Abstract: A mobile telephone has radio-frequency connection to a cellular network, a speaker, a stored contact list including telephone numbers for the contacts, a DTMF tone generator coupled to the speaker, and coded intelligence executing from a non-transitory physical medium, enabling a user to select a contact, causing the DTMF tone generator to produce a DTM tone sequence associated with the contact's telephone number audibly over the speaker.

Abstract: A method and system that enables users to remotely control or manage certain vehicle features, such as emergency flashers or a remote engine start, through the use of a trigger device other than a conventional vehicle key fob. For example, a trigger device like a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or a computer can be used to remotely control or activate select vehicle features. In one embodiment, short message service (SMS) messages are used to send feature commands either directly from the trigger device to the vehicle or via a call center or other message processing entity.

Abstract: An electric apparatus and an electric system comprise: a control panel to accept instructions for operations; and a part to detect and control situations of the operations. The operations, carried out by the electric apparatus and the electric system, are in accordance with the instructions. Furthermore, the electric apparatus and the electric system comprise a remote control to accept instructions about situations and setups of the part. It is configured to accept instructions about the situations and setups of the part, only through the remote control.

Abstract: A home appliance system and an operation method thereof are disclosed. The home appliance outputs product information as a predetermined sound and transmits the sound through a connected communication network, thereby making it easier for a service center at a remote place to check a status of the home appliance. Further, the home appliance system and operation method thereof prevents noise or signal error generated in the procedure of converting product information into a signal of a predetermined frequency band in order to output the product information as a sound, thus enabling stable signal conversion and improving the accuracy of information transmission using the output of sound.

Abstract: An access control system is provided for a movable barrier. A main communication unit grants access to a movable barrier operator. The movable barrier operator controls movement of the movable barrier. A remote communication unit has an input device to receive an access request and to transmit a corresponding access signal to the main communication unit and to transmit a status indication to the main communication unit in response to detecting a predetermined event.

Abstract: A user-operated system for causing a land-line telephone to dial a destination includes a mobile telephony device having a speaker and an internal dual tone multiple frequency (DTMF) dialer, and a dialer extension integrated with a microphone on the land line telephone for capturing a DTMF telephone number sequence. A telephone number is selected on the mobile telephony device, which generates an audible DTMF for the telephone number over the speaker, and the DTMF is captured by the microphone, and the land-line telephone dials the destination.

Abstract: Speech frames of a first speech coding scheme are utilized as speech frames of a second speech coding scheme, where the speech coding schemes use similar core compression schemes for the speech frames, preferably bit stream compatible. An occurrence of a state mismatch in an energy parameter between the first speech coding scheme and the second speech coding scheme is identified, preferably either by determining an occurrence of a predetermined speech evolution, such as a speech type transition, e.g. an onset of speech following a period of speech inactivity, or by tentative decoding of the energy parameter in the two encoding schemes followed by a comparison. Subsequently, the energy parameter in at least one frame of the second speech coding scheme following the occurrence of the state mismatch is adjusted. The present invention also presents transcoders and communications systems providing such transcoding functionality.

Abstract: A home appliance and a home appliance system are provided. The home appliance may convert product information into an acoustic signal and externally output the same as a sound. The home appliance system may receive the sound, convert the same into the acoustic signal, and then inversely convert the acoustic signal into the product information and read the same. Accordingly, the home appliance may externally output the acoustic signal as the sound so that the user may be easily notified of transmission. Also, the home appliance system may easily transmit the sound to a management device to read the product information because the sound may be transmitted via a communications network.

Abstract: A method and system for adaptively configuring a remote control includes analyzing a log of events, maintained by the remote control, which indicate how the remote control and the devices it controls are used by a user. Once the analysis is performed, the system and method can suggest alternative configurations of the remote control to the user. The range and type of alternative configurations is not particularly limited and can include changing which devices are employed for various user activities and/or how those activities are performed, the placement and hierarchy of commands in a menu tree and/or troubleshooting and set up configurations. The analysis can be performed either partially or totally within the remote control, or at, or in conjunction with, a service to which the remote control connects through a network.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a method for conducting a video conference between a first mobile device and a second device. The first mobile device includes first and second cameras. The method selects the first camera for capturing images. The method transmits images captured by the first camera to the second device. The method receives selections of the second camera for capturing images during the video conference. The method terminates the transmission of images captured by the first camera and transmits images captured by the second camera of the first mobile device to the second device during the video conference.

Abstract: A wireless communication device transmits location information associated with a mobile worker, and provides an option to the mobile worker to disable such location transmissions. The use of the location transmission function is enhanced by interlocking the location tracking function with one or more other functions of the wireless communication device. When the tracking function is disabled, one or more other functions that the mobile worker finds valuable are also disabled, thus reducing the likelihood that the mobile worker will disable location tracking. Rules may be implemented to disable the other functions only in the event that disabling the tracking function violates a violated. Location monitoring for such workers is thereby enhanced.

Abstract: A method for controlling a voice site using a haptic input modality. The method includes validating a haptic input from an instrument capable of accessing a voice site, processing the haptic input on a server to determine a voice site command corresponding to the haptic input, and processing the voice site command at the server to control an interaction with the voice site.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for supporting multiple positioning protocol versions within wireless communication networks.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for implementing a garage door monitoring system coupled to a garage door opener. The door monitoring system allow a user to actuate the door under control via a network connection. In at least one embodiment, the door monitoring system is controlled by a cell phone or networked appliance capable of transmitting information and data via a cellular telephone network. The door monitoring system provides the added advantage of allowing a remote user to view the areas or regions near to the door under control prior to actuating the door. At least one embodiment comprises a method to validate reception of the pictures or video clips of the areas or regions near to the door prior to enabling the system to actuate the door. In another embodiment a pass code is embedded into the pictures or video provided to the remote user.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for switching speech or audio signals, wherein the method for switching speech or audio signals includes when switching of a speech or audio, weighting a first high frequency band signal of a current frame of speech or audio signal and a second high frequency band signal of the previous M frame of speech or audio signals to obtain a processed first high frequency band signal, where M is greater than or equal to 1, and synthesizing the processed first high frequency band signal and a first low frequency band signal of the current frame of speech or audio signal into a wide frequency band signal. In this way, speech or audio signals with different bandwidths can be smoothly switched, thus improving the quality of audio signals received by a user.

Abstract: A method for providing a message service for a site is described. It is determined whether a service is provided at the site. If the service is provided at the site, a request is sent to a node at the site that provides the service. Determining if the service is provided at the site includes automatically determining if the service is provided at the site without user input.

Abstract: A remote control system for at least one electric device, each electric device having device identification data, has a handset comprising a handset transceiver, and a base unit having a telephone function to make a call. The base unit has a base unit transceiver that communicates with the handset wireless transceiver bidirectionally, and a primary remote-controller that communicates the electric device bidirectionally to control the electric device. The primary remote-controller has a remote-control transmitter and a remote-control receiver. The remote-control transmitter transmits control data to the electric device by using the device identification data, the control data being used for controlling the electric device. The remote-control receiver receives response data from the electric device in response to the control data.

Abstract: A distributing apparatus distributes a high-frequency signal received from a transmitting-and-receiving module of a first wireless terminal to transmitting-and-receiving modules of other wireless terminals with a wiring scheme. The apparatus has at least three signal transmission lines each transmitting the high-frequency signal. It also has a connecting node that connects an end of each of the signal transmission lines to each other, and an attenuator on each of the signal transmission lines and positioned near the connecting node, the attenuator on each signal transmission line attenuating the high-frequency signal on that signal transmission line. An input or output terminal of each of the transmitting-and-receiving modules of the wireless terminals is connected to any one of the signal transmission lines with a wiring scheme. One of the transmitting-and-receiving modules then transmits a communication signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a simultaneous voice and data user interface for secure catalog orders and in particular for providing a system and method for providing a distributed voice user interface for a remote device having a limited visual user interface simultaneously with a data stream for facilitating secure automated catalog orders for simultaneous electronic fulfillment applied to that device are described.

Abstract: An adjustable bed is controlled through a network. When controlled through a telephone network, a phone provides communication with a control box for the adjustable bed, and optionally a second system associated with the bed and controlled through the control box. When controlled through an internetwork such as the Internet, functions of the adjustable bed and optionally functions of a second system associated with the adjustable bed can be controlled. The network can be wired, wireless, near field, or wide band.

Abstract: A system and method for remotely controlling one or more monitoring devices in a user's household in the event of emergency so as to more productively monitor the emergency situation on a real-time basis. The monitoring devices may include a number of multimedia instruments such as a telephone with an answering machine, a computer with a built-in digital camera, a video recording device, a cellular phone with an integrated digital camera, etc. An emergency service provider may remotely activate the monitoring devices in the user's vicinity upon receiving an emergency help request from the user, and receive the information sent by the monitoring devices to enable the service personnel to plan appropriate response to the emergency at hand. Such an arrangement allows for better monitoring of the user's vicinity in an emergency situation without the need for prolonged user participation in narrating or describing the emergency situation.

Abstract: A universal combination cordless phone/remote control device for simultaneously answering incoming phone calls, messages, texts, etc., while operating a television and peripheral equipment includes a remote control side for controlling and operating the television and peripheral equipment and a cordless phone side for controlling various standard telephonic operations with both the remote control side and the cordless phone side including electrical charging contacts that engage charging contacts located on the upper surface of a portable lightweight charging cradle when the control device is placed upon the charging cradle for electrical charging.

Abstract: System and method for remotely controlling at least one local security system from a telephone device. The system includes a reception section for receiving a telephone call, a decoding section for decoding input from a caller and a controller for receiving the information and authenticating the caller based upon the detected information. The system also includes a voice server controlled by the controller for interfacing between the system and the caller. The voice server prompts the caller for information used to authenticate the caller, reports a status of each local security system and prompts the caller to select a particular local security system to control. Furthermore, the system includes a central database that contains subscriber information separated into subscriber records. The subscriber record includes at least one subscriber identifier authorized to control each local security system. The control instruction is transmitted to a selected local security system by a transmission section.

Abstract: A method and a system for presenting customized caller options via a communication device (104) are disclosed. The method includes receiving (404) an incoming call from a calling party at the second communication device. The method further includes comparing (406) a caller Identification (ID) information associated with the incoming call to a pre-defined stored list of caller ID information. Further, the method includes presenting (408) the calling party with customized caller options. The customized caller options are presented as a function of the comparison between the incoming call caller ID information and the pre-defined stored list of caller ID information.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose a gateway for remote control and system as well as a method for implementing remote control. The user side calls a telephone number to which the gateway for remote control corresponds, and the gateway for remote control puts through the call and controls a controlled device according to the information from the user side. It is possible to know and control the controlled device of the local network through the gateway for remote control that need not be online all the time. The voice prompt is defined by the own internal device of the local network, so as to enhance the expansibility and compatibility of the gateway. The user can directly control the device of the network through dialing a phone number. Embodiments of the invention are not restricted by the area, and the expense thereof is very low.

Abstract: In a network system, a notifying apparatus located in the network system is specified. If a predetermined event occurs when a function execution apparatus executes its function, the occurrence of this event can be notified to the specified notifying apparatus via a network.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for switching speech or audio signals, wherein the method for switching speech or audio signals includes when switching of a speech or audio, weighting a first high frequency band signal of a current frame of speech or audio signal and a second high frequency band signal of the previous M frame of speech or audio signals to obtain a processed first high frequency band signal, where M is greater than or equal to 1, and synthesizing the processed first high frequency band signal and a first low frequency band signal of the current frame of speech or audio signal into a wide frequency band signal. In this way, speech or audio signals with different bandwidths can be smoothly switched, thus improving the quality of audio signals received by a user.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for implementing a garage door monitoring system coupled to a garage door opener. The door monitoring system allow a user to actuate the door under control via a network connection. In at least one embodiment, the door monitoring system is controlled by a cell phone or networked appliance capable of transmitting information and data via a cellular telephone network. The door monitoring system provides the added advantage of allowing a remote user to view the areas or regions near to the door under control prior to actuating the door. At least one embodiment comprises a method to validate reception of the pictures or video clips of the areas or regions near to the door prior to enabling the system to actuate the door. In another embodiment a pass code is embedded into the pictures or video provided to the remote user.

Abstract: A wireless communication device transmits location information associated with a mobile worker, and provides an option to the mobile worker to disable such location transmissions. The use of the location transmission function is enhanced by interlocking the location tracking function with one or more other functions of the wireless communication device. When the tracking function is disabled, one or more other functions that the mobile worker finds valuable are also disabled, thus reducing the likelihood that the mobile worker will disable location tracking. Rules may be implemented to disable the other functions only in the event that disabling the tracking function violates a violated. Location monitoring for such workers is thereby enhanced.

Abstract: A remote monitoring and control apparatus (10) comprises a receiver (74) adapted to receive one or more input signals (76) and provide one or more output signals for displaying content on a monitor (12); a telephony unit (26, 62, 64) for connecting a remote telephone (42) to a local interface (36, 38, 56) using a telephony signal; and a processing unit (60) operatively connected to the receiver (74) and the telephony unit (26, 62, 64), wherein the processing unit (60) is adapted to detect an incoming call (44) from the remote telephone (42) and in response thereto automatically; allocate and open a voice channel (70) of the telephony signal over which a user (20) of the remote telephone (42) and a user (18) of the local interface (36, 38, 56) can converse; and allocate and open a control channel (72) of the telephony signal over which the user (20) of the remote telephone (42) can send control signals (72) to control the operation of the receiver (74).

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a system for remotely monitoring, controlling, and managing one or more remote premises includes a server system operable to communicate with one or more remote client systems, the client systems being remote from the one or more premises. The system further includes a database system associated with the server system and operable to store configuration information for a number of devices located at a premises, the devices including one or more camera devices and one or more facility management devices. The server system is operable to: (1) receive from the one or more premises device data for the one or more facility management devices located at the premises; (2) initiate storage of at least a portion of the received device data in the database system; and (3) communicate, in response to a request received from a particular client system, stored device data responsive to the request to the particular client system.

Abstract: Methods, systems and computer program products provide time-restricted passcode access to a restricted access area by: (a) electronically generating a time-limited visitor access passcode that is operational for a security system for a limited time duration; then (b) electronically accepting the visitor access passcode in a security entry control access device in communication with the security system to allow a user with the visitor access passcode a time-limited entry to a restricted area; then (c) automatically electronically preventing user access to the restricted area using the visitor access passcode with the security entry control access device after a certain time or expiration of a certain time period. Embodiments of the invention may be particularly useful for allowing visiting meeting participants physical access to a restricted area in a building to attend a scheduled meeting.

Abstract: A method includes the steps of selecting an appliance to be controlled from a list of appliances stored in the cellular device, selecting an instruction to be communicated to the selected appliance from a list of instructions stored in the cellular device, and transmitting the instruction to a cellular interface associated with the selected appliance via a public cellular telephone infrastructure by dialing a. telephone number stored in the cellular device.

Abstract: A remote call center utilizes both cell phone and satellite communication networks to transmit data messages to a vehicle equipped with both a telematics module and a SDAR module. The telematics module and the SDAR module are both coupled to a vehicle data bus, and a software communication token containing a current budget is assigned to a selected module in response to a vehicle turn-off event. The module possessing the communication token determines the available signal strength on its respective communication network. If the available signal strength is adequate for reliable data communication with the call center, the module retains possession of the token and periodically wakes-up to check for incoming messages from the call center. If the available signal strength is inadequate, the module possessing the token passes the token to the other module, after which that module periodically wakes-up to check for incoming messages from the call center.

Abstract: A controlling device (e.g., a telephony device) can remotely control various tasks associated with a controlled device (e.g., a personal computer), including the navigation of user interfaces associated with applications or an operating system associated with the controlled device. A task can be controlled at the controlled device by mapping user input received at the controlling device to control commands suitable for execution at the controlled device.

Abstract: A remote-operation authenticating unit determines whether to permit a remote operation of the video-phone terminal apparatus by other video-phone terminal apparatus via a video phone communication. A remote operation unit receives, from the other video-phone terminal apparatus, a request for a control including at least a shutter control of the image capturing device to shoot an image, and executes the control in response to the request. An image converting unit converts the image into an image for the video phone communication. A communicating unit transmits the image for the video phone communication to the other video-phone terminal apparatus.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes: an external device's information obtaining unit for obtaining external device's information containing held function's information on functions held by an external device from the network-connected external device; an application obtaining unit for obtaining an application used for utilizing a function requested to be executed by the external device from a network-connected application providing server, the function being contained in the held function's information; and an external device's function execution request unit for requesting the external device to execute a function held by the external device based on the obtained external device's information and the application.

Abstract: The invention relates to a telephone set comprises a connection apparatus to execute a connecting process for enabling transmission and reception of an information signal to and from a home appliance such as a general audio device remote-controllable by radio communication; a control apparatus for generating, upon arrival of an incoming call, a remote control signal such as a pause command to the home appliance; and a radio communication apparatus for sending the remote control signal to the home appliance by radio communication. Thus, upon arrival of an incoming call at the telephone set, the remote control signal is sent to the audio device or the like either directly from the telephone set or via a communication adaptor installed therein, hence pausing or muting the output of the audio device under remote control. Such control action enables a user to perceive the incoming call with facility.

Abstract: Disclosed is a door intercom system, which is installed on a door of a community for communicating with and identifying a visitor and opening/closing the door through a network by an inhabitant among a plurality of inhabitants of the community and capable of transferring data to a system provider through the network. The door intercom system has a central processing unit (CPU) connected to a database, a dialing key module, a display module, a video and audio processing module and a network interface, respectively. In the database, inhabitant codes, network logon numbers and identification numbers of the plurality of inhabitants are stored. When the visitor inputs an inhabitant code through the dialing key module, the CPU acquires the network logon number corresponding to the inhabitant and is communicatively connected to the network through the network interface, the network being connected at the other end to the inhabitant end or the system provider through a public switched telephone network (PSTN).

Abstract: A system and method for remotely controlling one or more monitoring devices in a user's household in the event of emergency so as to more productively monitor the emergency situation on a real-time basis. The monitoring devices may include a number of multimedia instruments such as a telephone with an answering machine, a computer with a built-in digital camera, a video recording device, a cellular phone with an integrated digital camera, etc. An emergency service provider may remotely activate the monitoring devices in the user's vicinity upon receiving an emergency help request from the user, and receive the information sent by the monitoring devices to enable the service personnel to plan appropriate response to the emergency at hand. Such an arrangement allows for better monitoring of the user's vicinity in an emergency situation without the need for prolonged user participation in narrating or describing the emergency situation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a remote control system, a remote server, a remote control agent, and a remote control method. According to the present invention, when controlling the remote apparatus to perform a target service, remote apparatus information and service information are searched and a service plan is generated based on the searched remote apparatus information and service information for execution of the target service. In addition, a remote apparatus control process generated by the service plan and the process is performed. Therefore, users can easily control the remote apparatus and can be provided desired services.

Abstract: A telecommunications system simplifies programming of telephone systems and expands such programming to include possibilities in addition to the required functionality for producing communications between subscribers. A user interface is provided for simple programming of functions and modules according to the modular principle. The most varied terminals can be controlled by way of the telephone as a control device using this interface.

Abstract: An interactive system for managing and remotely monitoring and effecting the connection status of a customer utility load network is disclosed. Preferred embodiments of the interactive system are utilized for customer loads that correspond to the distribution of electrical energy. The interactive system is preferably provided through a web-based application that offers a plurality of selectable services to a user. Security information is preferably required for a user to gain access to the system. Services provided may comprise a read service for providing metered customer utility data, a usage and/or demand notification service for alarming a user when utility usage and/or demand exceeds a defined threshold amount, and/or a connection service for setting a utility load as either connected or disconnected. A control system is preferably provided in conjunction with the web-based application to interface the application to other components involved in the interactive system.

Abstract: A wireless key system for a mobile vehicle includes a key fob with a controller, a microphone operably coupled to the controller, a memory operably coupled to the controller, arid a telematics unit operably coupled to a vehicle communication bus. Verbal commands received through the microphone initiate the controller to send a function message in accordance with instructions stored in the memory to the telematics unit that activates a function through the vehicle communication bus.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for providing controlling the presentation of information using a telephone including monitoring a signal received from the telephone; receiving control information sent from the telephone; interpreting the control information; generating commands based on the control information; sending the commands to a media source wherein the media source outputs information based on the command; and displaying the information output from the media source on a device separate from the telephone.

Abstract: A remote controller includes an input module including an input panel and a controller coupled to the input panel for generating coordinate information of the input panel. The remote controller further includes a data transmission interface for transmitting data to an electronic appliance, a microphone for transforming sound waves into audio signals, a speaker for transforming audio signals into sound waves, an image capturing module for capturing and converting image of a user to image signals, an image display module for converting image signals of a remote user received to an image, and a control unit coupled to the input module, the data transmission interface, the microphone, and the speaker, for controlling the data transmission interface to transmit audio or images signals and data corresponding to the coordinate information generated by the controller to the electronic appliance.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for implementing a garage door monitoring system coupled to a garage door opener. The door monitoring system allow a user to actuate the door under control via a network connection. In at least one embodiment, the door monitoring system is controlled by a cell phone or networked appliance capable of transmitting information and data via a cellular telephone network. The door monitoring system provides the added advantage of allowing a remote user to view the areas or regions near to the door under control prior to actuating the door. At least one embodiment comprises a method to validate reception of the pictures or video clips of the areas or regions near to the door prior to enabling the system to actuate the door. In another embodiment a pass code is embedded into the pictures or video provided to the remote user.

Abstract: A hot water supply device of the invention has a host remote controller 27 and a bath remote controller 20 capable of establishing a call with the host remote controller 27 by an interphone function, the bath remote controller 20 being equipped with a voice guidance function. A priority is given to the voice guidance contents outputted by the voice guidance function. When a call by the interphone function and an output command of the voice guidance by the voice guidance function concurrently occur, the voice guidance having higher order is outputted preferentially over the call. The voice guidance of the lower order is outputted after the call.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed that enables the managing of environmental conditions within an enterprise workplace and, in doing so, provides an improvement in facilities cost management over some techniques in the prior art. A data-processing system such as a private-branch exchange monitors the workplace by using one or more telephones, or other “telecommunications endpoints” to which the exchange is connected, in the workplace area. The exchange determines whether people are present in the workplace area by monitoring which endpoints are in use. Additionally, the exchange monitors the sounds that are received by the microphones of the endpoints. Based on knowing which endpoints are in use, the exchange generates control signals for the purpose of controlling one or more environmental conditions such as temperature, lighting, and so forth. In some embodiments of the present invention, the exchange examines the audio content of the received signals and bases the control signals on the audio content analyzed.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a digital video recorder on a cable network. Signaling associated with the answering or initiation of a digital telephone call by a digital telephone subscriber is used to issue commands to a digital video recorder (DVR). A signal is generated by an MTA when the telephone is enters an “off-hook” state and sent to the DVR to initiate recording of a program being viewed by the called party. When the phone goes “on-hook”, the called party resumes watching the program from exactly where it was interrupted. The MTA may be connected directly to the VTD/DVR and the telephone state is determined by the DVR from information provided by the MTA. Alternatively, a soft switch monitors signaling from the MTA indicative of the state of the called telephone. A telephone state message comprising the telephone state information is then sent over an out-of-band channel/path to a DVR client within the VTD. The DVR client uses the telephone state information to control a DVR.