AUTOMATIC CALL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM WITH SIGNAL GENERATOR AND METHOD

An automatic call distribution system and method for using same including an automatic call distributor, an answer detector and an introductory signal generator which generates introductory signals to be sent towards a called party while the answer detector employed by the automatic call distribution center is monitoring for the presence of the called party. When a call that is dialed to the called party by the automatic call distribution system is answered by an external telephonic unit of the called party, the automatic call distribution system couples an answer detector to the call. The answer detector of the automatic call distribution system monitors the call for the presence of the called party while concomitantly sending a generated and coupled introductory signal towards the called party to be heard by the called party. Preferably, the generated introductory signal simulates background noise. When the called party makes a response, the answer detector then detects the presence of the called party for the purpose of routing the call.