Abstract: A method and system for automatically changing the operation of signaling features in a telephone are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, a method is disclosed to provide automatic reduction in the sound volume associated with the signaling features of a telephone system, during a selected portion of a day. A user is provided with a programmable menu in communication with one or more devices associated with a telephone system. From the menu provided, the user may enter a the beginning and ending time for the “quiet mode” operation of the telephone system. In addition, the user may select the signaling features to be quieted, as well as the sound volume associated with quiet mode operation for a given signaling feature.

Abstract: A system and method for avoiding interference between two communications system is disclosed. A preferred embodiment of the invention provides a method that obtains frequency information associated with a first RF link between a handset of a cordless telephone and a headset. Using the frequency information, the method then generates an RF channel for a second RF link between the handset and a base unit of the cordless telephone. The RF channel is different from one or more RF channels associated with the first RF link. Preferably, the headset is a Bluetooth headset. Preferably, the first RF link is a Bluetooth RF link. Preferably, the second RF link is a WDCT RF link.

Abstract: A battery drawer for a cordless telephone or other apparatus that operates from both regular AC power and battery power and that has a stand-by battery recharging system and associated battery charging circuit. The battery drawer is slidably mounted in a body and is configured to receive and hold at least one rechargeable battery. A combination ejector and electrical circuit maker is associated with the battery drawer. The combination ejector and electrical circuit maker establishes an electric circuit between the battery charging circuit and the at least one rechargeable battery when the battery drawer is in a closed state, operates to eject the battery drawer from the body, and electrically opens the electric circuit between the battery charging circuit and the at least one rechargeable battery when the battery drawer is in an open state. Increased safety is afforded to users by disconnecting the battery drawer from the charging circuit when the battery is replaced in the drawer.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for providing connectivity to portable electronic devices, such as a cordless telephone, for the purpose of upgrading software features. In a preferred embodiment, portable electronic devices can receive incoming data at the PSTN jack from a personal computer that is also connected to the PSTN via a PSTN modem. In this manner, upgrades can be accomplished without requiring users to disconnect the telephone or to connect additional cables or components. The telephone is temporarily disabled from service only during the downloading of the upgrade software from the personal computer to the telephone. Upgrade software can be received at the personal computer from downloads or from other sources.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for providing connectivity to portable electronic devices, such as a cordless telephone, for the purpose of upgrading software features. In a preferred embodiment, portable electronic devices can be connected to a conventional household audio player via an audio input/out interface in the device to receive encoded data signals modulated in an audio band. The audio player can playback an audio signal stored in any of several different formats, including compact disc, audio cassette tape, MP3 file, or streaming audio, and can be physically connected an audio jack in the portable electronic device via a conventional audio cable. The device demodulates and decodes the signal and routes the transmitted data to memory registers for upgrading software stored in device memory.

Abstract: Text messages are communicated between a personal computer and a cordless device having a base unit and a handset. Text messages sent from the personal computer to the handset are displayed on a text screen on the handset. Text message sent from the handset to the personal computer are displayed on a text window on the personal computer. Messages can be passed from the personal computer to a base unit of the cordless device using an analog or a digital interface. In addition, stereo music is transmitted from a stereo source to the handset through the base unit.

Abstract: MIDI compression and decompression methods that reduce the size of a standard MIDI file and maintains information to play the MIDI music. The exemplary method of the invention makes use of the high correlation and repetitions between a look-ahead MIDI event and previous set of MIDI events. An adjustable size Lempel-Ziv-like MIDI Event Search Window (MESW) is created during the compression and decompression process to allow searching of matched events or event elements in previous window size of MIDI events. Further reduction of the MIDI events can be made by discarding the matched events in the event search window. Therefore, with 4-bit of MIDI event search window, the number of MIDI events stored in the window can be more than 16.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Systems and methods for wireless communications between a cellular telephone and a landline telephone. A system includes a cellular telephone in communication with a cordless telephone base station. The cordless telephone base station includes a BLUETOOTH radio transceiver, and the cellular telephone includes a BLUETOOTH radio transceiver, so that the cellular telephone can communicate with the base station using BLUETOOTH communications. The cordless telephone base station includes a cordless radio transceiver, and a cordless handset that includes a cordless radio transceivers. The cordless handset can communicate with the cordless telephone base station using cordless radio frequency communications. The BLUETOOTH radio transceiver and the cordless radio transceiver of the cordless telephone base station are coupled so that the cordless handsets can communicate with the cellular telephone.

Abstract: A time division duplex digital radio frame structure with time and frequency diversity and method for use thereof is presented. Each packet of data is transmitted twice in successive frequency hops, such that the redundant transmission differs in both time and frequency from the primary transmission. A communications system employing the frame structure may be configured to dynamically shift between fully diverse, asynchronous and non-diverse modes of operation. The mode of operation may be selected based upon one or more operating parameters, such as battery power or detected interference. When error correction is implemented and a primary transmission is received without error, system devices may de-power circuitry to reduce power consumption.

Abstract: An integrated camera, motion detector and cordless telephone system. A wireless camera operates to detect motion and then alerts a user to the motion via a base station/cordless handset. In one embodiment, the camera then also transmits still or streaming video to the base station/cordless telephone. Accordingly, a user can monitor image(s) via a cordless telephone handset and/or be alerted of motion within the camera's field of view.

Abstract: Systems and methods for wireless communications between at least one electronic device and a landline telephone. A system includes at least one electronic device in communication with a cordless telephone base station. In the preferred embodiment in which BLUETOOTH standards are used, each of the cordless telephone base station and the at least one electronic device includes a BLUETOOTH radio transceiver, so that the at least one electronic device can communicate with the base station using BLUETOOTH communications protocol. The cordless telephone base station also includes a cordless radio transceiver to communicate, using cordless radio frequency communications, with at least one cordless handset. The BLUETOOTH radio transceiver and the cordless radio transceiver of the cordless telephone base station are coupled so that a user can use cordless handsets to exchange messages, including audio, video and data, with the at least one electronic device through the control of the telephone base station.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrical contact that incorporates a movable metal connection component such as a contact pin. The metal connection component is mounted within an insulating body. An electrically conducting path, from a contact head of the metal connection component to an interior of a base chassis is created only when a handset has been positioned within a cradle cavity of the base.

Abstract: An electrical component is mounted on a carrier printed circuit board. A first header connector connects the carrier printed circuit board to a printed circuit board on one side of the electrical component. A second header connector connects the carrier printed circuit board to the printed circuit board on the opposite side of the electrical component. The carrier printed circuit board and the printed circuit board are connected so that the electrical component is sandwiched between the carrier printed circuit board and the printed circuit board. The carrier printed circuit board, the first header connector, and the second header connector protect the electrical component from impact and mechanical stress. The carrier printed circuit board redistributes the electrical connection of the electrical component.

Abstract: A system and method for invoking one or more features of a wireless device when a signal strength of a channel approaches or drops below an RSSI threshold of the channel is disclosed. An embodiment of the invention includes the steps of (1) obtaining the RSSI threshold for the channel; (2) monitoring the signal strength during an operation mode of the wireless device; and (3) invoking the feature when the signal strength approaches a predetermined limit of the RSSI threshold. In an implementation on a cordless telephone, the feature can include playing a warning, switching to a different channel, or returning a telephone line to an idle state.

Abstract: A remote access device is provided with access to caller ID information stored in a base unit. A communication path between the remote access device and the base unit is established. Caller ID information is transmitted from the base unit to the remote access device according to a communication protocol. The communication path can include a telephone network such as the public-switched telephone network.

Abstract: A method for identifying interferers in a radio communication band, such as the 2.4 GHz ISM band, uses a priori information of the interferers such as channel structure, channel frequency and channel bandwidth. Measured RSSI can be used to detect and identify interferers. RSSI measurements can be made at multiple frequencies within a channel of the interferer. Randomization of RSSI measurements improves the likelihood of interferer detection and identification if such interferer is present. Metrics other than RSSI can be used.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods for an electronic hook switch for customer premises equipment. In an embodiment, a system includes a first lead configured to be coupled to a tip wire and a second lead configured to be coupled to a ring wire. A diode bridge is coupled to the first lead and the second lead and has a positive output. A low side switch is coupled to the positive output of the diode bridge without a high side switch between the low side switch and the positive output of the diode bridge.