Abstract: An apparatus and method for telephony tone signal and character code generation for QWERTY keyboards includes a QWERTY style keyboard, a processor and a keyboard mode control software module. The QWERTY style keyboard has a plurality of letter keys, wherein each letter key is configured to generate a unique input signal. The processor is coupled to the keyboard and is configured to convert each unique input signal generated by the letter keys into a character code and/or a telephony tone signal. The keyboard mode control software module operates on the processor, and controls whether the processor converts the unique input signals from the letter keys into character codes or telephony tone signals.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to eliminating false audio using an egress gateway in a communications network. At least one false audio packet is received by an egress gateway. The false audio packet includes false audio. A DTMF packet is received by the egress gateway. The DTMF packet is received subsequent to the at least one false audio packet. The false audio in the false audio packet is replaced with a substitute signal by the egress gateway.

Abstract: A system and method of communicating with a modem via a voice channel of a wireless communication system. The method carried out by the system includes the steps of (a) establishing a voice channel connection between a vehicle telematics unit and call center via a wireless cellular network, (b) generating a modem signaling carrier comprising a single frequency tone together with a speech component, (c) sending the modem signaling carrier over the voice channel connection using an EVRC-B vocoder, (d) establishing a data communication session over the voice channel connection in response to the modem signaling carrier, and thereafter (e) carrying out data communications between the vehicle telematics unit and call center during the data communication session.

Abstract: A telephone call processor for processing telephone calls comprising voice signals and data signals, the call processor comprising a first telephone interface and a second telephone interface, the call processor being operable in a first mode and in a second mode. In the first mode, the call processor is adapted to receive voice signals and data signals at the first telephone interface and to transmit voice signals and data signals via the second telephone interface. In the second mode, the call processor is adapted to receive voice signals and data signals at the first telephone interface, to block data signals from being transmitted via the second telephone interface and optionally to transmit voice signals via the second telephone interface.

Abstract: A method for communication management includes receiving at least one keyword and receiving a replay time span input. Further, the method includes receiving a plurality of communication inputs including at least a first communication input and a second communication input, monitoring at least the first communication input and second communication input for the at least one keyword, and determining an instantiation of the at least one keyword in at least one of the first communication input and second communication input. Additionally, the method includes associating the determined instantiation with one of the first communication input and second communication input, and providing at least a portion of the communication associated with the determined instantiation based on the replay time span input responsive to the instantiation.

Abstract: A system for distributing and selecting audio and video information using a coaxial cable network includes a jukebox unit connected by a modulator to the cable television distribution network. A channel is allocated to the transmission of audio or video information. A device effects user interaction with the television for the remote selection of at least one audio or video information item from a plurality of information items to be transmitted by this channel using the cable network. An identifier identifies the ordering television, and a billing device accommodates for billing selections to the user.

Abstract: A system and method to provide an emergency communication network including a first responder device and at least one recipient by using a local agency communication node configured to relay communications using, in part, a VoIP interface to retransmit a communication received at a local agency as a ham communication received by at least one ham radio communication node which may be sent to and received by one or more recipients though a VoIP interface over the Internet.

Abstract: Aspects relate to provision of enterprise call capabilities to mobile devices. For example, a mobile device can indicate, over a data channel, that a PBX is to make a call on its behalf to a called party. The PBX can call back the mobile device, call the called party, and bridge those call legs to establish the call. The mobile device can employ mechanisms that a particular incoming call is made by the PBX. These mechanisms can include using ANI information, sending, and receiving audible verification codes over the voice channel established after answering the incoming call. The verification codes can be selected based different behaviors of the mobile devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for generating a digit map for a call setup, wherein leading digits of a call number are collected by a gateway and transmitted to a call control server where a call-specific digit map is generated by comparing the leading digits to a numbering plan.

Abstract: Aspects relate to provision of enterprise call capabilities to mobile devices. For example, a mobile device can indicate, over a data channel, that a PBX is to make a call on its behalf to a called party. The PBX can call back the mobile device, call the called party, and bridge those call legs to establish the call. The mobile device can employ mechanisms that a particular incoming call is made by the PBX. These mechanisms can include using ANI information, sending, and receiving audible verification codes over the voice channel established after answering the incoming call. The verification codes can be selected based different behaviors of the mobile devices.

Abstract: Aspects relate to provision of enterprise call capabilities to mobile devices. For example, a mobile device can indicate, over a data channel, that a PBX is to make a call on its behalf to a called party. The PBX can call back the mobile device, call the called party, and bridge those call legs to establish the call. The mobile device can employ mechanisms that a particular incoming call is made by the PBX. These mechanisms can include using ANI information, sending, and receiving audible verification codes over the voice channel established after answering the incoming call. The verification codes can be selected based different behaviors of the mobile devices.

Abstract: A method according to an aspect of the present invention includes receiving a communication from a patient through an interactive voice response (IVR) system; providing a guided voice prompt from the interactive voice response system to the patient; receiving a response of the patient to the guided voice prompt through the interactive voice response system; analyzing the response of the patient to the guided voice prompt; determining, based on the response of the patient, whether a command should be transmitted; and transmitting a command to a device controlled by the patient after a determination that the command should be transmitted. This method can be practiced automatically to allow a medical device for a patient or other subject to be monitored without requiring the patient to manually enter information.

Abstract: A system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a processor, a device interface, a user interface, a data relay transceiver, and a memory coupled to the processor and storing instructions. The processor executes the instructions in the memory to receive data from a medical device through a wired connection using the device interface, and transmits the data to an intermediary device using the data relay transceiver. This system can be implemented in a small, portable unit that is easy for a patient to transport. The system's user interface may include a microphone and speaker to allow the communication of audible information between the system and a user. Aspects of the system can be practiced automatically to allow a medical device for a patient or other subject to be monitored without requiring the patient to manually enter information.

Abstract: Systems, methods, protocols and apparatus for information exchange and synchronization using DTMF signaling over telephone communication channels are provided. Information is packetized and converted from one format, e.g., ASCII formatted data, to another format, e.g., BCD formatted data. The information is wrapped in one or more packets by a sending apparatus, each packet including one or more headers, such as a Name and Length field that identify the information being exchanged and the amount of data included in the packet payload/value field. The data in the packets are converted from BCD to DTMF signals and are transmitted over a telephone communication line to a receiving apparatus. The receiving apparatus converts the DTMF signals back to BCD formatted data and processes the packets to obtain the information contained therein.

Abstract: A telephone call processor for processing telephone calls comprising voice signals and data signals, the call processor comprising a first telephone interface and a second telephone interface, the call processor being operable in a first mode and in a second mode. In the first mode, the call processor is adapted to receive voice signals and data signals at the first telephone interface and to transmit voice signals and data signals via the second telephone interface. In the second mode, the call processor is adapted to receive voice signals and data signals at the first telephone interface, to block data signals from being transmitted via the second telephone interface and optionally to transmit voice signals via the second telephone interface.

Abstract: A method and system for testing a Telephony User Interface is disclosed. Voice prompts of the Telephony User Interface are converted into tone prompts that are representative thereof. Each tone prompt can have a predetermined frequency and/or duration, so that it is readily recognizable by a Telephony User Interface tester. Thus, automation of the testing of Telephony User Interface is enhanced.

Abstract: The perceptual quality of voice signals used for Voice over IP (VoIP) systems is assessed. The content of the voice data packets may be altered in order to increase the perceived quality of the VoIP system.

Abstract: A mobile communication device 10 for converting between alphanumeric data and TTY formatted data. A conversion table 20, 40 is stored in a memory associated with microprocessor 16 of mobile 10. Microprocessor 16 converts alphanumeric characters input by a user to TTY formatted data for transmission in digital mode. TTY formatted signals that are received by mobile 10 are converted to alphanumeric data by TTY decoder 26 and microprocessor 16 for display on mobile display 14. In analog mode, tone generator 44 produces a Baudot tone formatted signal for transmission from mobile 10. Tone detector 46 detects Baudot tone formatted signals received in analog mode. Microprocessor 16 converts the Baudot tone formatted signals to alphanumeric data for display on display 14.

Abstract: A tone detector able to detect multicomponent tones for various tone formats is disclosed. An input signal is received and frequency and amplitude components, if any, of each sample of the incoming signal are estimated. In estimating the components, a current digit value is used to appropriately filter the input signal and estimate frequency and amplitude components. Using the component estimates, a new digit value is determined using a table in storage corresponding to the current tone format. The new digit value corresponds to the symbol whose components are closest in value to the estimated components corresponding to the current digit value. The new digit value is fed back as the current digit value and used in combination with a next sample of the input signal to determine a new digit value. A decision unit is used to process the digit values to determine when a valid symbol is detected.

Abstract: Various embodiments of this invention are directed towards a digital telephone interface device for use with PBX systems. One or more embodiments of the invention augment the audio data transmitted between the digital telephone and PBX such that periodic beeps or inputted audio signals are added to the audio data transmission. One or more embodiments of the invention further allow analog audio signals to be extracted from the data signals for recording, monitoring, or other such purposes.

Abstract: A communication device, such as a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) gateway, determines a duration for Dual Tone Multi-Frequency (DTMF) tone portions of telephony signal. If the duration is less than a pre-determined amount, a minimum duration is enforced during DTMF playback at a remote end of a network connection connected to a destination gateway. Minimum playback duration can be enforced at the terminating gateway—however, the originatinggateway can also encode a DTMF packet with a minimum duration value. At the terminating receiver it is not always possible to playback exactly what happened at the originating point in the same time frame. One solution to is to, at the terminating gateway, drop the first portion of voice packets that overlap with the end portion of played back DTMF tones.

Abstract: A method and system for creating automated voice response menus for telecommunications services includes the creation of a task for the menu. The menu includes a group of pre-recorded messages assembled in manner to complete the task. The menu retrieves certain required inputs and certain optional inputs from a subscriber of the telecommunications service. The menu does not permit the user to provide other inputs or to select other menus. Instead, the menu uses straight-line processing to direct the user towards task completion. Once the task is complete, the user is immediately exited from the system.

Abstract: A server control apparatus includes an MCU, a DTMF receiver, and a voice chip. The voice chip saves a plurality of voice elements, and the MCU saves a plurality of voice messages each including a plurality of voice elements and play time of the voice elements, corresponding to status information of the server. The DTMF receiver transforms DTMF signals from a telephone to control signals and sends the control signals to the MCU, the MCU controls the server according to the control signals and receives status signals of the server. When the MCU receives one of the status signals of the server, the MCU outputs a corresponding voice message to the voice chip, and then the voice chip reads voice elements thereof according to the voice message and outputs them to the telephone, and then the telephone plays the voice message to indicate the status information of the server.

Abstract: Various technologies and techniques are disclosed that improve the operation of a telephone using spoken commands. A virtual operator service is accessed, such as by a single input of a user. A user speaks a telephone command, and the command is forwarded to the virtual operator service. The spoken command is recorded and translated by the virtual operator. An operation associated with the translated spoken command is performed, such as a voice dialing operation, a call transfer operation, a call park operation, a call conference operation, a call screening operation, an announcement operation, a broadcast operation, or a remote control device operation. The result of the operation, such as a connected call, is provided to the user. The virtual operator service can be accessed during an ongoing call, and the ongoing call is parked while the virtual operator receives and processes the new spoken telephone command from the user.

Abstract: An arrangement which includes a telephone and an interface unit, which interfaces the telephone to both a standard switched telephone communications network and an Internet communications network, is disclosed. The interface unit includes an input coupled to the telephone to receive audio information and two output ports configured to be respectively coupled to the standard switched telephone communications network and the Internet communications network. A processing unit couples the audio information received from the telephone to the first output port when the telephonic communication is to be performed using the standard switched telephone communications network. Alternatively, the processing unit processes the audio information received from the telephone in accordance with standard Internet transfer protocols and couples the processed audio information to the second output port when the telephonic communication is to be performed using the Internet communications network and the standard protocols.

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

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention provide methods and systems for sending data in-band over a telecommunications network during an active call. Some embodiments provide a telephone user with a way to send alphanumeric data from his or her phone to a receiving party's phone, when the user and the receiving party are engaged in an active telephone call.

Abstract: A system comprises an acoustic coupling product label (20) for mounting on a product to be serviced. The label (20) includes a memory (23) for storing information relating to the product to be serviced, control means (29) for controlling the flow of data from the label (20), an activation switch (22), and an acoustic transducer that emits tones corresponding to said product information. The system further includes a telephone (30) and a computerized product support system (50), which collects and interprets the information provided by the label (20). The control means (29) is arranged to control the flow of data from the label (20) to the system (50) at a rate and time required by the system (50).

Abstract: An arrangement which includes a telephone and an interface unit, which interfaces the telephone to both a standard switched telephone communications network and an Internet communications network, is disclosed. The interface unit includes an input coupled to the telephone to receive audio information and two output ports configured to be respectively coupled to the standard switched telephone communications network and the Internet communications network. A processing unit couples the audio information received from the telephone to the first output port when the telephonic communication is to be performed using the standard switched telephone communications network. Alternatively, the processing unit processes the audio information received from the telephone in accordance with standard Internet transfer protocols and couples the processed audio information to the second output port when the telephonic communication is to be performed using the Internet communications network and the standard protocols.

Abstract: Systems, methods, protocols and apparatus for information exchange and synchronization using DTMF signaling over telephone communication channels are provided. Information is packetized and converted from one format, e.g., ASCII formatted data, to another format, e.g., BCD formatted data. The information is wrapped in one or more packets by a sending apparatus, each packet including one or more headers, such as a Name and Length field that identify the information being exchanged and the amount of data included in the packet payload/value field. The data in the packets are converted from BCD to DTMF signals and are transmitted over a telephone communication line to a receiving apparatus. The receiving apparatus converts the DTMF signals back to BCD formatted data and processes the packets to obtain the information contained therein.

Abstract: An interactive remote auction bidding system for conducting an auction utilizes a data input device for communication over a network to the auction site. The system includes a data processor located at the auction site for generating bid information for communication over the network to the remote locations. A processor located at the auction side monitors the participants' data input devices for sensing participant bids generated by the participants' data input devices. The system further displays visual bid information at the auction site for transmission over the network to the participants and generates audible bid information in support of that visual bid information.

Abstract: An interactive remote auction bidding system for conducting an auction utilizes a data input device for communication over a network to the auction site. The system includes a data processor located at the auction site for generating bid information for communication over the network to the remote locations. A processor located at the auction side monitors the participants' data input devices for sensing participant bids generated by the participants' data input devices. The system further displays visual bid information at the auction site for transmission over the network to the participants and generates audible bid information in support of that visual bid information.

Abstract: A method of enabling a legacy interactive voice response unit to accept multiple forms of user input can include associating dual tone multi-frequency selectable options of the legacy interactive voice response unit with non-dual tone multi-frequency user inputs. A non-dual tone multi-frequency user input can be received and processed to determine at least one dual tone multi-frequency selectable option that is associated with the received user input. Dual tone multi-frequency signals can be generated for selecting the at least one dual-tone multi-frequency selectable option associated with the user input. The dual tone multi-frequency signals can be provided to the legacy interactive voice response unit.

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 telephone accessory that is connected to a subscriber's telephone line as an extension, and monitors the line for the initiation of a call from any telephone set. The invention detects a call initiation by determining that a telephone set has seized the line without ring voltage being present immediately beforehand. If the first digit dialed by the subscriber is a “1”, the invention immediately dials the remainder of a long-distance access code, without the initial “1”, followed by a “1” which signifies a long distance number. This burst of dialed digits takes a short time, after which the subscriber continues to dial the area code and number as normal. The effect for the subscriber is to manually dial a normal long ditance nimber as 1+area code+number, while this invention takes advantage of the fact that long distance access codes begin with “1” and automatically inserts the desired code.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method for detecting a state of a device such as a meter or appliance and transmitting to a remote location a particular tone or tones corresponding to the detected state. The transmission is initiated either by a predetermined series of tones from the remote location to the apparatus or by changing conditions within the device. The claimed subject matter enables a service provider to detect a service outage, the scope of the outage and the resumption of service.

Abstract: Systems, methods, protocols and apparatus for information exchange and synchronization using DTMF signaling over telephone communication channels are provided. Information is packetized and converted from one format, e.g., ASCII formatted data, to another format, e.g., BCD formatted data. The information is wrapped in one or more packets by a sending apparatus, each packet including one or more headers, such as a Name and Length field that identify the information being exchanged and the amount of data included in the packet payload/value field. The data in the packets are converted from BCD to DTMF signals and are transmitted over a telephone communication line to a receiving apparatus. The receiving apparatus converts the DTMF signals back to BCD formatted data and processes the packets to obtain the information contained therein.

Abstract: A multifrequency tone generator sends data over a telephone voice channel. An alphanumeric character generator sequentially generates alphanumeric characters. Preferably, the character generator may be a keypad or keyboard. A plurality of tone generators have a summed output for transmitting a tone signal selectably including a combination of standard DTMF frequency tones, but not restricted to always having both frequency tones usually paired together by standard DTMF tones. A translation circuit is responsive to an alphanumeric character from the character generator to activate the plurality of tone generators to produce a predetermined combination of the DTMF frequency tones corresponding to the alphanumeric character wherein each bit of the binary ASCII code is represented by a respective one of the individual DTMF frequencies.

Abstract: Method, computer system and program for processing over the telephone net bets and games of chance including placements of bets and winning requests, comprising: a data base; call distribution means (ACD) connected to the telephone net for receiving incoming calls and distributing to a plurality of processing queues (Q1-QK), and a number N of listening and speaking terminals (P1-PM) connected to M first processing queues (Q); means (ASR1-ASRN) for evaluating a caller identification of a caller, a number N of speech recognition modules connected to N second processing queues (Q) for converting one or more bet placements of the caller into a machine processable set of data and storing it in the data bank together with the caller identity, and\ a selective evaluation device (ASRi, S) connected to the call distribution means (ACD) and, dependent of the input selection by the caller, controls the caller recognition means (ACD) to direct the call to a speech recognition module (ASR) in case placement of

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

Abstract: A voice transmitter includes a first selector for selecting an output of DTMF encoding means or that of voice-DTMF encoding means; DTMF transmission control means for monitoring each state, and for controlling selecting operation of the first selector; DTMF detecting means; and a second selector for selecting an output of voice encoding means or an output signal selected by the first selector by the DTMF detecting means.

Abstract: A method of transmitting and receiving text data via a communication device is provided. In one embodiment, an incoming message is received at a communication node. The node determines whether the incoming message comprises text data. If so, the incoming message is forwarded to a communication device. If not, the message is forwarded to a text interface. In another embodiment, an instruction signal is received at a communication node. Based on the instruction signal, a connection is established with a communication device. A text message is then received. The node determines if the device can receive the text-message. If so, the message is forwarded to the device. If not, the message is forwarded to a text interface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a remote control module for a computer, which creates an order to control a shut down and a start of a computer system by analyzing a DTMF (dual tone multi frequency) signal received through a telephone line.

Abstract: A method of enabling a legacy interactive voice response unit to accept multiple forms of user input can include associating dual tone multi-frequency selectable options of the legacy interactive voice response unit with non-dual tone multi-frequency user inputs. A non-dual tone multi-frequency user input can be received and processed to determine at least one dual tone multi-frequency selectable option that is associated with the received user input. Dual tone multi-frequency signals can be generated for selecting the at least one dual-tone multi-frequency selectable option associated with the user input. The dual tone multi-frequency signals can be provided to the legacy interactive voice response unit.

Abstract: A telephone answering apparatus for confirming an acoustic command signal includes a controller operatively connected to an acoustic signal detector and to an acoustic signal generator. The controller initiates the transmission of an acoustic response signal to a remote user in response to the detection of an acoustic command signal.

Abstract: A method for telephone communications includes providing a protocol that defines a relation between predetermined graphic elements and respective sequences of dual-tone multi-frequency (DTMF) signals. A screen to be displayed is designed, including one or more of the graphic elements. An encoded representation of the screen is then generated using DTMF signals in accordance with the protocol. The encoded representation is transmitted over a telephone line to a telephone subscriber unit, whereby the one or more graphic elements are displayed by the subscriber unit responsive to the encoded representation of the screen.

Abstract: In a telecommunication system having a network switch capable of independently controlling inbound and outbound call legs, a system for, and method of, redirecting in-band control of signaling pertaining to a call placed by a calling party and a system for providing automatic call completion from the calling party to a called party. The control redirecting system includes: (1) call control circuitry, associated with the network switch, for routing the call from the calling party to another party through the network switch, the call thereby having an inbound leg from the calling party to the network switch and an outbound leg from the network switch to the other party and (2) call control redirection circuitry for treating the outbound leg of the call as a second inbound leg from the other party to the network switch and monitoring in-band control signals received from the other party via the second inbound leg.

Abstract: An interactive remote auction bidding system for conducting an auction among participants located at remote locations from the auction site utilizes a data input device for communication over a network to the auction site. The system includes a data processor located at the auction site for generating bid information for communication over the network to the remote locations. A processor located at the auction side monitors the participants' data input devices for sensing participant bids generated by the participants' data input devices. The system further displays visual bid information at the auction site for transmission over the network to the participants and generates audible bid information in support of that visual bid information.

Abstract: A method for transferring dual tone multifrequency (DTMF) signals in real time in a computer communications system for performing a telephone call via a modem. In the method, virtual connection with the modem is performed before a user inputs a connection number, wherein the modem is regarded as the external device to be connected. Then, when the virtual connection is achieved, a dual tone multifrequency (DTMF) signal corresponding to a number is transferred in real time through the modem whenever the user inputs the connection numbers one by one.

Abstract: A communication device capable of receiving, processing and sending analog signals, characterized in that the device is coupled to the audio input/output ports of a built-in or external sound board attached to a computer, through standard audio plugs. The device may be installed as a stand-alone unit between the audio board and a telephone line, or as a part of the audio board. During its operation the device is constantly under the control of software operating in the computer side. Signals entering through the audio inport and are digitized, filtered, and analyzed by software modules, and the software then manages the information-outputs information and/or saves voice message messages, etc. in accordance with the contents of these signals.