Abstract: A telecommunication system provides voice and data communications over a conventional telephone line between a server station and a client station using visual forms. The client station includes a processor, display, telephone, and data circuit-terminating equipment (DCE) for data communications. The server station includes a processor, DCE, and either a telephone or a voice card for audio communications. Each DCE includes a modem, a start signal generator for transmitting a start signal over the telephone line prior to transmission of data by the modem, a start signal detector, and a switch that automatically switches the DCE from voice mode to data mode while data is being communicated. The client processor also includes a definition of a visual form having a number of controls with predetermined properties, including properties defining permissible actions that can be taken with respect to each control and instructions to be executed in response to specified actions.

Abstract: A telecommunication system provides voice and data communications over a conventional telephone line that can be dynamically switched from voice mode to any of a plurality of data modes (e.g., fax, modem, or VoiceView protocols) during a single conversation. Each station includes a telephone for voice communications and switching means for selectively connecting the telephone to the telephone line in voice mode and disconnecting the telephone while operating in one of the data modes. A modem provides data communications over the telephone line in any of a plurality of data modes. Voice is the default mode of operation. Prior to switching into a data mode, the originating station first transmits a start signal over the telephone line that includes a mode signal indicating one of the data modes.

Abstract: A telephone handset interface is inserted between the telephone handset and base for automatic switching between voice and data modes of communication. Each station includes a telephone set with a base and handset, interface circuitry, and modem. The interface circuitry includes relay switches to couple the modem to the telephone base microphone and speaker lines in data mode and to couple the telephone handset to the telephone base in voice mode. The relay switches are controlled by a sensor that monitors the on-hook/off-hook status of the modem as an indication of when the modem is preparing to transmit or receive data. The interface circuitry also includes differential amplifier circuitry coupled to the telephone base speaker lines that enables the modem to continually monitor the telephone base speaker lines. In one embodiment, each modem includes circuitry for generating a start signal to cause a remote station at the other end of the communication link to enter data mode prior to transmitting data.

Abstract: A telephone interface system is inserted between the telephone handset and base to provide automatic switching between voice and data modes of communication. The interface includes a modem having a receive port coupled to the telephone base speaker lines and a transmit port switchably coupled to the base microphone lines, a switch for selectively coupling the telephone handset to the base, and a processor for monitoring data received by the modem and controlling the switch to automatically decouple the telephone handset from the base when data is being received or transmitted by the modem. The modem includes a tone generator that generates a predetermined start signal to signal a remote unit at the other end of the communication link to enter data mode prior to transmission of data. Similarly, the modem includes a tone detector to detect a start signal sent by the remote unit that causes the unit to switch into data mode in preparation for receiving data.

Abstract: A telecommunication system provides voice and data communications over a conventional telephone line that can be dynamically switched from voice mode to data mode during a single conversation. Each station includes a telephone for voice communications and bypass relay means for selectively connecting the telephone to the telephone line in voice mode and disconnecting the telephone while operating in data mode. Prior to transmitting data, the originating station first transmits a start signal over the telephone line that includes a rate signal indicating one of the several possible data transmission rates. If a station detects a start signal transmitted by a remote station, a microcontroller directs the bypass relay means and modem to automatically switch from voice mode to data mode in preparation for receiving data from the originating station.

Abstract: Existing voice telephone communications are augmented in a simple and understandable way by the addition of a "dumb" display terminal at a subscriber's location. Text, graphics, and picture data can be transmitted in ASCII code or other protocol, over existing, standard telephone lines and displayed on the terminal. The "dumb" feature is due to the display terminal having a voice/data selector that can automatically recognize digital data and switch from voice communication to data communication modes. Accordingly, this display terminal is entirely self contained and is controlled from a remote location, such as a telemarketing agents position, requiring nothing more from the subscriber than mere possession of the display terminal.