 and the device is operated.

In preferred embodiments where a signal is generated as audio

data signal 56, the signal is either received by a microphone 60 or

translated to digital signal 54. Receipt by microphone 60 and translation

to digital signal each lead to interpretation by operator 62 and the device

is operated.

Figure 3 shows a circuit diagram detailing one possible

arrangement of electrical components of an operator device according to

the present invention for transmitting a signal from a Nokia 2100 series

cellular phone, which serves as telephone 4, to a device such as an

electronically operated gate. The diagrammed circuit functions to detect

a unique tone generated by a ringer of the telephone, for example a 1 kHz

tone. The diagrammed circuit is connected to "ear" output J3-7 of a

cellular phone connector. When a ring is accepted, it gets from connector Jl inside the telephone to J2 inside the operator. At this point,

the signal passes through Rl and C2 which, together, constitute a low

pass filter for high frequencies. CI passes the signal to a phase locked

loop (ICI) and blocks DC voltage. R3, R4, and C5 set tone decoder

central frequency which may be fine-tuned by R3 potentiometer. After

the 1 kHz tone is accepted, a signal (active LOW) appears at PLL output

(pin 8). LED1 lights each time this tone is detected. IC2A inverts and

buffers the tone signal. R4, D6 and C6 filter short bursts of 1 kHz tone.

R5 and C6 maintain signal height in pauses between tones. IC2C, IC2B,

IC2D, R7, D4, R8, and C7 shape output pulse according to needs of the

operator. R7 and C7 set output pulse duration at, for example, 1 second.

R8 and C7 set minimal time between two possible operations of the gate

at, for example, 30 seconds. Ql drives a small reed relay, which sends a

short circuit to the gate logic.

The system and method can thus be used for allowing authorized

users to operate a device by placing a call from a cellular telephone

broadcasting caller ID information which eliminates the need to

distribute special user operated devices, prevents operation of the device by unauthorized users, does not require completion of a phone call and

facilitates frequent changes in the list of authorized users.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with

specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives,

modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications

and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended

claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A system for allowing authorized users to operate a device

by placing a call from a cellular telephone broadcasting caller ID

information, the system comprising:

(a) a telephone in proximity to the device, said telephone

capable of receiving the caller ID information broadcast by

the cellular telephone;

(b) a memory storing a list of authorized users, each of said

authorized users in said list being identified by a unique

caller ID information;

(c) a comparing mechanism for comparing caller ID

information of an incoming call to information in said list

of authorized users; and

(d) an operator capable of transmitting a signal to the device;

wherein, if said caller ID information of said incoming call is in said list

of authorized users, said operator transmits a signal to the device so as to

operate the device.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said memory forms an

integral part of said telephone.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein said comparing mechanism

forms an integral part of said telephone.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein if said caller ID

information of said incoming call is in said list, said telephone is

preprogrammed to ring at a unique tone, whereas said operator is capable

of identifying said unique tone so as to operate the device only if said

unique tone is generated.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein said operator is

electronically communicating with said telephone and receives said tone

as digital audio data.

6. The system of claim 4, wherein said operator is audially

communicating with said telephone and receives said tone as analog

audio data.

7. The system of claim 3, wherein if said caller ID

information of said incoming call is in said list said telephone is

preprogrammed to display a unique set of symbols, whereas said operator

is capable of identifying said unique set of symbols so as to operate the

device only if said unique set of symbols is displayed.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein said memory forms a part

of a computer, said computer is capable of receiving a signal from said

telephone and of transmitting a signal to the device, so as to serve as said

operator.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein said comparing mechanism

forms a part of a computer, said computer is capable of receiving a signal

from said telephone and of transmitting a signal to the device, so as to

serve as said operator.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein said computer includes an

optical device capable of receiving and interpreting a visual signal from

said telephone.

11. The system of claim 9, wherein said computer receives

digital data from said telephone.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein said telephone is of a type

selected from the group consisting of a corded telephone connected to the

public switched telephone network, a cordless telephone connected to the

public switched telephone network and a cellular telephone

communicating with a cellular communication network.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein said operator forms an

integral part of the device.

14. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

(d) a mechanism for debiting an account of each of the

authorized users based upon the operation of the device by

each of the authorized users.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein the device is selected from

the group consisting of a gate, a door, a motor, a vending machine, a

vehicle, a valve, an alarm system, and a computer.

16. A method for allowing authorized users to operate a device

by placing a call from a cellular telephone broadcasting caller ID

information, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) placing a telephone in proximity to the device, said

telephone capable of receiving the caller ID information

broadcast from said cellular telephone;

(b) storing a list of authorized users, each of said authorized

users in said list being identified by a unique caller ID

information;

(c) comparing caller ID information of an incoming call to

information in said list;

wherein, if said caller ID information of said incoming call is in said list,

transmitting a signal to the device so as to operate the device.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein said step of storing a list

of authorized users is effected in a memory within said telephone.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein said step of comparing

caller ID information of an incoming call is in said list is effected by said

telephone.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein if said caller ID

information of said incoming call is in said list, said telephone is

preprogrammed to ring at a unique tone, whereas an operator device is

capable of identifying said unique tone so as to operate the device only if

said unique tone is generated.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein said tone is transmitted to

the operator device as digital audio data.

21 The method of claim 19, wherein said tone is transmitted to

the operator device as analog audio data.

22 The method of claim 19, wherein if said caller ID

information of said incoming call is in said list, said telephone displays a

unique set of symbols, whereas said operator device is capable of

identifying said unique set of symbols so as to operate the device only if

said unique set of symbols is displayed.

23. The method of claim 16. wherein said step of storing a list

of authorized users is effected by a computer, said computer capable of

receiving a signal from said telephone and of transmitting a signal to the

device, so as to operate the device.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein said step of comparing

caller ID information of an incoming call to information in said list is

effected by a computer, said computer capable of receiving a signal from

said telephone and of transmitting a signal to the device, so as to operate

the device.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein said computer includes an

optical device capable of receiving and interpreting a visual signal from

said telephone.

26. The method of claim 24, wherein said computer receives

digital data from said telephone.

27. The method of claim 16, wherein said telephone is of a type

selected from the group consisting of a corded telephone connected to the

public switched telephone network, a cordless telephone connected to the

public switched telephone network and a cellular telephone

communicating with a cellular communication network.

28. The method of claim 16, further comprising the step of:

(d) debiting an account of each of the authorized users based

upon the operation of the device by each of the authorized

users.

29. The method of claim 16, wherein the device is selected

from the group consisting of a gate, a door, a motor, a vending machine,

a vehicle, a valve, an alarm system, and a computer.