Patents Assigned to VTech Telecommunications, Limited
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Patent number: 7796740Abstract: A modem adapter is provided to adapt a modem to operate with a telephone system. The modem adapter includes a conductor detector, a voltage generator, and a dial-tone generator. The conductor detector is configured to detect live conductors on a telephone jack. The voltage generator is configured to generate an on-hook line voltage comparable to that normally expected by the modem and to deliver the generated on-hook line voltage to the modem. The dial-tone generator is configured to generate and deliver to the modem a first dial tone different from the second dial tone delivered by a telephone system to which the modem is attempting communication. A method for adapting a modem to a telephone system is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2006Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: VTech Telecommunications LimitedInventor: Gary K. Rogalski
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Patent number: 7792073Abstract: A system and method for avoiding mutual interference between two communications system is disclosed. One embodiment of the invention provides a system that includes a fixed unit and a portable unit. The fixed unit has a fixed transceiver. The portable unit has a portable transceiver. The fixed transceiver and the portable transceiver are members of a first RF system of the first RF system. The portable transceiver is configured to communicate with the fixed transceiver via a first RF link of the first RF system. The system further includes an additional transceiver. The additional transceiver is configured to communicate with a headset via a second RF link of a second RF system. The system further includes a processor that is coupled to one of the fixed transceiver, the portable transceiver, and the additional transceiver. The processor is configured to avoid interference between the first RF link and the second RF link.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2007Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: VTech Telecommunications LimitedInventors: Sukhdeep S. Hundal, Milosh Koprivica
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Patent number: 7782876Abstract: A method for integrating cordless telephony, data network, and broadband connection is disclosed. Preferred embodiments of the invention are configured to provide one or more of the following tasks: (1) support voice over a WLAN with QoS with enhanced power consumption and range; (2) provide for both broadband telephony and PSTN access; (3) utilize a broadband connection to deliver content to a cordless handset; and (4) utilize a wired data terminal to provide enhanced telephony functions.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2003Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: VTech Telecommunications LimitedInventors: Gary Rogalski, Ralph Tischler, Douglas Alvarado, Kent Wah-shun Wong
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Publication number: 20100150045Abstract: Systems and methods of enhanced real-time communications between WiFi devices. In one embodiment of the present invention a method for enhanced payload protection in a WiFi system includes transmitting multiple copies of data packets in successive frame body transmissions. In another embodiment, a method for enhanced communications over a WiFi link includes examining a unit ID packet to determine a destination of a data payload when errors are detected in IP and/or MAC headers. If a destination is determined, the packet is corrected and forwarded to the device based on the unit ID determination. In another embodiment, a method for enhanced real-time communications in a WiFi network includes establishing a communications frame that includes an active timeslot, preferably based on U-APSD, for a WiFi device to use for transmission of successive audio data packets transmitted between the WiFi handset and AP.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2010Publication date: June 17, 2010Applicant: VTech Telecommunications LimitedInventors: Sukhdeep S. Hundal, Daniel Roodnick, Bennett Cheng
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Patent number: 7738917Abstract: A multi handset telephone system with a wireless telecom/doorbell module. The telecom/doorbell module has similar electronics as a cordless handset that includes audio and RF link with a base unit. A speakerphone functionality of a wireless telecom/doorbell audio processor is used to provide an intercom audio conversation. The wireless intercom/doorbell module is battery powered that is either charged by an AC adapter or by an existing doorbell wiring. The wireless intercom/doorbell module also work in parallel with the existing bell wiring. When a page key is pressed, the module pages the telephone system and shorts the doorbell wiring to make an existing bell ring. The doorbell module is coupled with a camera.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2006Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: VTech Telecommunications LimitedInventors: Gordon Ryley, Ralph Tischler, Allan Chi-Yun Wong, Jagjit Grewal, Stephen G. Kropp
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Patent number: 7693516Abstract: A system and method for enhancing communications between a WiFi terminal and other devices coupled to a wireless network. A wireless Access Point is configured to receive data from a data network through a wired link and to transmit and receive data over an 802.11 wireless link to one or more wireless devices. The wireless Access Point also includes a preset communications profile. A set of IP addresses and capability set information associated with devices of the wireless network is provided. Accordingly, a WiFi terminal WiFi terminal can automatically establish a link capable of data exchange with the wireless Access Point by simply powering up the WiFi terminal. In one embodiment, IP address and capability set information is automatically exchanged between the WiFi terminal and other compatible devices of the wireless network.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2005Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: VTech Telecommunications LimitedInventors: Sukhdeep S. Hundal, Che Hung Wong, Peter Wai-Tong Kwong
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Patent number: 7693488Abstract: A method for reducing interference from a wireless communications system. The interference threshold is set based on a quality criterion that can be measured during operation of the system. The quality criterion is measured during system operation. Preferably, a separate quality criterion measurement is performed for each of an uplink and a downlink of the wireless communications system. The quality criterion is compared to the information containing the set interference threshold. A breach of the interference threshold for the uplink or the downlink is determined when the measurement indicates that the measured quality criterion is sufficiently poor that operation of the system should be modified. Upon determination of an interference breach in either the uplink or downlink, the system initiates an asymmetric enhanced mode operation in which redundant data transmission is established over the link exhibiting the interference breach, while standard, non-redundant transmission continues on the other link.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2004Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: VTech Telecommunications LimitedInventors: Sukhdeep S. Hundal, Milosh Koprivica
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Patent number: 7689233Abstract: A remote switching for handset handsfree speakerphone operation in a telephone system including an “off of shelf” analog half duplex switching speakerphone IC on a base unit and routs handset handsfree signals via a RF link to and from a microphone and a speakerphone of at least one cordless handset. The remote switching provides a handset handsfree feature on any analog and digital platform that is not equipped with DSPs or other digital means for embedded speakerphone algorithms.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2006Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: Vtech Telecommunications LimitedInventors: James Cao, James Maxwell
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Patent number: 7643624Abstract: A method for remote accessing a multi-line residential telephone system. Using a first remote telephone, a calling party dials a telephone number associated with a first telephone line of the multi-line residential telephone system. After a predetermined number of unanswered rings at the first telephone line of the multi-line telephone system, the multi-line telephone system prompts the calling party to input a code. After a successful verification of the code, the multi-line telephone system connects the first remote telephone with a second telephone line of the multi-line telephone system so that the calling party receives a dial tone over the second telephone line. The calling party then dials a terminating telephone number associated with a second remote telephone to establish communication with a called party of the second remote telephone.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2005Date of Patent: January 5, 2010Assignee: VTech Telecommunications LimitedInventor: Ralph Tischler
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Patent number: 7634231Abstract: A system for allowing BT, WDCT, and 802.11 transceivers to operate in close proximity with a minimum of interference, is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, a method for avoiding interference between a first FHSS device and other RF devices using 802.11 or FHSS protocols is disclosed. The first FHSS device initially detects the presence of an interfering RF device (“interferer”), for example a device employing 802.11 protocol, and adjusts the frequency of channels used for operation of the first device accordingly to avoid overlap with the 802.11 band. In the presence of an additional interferer, for example, a second FHSS device emitting an interfering signal, the first FHSS device may segregate its operation channels to achieve maximum frequency separation from an 802.11 and second FHSS device. In addition, the first and third devices may also multiplex their transmit/receive timing to avoid interference in time domain.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2004Date of Patent: December 15, 2009Assignee: Vtech Telecommunications LimitedInventor: Sukhdeep S. Hundal
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Patent number: 7624357Abstract: The present invention envisages a GSM mobile telephone in which a line of icons is displayed on a display. As a user navigates through the displayed line of icons, the positions of the icons alter so that the selectable icon moves to the head of the line. This approach makes it very clear (i) which icon is selectable at any time and (ii) where that icon sits in relation to other icons at the same functional level (e.g. only first level icons will be present in one line). First level icons typically relate to the following functions: phonebook; messages; call register; counters; call diversion; telephone settings; network details; voice mail and IrDA activation.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2006Date of Patent: November 24, 2009Assignee: VTech Telecommunications LimitedInventor: Christopher De Bast
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Patent number: 7610385Abstract: Bandwidth usage in a radio communication device is readjusted to eliminate overlapping communication system bandwidth. The readjustment is made in consideration of communication channel quality and other activity in the spectrum in which the radio communications are desired. Using this information, a communication link is set up to avoid overlapping with other radio communications already present in the band. Frequencies at which significant degradation in the communication occurs are also avoided. In addition, for frequency hopping devices, hop sequence is readjusted in accordance with the newly assigned channels.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2003Date of Patent: October 27, 2009Assignee: VTech Telecommunications LimitedInventors: Sukhdeep S. Hundal, Supajet Guy Pothiboon
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Publication number: 20090239528Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for routing data messages between a cellular telephone and a cordless telephone system having a plurality of cordless handsets configured to communicate with a single cordless base station when in range. Messages are received at the cordless base station via a first radio frequency transfer protocol. The message is transmitted to the cordless base station from the cellular telephone after the cellular telephone has received the message from a cellular network. The cordless base station transmits the message to a desired one of the plurality of cordless handsets via a second radio frequency transfer protocol. The desired one of the plurality of cordless handsets is chosen based on predetermined message routing settings.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 2, 2009Publication date: September 24, 2009Applicant: VTech Telecommunications LimitedInventors: Gordon Ryley, Julian Lee, Sukhdeep Hundal
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Patent number: 7577180Abstract: Systems and methods for maintaining synchronization of a base unit and a portable unit in a low-power mode are provided. The base unit and the portable unit communicate with each other via wireless frequency hopping radio communications links. The base unit and the portable unit switch to a synchronization state in a synchronization period during the low-power mode. During the synchronization period, the base unit transmits one of a first and a second link synchronization messages. The portable unit is required to respond to the second link synchronization. If the base unit receives a response from the portable unit within a predetermined number of periods, the base unit and the portable unit switch back to the low-power mode. Otherwise, the base unit and the portable unit are switched to a SEARCH state to search for a synchronized communications channel.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2003Date of Patent: August 18, 2009Assignee: VTech Telecommunications LimitedInventor: Philip A. Boulton
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Patent number: 7515702Abstract: Systems and methods are described for downloading audio signals into a digital telephone to update and replace a conventional ringer tone. The source of the audio signal can be from any analog audio sound source, such as a radio, PC sound card, MP3 player, CD or DVD player, etc. The audio signal can be fed through an audio cable into a handset headset jack that is already available in most digital telephones, or into a specialized audio jack incorporated into the base (of a cordless telephone). The audio signal may be comprised of a song or speech. The audio signal can be stored in a specialized memory for storing audio signals without requiring encoding the signal prior to storage, or it can be stored in any conventional memory arrangement. For a cordless telephone, the audio signal may be stored in the handset or in the base unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2003Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Assignee: VTech Telecommunications LimitedInventors: Gary Rogalski, Douglas Charney
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Patent number: 7507897Abstract: A data format for a dictionary-based compressed melody data includes a command part and a data part. The command part includes an index for designating an indexed dictionary entry in a dictionary and indicators for indicating modification/update options for the dictionary. The data part is used to modify the indexed dictionary entry to obtain a decoded musical note. A compressor selects a musical note as a dictionary entry according to a statistical model and records an index in the command part. The compressor further stores a difference between a musical note and an existing dictionary entry in the data part. A decompressor reads an indexed dictionary entry from a dictionary thereof and selectively modifies the indexed dictionary entry by the data part in the compressed data. The decompressor optionally updates the dictionary thereof by the decoded musical note. Therefore, the dictionaries of the compressor and the decompressor can be synchronized.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2006Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Assignee: VTech Telecommunications LimitedInventor: Yu Fan Ho
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Patent number: 7474744Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for providing local time of a potential called party to a user of a telephone system (i.e., calling party). In the preferred embodiment, the local time of the potential called party is displayed on a display or announced by a speaker of the telephone system when the name or the telephone number of the potential called party is selected. The local time of the potential called party is provided prior to or while initiating a call so that the user of the telephone system can determine whether it is appropriate time to call the potential called party.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2004Date of Patent: January 6, 2009Assignee: VTech Telecommunications LimitedInventor: Holger Janssen
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Patent number: 7456607Abstract: A charging unit including a charge contact and a spring in contact with the charge contact for charging a rechargeable device. The charge contact slidably engages with a charging surface of the rechargeable device and a spring connected to the charge contact applies a force to the charging surface as the charging unit receives the rechargeable device.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2006Date of Patent: November 25, 2008Assignee: VTech Telecommunications LimitedInventors: Kenny Che, Yat Shun (Damien) Yu, Karen Cherk Ting Ho
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Patent number: D585869Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2008Date of Patent: February 3, 2009Assignee: Vtech Telecommunications LimitedInventors: David Waterman, Young Hwang Kim
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Patent number: D607432Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2007Date of Patent: January 5, 2010Assignee: VTech Telecommunications LimitedInventors: David Waterman, Young Hwang Kim