Abstract: A telephone configures as a programmable microcomputer (telephone-computer) which operates in most circumstances through a standard telephone 12-key keypad input. The telephone-computer has the overall appearance of a telephone and includes telephone electronics and a microprocessor unit operated in conjunction with other computer elements, including memory devices, a programmable gate array (PGA) chip which can be initially programmed and then fixed, and enhanced integrity features. The PGA has the capability of being configured to accommodate various types of software which require different hardware Configuration, but without actually reconfiguring the hardware. The telephone-computer delivers data processing capabilities and services through an ordinary telephone instrument via conventional telephone lines with a network host computer which communicates with a vast panoply of service bureaus.

Abstract: An improved user terminal specifically designed for use in the home for accessing a wide variety of service computers is disclosed. The terminal comprises a single board computer including a microprocessor remotely reconfigurable programmable gate array logic, several types of solid-state memory, and various input-output units. The programmable gate array forms the logical connection between the microprocessor, the memory, and the input-output elements, and allows the computer to functionally mimic an IBM Personal Computer, thus allowing it to run a wide variety of software. The programmable gate array can be remotely reconfigured, and a so-called FLASH-EPROM memory is used to store reconfiguration code. This allows the hardware to be reconfigured remotely in order to add additionally function, or to cure a particular problem such as to prevent a "virus" or the like from attacking the system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a telephone configured as a programmable microcomputer (telephone-computer) which operates in most circumstances through a standard telephone 12-key keypad input. The telephone-computer includes telephone electronics and a microprocessor unit operated in conjunction with other computer elements, including memory devices, and a programmable gate array (PGA) chip and enhanced integrity features, and has the overall appearance of a telephone. The PGA has the capability of being reconfigured to accommodate various types of softwares which require different hardware configuration, but without actually reconfiguring the hardware. The telephone-computer delivers data processing capabilities and services through an ordinary telephone instrument via conventional telephone lines with a network host computer which communicates with a vast panoply of service bureaus.