Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for acquiring content (e.g., a ring tone or a ring view) for a communication device.

Abstract: A method of personalizing a call set-up of a mobile radio terminal includes acquiring contact information associated with a callable device. The contact information includes call set-up audio data corresponding to audio content selected by a user of the device. The contact information is stored as an entry in a database maintained by the mobile radio terminal. The audio content corresponding to the call set-up audio data is played back when the entry is selected.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method and system of implementing a ring back tone based on a group mobile switchboard service. The method includes: a home service control point of the group mobile switchboard obtaining an identification of an extension subscriber which a calling party calls, and sending routing information of a ring back tone intelligent peripheral and the identification of the called extension subscriber to a gateway mobile switching center/mobile switching center which triggers the intelligent service; the gateway mobile switching center/mobile switching center routing the identification of the called extension subscriber to the ring back tone intelligent peripheral according to the received routing information of the ring back tone intelligent peripheral; the ring back tone intelligent peripheral connecting the call to a visited mobile switching center of the called extension subscriber, and playing a group ring back tone subscribed to by the group customer for the calling party.

Abstract: A telephone interface circuit comprising a speech circuit, a control circuit turning on upon receiving a supply of a forward direction trigger current so as to connect first and second telephone lines and the speech circuit, and going off upon receiving a supply of a reverse direction trigger current so as to disconnect the first and second telephone lines and the speech circuit, a capacitor charging and discharging charge supplied from the first telephone line, and a hook switch supplying charge accumulated at the capacitor when off-hook to the control circuit as a forward direction trigger current, and supplying charge discharged from the capacitor when on-hook to the control circuit as a reverse direction trigger current.

Abstract: An information terminal of the present invention aims at informing the user of an occurrence of an event during the reproduction of contents without an unexpected feeling. An information terminal of the present invention, includes a contents reproducing unit 10 for reproducing contents, a contents reproducing unit 20 for informing an occurrence of an event by reproducing the contents, a superposing unit 70 for superposing respective outputs of the contents reproducing unit 10, 20, and a controlling unit 50 for causing an information of the occurrence of the event and a superposition of respective outputs of the contents reproducing unit 10, 20 to execute in a previously set reproducing procedure.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed that allow an electronic device to autonomously adapt one or more user alerts of the electronic device. For example, some embodiments may include a method for operating a haptic device including driving a haptic device using a control signal, measuring a frequency related to the operation of the haptic device and comparing the measured frequency with a target frequency. A control signal is adjusted based on the comparison to drive the haptic device to the target frequency.

Abstract: A technique is directed to controlling speaker volume of a speaker of a portable communications device (e.g., a cellular telephone, a cordless hand phone, a combination of a cellular phone and a hands-free ear piece, etc.). The technique involves receiving an environmental signal from an environmental microphone of the portable communications device. The technique further involves identifying a level of environmental noise based on the environmental signal, and adjusting the speaker volume of the speaker of the portable communications device (e.g., ringer volume, voice output volume, etc.) based on the identified level of environmental noise. Such operation enables a user to accommodate a variety of settings without burdening the user with ongoing manual volume control of the portable communications device.

Abstract: A system and method of generating at least two distinctive auditory alerts upon receiving a transmission or telephone call at a device is described. Data indicative of a first plurality of sounds corresponding to a user of a device configured to receive the transmission or telephone call is accessed, such as from a memory. The first plurality of sounds is played at the device so as to identify a received transmission or telephone call being directed to the user. A telephone number, subscriber name or identifier associated with a transmitting or calling party of the transmission or telephone call is accessed. Data indicative of a second plurality of sounds designating the transmitting or calling party based on the subscriber name, telephone number or identifier is retrieved, such as from a data structure, and the second plurality of sounds is played at the device so as to identify the transmitting or calling party.

Abstract: A playback characteristic of a ringback tone, played to a calling communication device employed by a user for a call to a called communication device, is changed based on input from the user of the calling communication device.

Abstract: A network device has at least two communication ports to allow the device to communicate with at least two telephony devices. The device has a ring manager to determine if any of the communication ports are silent ports ready to transition from silent to ringing, determine if there is power available to transition the silent ports to ringing ports, transition silent ports to ringing ports until an amount of available power is depleted, and queue remaining silent ports until power becomes available, such that silent ports in the queue may experience cadence distortion.

Abstract: Methods and systems for presence based telephony call signaling are presented. An incoming call is received at a computer, where the computer includes a computer loudspeaker and computer display. A headset donned state or a headset doffed state is identified for a wireless headset, where the wireless headset includes a headset speaker and headset output user interface. A proximity between the wireless headset and the computer is determined. An incoming call notification is output to the headset speaker, the headset output user interface, the computer loudspeaker, or the computer display responsive to identifying the headset donned state or headset doffed state and determining the headset proximity.

Abstract: An alert signal of a communication device (1), such as the ring signal of a mobile phone, comprises a set of musical samples that are played by the communication device in sequence. The sequence may be randomly generated, either in response to the event causing the alert or in a set up phase. Alternatively, the user of the device can create a tune to be used as the alert signal by creating a sequence of samples. The user selects samples from a list of samples to create the sequence of samples as individual samples may appear more than once in the tune.

Abstract: A call notification system method, computer program and advertising method are disclosed. A call notification is generated at a recipient system (2) in response to receipt of initiation data on a call from an originating system (3). At least aspects of the call notification are controllable by the originating system (3).

Abstract: In providing call backup of a VoIP terminal, where the VoIP terminal connected to a VoIP network is automatically provided with a PSTN backup function, the on the hook state is deferred for a predetermined time period even when the on the hook state is required to be performed while a user makes an urgent communication, and a ring tone signal transmitted from a PSTN can be detected even when the telephone connected to the VoIP terminal is in a VoIP mode state. Simultaneously, the telephone connected to the VoIP terminal senses the hook state of the telephone in the state of the PSTN, and can be automatically connected to the VoIP network upon the VoIP terminal being on the hook.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a method for rendering a media signal in a communication terminal, comprising the steps of, under control of a control unit in the communication terminal: receiving a transmission over a network, selecting media files stored in the communication terminal in a first order forming a media signal, and rendering the selected media files in the first order over an output arrangement of the communication terminal.

Abstract: An exemplary system and method are directed t receiving a dial plan. The dial plan is parsed into a plurality of expressions. Then there is a determination of at least one expression element for each of the plurality of expressions. A rule is associated with the at least one expression element and the rule is added to an array of a finite state machine. A digit input is received. A match result is determined indicating whether the digit input matches a corresponding expression element of each expression available for consideration based on the applicable rule. Expressions are selectively removed from consideration based on the applicable rule.

Abstract: A device and method for handling announcement of an incoming call in a telephone handset at least in part in accordance with a measured ambient noise level is provided. In some embodiments, the disclosed device includes an audio signaling mechanism such as a ringer whose loudness is automatically adjusted in accordance with a measured ambient noise levels. Alternatively or additionally, the present invention provides an audio speaker for outputting received voice communications, wherein the loudness of the speaker is determined at least in part in accordance with a measured ambient noise level. In some embodiments, the present invention provides methods and devices for handling announcement of an incoming call at least in part in accordance with electrical output from other sensing circuits such as location sensing circuits and environmental circuits.

Abstract: A method for initiating a call is disclosed. In the method, after selection of a carrier type for the call, an attention command string including an indication of the selected carrier type is sent to a communication device from a device. The communication device may then initiate a call set-up procedure based on the indication of the selected carrier type included in the attention command string.

Abstract: A ring tone controller and method is provided. The ring tone controller includes a linear and non-linear ring tone volume controller. The linear ring tone volume and the non-linear ring tone volume controller are adapted to controlling a volume of the ring tone signal over a predetermined user set period. The linear ring tone volume and the non-linear ring tone volume controller are also adapted to controlling a volume of the ring tone signal over a predetermined second user set period contiguous with the firs set period.

Abstract: A Multiservice Access Concentrator (MAC) provides a time limit for a first ringing voltage signal in response to an attempted call. The call is attempted via a voice over packet-data-network system (VOPS), wherein the VOPS comprises voice over Internet Protocol (IP), voice over Frame Relay, voice over Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), and voice over High-level Data Link Control (HDLC) network systems. Generation of the first ringing voltage signal is terminated upon expiration of the time limit. A control message is transmitted to terminate the attempted call, wherein the control message is transmitted via the VOPS.

Abstract: A communication device is provided that includes a speaker for outputting a ringing signal, a microphone for receiving the ringing signal, and logic configured to analyze the spectral content of the received ringing signal and adjust noise reduction parameters and echo cancellation parameters based on the analyzed spectral content of the received ringing signal.

Abstract: Converter modules for providing and receiving electric power through a single telephone wire-pair and related systems and methods. In one embodiment, a converter module for providing electric power to a single telephone wire-pair includes: (1) a DC/DC boost converter configured to receive input power from an existing power supply and an existing distribution bus at a central office and further configured to provide output power to the single wire-pair and (2) a current-limiting converter controller coupled to the DC/DC boost converter and configured to limit a current output of the DC/DC boost converter to the single wire-pair.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for implementing an unbalanced subscriber line interface circuit with built-in ring circuit. A signal to be conditioned is received. An unbalanced output buffering function is performed upon the signal to be conditioned using an unbalanced buffering circuit. Performing the unbalanced output buffering function includes switching between a plurality of power supplies to maintain a predetermined maximum voltage across a plurality of devices relating to the unbalanced buffering circuit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ring voltage generation circuit for generating a ring voltage (VTR) between a TIP lead (9) and a RING lead (10) with minimized power loss for electronic subscriber circuits, comprising: a) an amplifier circuit (2) which receives an input voltage (VI) for amplifying the input voltage (VI) to provide the ring voltage (VTR); b) an absolute value generator (3) which receives the input voltage (VI), measures an absolute value (|VI|) of the input voltage (VI) and outputs the measured absolute value (|VI|) of the input voltage (VI); c) a DC/DC converter (4) which receives the measured absolute value (|VI|) of the input voltage (VI) and converts the measured absolute value (|VI|) of the input voltage (VI) into a supply voltage (VSUPPLY) for the amplifier circuit (2); and d) a common mode feedback device (5) which receives the supply voltage (VSUPPLY), a TIP potential (VT) of the TIP lead (9) and a RING potential (VR) of the RING lead (10) and which generates thereof a control volt

Abstract: Crescendo telephone ringers and methods of providing a crescendo telephone ring signal. The crescendo telephone ringer provides a gradual increase in audible ringing volume as a sequence of incoming electrical ring signals is detected. According to one embodiment, upon receipt of an incoming call, a first audible ring signal corresponding to a first detected electrical ring signal is set to a minimum volume. Subsequent audible ring signals corresponding to subsequent detected electrical ring signals are set to increasing volume levels, and finally to a maximum ringer volume.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided. The method includes transmitting a signal having an AC component to a subscriber line and receiving at least a portion of the transmitted signal from the subscriber line. The method includes determining at least a portion of a period of the AC component of the received signal, and performing a function of a line card in response to determining at least the portion of the period of the AC component. The apparatus includes circuitry that is capable of transmitting a signal having at least one of an AC component and a DC component to a subscriber line, and receiving at least a portion of the transmitted signal from the subscriber line. The apparatus includes a filter and computation logic. The filter is capable of filtering the DC component from the received signal. The computation logic is capable of determining a value proportional to a power of the AC component of the received signal over at least a portion of a period of the AC component.

Abstract: Incoming call tones and program numbers as numbers used to specify respective incoming call tones are stored in a memory of a cellular phone so as to be set in correspondence to each other. The program numbers are used to specify corresponding incoming call tone melodies, data of which is stored in the memory. A control circuit of the cellular phone, whenever an incoming call is received, increments a value of a counter indicating the corresponding program number by one, and uses an incoming call tone corresponding to the program number corresponding to the value of the counter.

Abstract: A DTMF generating device for automatically generating DTMF tones corresponding to a predefined phone number comprises a processor, a memory, and a speaker enveloped in a credit card sized casing. The memory has stored therein DTMF tone samples corresponding to the predefined phone number. When a user presses on a portion of the casing, the DTMF tone samples are played by the speaker.

Abstract: A method of generating a subscriber line differential ringing signal with a DC component includes providing a time-varying supply level, W(t), having a plurality of non-equidistantly spaced critical points along a folding line. W(t) is coupled to the tip line while coupling an alternate source to the ring line in response to a first critical point. W(t) is coupled to the ring line while coupling the alternate source to the tip line in response to a second critical point. An apparatus for generating the ringing signal includes a power supply providing a supply level W(t)=|f(t)?C|+C+D, wherein D is a power supply offset, wherein C?0. When W(t)?K a signal processor controls a linefeed driver to toggle between 1) coupling W(t) to the tip line while coupling the ring line to an alternate supply, VALT(t), and 2) coupling W(t) to the ring line while coupling the tip line to VALT(t), wherein K is a pre-determined switching threshold.

Abstract: A method of generating a subscriber line ringing signal includes the step of applying a time-varying waveform W(t) to the tip line while maintaining the ring line at a pre-determined supply level for a duration T/2. The time-varying waveform is subsequently applied to the ring line while maintaining the tip line at the pre-determined supply level for the duration T/2. A subscriber line interface circuit apparatus includes a power supply providing a time-varying supply level, W(t). A signal processor controls a linefeed driver to alternately couple W(t) to one of the tip and ring lines while coupling an alternate supply level to the other of the tip and ring lines for a duration T/2. In various embodiments, the resulting differential ringing signal is trapezoidal or sinusoidal.

Abstract: An interface circuit that interconnects a terminal device at an extension station with the adjunct port circuit of a telephone of a business communications system (BCS), such as a digital PBX. The interface circuit enables a call diverted to a BCS telephone to be answered at the extension station. The interface circuit receives a ringing control signal from the adjunct port circuit when its BCS telephone is rung on an incoming call. This causes a ringing current source in the interface to apply ringing current to the extension station simultaneously with ringing of the BCS telephone.

Abstract: A circular dial buffer is implemented in appropriate random access memory (RAM) accessible by a DSP for the purpose of storing DTMF digits to be generated and output on, e.g., a telephone line. To the processor, the DSP appears to behave much like an off-the-shelf stand alone touch tone dialer, with the exception that the DSP does not have access to a keypad input. Instead, in addition to speed dial capabilities, mimicked keypad input is transmitted by a controller to the DSP rather than timing information. Thus, instead of requiring the input of rows and columns or other information relating to button activation on a connected keypad to input touch tone digits, the principles of the present invention allow mimicking of keypad input using commands sent by the controller to the DSP, e.g., a first command indicating that a mimicked, manually operated key is being pressed, and a second command indicating that the mimicked key has been released.

Abstract: A sound source circuit is provided for a telephone terminal to reproduce chorus-effect imparted musical tones as incoming call sound or hold sound. Herein, original musical tone data ? c1 are slightly modified in pitches to produce musical tone data ? c2 with respect to a prescribed tone color. These musical tone data are periodically selected and synthesized together to form musical tone signals having a chorus effect, based on which the chorus-effect imparted musical tones be reproduced for the telephone terminal such as a portable telephone.

Abstract: A telephone system includes a controllable ringing generator for generating a ringing signal and an interface for providing a ringing voltage derived from that signal on the transmission line. The controllable ringing generator includes a control device for controlling the ringing voltage in response to the ringing current.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for call-limiting one or more candidate calls received by a router is disclosed. The method and apparatus may be configured to determine whether ringing one or more candidate calls will exceed a predetermined power limit. If ringing the calls will not exceed said power limit, the calls may be forwarded. If ringing the calls will exceed the power limit, the calls may be placed in a queue.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an automatic ring again feature on a telephone set for a user that answers a telephone call not intended for that user is disclosed. If a user has answered an incoming telephone call not intended for that user, a “Ring Again” feature on the telephone set is activated. In response to the Ring Again feature being activated, parallel telephone sets will ring again to allow a different user to answer the call or, alternatively, another device, such as an answering device, to answer the call.

Abstract: The ring relay control unit of an FXS includes a main control unit for controlling relay interrupt command; a relay control device for generating a relay control signal in accordance with a relay interrupt command transferred from the main control unit, an SLIC for interfacing a call signal to a subscriber's phone, a ring signal generator for generating a ring signal transferred to the subscriber's phone, and transferring a synchronous signal, which generates a relay control signal, to the relay control device, and a relay for selectively transferring the call signal and the ring signal to the subscriber's phone from the SLIC and the ring signal generator.

Abstract: A network interface device includes a first interface operable to receive at least two incoming calls over a subscriber line, and a second interface operable to facilitate communication between the first interface and a first telephone line and between the first interface and a second telephone line. The second interface is also operable to generate one or more first ring voltages on the first telephone line and one or more second ring voltages on the second telephone line. The network interface device also includes a processor coupled to the first interface and the second interface. The processor is operable to instruct the second interface to generate the first and second ring voltages in response to receiving the incoming calls. The processor is also operable to allocate the first and second ring voltages among the first and second telephone lines to ensure that a total instantaneous load placed on the second interface does not exceed a determined threshold level.

Abstract: A method of processing a phone dialing process. At first, whether the dial key signal of the dial device is inputted is checked. When the dial key signals of the dial device are inputted and the dial device is not connected, that is, a user is pressing a phone number, the values corresponding to the inputted dial key signals are sequentially stored in a first memory. When the dial device is connected but the dial key signals of the dial device are still inputted, which means that the user is pressing an extension number or a key instruction, the values corresponding to the inputted dial key signal are also stored in the first memory. In addition, at least a time value is stored in a second memory. During the redial procedure, the time value can be used to properly process the time delay problem between the normal phone number and the extension number.

Abstract: An image processing section reads out moving picture data from a memory section in accordance with an instruction from a control section, and subjects the moving picture data to a predetermined data process and converts it to image data and voice data. Based on the image data, a driver drives a display section for display control. The control section controls respective parts of a mobile radio terminal. Even while a moving picture is being reproduced, if call reception occurs, the control section temporarily suspends the reproduction of the moving picture and indicates the occurrence of call reception. If the call ends, the control section resumes the reproduction of the moving picture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for secure access to secured system functions utilizing a universal access card. The card includes a bank of tuned amplifier circuits and tuned audio transducers to maximize audio output power from the card, such as for telephone communications. The card includes a variety of other interfaces for the user to communicate with a secure access central system. The card includes a keypad, signature input pad, voice audio input, and fingerprint input, to capture data from a user to determine whether the user is an authorized user. The user utilizes the card to conduct a secure access authorization process with the central. After the card and user are authenticated, the user can access certain functions of a system.

Abstract: A vibrator mechanism is constructed with a permanently magnetized rotor having an eccentrically positioned center of mass and a flat profile. The magnetized rotor is magnetically coupled to a electrically commutated stator having multiple windings. The vibrator mechanism is assembled for compact mounting within the housing of a communication device.

Abstract: There is provided methods and devices for relaying tone events in a communication system. A first tone data indicative of a first tone is received and buffered. Following, a second tone data indicative of a second tone is received and buffered. The first and second tones can be, for example, DTMF digits. A processor retrieves the first tone data from the buffer and generates the first tone corresponding to the first tone data. The first tone is generated for at least a first predetermined period, which can be approximately 50 msec, for example. After the first tone has ended, the processor waits for a second predetermined period before retrieving the second tone data from the buffer. The second predetermined period can be, for example, 50 msec. Subsequently, the second tone corresponding to the second tone data is generated for at least the first predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A system for generating number tones for dialing a telephone device. The system comprises a socket assembly, at least one button assembly, and a converter. The socket assembly defines at least one socket. Each button assembly comprises a memory device for storing a sequence of numbers and a switch device. The converter generates a DTMF signal comprising a sequence of DTMF tones. Operation of the switch device causes the converter to generate the DTMF signal based on the sequence of numbers stored by the memory device. The socket assembly electrically connects the converter to the telephone device.

Abstract: A ring voltage generator uses values stored in random access memory to generate a train of pulses used to drive a voltage waveform to ring a telephone ringer. The values are stored in RAM, and are programmable by a user without requiring a change in the ring voltage generator design.

Abstract: A digital circuit for driving an audio transducer that provides consistent tonal quality over a range of volume levels, without requiring a variable gain analog amplifier. A fixed amplitude ringer tone is multiplied, or amplitude modulated, by a higher frequency digital pulse train to produce a transducer driving signal. The timbre of the transducer driving signal is similar to that of the fixed amplitude ringer tone, but the volume of the sound produced by the transducer varies with the mark-space ratio of the pulse train.

Abstract: A system for generating number tones for dialing a telephone device comprising a microphone. The system comprises a housing, a first data entry device, first and second memory devices, an output signal generator, and a transducer. The housing defines a sound opening. The first data entry device is supported by the housing and is associated with a first sequence of stored digits. The first memory device stores the first sequence of stored digits. The second memory device stores frequency data associated with number tones. The output signal generator generates, upon activation of the first data entry device, an output signal based on the first sequence of stored digits and the frequency data. The transducer is mounted within the housing adjacent to the sound opening and converts the output signal into an audible signal. The housing is adapted to be attached to the telephone device with the sound opening adjacent to the microphone.

Abstract: A circuit for closing a relay when an active AC voltage connected to one of the contacts of the relay is approximately zero volts includes a monitoring circuit that monitors the active AC voltage and outputs a phase-shifted voltage that crosses zero volts at predetermined times before the active AC voltage traverses zero volts. A pulse generating circuit initiates a pulse when the phase-shifted voltage enters a predefined voltage region and terminates the pulse when the voltage exits that region. An input signal is strobed onto the control input of the relay by the pulse so that the relay changes state coincident with the zero crossing of the active AC voltage.

Abstract: In a communication terminal equipment and in a method of controlling call incoming, unnecessary noises in a period from the start of an alert sound to carrying out of the next operation can be reduced. When a predetermined operation is effected under the condition that an alert sound is ringing, the alert sound is stopped or the volume of the alert sound is reduced at least over a duration of call incoming. Thus, such a fear that persons in the surroundings may be troubled by the continuous ringing of the alert sound can be remarkably reduced. Further, since the situation that a power supply is cut off forcibly during all origination can be avoided, the fear that a person on the call origination side may be given an unpleasant feeling can be eliminated.

Abstract: The telephone line coupler circuit has a single transmit opto-coupler whose output includes a DC bias component connected to a gate of a line seize switch for connecting a DC line seize load across the ring and tip contacts of the telephone line. The line seize switch is saturated by the transmit opto-coupler bias output and the AC component of the transmit opto-coupler output is sent over the telephone lines. The receive opto-coupler is used both for receiving communications signal and for detecting the ring signal. The band pass filter connected to the output of the receive opto-coupler may be switched to pass a ring signal frequency band or a communications frequency band. The circuit operates using two opto-coupler devices while conventional circuits require four opto-coupler devices.