Abstract: While in a full-duplex live audio communication session with an external device, an electronic device receives control signal data from the external device. In response, the electronic device issues a perceptual notification. After a first predetermined time period since receiving the control signal data, the electronic device receives audio data from the external device. After a second predetermined time period since issuing the perceptual notification, the electronic device outputs the audio data from the speaker.

Abstract: An electronic device and a method for controlling an external electronic device connected to the electronic device through wireless communication are provided herein. A first electronic device includes a communication module configured to communicate with a second electronic device; and a processor configured to, in response to an entry event of a communication restriction mode in which at least one communication function of the first electronic device is deactivated, provide entry information of the communication restriction mode and release information of the communication restriction mode to the second electronic device, and control performance of the communication restriction mode using the entry information and the release information.

Abstract: A communication device is described along with various methods and systems for controlling the same. Methods are provided that monitor audio from a local and remote audio stream when determining whether to provide a mute notification on a muted call. In general, when a mute function of a communication device is active and a user attempts to speak, the system can analyze the user's local audio stream and the call's remote audio stream to determine whether characteristics exist to provide a mute notification to the user. The system provides mechanisms for controlling false positive determinations of speaking through mute by utilizing a combination of recorded characteristics and initiated timers that can be adjusted based on determinations made.

Abstract: A second housing 200 is capable of moving in a direction in which the second housing covers one surface of a first housing 100. Oscillating elements of an oscillating element group 400 are arranged in a matrix and oscillate sound waves outward from the one surface of the first housing 100. A control unit controls the plurality of oscillating elements. A sound wave sensor constitutes the same matrix as the plurality of oscillating elements and detects sound waves having a specific wavelength. The detection results of the sound wave sensor are output to the control unit. A frame body holds the plurality of oscillating elements and the sound wave sensor. The control unit oscillates sensor sound waves having a specific wavelength outward from at least one of the oscillating elements. The control unit determines that the second housing 200 covers the one surface of the first housing 100 when the sound wave sensor detects the sound waves having the specific wavelength.

Abstract: A device includes a transceiver, a microphone, a sensor, and a controller coupled to receive signals from the sensor and to place the device into a mute mode when the signals from the sensor are indicative of a user action to reduce transmission of the user's voice.

Abstract: A condenser microphone comprises a substrate, a vibratile diaphragm and a back plate. The substrate has an opening. The diaphragm is disposed corresponding to the substrate and covers the opening, and has a plurality of protrusions. The back plate is coupled to the diaphragm and has a plurality of through holes, at least some of which are corresponding to the protrusions respectively. An interval is formed between the diaphragm and the back plate, and when the diaphragm vibrates, the protrusions move into or further near the through holes.

Abstract: A conventional wound covering bandage, which completely covers the wound area in an airtight, is provided with at least one opening located over the wound area, on which a stack of layers is provided, which comprises at least a filter disk, at least one paper-like disk which allows vapor diffusion but is water-impermeable, and at least one further flexible film, likewise having an opening, the flexible film and the bandage being superposed with respect to one another and the opening in the flexible film being in registry with the opening in the bandage. The flexible film covers and seals off all the aforementioned stack of layers by adhering to a face of the water-impermeable disk and a border area on a face of bandage circumscribing the stack of layers. The water-impermeable disk seals off the layer stack on the side facing the outside air.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mobile terminal. The mobile terminal includes a receiving unit to wirelessly receive power from a wireless power transmitter; and a sensing unit to sense a call signal, wherein, when the call signal is sensed, the mobile terminal transmits a transmission power control signal for controlling transmission power of the wireless power transmitter to the wireless power transmitter.

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: A technique manages an electronic conference. The technique involves receiving a set of audio signals from a set of participants of the electronic conference, each audio signal being received from a respective participant. The technique further involves categorizing the set of audio signals received from the set of participants, each audio signal being individually categorized as currently representing (i) intentional participant sound or (ii) unintentional participant sound. The technique further involves controlling operation of the electronic conference based on the categorized set of audio signals.

Abstract: A system and method including selecting a mute feature in a first communication session of a first user with a second user using a verbal command by the first user, where the mute feature suspends an audible signal of the first user in the first communication session.

Abstract: A system and method including selecting a mute feature in a first communication session of a first user with a second user using a verbal command by the first user, where the mute feature suspends an audible signal of the first user in the first communication session.

Abstract: A telephone device and a method and for controlling a mute function in the telephone device. While the mute function is active, voice recognition software in the telephone device processes sound detected by a microphone in the telephone device to recognize and identify one or more specific words as having been spoken by a specific person and not by another person, and in response, the telephone device activates an alarm in the telephone device to communicate that the mute function is active. The voice recognition software was trained, prior to the sound having been detected, to differentiate the one or more specific words spoken by the specific person from the same one or more specific words spoken by other people.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a communications device joins a full-duplex communications session and disables, at a first time, audio transmission within the full-duplex communications session. The communications device detects, at a second time after the first time, that an audio transmission enable control is in a first state and enables audio transmission within the full-duplex communications session in response to detecting that the audio transmission enable control is in the first state. At a third time after the second time, the communications device detects that the audio transmission enable control is in a second state and disables audio transmission within the full-duplex communications session in response to detecting that the audio transmission enable control is in the second state.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems, methods, and computer-readable media for presenting a mute indicator to a caller when the caller is attempting to provide input to a call that has been muted. In particular, a determination is made that a mute function is engaged during a call. An area surrounding a calling system, such as a phone, is then monitored by a monitoring system to determine whether a caller is attempting to provide input to the call. A determination is then made that a caller is attempting to provide input to the call. The determination may be based on a caller providing a threshold volume of voice input within a threshold area of proximity near the calling system. A mute indicator is then presented to the caller to notify the caller that the call has a mute function engaged.

Abstract: System, method and program for controlling a mute function on a telephone device. While the mute function is active, sound reaching a telephone or other communication device is sensed, and a determination is made if the sound includes a word. If so, an alarm is activated to alert a user that the mute function is active. If not, the alarm is not activated. In accordance with an optional feature of the present invention, speech recognition software is trained to recognize the voice or speech pattern of a specific user, and the alarm is activated only if the word was spoken by the specific user.

Abstract: A method for eliminating typing noise from a conference call in which a plurality of participants communicate via a plurality of client devices connected to a conference server via a corresponding plurality of channels, includes determining a probability value for each channel of the plurality of channels representing a likelihood of a typing noise being present on the corresponding channel. A channel of the plurality of channels having a highest determined probability value is temporarily muted. It is testing whether the temporary muting has successfully remove the typing noise from the conference call. A warning is generated for a client device of the plurality of client devices that corresponds to the channel having a highest determined probability value when it is determined that the temporary muting has successfully removed the typing noise from the conference call.

Abstract: A method for eliminating typing noise from a conference call in which a plurality of participants communicate via a plurality of client devices connected to a conference server via a corresponding plurality of channels, includes determining a probability value for each channel of the plurality of channels representing a likelihood of a typing noise being present on the corresponding channel. A channel of the plurality of channels having a highest determined probability value is temporarily muted. It is testing whether the temporary muting has successfully remove the typing noise from the conference call. A warning is generated for a client device of the plurality of client devices that corresponds to the channel having a highest determined probability value when it is determined that the temporary muting has successfully removed the typing noise from the conference call.

Abstract: A passive, non-amplified audio switch for a computer telephony system is provided. The passive, non-amplified audio switch provides a first telephone jack to receive audio in and send audio out to a first user. The passive, non-amplified audio switch provides a second telephone jack to receive audio in and send audio out to a second user. The passive, non-amplified audio switch further provides audio out and receives audio in from a voice platform, which transcribes audio using a speech to text engine. The passive, non-amplified audio switch provides that audio in from the second user is always provided to the voice platform for transcription.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with an electronic device having a microphone. The apparatus comprises a structure configured to detachably couple to the device, and a generator supported by the structure. The generator is configured to generate a force that acts on the microphone and renders the microphone unresponsive to voice sounds.

Abstract: A ringer tone signal is attenuated, during a state in which a call is in progress, below the ringer tone signal level that occurs when no call is in progress, when a PC terminal is utilized as a telephone. A voice call system includes a handset unit for making a call, and a hook switch detection unit for detecting an on-hook/off-hook state of the handset unit. The PC terminal includes a sound source interface unit connected to a sound source, a fixed storage device for storing setting data indicative of a sound source for making a voice call, and a communication control unit responsive to a ringer tone generating operation command issued by the voice exchanger for determining whether or not a call is in progress from an on-hook/off-hook state detected by the hook switch detection unit.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a communications device joins a full-duplex communications session and disables, at a first time, audio transmission within the full-duplex communications session. The communications device detects, at a second time after the first time, that an audio transmission enable control is in a first state and enables audio transmission within the full-duplex communications session in response to detecting that the audio transmission enable control is in the first state. At a third time after the second time, the communications device detects that the audio transmission enable control is in a second state and disables audio transmission within the full-duplex communications session in response to detecting that the audio transmission enable control is in the second state.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing mute status reminders are presented. The system and method includes monitoring a mute status duration upon activation of a mute status at a communication device, outputting a periodic mute reminder having an output period responsive to activation of the mute status, and adjusting the output period responsive to the mute status duration.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems, methods, and computer-readable media for presenting a mute indicator to a caller when the caller is attempting to provide input to a call that has been muted. In particular, a determination is made that a mute function is engaged during a call. An area surrounding a calling system, such as a phone, is then monitored by a monitoring system to determine whether a caller is attempting to provide input to the call. A determination is then made that a caller is attempting to provide input to the call. The determination may be based on a caller providing a threshold volume of voice input within a threshold area of proximity near the calling system. A mute indicator is then presented to the caller to notify the caller that the call has a mute function engaged.

Abstract: A communication device includes a receiving unit, a number obtaining unit, and a reminder unit. The incoming receiving unit receives an incoming call request from a caller. The number obtaining unit obtains a phone number of the caller from the incoming call request. The reminder unit includes a reminder state, and a non-reminder state which is default. The reminder unit generates a prompt to remind a callee to accept the incoming call when in the reminder state, and does not generate a prompt for the incoming call when in the non-reminder state. The reminder unit changes into the reminder state from the non-reminder state when the phone number of the caller is not listed in a phonebook of the communication device and request duration of the incoming call reaches a predetermined value.

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: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a micromachined microphone and an accelerometer from a wafer 1 having a first layer 2, the method comprising the steps of dividing the first layer 2 into a microphone layer 5 and into an accelerometer layer 6, covering a front side of the microphone layer 5 and a front side of the accelerometer layer 6 with a continuous second layer 7, covering the second layer 7 with a third layer 8, forming a plurality of trenches 9 in the third layer 8, removing a part 10 of the wafer 1 below a back side of the microphone layer 5, forming at least two wafer trenches 11 in the wafer 1 below a back side of the accelerometer layer 6, and removing a part 12, 13 of the second layer 7 through the plurality of trenches 9 formed in the third layer 8. The micromachined microphone and the accelerometer according to the invention is advantageous over prior art as it allows for body noise cancellation in order to minimize structure borne sound.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing mute status reminders are presented. The system and method includes monitoring a mute status duration upon activation of a mute status at a communication device, outputting a periodic mute reminder having an output period responsive to activation of the mute status, and adjusting the output period responsive to the mute status duration.

Abstract: A phone call mute notification applies an aural effect to the user's speech, other parties' speech, non-speech, or combinations thereof. The phone call mute notification does not render speech unintelligible and may provide a constant indication that the phone call mute function is active. Furthermore, the phone call mute notification does not serve as a distraction to the user, because the aural effect may be applied to speech itself rather than drawing the attention of the user away from the speech.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a user who places a telephone call on hold with a partial hold option. When a user places a first call on partial hold and picks up a second call, the user can still hear conversation and activity that occurs on the first call. For example a user participating in a conference call may receive a second call. The user can place the conference call on partial hold and pick up a second call (i.e. engage in a conversation on a second telephone call). However, the incoming channel to the conference call will remain active and the user will be able to hear, in the background, what is taking place in the conference call. Should the user hear something interesting in the conference call, or if the user hears someone ask a question directed to the particular use, the user can switch back to the conference call.

Abstract: The subject matter provides a method that enable detecting if a party engaged into a tele-conference call is attempting to engage into conversation while a microphone is in a mute mode. The method provides receiving of a signal. The signal is then analyzed to determining if a party is attempting to engage into conversation. If it is determined that the party is attempting to engage in the conversation then an alarm is transmitted indicating the mode of operation of the microphone. The transmitted alarm may be an audio alert or a visual alert.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing mute status reminders are presented. The system and method includes monitoring a mute status duration upon activation of a mute status at a communication device, outputting a periodic mute reminder having an output period responsive to activation of the mute status, and adjusting the output period responsive to the mute status duration.

Abstract: A system and process for muting the audio transmission from a location of a participant engaged in a multi-party, computer network-based teleconference when that participant is working on a keyboard, is presented. The audio is muted as it is assumed the participant is doing something other than actively participation in the meeting when typing on the keyboard. If left un-muted the sound of typing would distract the other participant in the teleconference.

Abstract: A method and a system indicate to a wireless device user that an incoming call has been received by the wireless device. The user can, for example, configure the wireless device to “shuffle” or select a different incoming call indicator, such as a ring tone, from a defined group of incoming call indicators, with each call received.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a mute condition indicator is presented. In a communication set for a telephone, the communication set including a speaker and a microphone, a mute condition is indicated with an indicator disposed adjacent the microphone. The indicator is operable to indicate to a user of the communication set that a mute condition for the microphone is active while the user is using said communication set.

Abstract: The subject matter provides a method that enable detecting if a party engaged into a tele-conference call is attempting to engage into conversation while a microphone is in a mute mode. The method provides receiving of a signal. The signal is then analyzed to determining if a party is attempting to engage into conversation. If it is determined that the party is attempting to engage in the conversation then an alarm is transmitted indicating the mode of operation of the microphone. The transmitted alarm may be an audio alert or a visual alert.

Abstract: A communication system automatically mutes a microphone in response to a key event detected from a coupled keyboard to prevent delivery of noise generated by the keyboard to a far end of the communication session. A timer is initiated for a time period when the key event occurs, and the microphone remains muted for the time period of the timer. The timer may be restarted to maintain the microphone mute in response to a subsequent key event detected while the timer is running. If the timer expires before a subsequent key event is detected, the microphone can be restored to its previous state (usually un-muted). The system can be applied to a computer coupled to the keyboard and a microphone and having a communication application operating on the computer. Alternatively, the system can be applied to a computer coupled to the keyboard and coupled to an external conferencing unit having a communication application.

Abstract: An approach for providing content transmission upon placement of a call on hold is disclosed. A data communications system includes a proxy server that is configured to receive a message from a first client indicating the hold condition of a Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) call with a second client. The system also includes a content server (e.g., music server) that is configured to transmit the content stored therein to the second client in response to a request message from the server.

Abstract: A communication device (200) for dual mode muting operation includes a user interface (208) and a controller (202). The controller (202) is programmed to: in response to a first user input to the user interface (208), enable a first muting mode; and in response to a second user input to the user interface (208), disable the first muting mode and enable a second muting mode. The first muting mode may be one of a full muting and a concealed muting, while the second muting mode may be the other one of a full muting and a concealed muting.

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: The present invention is directed at a telephone that automatically selectively disables a microphone when the microphone is moved out of close proximity to the user's mouth. One embodiment comprises a sensor that detect if the telephone microphone is in close proximity to a user's mouth and a switch that selectively mutes the telephone in response to the detection.

Abstract: There are provided a cellular telephone device and transmitter for setting a cellular telephone to answering mode and a telephone section to sleep status when communication forbidding information is received, and restoring telephone section operation when there is no communication forbidding information and canceling silent mode and answering mode; and automatically setting silent mode and answering mode when a communication forbidding signal is received, and maintaining the telephone section operation status when there is no communication forbidding information, and canceling silent mode and answering mode.

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 soft mute circuit includes a programmable amplifier controlled by a register. Data is stored in the register from an adder that combines the current data in the register with a second number for increasing or decreasing the gain of the amplifier. A summation circuit includes a plurality of inputs coupled by gates to a summation node and the summation node is coupled to an input of the programmable amplifier. The gates are controlled by suitable logic for selecting input signals in any combination. A control loop maintains the gain of the amplifier at a predetermined level.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a mute status reminder is provided for a communication device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the mute function of an IP telephone is disclosed, where the method comprises determining, by a transmitting IP telephone, whether the mute function has been activated; and if the mute function has been activated, then providing, a predetermined output. Various aspects of the method are disclosed, including: an aspect where the predetermined output is characterized by the absence of silence as detected by an RX unit when the mute function of a TX unit is activated; an aspect where the predetermined output comprises a signal in which voice information has been removed; and an aspect where the removing of voice information is performed by an audio filter disposed within the TX unit of an IP telephone.

Abstract: A click-muting circuit for a headset microphone connected to a telephone, comprising a user operated mute switch, a click eliminator circuit connected across the microphone for gradually creating a short circuit across the microphone in response to closure of the mute switch, and a hard muting circuit connected in series with the microphone for disconnecting the microphone after the short circuit has been established.

Abstract: A circuit for eliminating switching noise from a mute switch connected between a microphone capable of receiving and transmitting audio signals to a communication system, comprising, a switch state detector connected to the mute switch for generating an on signal in the event that the mute switch is open and generating an off signal in the event that the mute switch is closed, a codec circuit connected to the mute switch in parallel with the switch state detector for delaying the audio signals received by the microphone, and a CPU connected to the codec circuit for receiving the on signal and in response muting the audio signals and for receiving the off signal and in response transmitting the audio signals to the communication system.

Abstract: A foldable mobile telephone which is constituted of a main body and a lid being open/close-able and is able to detect open/close state of the lid is provided. The main body provides a receiver for ultrasonic wave and the lid provides a microphone for ultrasonic wave. An ultrasonic oscillator intermittently generates an ultrasonic signal at each fixed interval and gives the ultrasonic signal to the receiver for ultrasonic wave. The receiver for ultrasonic wave receives the ultrasonic signal from the ultrasonic oscillator and generates an ultrasonic wave. The microphone for ultrasonic wave receives the ultrasonic wave generated by the receiver for ultrasonic wave and generates an ultrasonic detecting signal. An ultrasonic level judging circuit receives the ultrasonic detecting signal from the microphone for ultrasonic wave and judges whether the level of this ultrasonic detecting signal is higher or lower than a decided level and judges the open/close state of the lid and generates a judging signal.

Abstract: In a facsimile machine 1, when the speakerphone key 14 is depressed (S1: YES) and a call signal from some other telephone is not arriving to the facsimile machine 1(S2: NO), a speaker 26 is made ON and the microphone M is made OFF (S3). When at least one key of a dial key group 11 is depressed (S4: YES) and the telephone line 25 is connected to a telephone of the other end (S5: YES), the microphone M is made ON while the speaker 26 is maintained as being ON (S6).