Including Master-slave Modules, Parent-child Terminals, Or Controller-adjunct Units Patents (Class 379/142.12)
  • Patent number: 10826561
    Abstract: Devices, methods and systems for assessing telecommunications wiring between a first plurality of terminals and a second plurality of terminals are disclosed. A system includes a first device and a second device. The first device can be in electrical communication with the first plurality terminals to listen for terminal identification data that is receivable on each of the first plurality of terminals, wherein the device is configured to decode, for each terminal of the plurality of terminals, identification data that is specific to a single terminal of the second plurality of terminals. The second device is a sender device configured to generate different signals for respective terminals of the second plurality terminals, each signal encoding different terminal identification data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: TELETECH PTY LTD
    Inventors: Sean Anthony Gallagher, Malcolm Charles Basell, Gregg Alan Wallace
  • Patent number: 9769183
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a first communication circuit that communicates with a memory that stores address information of an image processing apparatus, circuitry that reads the address information of the image processing apparatus from the memory, and a second communication circuit that exchanges data with the image processing apparatus identified with the address information read from the memory through a communication network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shoichiro Kanematsu, Kiyoshi Kasatani
  • Patent number: 9100499
    Abstract: A communication apparatus has an off-hook detection function, and has a first electric power supply for supplying electric power to a telephone control unit for controlling a telephone apparatus, and a second electric power supply for supplying electric power to an off-hook detection unit for detecting an off-hook of the telephone apparatus. The apparatus causes the off-hook detection unit to detect an off-hook of the telephone apparatus when, from a first power mode, a second power mode, in which electric power consumption is less than in the first power mode, is transitioned into.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shigeru Koizumi, Michio Fukushima, Eiji Ohara, Daisuke Suga
  • Patent number: 8903334
    Abstract: A limited-capability wireless terminal that is particularly well adapted for use in emergency situations, recreational activities and occasional calls is disclosed. The detachable wireless terminal does not have a display or a numeric keypad. Rather, the detachable wireless terminal has several “one-touch” buttons that place a call to pre-programmed phone numbers when pressed. The detachable wireless terminal is small enough and light enough to be worn around a user's neck, received by a lanyard or a necklace. The wireless terminal detachably couples to a relatively larger docking device, which can be used to program it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Mochis Investment LLC
    Inventors: Winston Hong Lieu, Haixiong Zhao
  • Patent number: 8676183
    Abstract: A master device transmits a de-subscription command to a base station with which it is subscribed. The de-subscription command indicates the master device intends to de-subscribe itself, which requires resolution of a conflict handling process. Upon resolution of the conflict handling process, the base station de-subscribes the master device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: OpenPeak Inc.
    Inventor: Vincenzo Sesto
  • Patent number: 8358983
    Abstract: A limited-capability wireless terminal that is particularly well adapted for use in emergency situations, recreational activities and occasional calls is disclosed. The detachable wireless terminal does not have a display or a numeric keypad. Rather, the detachable wireless terminal has several “one-touch” buttons that place a call to pre-programmed phone numbers when pressed. The detachable wireless terminal is small enough and light enough to be worn around a user's neck, received by a lanyard or a necklace. The wireless terminal detachably couples to a relatively larger docking device, which can be used to program it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Mochis Investment LLC
    Inventors: Winston Hong Lieu, Haixiong Zhao
  • Patent number: 8345624
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to provide extended voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) services are disclosed. An example residential gateway comprises a radio frequency (RF) detector to detect a presence of a cellular communication device, a service controller to enable a VoIP communication device when the cellular communication device is present, wherein the VoIP communication device and the cellular communication device are different devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, LP
    Inventors: Anil Kumar Doradla, Sreenivasa Gorti, David Wolter
  • Patent number: 8345844
    Abstract: A system and method of saving and delivering a voice memo or text memo to identify incoming calls is provided. A user of the system of the invention is given the option of recording a memo on the calls he or she has received through a prompt on a telecommunication device. The user can choose to record a voice memo or text memo after each call. The memos are saved in connection with caller id information pertaining to the number from which the call was placed. When a user of the system receives a call from a number that has a memo saved in relation thereto, the user will be prompted to hear, and may listen to, the voice memo before answering the call. If the memo is in text form, the user can configure the system to provide various processing options. In one processing option, a text to speech audio presentation of the text of the memo is made available to permit the message to be heard over a telephone or networked audio capable PDA device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventors: Sivakumaran Sanmugasuntharam, Mamoon Rashid, Anton Mendoza
  • Patent number: 8325892
    Abstract: A system and method for authentication for configuring a customer premises equipment (CPE) in a service provider network. In a multiple dwelling unit (MDU) a customer device (e.g., voice over Internet protocol (VOIP) phone) can be configured with CPE functionality, thereby enabling the customer device CPE to support the provision of service to multiple additional customer devices in a customer premises. A dedicated CPE device is thereby eliminated from the service provider network. The customer device CPE can be designed to support a form of authentication (e.g., Layer 2, Layer 3) that would be sufficient for access by the multiple additional customer devices to various network services.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventor: Wael William Diab
  • Patent number: 8194835
    Abstract: A method for providing enhanced caller information to a communications recipient includes storing enhanced caller information in memory of a card distributed to a cardholder. An information reader reads the enhanced caller information from the memory of the card when the cardholder attempts to initiate a telephone call. The read enhanced caller information is inserted into voice signals used to establish the telephone call with the communications recipient. The voice signals with the inserted enhanced caller information are transmitted to the communications recipient over a network. A cellular telephone includes an information reader for reading the enhanced caller information from an external caller information storage device, for example, a card. An information insertion module of the cellular telephone merges the enhanced caller information with voice signals used to establish a telephone call with a communications recipient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Rockstar Bidco, LP
    Inventor: Paul Martin
  • Patent number: 7978833
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for caller identification messaging are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a calling party uses a Caller ID Messaging Device that supplants the incoming calling line identification (ICLID) signal with a Caller ID Messaging Signal and transmits the Caller ID Messaging Signal to a destination communications address. An alternate embodiment provides that the calling party may use a conventional telephone to access a communications network, activate Caller ID Messaging Services, compose or retrieve a stored Caller ID Message of the Caller ID Messaging Signal, and transmit the Caller ID Messaging Signal to the destination communications address. The Caller ID Message and Caller ID Messaging Signal may include text, video, voice, and/or digital data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Blake R. Urban, Isaac D. M. White, James E. Dickens, Kevin Forsberg, Charles Sawyer
  • Patent number: 7940906
    Abstract: A button box provides additional keys that can be used in conjunction with a telephone. In one embodiment, a button box is configured by associating it with a telephone and by programming its keys. When a key on the button box is activated, a key press event is sent from the button box to the associated phone. The phone treats the key press event as if a key on the phone itself had been activated and forwards the event to the voice switch appliance associated with the phone. (Alternatively, the key press event is sent from the button box directly to a voice switch appliance.) The button box's user interface is controlled by a voice switch appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: ShoreTel Inc.
    Inventors: Edwin J. Basart, Michael S. W. Tovino, Dale C. Tonogai, David B. Rucinski
  • Patent number: 7817790
    Abstract: A system and method of saving and delivering a voice memo or text memo to identify incoming calls is provided. A user of the system of the invention is given the option of recording a memo on the calls he or she has received through a prompt on a telecommunication device. The user can choose to record a voice memo or text memo after each call. The memos are saved in connection with caller id information pertaining to the number from which the call was placed. When a user of the system receives a call from a number that has a memo saved in relation thereto, the user will be prompted to hear, and may listen to, the voice memo before answering the call. If the memo is in text form, the user can configure the system to provide various processing options. In one processing option, a text to speech audio presentation of the text of the memo is made available to permit the message to be heard over a telephone or networked audio capable PDA device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Inventors: Sivakumaran Sanmugasuntharam, Mamoon Rashid, Anton Mendoza
  • Patent number: 7616741
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for facilitating a custom ring in connection with a call. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, an electronic device operable to support telephonic communication. The electronic device may have a housing component at least partially defining an enclosure. A memory may be located within the enclosure and may be storing ring tone information representing a custom ring tone. The device may also have a user interface capable of receiving user inputs that could indicate, for example, a desire to place a call to a called party. In some embodiments, the device may have an output engine capable of initiating communication of the ring tone information to the called party such that a telephonic device of the called party outputs the select ring tone as an indication of the call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Douglas F. Reynolds, Aaron Bangor, Jeffrey L. Brandt
  • Patent number: 7363034
    Abstract: A system for communicating with the user of a cellular telephone via the cellular mobile radio (CMR) system and the public switched telephone network (PSTN). A communications interface appends the telephone exchange number of an outgoing communication to include an identifier unique to the communications interface. The outgoing communication is transmitted by the cellular telephone to the CMR system, which recognizes and verifies the outgoing communication originating with the communications interface. Accordingly, the origination of the outgoing communication from a communications interface is documented prior to forwarding the outgoing communication to its intended recipient via the PSTN. Communications incoming to a communications interface are authenticated as such, and a record as the this is created, prior to forwarding the incoming communication to the cellular telephone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: AT&T Delaware Intellectual Property, Inc.
    Inventors: Sebastiano DePani, Peter O. Roach, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7149522
    Abstract: A method improves mobility and service recovery for a user in a wireless communication network. Service information concerning the user is stored in a registrar. A subscription message is sent from a user terminal to the registrar. A header in the subscription message contains a unique indication. In response to the subscription message containing a unique indication in a header, the registrar returns a notification message to the user terminal. The payload of the notification message includes service information for the user to be used by the user terminal for communication services.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventor: Petri Koskelainen
  • Patent number: 6996219
    Abstract: A method, computer program product, and a signaling system for conveying caller identification information of a called party to a forward-to telephone device in a communications system. A call set up message is received at a switching system servicing a called telephone device. The call set up message is determined to be forwarded to a switching system servicing a forward-to telephone device. Caller identification information of the called telephone device is inserted into a caller identification field of the call set up message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Herman Rodriguez, Newton James Smith, Jr., Clifford Jay Spinac
  • Patent number: 6952468
    Abstract: A method provides a call-connected party's information to a terminal in a private exchange network. The method displays the call-connected party's information in a private exchange network, and provides accurate information of a call originator to a terminal of a call receiver. The private exchange system is connected to a CTI (Computer Telephony Integration) server having a database including a phone number and various information corresponding to the phone number, and includes at least one terminal being a slave terminal for receiving/displaying information of the database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics, Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sang-Hee Lee
  • Patent number: 6853712
    Abstract: A communication apparatus for an exchange network having a service of notifying the telephone number of a caller during a call-receiving operation can recognize respective callers of past call-receiving operations. During a call-receiving operation, a communication partner's telephone number detection unit detects the telephone number (identification information) of the caller, and stores the detected telephone number in a nonvolatile RAM (random access memory). The RAM can store a plurality of sets of identification information, which are recorded and output in the form of a list by a recording unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hisashi Toyoda, Toshio Kenmochi
  • Patent number: 6801608
    Abstract: A telephone incoming signal discriminator includes a first relay, an FSK detector, a DTMF detector, a pin detector, a tone amplifier and oscillation control, an FSK/DTMF decoder IC, a memory, a buzzer, a comparison/setting control IC, an auto answer machine, and a second relay. When a telephone signal is received, it is detected by the FSK detector and the DTMF detector, decoded by the FSK/DTMF detector IC, and then compared with a set code by the comparison/setting control IC, so that the comparison/setting control IC drives the telephone to ring when matched, or switches on the second relay for enabling the incoming telephone signal to be shifted to the auto answer machine when not matched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Inventor: Hsin Wu Lee
  • Patent number: 6775554
    Abstract: A telephone number memory circuit is provided in which data for determining the display of a call on a selected one of call receiving modules depending on the telephone number of a caller is stored. As the call is received from the service network, the telephone number of a caller is detected by a telephone number detecting circuit and transferred to a control module. The control module compares the detected telephone number with the data saved in the telephone number memory circuit to determine the display of the call on the selected one of a call display of a master unit, a call display of a first sub unit, and a call display of a second sub unit and directs the selected call display to indicate that the call is received. In a telephone system including a number of telephone terminals, a calling apparatus directs a selected one of the telephone terminals to display the call depending on the telephone number of a caller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Sugitani
  • Patent number: 6775364
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively sending a false system information tone (SIT) in response to an incoming telephone call is provided. One embodiment of the apparatus includes a telephone line interface, caller identification (caller ID) module, programmable oscillator, display device, and controller. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a data storage module, telephone line interface, caller ID module, programmable oscillator, display device, controller, and one or more control devices. The method includes the steps of: a) detecting a ring on the telephone line, b) receiving information about a calling party associated with the incoming telephone call, c) determining if a false SIT is to be sent based on the calling party information, and, d) if the false SIT is to be sent, i) determining when the false SIT is to be sent; ii) generating the false SIT; and, iii) sending the false SIT at the determined time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
    Inventor: Bruce R. Knox
  • Publication number: 20040032938
    Abstract: A communication control method for preventing contention for an originating telephone number among a plurality of terminal devices. A terminal device directly connected with a telephone line is provided with means for setting whether or not to execute an originating telephone number receiving sequence at the terminal device and, when the execution of the originating telephone number receiving sequence is set for the terminal device, the sequence is executed at the device and a connection between the telephone line and the other terminal device is cut off; when the execution of the sequence is not set for the device, the sequence is not executed at the device and the other terminal device is connected with the telephone line to execute the sequence at the connected other device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Applicant: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Toshihiro Asami, Katsutoshi Yano, Tomoyoshi Takebayashi, Yasuo Sato, Tomoharu Matsushita, Shigeki Yamamoto, Tomonori Yasumoto
  • Publication number: 20030156694
    Abstract: A method provides a call-connected party's information to a terminal in a private exchange network. The method displays the call-connected party's information in a private exchange network, and provides accurate information of a call originator to a terminal of a call receiver. The private exchange system is connected to a CTI (Computer Telephony Integration) server having a database including a phone number and various information corresponding to the phone number, and includes at least one terminal being a slave terminal for receiving/displaying information of the database.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventor: Sang-Hee Lee
  • Patent number: 6603845
    Abstract: The addition of directory entries into phone devices, such as telephones, is disclosed. The phone devices are coupled to common phone line wiring, and have caller ID, caller log, and directory storage capabilities. Phone calls are simulated to the phone devices. The phone calls correspond to directory entries, such as those that the user wishes to add to the phone devices. Each phone call has caller ID information reflecting a corresponding directory entry. After the phone calls for the directory entries have been simulated, each phone device has a caller log of the caller ID information of the simulated phone calls for transfer into a directory storage thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, LP.
    Inventors: C. Troy Jensen, David M. Payne, Tim M. Hoberock
  • Patent number: 6574318
    Abstract: A call related information detector/receiver system which is capable of downloading call related information received at that device to another call related information detector/receiver system remote from the system which initially received the call related information, back over the telephone line. Thus, a remote user while away from the home or office can receive and synchronize call related information at a system other than the one which initially received the call related information. Thus, a remote user can update a local call related information system and review past callers to their home or business telephone at their leisure. Upon establishment of a telephone call between customer premises equipment respectively associated with the two relevant call related information detector/receiver systems, a remote call related information system will request download of call related information logged from another call related information system using the established telephone call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Agere Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph M. Cannon, Paul J. Davis, James A. Johanson
  • Publication number: 20020181682
    Abstract: A communication apparatus for an exchange network having a service of notifying the telephone number of a caller during a call-receiving operation can recognize respective callers of past call-receiving operations. During a call-receiving operation, a communication partner's telephone number detection unit detects the telephone number (identification information) of the caller, and stores the detected telephone number in a nonvolatile RAM (random access memory). The RAM can store a plurality of sets of identification information, which are recorded and output in the form of a list by a recording unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventors: Hisashi Toyoda, Toshi Kenmochi
  • Patent number: 6389125
    Abstract: A technique and apparatus allowing data transfer between multiple telephone devices on a common telephone line, e.g., to synchronize call related information such as Caller ID data. Data which may be transferred includes call related information to other devices on the common telephone line. The data transfer preferably occurs immediately after the call related information is received by a master device from the central office, e.g., between subsequent ring signals. Archival call related information relating to past incoming telephone calls may also be synchronized between the master and slave devices or between the slave devices using the data transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Agere Systems Guardian Corp.
    Inventor: Richard M. Ubowski
  • Publication number: 20010055377
    Abstract: A ring detect/Caller I.D. detect circuit employs first and second operational amplifiers supplied with a differential input from the AC side of a diode bridge. The differential input is converted to a single ended input supplied in a first mode to a ring detect comparator supplied with a plurality of selectable reference voltages and in a second mode to a comparator which produces a digital Caller I.D. output signal. An impedance in the feedback loop of the first and second operational amplifiers is switch-selectable to enable the first and second modes of operation, and each of the selectable reference voltages is chosen to permit proper ring signal detection in a particular corresponding geography.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 1998
    Publication date: December 27, 2001
    Inventors: RAPHAEL RAHAMIM, FRANK SACCA, THOMAS GREY BEUTLER
  • Patent number: 6333978
    Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide a telephone system which is capable of protecting privacy of a manager of a slave unit on an incoming caller telephone number as well as protecting privacy of a manager of a master unit on an incoming caller telephone number. The telephone system of the invention comprises a master unit and at least one slave unit, wherein when incoming caller telephone number data is associated with the master unit, the caller telephone number data is displayed only at the master unit and held in a history storage buffer, and when incoming caller telephone number data is associated with the slave unit, the caller telephone number data is transmitted from the master unit to the associated slave unit to be displayed at the associated slave unit as well as held in a history storage buffer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Harumichi Tamura
  • Publication number: 20010028707
    Abstract: A communication control method for preventing contention for an originating telephone number among a plurality of terminal devices. A terminal device (3) directly connected with a telephone line is provided with means (11) for setting whether or not to execute an originating telephone number receiving sequence at the terminal device (3) and, when the execution of the originating telephone number receiving sequence is set for the terminal device (3), the sequence is executed at the device (3) and a connection between the telephone line (5) and the other terminal device (4) is cut off; when the execution of the sequence is not set for the device (3), the sequence is not executed at the device (3) and the other terminal device (4) is connected with the telephone line (5) to execute the sequence at the connected other device (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventors: Toshihiro Azami, Katsutoshi Yano, Tomoyoshi Takebayashi, Yasuo Sato, Tomoharu Matsushita, Shigeki Yamamoto, Tomonori Yasumoto