Abstract: A monitoring system especially adapted for remote surveillance. Listening and/or visual devices such as microphones or video cameras (hereinafter “monitors” or “surveillance devices”) are disposed in selected rooms or other selected areas. These are interconnected by communications paths to one or more communication/control modules (hereinafter “modules”) which in turn communicate over wired or wireless paths to a remotely located telephone. The remotely located telephone may be of the cellular or conventional hard wired type from which a user can communicate with the module either to conduct conventional audible conversations or to visually/audibly monitor activities within a selected area.

Abstract: A cellular phone set includes the videophone function of performing real-time image transfer by using a communication scheme with high transmission capability, and a section for transmitting control data for controlling various functions including the videophone function on a distant side in response to a specific external operation during speech communication. A remote control method for a cellular phone set is also disclosed.

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 operating system capable of operating a given home electric appliance by simple operation from a portable telephone is disclosed. A service equipment connected to an internet and a public network provides a home page using the function of a portable telephone to browse the internet home pages. An instruction to operate the home electric appliance is given by way of the home page using the portable telephone. Thus, an operating instruction is given through the public network to a remote operation adaptor installed in a home to control the home electric appliance.

Abstract: The present invention is a system allowing a user to remotely control operable or manipulative devices through a telecommunications network and a Universal Controller interconnected with a host device. The Universal Controller receives signals in the form of audio (preferably DTMF) tones from the host device and controls the operable or manipulative devices as directed by these signals. The host device can be a personal computer, a touch-tone telephone, or any communications device that is capable of generating audio tones. The present invention also includes a method allowing a user to remotely control devices through an acoustically driven Universal Controller. The method uses a Universal Device Driver connected to a host computer that responds to a TCP/IP or other networking protocol request from a client computer by displaying a notification and enabling a decision to accept or reject the request, whereby establishing a connection between the host computer and the client computer.

Abstract: A method for changing a control program that controls at least some operations of an appliance is provided. The appliance includes at least one electronic control that executes the control program. The method includes connecting the electronic control to a communication device configured to communicate with at least one user device via a network. The method also includes changing the control program via the user device and the network.

Abstract: A telephone apparatus includes: a telephone circuit unit which communicates with another telephone apparatus; a memory unit which stores a telephone number of telephone apparatus; a communication processing unit which communicates with a control target apparatus to which a house code is to be set; and a control unit which controls communication processing unit to transmit the telephone number stored in memory unit to the control target apparatus as the house code. Telephone apparatus is connected to the control target apparatus through a dedicated line inserted into a dedicated line insertion unit.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling simultaneous communication and affectation of an operational status of a device for use with a sending device that has a line of communication with a receiving device comprising a receiving/transmitting arrangement operably associated with the line of communication between the sending device and the receiving device for receiving sound signals from the sending device while allowing the receiving device simultaneously to receive the sound signals from the sending device, an activated/controlled device, a line of communication between the receiving/transmitting device and the activated/controlled device, and a transducer for transducing sound signals from the sending device to activate and/or control the activated/controlled device.

Abstract: A system and method for creating a controlling device. In response to a user specifying one or more operating criteria for the controlling device, the system selects executable instructions from a library of executable instructions and command code sets from a library of command code sets that are to be stored in the memory of the controlling device. In addition, the system uses the criteria to suggest command key/command code mappings for use within the controlling device. The user may interact with the system to modify the selected executable instructions, command code sets, and command key/command code mappings. When stored in the memory of the controlling device, the executable instructions are to be used to perform various operations and functions within the controlling device and the command codes are to be transmitted from the controlling device to command the operation of controllable devices in response to activation of one or more of the command keys.

Abstract: A command detector detects a control command based on voice input through a telephone or a door phone or the like, and a user and control command identifying section identifies the user and the control command. A command controller decides execution of the control command based on a comparison between a security level set to the control command and to an authority level and a priority level set to the user.

Abstract: An embedded device configured to provide an audio status output is disclosed. The embedded device includes a processor, an input button in electronic communication with the processor and a speaker in electronic communication with the processor for outputting an audio output. Memory is used for storing data. An audio output generator is stored in the memory and operates to generate the audio status output. The audio generator receives a generate audio command initiated by a user through use of the input button. The generator then operates to convert the status data to audio output data through use of an audio generation table. The audio output data includes multiple distinct audio signals that are machine-decipherable and that correspond to individual data elements of the status data. The audio output data is provided to the speaker such that the audio output based on the audio output data is generated.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating, modifying, interacting with and playing music are provided, particularly systems and methods employing a top-down process, where the user is provided with a musical composition that may be modified and interacted with and played and/or stored (for later play), and particularly in a form that may be employed in one or a plurality of music generation music that provide on-hold music to callers that are put on-hold in a telephony environment. The system preferably is provided in a handheld form factor, and a graphical display is provided to display status information, graphical representations of musical lanes or components which preferably vary in shape as musical parameters and the like are changed for particular instruments or musical components such as a microphone input or audio samples.

Abstract: An automatic answering telephone set which eliminates cumbersome operations when a user tries to listen to a recorded business message from a remote place. The automatic answering telephone set includes a termination detection section and a line interface to which a telephone line is connected commonly, a reception section connected to the line interface, a voice recording and reproduction section which provides an automatic answering telephone function, a control section formed from a microcomputer for controlling the entire automatic answering telephone set, an operation key section including several keys such as dial keys and connected to the control section, and a memory for storing a telephone number and other necessary information to be registered in advance in the automatic answering telephone set.

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: An access control system such as a telephone entry system (TES) capable of seamlessly transmitting facsimile log reports to remote locations for storage. Alarms are selected such that upon an occurrence of an alarm, the access control system will send a fax to the selected phone number with information about the alarm situation and, for example, all the transaction information within the memory. Alarm situations can include, for example, a number of transactions, a specific person accessed, or code being used, a specific time of day, a specific time since the last alarm situation, a door staying open, and/or a door being forced open. Log information may be sent to an office located in a building that is remote from the access control system. This information may be sent in a standard format to any location around the world.

Abstract: The present invention is an access control system such as a telephone entry system (TES) wherein tenant codes are selectively displayed and therefore, tenant codes that are not selected for display are not listed in a system tenant code directory. Tenants may control who knows that they live in the building and, therefore, control who can get in touch with them. Thus, tenants may avoid having their name displayed on the Access Control System. Tenants still may have a unique number in the index without having their name displayed, keeping their name unlisted.

Abstract: The object is to realize an automatic response to an incoming call and two-way communication using at least images. In a memory (2), a personal identification number for identifying opposite party who is permitted to have communication in an automatic response mode and mode information, which indicates whether or not the automatic response mode is activated, are stored. Upon detection of an incoming call, the central processing unit first judges whether or not the automatic response mode is activated (S2). If the result of the judgement is “yes”, a personal identification number in the calling data received is compared with the personal identification number stored in the memory (2) (S4). As a result, if the personal identification numbers are the same, the unit automatically responds to the incoming call, and two-way communication using images and sound can be carried out (S5).

Abstract: In one embodiment a communication device activation system is provided to restore activation of one or more communication devices that are in a powered-down mode to conserve power usage during a period of inactivity. The activation signal, also referred to as a warm start signal, comprises a sequence signal. A sequence generator generates a desired sequence signal. It is contemplated that one or more sequence signals may be selected for use by the activation system. The sequence signal may be generated or stored and retrieved. To resume communication, a wake-up sequence signal is generated and transmitted to a remote communication device. Upon receipt the received signal is filtered, correlated and analyzed. Analysis may compare one or more aspects of the signal to a threshold signal. If the signal is determined to comprise a wake-up signal, i.e. a request for communication, then a warm-start operation may occur. An acknowledgement signal may optionally be generated to acknowledge receipt of the signal.

Abstract: Home networks low-cost digital interfaces are introduced that integrate entertainment, communication and computing electronics into consumer multimedia. Normally, these are low-cost, easy to use systems, since they allow the user to remove or add any kind of network devices with the bus being active. To improve the user interface a speech unit (2) is proposed that enables all devices (11) connected to the bus system (31) to be controlled by a single speech recognition device. The properties of this device, e.g. the vocabulary can be dynamically and actively extended by the consumer devices (11) connected to the bus system (31). The proposed technology is independent from a specific bus standard, e.g. the IEEE 1394 standard, and is well-suited for all kinds of wired wireless home networks. The speech unit (2) receives data and messages from the device. The speech unit (2) recognizes speaker-dependent commands. A Speech synthesizer synthesizes messages.

Abstract: In a remote control apparatus, for achieving remote control of an on-vehicle equipment, in accordance with a request received from a terminal other than the on-vehicle equipment, wherein a request receiver portion 101 receives control content from a stationary-type terminal 301 or a portable-type terminal 302, thereby registering it into a control information DB 105, while corresponding it to ID information of a user thereof. Upon receipt of the ID information from the on-vehicle equipment 20, a control information transmitter portion 102 transmits the control information depending upon the control content, being registered in the control information DB 105 corresponding thereto, to the on-vehicle equipment 20. With this, the on-vehicle equipment 20 is controlled in accordance with the control content, which was received from the user in advance, remotely.

Abstract: Systems and methods, including modem communications software, for controlling and/or monitoring one or more machines having an control board, such as, for example, compressors, from a remote location is disclosed. The systems and methods provide for each machine being controlled and/or monitored by an operator from the remote location. The machines are controlled and/or monitored using the modem communications software, presently preferably, resident on a personal computer (PC) at the remote location. The methods and systems, including the modem communications software, provide communications between the PC and the machine(s) through transmissions over a communications link established through a modem from a remote PC to a modem connected to the control board of a machine to provide instructions to or receive information from the machine control board and for the remote diagnosis of operating problems, such as, for example, compressor system operating problems, among other features.

Abstract: A system (10, 100) for communicating information and caller identification between entities (11, 13) over a public switched telephone network (PSTN) (20) includes at least one remote site (11) including a device (14, 115, 117) whose status is to be monitored. The remote site is coupled to the PSTN (20) and is operable to make a call when the device status is to be determined. A monitoring station (13) includes a plurality of call receiving interfaces (26) coupled to the PSTN (20) and a processor (30) coupled to the call receiving interfaces (26). Each call receiving interface (26) is assigned a different telephone number corresponding to information concerning the status of the device.

Abstract: A remote surveillance and conferencing system includes video transceivers and provides audiovisual communications over a standard Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). The system provides capabilities for closed circuit television (CCTV) applications, security systems, video conferencing, remote video surveillance, home automation and fire control, all in one, without requiring a use of computer. Each video transceiver includes a dedicated keypad which allows users to use the system without a telephone. Keypad controllers available to some of the video transceivers provide a capability to remotely control the system.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for monitoring and controlling automation equipment. The present invention uses a modem's processing and memory resources to interpret and translate data and commands associated with automation equipment. When receiving data from the automation equipment, the modem interprets the data using its own processing power and stores the interpreted results in its own memory for subsequent retrieval. Commands for control are translated into a compatible format by the modem and then transmitted to the automation equipment. The present invention also allows for remote access through the modem for both monitoring and controlling without requiring any host interaction. A modem according to the present invention further provides for its host to operate in a mode of reduced processing and power consumption while the modem continues to monitor and control automation equipment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a distant remote-control device of electric appliance, wherein an infrared signal of an electric appliance to be remotely controlled is learnt using a signal converter, and a corresponding address serial code is provided so that telephone tones can be matched for maneuvering a telephone remote-control mainframe and the signal converter can be used to convert signals for remotely controlling electric appliances remotely controlled by infrared rays. Wireless remote-control electric appliances originally designed according to the present invention can also be remotely controlled in wireless way simultaneously. The present invention directly learns remote-control signals of electric appliances to achieve distant remote control of electric appliances using a telephone. The present invention also has the advantages of simple operation and convenient use.

Abstract: A remote operating system capable of operating a given home electric appliance by simple operation from a portable telephone is disclosed. A service equipment connected to an internet and a public network provides a home page using the function of a portable telephone to browse the internet home pages. An instruction to operate the home electric appliance is given by way of the home page using the portable telephone. Thus, an operating instruction is given through the public network to a remote operation adaptor installed in a home to control the home electric appliance.

Abstract: An electric home appliance control system using an Internet remote-controller to control the operation of an electric home appliance having an infrared receiver module and a control circuit, the Internet remote-controller including a network interface card connected to the Internet to receive a remote packet message sent by the user from the Internet, a CPU adapted to recognize the identification of the remote packet message received by the network interface card, an infrared transceiver module, and a network control circuit controlled by the CPU to produce a control signal and to let the control signal to be sent to the infrared receiver module of the electric home appliance by radio after receipt of the remote packet message from the Internet by the network interface card.

Abstract: Open, horizontal service platforms are described. Service providers can, via network operators, load software associated with a service onto a dedicated, service platform server. The service platform server is connected, via a LAN, to one or more remote devices (e.g., sensors, transducers, processors, etc.). The functionality associated with the service can be distributed among two or more of the entities involved in the architecture. The distributed software operates and/or monitors these remote devices to implement the subscribed service.

Abstract: A reset device resets an electronic device by monitoring a telephone line. The reset device detects a first ring signal transmitted via the telephone line and starts a timer. The ring signals transmitted via the telephone line are counted and compared to a preselected number. When the number of ring signals counted by the reset device is equal to the preselected number, a signal is transmitted to the electronic device causing it to reset.

Abstract: An interactive interface facilitates the setting of preferences and other programmable parameters of an appliance. The interface is hosted by a server on a global computer network. The appliance owner initiates a connection to the server and is presented with a graphical user interface for setting the preferences and features of the appliance. Once the desired settings have been made, they are downloaded to the appliance either directly from the server or the appliance owner's computer or indirectly using a portable transfer device.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for acquisition of services via a telephone set. The arrangement comprises a communication element which connects the calling service purchaser to a service provider station with associated computer equipment. The arrangement contains a reader unit which operates in conjunction with an identity element for communicating with the computer equipment. The identity element is provided with information for identifying the purchaser. The identity element is preferably a smart card and the communication element comprises a reader unit which, together with software, can handle smart cards. The arrangement has a built-in keyboard for feeding in data.

Abstract: The invention encompasses a remote controlled hurricane shutter system connected to a network through which a remote user can control the hurricane shutter system. The remote controlled hurricane shutter system contains a hurricane shutter system including a roll type hurricane shutter and a motor that deploys and retracts said shutter. A modem is connected to the network so as to receive a signal from the network. A microprocessor connected to the modem and the hurricane shutter system. When the microprocessor is signaled through the network, the hurricane shutter can be deployed or retracted. The remote controlled hurricane shutter can include a means for confirming deployment connected to said microprocessor and said hurricane shutter system.

Abstract: A telecommunications signal routing and data management apparatus for directing incoming telecommunications signals to devices connected thereto, or receiving message signals over a telephone subscriber line from a remote source for display, for receiving and transmitting data to and from a remote source over the telephone subscriber line and for storing received data on a programmable memory module is disclosed. The disclosed apparatus enables the uploading and display of postal rate information, uploading of equipment diagnostic information from a programmable memory module and the downloading of postal rate data onto a programmable memory module. Updating of postal equipment, for example, can be carried out with minimal interruptions to the use of the postal equipment.

Abstract: A computer system is used with a telephone that is operable by a user to furnish a predetermined command. The processing unit and a control circuit. The central processing unit is connected to communicate with the interface port, and the control circuit is connected to the telephone. The control circuit is configured to detect the predetermined command and in response to detection of the predetermined command, change a connection status between the telephone and the interface port.

Abstract: A reset device resets an electronic device by monitoring a telephone line. The reset device detects a first ring signal transmitted via the telephone line and starts a timer. The ring signals transmitted via the telephone line are counted and compared to a preselected number. When the number of ring signals counted by the reset device is equal to the preselected number, a signal is transmitted to the electronic device causing it to reset.

Abstract: A telecomputer network is described. The network comprises a satellite communication system, at least one mobile vehicle, and a wireless local area network (LAN). In one embodiment, the satellite communication system transfers information using ethernet packet switching. In one embodiment, the wireless LAN transfers information using the TCP/IP protocol. The mobile vehicle or portable field unit is configured to transfer information as a single nomadic transmission/reception point between the satellite communication system and the wireless LAN.

Abstract: An interactive interface facilitates the setting of preferences and other programmable parameters of an appliance. The interface is hosted by a server on a global computer network. The appliance owner initiates a connection to the server and is presented with a graphical user interface for setting the preferences and features of the appliance. Once the desired settings have been made, they are downloaded to the appliance either directly from the server or the appliance owner's computer or indirectly using a portable transfer device.

Abstract: The invention provides a technique for power cutback of DSL transceivers (e.g., modems) using public switched telephone network (PSTN) signaling. For example, one or more dual-tone/multiple frequency (DTMF) signals generated by a touch-tone telephone, or other device, can cause a DSL transceiver to reduce the power of upstream data communications. A user of a DSL modem can cause the modem to transmit upstream data while listening to the microphone of a telephone coupled to the same twisted-pair line. Data transmission power can be adjusted by use of one or more buttons on the telephone. The DSL transceiver, in response to one or more predetermined DTMF signals, can adjust transmission power. Thus, the power cutback of the DSL transceiver can be controlled using PSTN signaling.

Abstract: A universal remote control system and apparatus capable of providing control for a piece of furniture having power lift, power recline, heat and/or massage functions. The universal remote control system also has the ability to remotely control most audio and/or video components, such as televisions, VCRs, CD players, and DVD players. The universal remote control system also includes a universal remote control unit having an input jack for receiving telephone signals, and control functions that allow the remote control unit to be used as a telephone.

Abstract: It comprises a central processing unit (CPU), to which a control panel (PC) is attached, said central processing unit (CPU) being connected to the input of a power control circuit (CCP) that selectively controls the opening and closing of a set of valves of hydraulic systems for the passage of hot water (Q), cold water (F), sinking and draining (Ed) and of odoriferous essence (E); said central processing unit (CPU), besides being controlled by the control panel (PC), allows the remote control by means of data receiving and transmitting interfaces (IT, IRF, IES) which are directly and individually connected to the relevant central processing unit (CPU); a voice synthesizing circuit (CSV) that interconnects the central processing unit (CPU) with the data receiving and transmitting interfaces (IT) being provided; the central processing unit (CPU) being connected to an analog-to-digital converting circuit (CCAD), which in turn receives the signals from the sensors (S) physically disposed in strategic places on th

Abstract: A wireless telecommunications system uses location or position information to initiate actions on behalf of travelers. As position information of a wireless mobile unit is received, it is compared to stored position information of a remote location, such as a home. As the traveler approaches his home, and gets within a certain distance of home, a signal is then sent to a controller within his home to perform an action or instruct the performance of an action.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a switching system which can control a corresponding load by means of manipulating a manual switch and a remote control switch, and optionally turn on/off any load among a plurality of loads via a telephone line even though a user is at any distant places beyond the remote control of loads. The switching system of the present invention recognizes an allowed subscriber by inputting a predetermined password, and confirms an turning-on/off state of loads connected to a switching set unit via a voice to then control turning-ON/OFF of the corresponding load via button manipulation of a telephone set. Accordingly, the switching system can perform manual switching control or remote switching control using a remote controller, and also carry out switching control with regard to any load via the telephone line even under a poor condition of remote control, thereby conveniently confirming and manipulating a state of loads regardless of places.

Abstract: A telephone answering device (TAD) and a method of controlling such TAD. In one embodiment, the TAD includes: (1) an external interface couplable to a telephone line outbound from a site, (2) an internal interface couplable to a client telephone and (3) decode circuitry, associated with the internal interface, that interprets affirmative commands received from the client telephone to allow the client telephone to control the TAD.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively eliminating nuisance signals during communications connections as during conference calling in which the signals are eliminated when a call path is placed on hold by monitoring signals in a reverse traffic channel from a holding party. If the reverse traffic channel contains a predetermined signal, a music on hold circuit is disabled. When the call is first placed on hold, a check for the predetermined signal is made. If the predetermined signal is not detected during a defined period of time, the music on hold circuit is engaged; otherwise the circuit remains disabled. The predetermined signal may be noise signals, speech signals or a sequence of touch tones or speech representing a command to disable the music on hold circuit. Optionally, a disabled music on hold circuit may be enabled by placing a second command signal, such as speech or touch tones, into the reverse traffic channel.

Abstract: An interactive interface facilitates the setting of preferences and other programmable parameters of an appliance. The interface is hosted by a server on a global computer network. The appliance owner initiates a connection to the server and is presented with a graphical user interface for setting the preferences and features of the appliance. Once the desired settings have been made, they are downloaded to the appliance either directly from the server or the appliance owner's computer or indirectly using a portable transfer device.

Abstract: A received message remote confirmation and reception method and apparatus transmits a list of messages received by a facsimile machine to a user who is remotely located so that the user can remotely confirm and receive only a desired one of a plurality of messages received by his/her facsimile machine.

Abstract: The present invention provides a remote detection device including a conventional measurement device, such as a thermostat, having an internal contact which is wired in series with a resistor and two wires of a standard telephone line. When the measurement device reaches or surpasses a predetermined set value, such as a predetermined temperature, the measurement device will close the internal contact such that the resistor will short the telephone line. Accordingly, when the ambient condition has reached or surpassed the predetermined set value, the owner or manager of a building will receive a busy signal when dialing a telephone line connected to the remote detection device. In another embodiment the remote detection device may comprise a computer program component which periodically monitors the status of a communication line connected to the measurement device at the remote location.

Abstract: A signaling system (10) in the form of a dispatcher activated response identification system is provided for responding exclusively to a predefined signal transmitted from a first location through a telephone service line interconnected thereby with a telephone at a second location to assist responding personnel in identifying the second location when the predefined signal is transmitted from the first location. The signaling system includes first and second electronic circuits (40, 60) at the second location. The first electronic circuit is adapted to generate a first signal (58) at the second location in response to receiving the predefined signal transmitted through the telephone service line. The second electronic circuit is physically separated from the first electronic circuit and is preferably placed where it is easily visible from the street such as in a window.

Abstract: A voice messaging system and method includes a receiver to receive information relating to an incoming telephone call and memory to store the information relating to the incoming call. A processor initiates an outgoing announcing message in response to the incoming call. A voice recorder records in the memory a voice message corresponding to the incoming call. A detector, is operatively associated with the processor, to detect a remote log-in such that the processor is remotely controlled to access a recorded voice message. An indicator visibly or audibly indicates an occurrence of the remote log-in. The processor permits a status of the voice message to be affected in memory while information relating to the voice message and/or information relating to the remote log-in which had affected the voice message is maintained.

Abstract: The system for direct suppressed ringing access of a subscriber line enables the service provider to access subscriber lines from any location, as long as the incoming call is identified and authenticated as a suppressed ringing access call. The central office switch can maintain a list of predefined line numbers that are used by an authorized service provider to perform the suppressed ringing access function. Thus, a call origination on one of these lines is automatically validated as a suppressed ringing connection call. Alternatively, the suppressed ringing connection is requested by the inclusion of a predefined code in the dial string and the central office switch automatically authenticates the identity of the service provider.