Abstract: An image communication apparatus has, as operation states, a first power state and a second power state with lower power consumption than the first power state. The apparatus comprises a ringing unit that rings according to an predetermined incoming signal from an external; a setting unit that sets whether the ringing unit rings according to the predetermined incoming signal or not; and a control unit that shifts the operation state from the first power state to the second power state based on at least the setting set by the setting unit.

Abstract: The present disclosure illustrates a voice apparatus and a dual-microphone voice system with noise cancellation. A voice detector and a noise detector simultaneously receive a first voice source and a second voice source to acquire a first main signal with a voice band and a second main signal with a burst noise band respectively. A voice filter filters a voice signal of the first main signal to remain a burst noise signal with a little voice signal (i.e., a remained noise). A noise filter filters a burst noise signal of the second main signal to remain a voice signal with a little burst noise signal (i.e., a remained voice). A post-filter generates a noise reduction gain according to the remained voice and the remained noise and adjusts the remained voice according to the noise reduction gain to generate the voice signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to means and methods of automated difference recognition between speech and music signals in voice communication systems, devices, telephones, and methods, and more specifically, to systems, devices, and methods that automate control when either speech or music is detected over communication links. The present invention provides a novel system and method for monitoring the audio signal, analyze selected audio signal components, compare the results of analysis with a pre-determined threshold value, and classify the audio signal either as speech or music.

Abstract: A communication device comprises logic and an input device coupled to the logic. The input device is adapted to permit a user to select a communication type. The logic receives a communication in a first communication type and permits a user to reply to the communication using any of a plurality of user-selectable communication types.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments include methods and systems for detecting an incoming telephone signal, processing the incoming telephone signal, transmitting the processed signal to a remote receiver and alerting a remote user of the incoming signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to means and methods of classifying speech and music signals in voice communication systems, devices, telephones, and methods, and more specifically, to systems, devices, and methods that automate control when either speech or music is detected over communication links. The present invention provides a novel system and method for monitoring the audio signal, analyze selected audio signal components, compare the results of analysis with a pre-determined threshold value, and classify the audio signal either as speech or music.

Abstract: After a communications device receives an incoming communication and an alert is activated to produce an initial incoming communications alert, the alert of the communications device may selectively be deactivated for subsequent alerts until the initiating party terminates the incoming communication or until the incoming communication is further processed.

Abstract: A line control apparatus having a first interface for connecting to a telephone line, a second interface for connecting to a facsimile apparatus, and a third interface for connecting to a telephone, includes: a first detecting unit that detects a calling signal transmitted from the telephone line and a second detecting unit configured to detect a signal from the telephone line, such signal having a voltage lower than a voltage that the first detecting unit can detect. In accordance with the second detecting unit having detected a signal from the telephone line, the control unit switches from a state wherein the first interface and the third interface are connected to a state of not being connected.

Abstract: The present invention relates to means and methods of classifying speech and music signals in voice communication systems, devices, telephones, and methods, and more specifically, to systems, devices, and methods that automate control when either speech or music is detected over communication links. The present invention provides a novel system and method for monitoring the audio signal, analyze selected audio signal components, compare the results of analysis with a pre-determined threshold value, and classify the audio signal either as speech or music.

Abstract: A device for intelligently adjusting a volume level for call/message alerts includes a processor, an interface(s), a memory, a timer and a volume adjuster. The processor receives a call(s)/message(s) and causes the memory to store data associated with the call(s)/message(s). The processor invokes a timer and instructs a ringer to generate a call/message alert. The processor receives an additional call(s)/message(s) and determines if these calls/messages are sent from the same user of an electronic device as a previous call/message within a time period. If a previous call/message was missed by a user of a terminal, the processor causes a ringer to increase the volume of a subsequent call/message sent from the user of the electronic device. If a previous call/message was rejected by a user of a terminal, the processor causes the ringer to decrease the volume of a subsequent call/message sent from the user of the electronic device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed which allow a person to pre-set preferred calling times for receiving incoming calls. During these pre-set times (which could vary from day to day) calls that arrive are interrupted such that ringing tone is not applied to at least some of the telephones at the user's premises. The caller is informed that the user prefers not to receive calls until the pre-set time. In one embodiment, the caller is given the option of leaving a message or, if the caller desires, completing the call. The system can be implemented by a call answer machine at the customer's premises while in another embodiment the interrupt occurs at a central switching point.

Abstract: Disclosed is a telecommunication system including a main telecommunication apparatus, at least one slave telecommunication apparatus and a virtual signal circuit. The slave telecommunication apparatus is coupled to the main telecommunication apparatus. The virtual signal circuit, which is coupled to the main telecommunication apparatus and the slave telecommunication apparatus, is used for generating a DC virtual signal to the slave telecommunication apparatus in a silent operation mode and for transmitting a telecommunication signal to the slave telecommunication apparatus in a normal operation mode to recover the original telecommunication function and operation.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically controlling and adjusting the audio profile of pervasive devices, like cellular phones, within controlled zones. The system and method utilizes RFID and sensors to geographically control and adjust the audio profiles based on set criteria, such as default settings and hierarchy. The audio profiles may be controlled or adjusted based on a control zone profile settings or based on the profile settings of other individual devices within the same control zone. The zones may be adjusted due to the hierarchy or rank of devices present within the zone.

Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments, a method for adjusting volume of a mobile device in relationship to environment noise is provided. The method comprises sampling ambient noise around the mobile device to obtain at least one audio sample; measuring volume of the at least one audio sample to determine volume of the ambient noise; increasing the volume of the mobile device, when the volume of the ambient noise is greater than a first threshold value; and decreasing the volume of the mobile device, when the volume of the ambient noise is less than a second threshold value.

Abstract: Disclosed is a telecommunication system including a main telecommunication apparatus, at least one slave telecommunication apparatus and a virtual signal circuit. The slave telecommunication apparatus is coupled to the main telecommunication apparatus. The virtual signal circuit, which is coupled to the main telecommunication apparatus and the slave telecommunication apparatus, is used for generating a DC virtual signal to the slave telecommunication apparatus in a silent operation mode and for transmitting a telecommunication signal to the slave telecommunication apparatus in a normal operation mode to recover the original telecommunication function and operation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for timed ring suppression are disclosed. After a communications device receives an incoming call and the ringer is activated to produce an initial audible alert, the ringer of the communications device may be silenced for subsequent audible alerts until the calling party hangs up or until the call is further processed.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an image communication apparatus which can improve the noise-reducing effect when a ringing tone has been set to non-ringing or when an operation mode at a start time of recording is for recording at a fax receive time, and which can prevent a recording speed from lowering at a time when a ringing tone has been set to ringing, at a time of copying or at a similar time. There is provided an image communication apparatus which performs recording in a silent mode more silently than in a regular mode when a ringing tone has been set to non-ringing or when an operation mode at a start time of recording is for recording at a fax receive time, and performs recording in a regular mode at a time when a ringing tone has been set to ringing, at a time of copying or at a similar time.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a method for muting an alerting portable device such as a ringing cell phone or alarming PDA. Specifically where muting is activated in a means not requiring direct contact with the keys of the device. The indirect contact such as a hand pat or smack is detected within the device by a sensor such as a microphone or accelerometer. Control circuitry detects active indirect contact and then mutes the alert, and or does some other programmable operation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for timed ring suppression are disclosed. After a communications device receives an incoming call and the ringer is activated to produce an initial audible alert, the ringer of the communications device may be silenced for subsequent audible alerts until the calling party hangs up or until the call is further processed.

Abstract: A system and method that allows a ringer of a telephone to be silenced on demand without preventing outgoing calls to be placed. In an embodiment of the invention, there is a ring control device comprising a switch, a voltage control device in electrical series with the switch, and a first plug for receiving a first electrical signal, the first electrical signal comprising a first voltage and a second voltage, the first plug disposed in series with and before the voltage control device. The ring control device also includes a second plug for outputting at least one of the first and second voltages of the first electrical signal, the second plug disposed in series with and after the switch. In the ring control device, the voltage control device prevents one of the first and second voltages from passing to the second plug when the switch is in a predetermined position.

Abstract: A plurality of Goertzel filters whose operating frequencies are distributed across the voice baseband are used to detect voice and control tones in a signal. Filters operating at frequencies of control tones and detecting that most of the signal energy occurs at those frequencies indicates presence of the control tones. At least three of the filters detecting that about 10% to 20% of the signal energy occurs at each of their operating frequencies indicate presence of voice. The total energy detected in the signal being below a noise threshold indicates presence of noise or silence.

Abstract: Systems and methods for timed ring suppression are disclosed. After a communications device receives an incoming call and the ringer is activated to produce an initial audible alert, the ringer of the communications device may be silenced for subsequent audible alerts until the calling party hangs up or until the call is further processed.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the present invention, there is a ring control device comprising a switch, a voltage control device in electrical series with the switch, and a first plug for receiving a first electrical signal, the first electrical signal comprising a first voltage and a second voltage, the first plug disposed in series with and before the voltage control device. The ring control device also includes a second plug for outputting at least one of the first and second voltages of the first electrical signal, the second plug disposed in series with and after the switch. In the ring control device, the voltage control device prevents one of the first and second voltages from passing to the second plug when the switch is in a predetermined position.

Abstract: This invention has as its object to appropriately inform the user of reception of an incoming call in accordance with the operation mode of a video camera upon arrival of call. To achieve this object, an apparatus has a telephone and video camera in a single housing, and comprises a device for muting a ringing tone during image sensing by the video camera.

Abstract: An apparatus for disabling a telephone ringer includes a light sensing device operable to produce a signal indicative of a level of ambient light; and a controller operable to receive the signal and disable the telephone ringer when the signal indicates that the ambient light has reached a predetermined level.

Abstract: A switching system in which telecommunications features are improved by the proximity status of a predetermined user to a communications terminal. Proximity status information deduces a predetermined user's presence or absence to answer incoming calls on a communications terminal associated with the predetermined user and silences the audible alert if the predetermined user is absent from the area. The proximity status information may also be used to control security features on a terminal so that only the predetermined user can use the terminal when the predetermined user is deduced to be present.

Abstract: Ring-detect interface circuit is disclosed for digital DAA circuitry to provide a plurality of selectable signals, including a ring monitor signal, on a ring-detect output pin. The interface circuitry allows the digital DAA circuitry to interface with advanced controllers, such as advanced DSPs, while still being compatible with older controllers that expect only a ring monitor signal on the ring-detect pin. The interface circuitry may include a multiplexer that receives multiple status bits or signals, including the ring monitor signal, and that has its output controlled by a multiple-bit control register. In addition, the ring monitor signal may be communicated as a digital signal across an isolation barrier from phone line side circuitry to powered side circuitry and ultimately made available on the ring-detect output pin. Corresponding methods for improving compatibility of digital DAA circuitry through the ring-detect interface circuit are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved telephone call filtering method that allows the user to program multiple time periods into a stand alone device or voicemail system so that the user is not disturbed by the telephone ringer during those user-defined time periods. Incoming calls during those user-defined periods are filtered with a custom greeting recorded by the user stating the privacy requested and the call is then transferred to voicemail without the telephone ever ringing. The user has the option to allow incoming callers to bypass voicemail for emergency calls by pressing a predetermined button on the caller's phone in order for the user's phone to ring.

Abstract: A system and method for utilizing suppressed ringing with a plurality of communication devices. The system creates a suppressed ringing signal, at a remote computer, for at least one of the plurality of communication devices, implements a protocol to direct the suppressed ringing signal to the communication device through a private network and transmits the suppressed ringing signal from the remote computer, through the private network, to the communication device.

Abstract: A telephone with a ringer silencer call screening feature includes a ringer for indicating the receipt of an incoming call. A ringer control unit deactivates the ringer while the telephone is in a continuous on-hook state and reactivates the ringer upon termination of the incoming call. A call control unit for transmitting and receiving call signaling messages is connected to the ringer control unit for communication with the ringer control unit. Multiple keypads provide an interface between a user of the telephone and both the call control unit and the ringer control unit. A display connected to the ringer control unit and the call control unit displays caller identification information and a call status detector communicates with the ringer control unit upon termination of the incoming call. One method for screening calls includes utilizing one of the keypads to cause the ringer control unit to locally deactivate the ringer.