Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and also to a service computer, a switching center, terminals, program modules and memory means with program modules for handling incoming telephone calls for a subscriber line (VA1) of a telecommunications network (PSTN) during an online data-network session blocking the subscriber line (VA1). In this process a terminal (TERA) sets up a connection (VA11, VA1, VPOP1) to an online data-network access device (POP) via the subscriber line (VA1). Thereupon the online data-network access device (POP) sends current access data to the terminal (TERA), which the terminal (TERA) signals to a service computer (SCP) of the telecommunications network.

Abstract: Techniques to ensure reconnection between a modem and a server modem on hold. A first communication path between a modem and a sever modem may be interrupted to open a second communication path between a telephone and a third party terminal. When the second communication path is terminated, the techniques ensure reconnection to the first communication path by requesting the central office to cycle among paths until a server modem that is ready to reconnect is detected.

Abstract: A modem to modem communication system supports call waiting services by exchanging hold request and acknowledge signals before relinquishing the line servicing incoming calls. Thereafter, the modem to modem session is reestablished without having to redial. The hold request may be denied or accepted, and may define the duration a modem will hold before hanging up. The holding modem maintains the session by fooling the higher protocol layers, making them believe that the modem is not on hold. Three-way calling services are also used to free up the shared line for outgoing calls while maintaining the session with holding modems. A table may be employed to screen incoming calls through a comparison of the caller ID information with that in the table. The table may be within the modem or the host computer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and communication system for sending a data message from a called phone to a calling phone while maintaining an active communication between the called phone and a first phone. The calling phone sends a call request to the called phone while the called phone is involved in an active communication with the first phone. The called phone sends a data message to the calling phone in response to the call request. The data message is sent while maintaining an active call with the first phone, so that the first phone is not placed “on hold”.

Abstract: The present invention provides a self-contained distinctive ring detection and utilization device for using a single telephone line to receive telephone calls and facsimiles and recognition of distinctive rings while being simultaneously connectable to the Internet that avoids the disadvantages of the prior art, and a self-contained device for using a single telephone line to receive telephone calls and facsimiles while being simultaneously connectable to the Internet that is simple to use. The present invention further provides a self-contained device using a single telephone line to receive telephone calls and facsimiles, while using distinctive ring features, while being simultaneously connectable to the Internet.

Abstract: A method is provided for maintaining media streaming to a telephony device. The method includes establishing a media streaming link between a first telephony device and a second telephony device using a media termination point. The media streaming between the first telephony device and the second telephony device passes through the media termination point. The method further includes receiving a request to implement a telephony feature requiring media streaming termination between the first and second telephony devices. The method also includes terminating the media streaming between the first telephony device and the media termination point while maintaining the media streaming between the second telephony device and the media termination point.

Abstract: Reliable detection of a call-waiting tone is provided by employing a correlation based technique. A modem or other device employing such a technique need not rely on carrier drop detection and is generally insensitive to other energy or noise on the line.

Abstract: A real-time audio/video communication method for use on the Internet in conjunction with a homepage and a device therefor are provided. According to the method of a real-time audio/video communication between each terminal using the Internet, the communication capability and the current status of a receiving party are registered in a homepage within a terminal or a web server connected by the receiver, and a sending party accesses the receiver's homepage within the web server to initiate communication. This method allows the receiver to receive realtime audio/video communication data at any time without being always connected to the Internet. Furthermore, in the real-time audio/video communication device, an Internet Service Provider provides a homepage so that the ISP may recognize the communication status of each terminal to access the sending and receiving terminals under optimum communication conditions, and decodes the optimum communication conditions.

Abstract: A quick startup procedure for a modem system utilizes known characteristics of a previously established communication channel to reduce the initialization period associated with subsequent connections over the same channel. In response to the establishment of a call, the modem devices determine whether the quick connect protocol is supported. If so, then the called modem transmits a modified answer tone to the calling modem. The calling modem analyzes the signal received in response to the modified answer tone to determine whether characteristics of the current channel are similar to stored characteristics associated with a previous connection over the same channel. If a channel “match” is found, then the modem devices carry out a quick initialization routine that eliminates, abbreviates, or modifies a number of procedures or protocols that are carried out in conventional modem startup processes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for verifying call waiting information in a communication system is particularly well suited for correcting mispronunciation of caller identification information provided for a call waiting call. A current pronunciation of the call waiting information is provided to the calling party who is prompted to change the current pronunciation. The system receives a new pronunciation of the call waiting information and stores information about the new pronunciation for subsequent retrieval.

Abstract: A quick startup procedure for a modem system utilizes known characteristics of a previously established communication channel to reduce the initialization period associated with subsequent connections over the same channel. In response to the establishment of a call, the modem devices determine whether the quick connect protocol is supported. If so, then the called modem transmits a modified answer tone to the calling modem. The calling modem analyzes the signal received in response to the modified answer tone to determine whether characteristics of the current channel are similar to stored characteristics associated with a previous connection over the same channel. If a channel “match” is found, then the modem devices carry out a quick initialization routine that eliminates, abbreviates, or modifies a number of procedures or protocols that are carried out in conventional modem startup processes.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for providing call subject information to a destination device. A call subject platform provides a selection menu to an originating device to receive call subject information. If call subject information is received at the call subject platform from the originating device, then the call subject platform sends a summary of the call subject information to the destination device.

Abstract: Methods for displaying caller identification information on an integrated display/telephone system capable of displaying images are disclosed. One or more signals are received and one or more images are displayed on a display of the integrated display/telephone system. An incoming telephone call is received with the integrated display/telephone system, and data corresponding to the incoming telephone call is received with the incoming telephone call. A caller identification display signal in generated, and the caller identification display signal is based on the one or more received signals and the data received with the incoming telephone call. The caller identification display signal includes the one more received signals and signals from a generator that generates character signals and background display signals.

Abstract: A communication session is established between an APCM modem and a DPCM modem. The central office interrupts the communication session by transmitting a call-waiting alert signal to the APCM modem. In response to the alert signal, the APCM modem transmits a caller ID data request to the central office. The APCM modem further transmits an on hold notification to the DPCM modem to prevent the DPCM modem from terminating the communication session as a result of the interruption by the alert signal and/or receipt of the caller ID data by the APCM modem. The DPCM modem is placed on hold while the APCM modem answers the call waiting. Subsequently, the APCM modem initiates a quick connect procedure to re-establish the communication session with the DPCM modem.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for delivering personalized messages to a calling party who calls a called party who is engaged in an Internet session over a telephone line not capable of receiving telephone calls without interrupting the Internet connection. The called party receives a notification on her computer screen of an incoming telephone call from a calling party. A drop box on the called party's computer temporarily interrupts the called party and identifies the calling party. The called party may answer the call, forward the call to a separate telephone number, place the call on hold, send the call to voice mail, or type, select or record a personalized message that is delivered to the calling party without interrupting the Internet session. The personalized message may be a text message or a voice message. Text messages are converted from text to speech before delivery to the calling party.

Abstract: Reliable detection of a call-waiting tone is provided by employing a correlation based technique. A modem or other device employing such a technique need not rely on carrier drop detection and is generally insensitive to other energy or noise on the line.

Abstract: A communication system includes a controller, a data pump under the control of the controller and a data access arrangement under the control of the controller. The controller establishes a data communication session with a remote communication system using the data pump and the data access arrangement. The controller then places the communication session in an on-hold state for a period of time and generates an indication relating to a status of the on-hold state. The controller may generate a sound as an indication or may transmit data relating to the status. The sound may be generated by toggling a relay in the data access arrangement, by transmitting a tone or by transmitting an audio sample. The audio sample may be generated by a codec controlled by the controller. The indication is generated to provide a progress notification relating to the period of time, a warning notification relating to the period of time or an expiration notification of the period of time.

Abstract: A technique for notifying a person who is engaged in a telephone call with a second person that a third person is calling him or her is disclosed. The notification comprises not a series of beeps but a voice—synthetically generated or pre-recorded—that has at least one different psychoacoustic characteristic than the voice of the second person. By using a notification that is psychoacoustically different than the voice of the second person, the ability of the first person to simultaneously perceive and understand the notification and the voice of the second person is enhanced. Example psychoacoustic characteristics of a voice include, but are not limited to, the gender of the speaker's voice (i.e., male or female), the natural language of the speaker's voice (e.g., English, Spanish, French, etc.), and the smoothness of the speaker's voice (e.g., silky or raspy, etc.).

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for selectively controlling the interconnectivity of two or more active telephone lines and/or one or more audio characteristics of each of the active telephone liens during a multi-line call. A bridge or a call connection control may be implemented to provide selective call connection for each active telephone call. The user may thereby control the interconnectivity of each parry to the user and to the other parties to the conference or multi-line call. An audio controller may also be implemented within a multi-line telephone or at a telephony switch. The call connection control or the volume control may be implemented within the telephone network such as a switch or locally at the telephone unit. The user may provide the desired interconnectivity or volume parameters for the multi party call using a user interface.

Abstract: A self-contained device using a single telephone line to receive telephone calls and facsimilies while being simultaneously connectable to the Internet, which provides an all-in-one solution for multiple devices present and operating on a single standard telephone line. The benefits include the ability to receive calls and faxes, whether online or not online and to remain online if already on line. Additionally, the present invention switches between voice and fax calls, automatically and without any intervention from the user. To achieve the combined functions, the present invention integrates a micro-processor which coordinates general functionality. Tone detection circuitry, which provides extremely narrow and selective detection range and detects the appropriate tones. Care is taken to assure a narrow enough detector design which will not false alarm or detect such sound as modem noise, which includes a fax tone and a call waiting tone.

Abstract: Briefly, in one example of the present invention, a modem has a modem controller able to generate signals to enable coexistence of a modem session and a voice call. The modem also has a relay to connect and disconnect a handset jack from a data access arrangement (DAA) according to the signals.

Abstract: Techniques to ensure reconnection between a modem and a server modem on hold. A first communication path between a modem and a sever modem may be interrupted to open a second communication path between a telephone and a third party terminal. When the second communication path is terminated, the techniques ensure reconnection to the first communication path by requesting the central office to cycle among paths until a server modem that is ready to reconnect is detected.

Abstract: Devices, softwares and methods selectively limit a duration of an individual modem-on hold session. A network device receives and holds data for an individualized on-hold timeout time limit for each user, such as an ISP subscriber.

Abstract: A method of automatically sharing and transferring information between a Work at Work (WAW) ISDN telephone and a Work at Home (WAH) ISDN telephone. This information includes, calling line identifier delivery from the WAW telephone to the WAH telephone, facilitating subsequent transferring of the call to the WAH telephone if desired. Message waiting status is also shared, facilitating the coordination of message waiting lamps at both the WAW and WAH telephone. Information from one telephone to the other is carried transparently through the ISDN network as user-to-user information, calling party subaddress, D channel X.25 packet message, lower layer compatibility or a combination of these elements. The telephones automatically establish ISDN calls between themselves and swap information pertaining to the status of the companion telephones.

Abstract: An audible signal associated with an event is provided as part of the audio path of a telephone. In particular, a telephone according to one embodiment of the invention includes a microphone adapted to receive audible signals from a user and to convert the audible signals to electrical signals for transmission to a distant party, and a speaker adapted to receive electrical signals associated with input from the distant party and to convert the electrical signals to audible signals. According to the invention, the telephone also includes a processor adapted to produce electrical signals associated with an external event, and to integrate these electrical signals with the received electrical signals. In an alternative embodiment according to the invention, a method of alerting a party to a telephone conversation of an external event includes the step of providing an indication of the external event to the party from a speaker of the telephone during the telephone conversation.

Abstract: A call treatment system and method in a multimedia-capable network for providing an enhanced call waiting service wherein multiple calls waiting to be serviced are accorded different treatments based on multimedia responses. When a network element serving a subscriber currently engaged in an established call connection with a party receives an indication that an incoming call is being directed towards the subscriber from at least one calling party, a multimedia session engine is invoked by the network element to launch a call treatment application for the subscriber. If the number of calls allowed to wait on the subscriber exceeds a predetermined maximum value, the incoming call is accorded a predetermined default treatment. Otherwise, the call treatment application is operable to query a subscriber profile associated with the subscriber to determine a suitable multimedia interface to be presented for effectuating a response using a browser-based interactive system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for an alert and signal management device for an already engaged telephone line is described. The device can interface to either a modem of FAX or answering machine, and to a telephone and is triggered by conventional call waiting or distinctive call waiting SAS tones. It will alert by audible and visual means. When a subscriber answers the third party's call a switching circuit is activated that disconnects any local modem or FAX interfaced to the device and signals a switch-hook flash. This allows a call waiting party to commence in conversation or a data-signal to be received. The device also incorporates a switch to select automatic answer mode to allow a subscriber to share an engaged telephone line with in-coming calls to a FAX machine. Upon completion of these in-coming calls the device will automatically switch back to the previously engaged telephonic device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for handling an incoming call request. An auto notification feature is provided, such that the user is able accept an incoming call request and immediately place calling party on hold. A greeting is provided to the calling party to notify that the calling party is unable to talk due to present circumstances and request the calling party to hold until the called party is able to talk.

Abstract: A method to handle an incoming call to a target telephone that is engaged in a present call. A first signal to the target telephone indicates an incoming call, and a second signal to the calling telephone indicates that the target telephone is busy. Another method issues a first signal to a target telephone to indicate an incoming call. A ringback tone is issued to the calling telephone causing a speaker of the calling telephone to provide a ringing sound to the caller. A switch-hook signal from the target telephone indicates a desire of a user of the target telephone to place a party to the present call on hold, and to connect to the incoming call. A busy signal, is issued to the calling telephone causing its speaker to provide a busy sound if the switch-hook signal is not received by the time a variable reaches a predetermined limit.

Abstract: Circuits and methods for determining the caller identification for an incoming call and for displaying such caller identification information on a video display device such as a television. A caller identification line modem determines the caller identification information, a control processor translates and/or inputs such caller identification information to a video circuit for displaying the caller identification information. Various methods for so displaying caller identification information are provided, including overlaying such information on an input video signal such as for a predetermined interval of time, generating a separate caller identification video signal, which may be placed, for example, on an unused television channel. The caller identification circuits and methods may be integrated or combined with various advanced television, video and/or telephony functions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically establishing a data connection includes a telephone line interface circuit coupled to a subscriber telephone line, and a modulator and demodulator circuit coupled to the telephone line interface circuit. A control circuit is coupled to the modulator and demodulator circuit and conditions the modulator and demodulator circuit to establish a connection to the subscriber telephone line and comprises circuitry to determine whether a central office to which the subscriber telephone line is connected is a tone-dial central office or a pulse-dial-only central office, whether a dialing prefix is necessary to access the subscriber telephone line, and whether the call waiting feature is activated on the subscriber telephone line.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for providing an enhanced call waiting announcement to a called party that is busy on a first call and receives a second call. Information provided by a second calling party is recorded and played back to the called party after the first call is over. The called party is not interrupted during the duration of the first call.

Abstract: A communication device connecting a computer to a data-network correctly recognizes a telecommunication company call-waiting signal, and notifies a user regarding the attempted call. The user is allowed to handle the call-waiting event by performing a sequence of predefined alternative actions in a flexible manner that correspond to the known options supplied by the telecommunication company in respect to the call-waiting event.

Abstract: Reliable detection of a call-waiting tone is provided by employing a correlation based technique. A modem or other device employing such a technique need not rely on carrier drop detection and is generally insensitive to other energy or noise on the line.

Abstract: A system and method for receiving information regarding a telephony platform and for retrieving the object of the services provided by the telephony platform corresponding to the information received. The system includes a customer premises equipment having a display device and a plurality of function keys. The customer premises equipment is connected to the general switched telephone network and to a supplemental service network via a central office switch. A telephony platform is connected to the general switched telephone network for providing accessory services such as voice mail, electronic mail and facsimile services. When calls are made to the customer premises equipment, an event identifier is generated to identify the calling event. The event identifier may be attached to a message having caller identifier information. The event identifier is used if the user of the customer premises equipment does not answer and the caller is transferred to voice mail.

Abstract: An improved telecommunication device for simultaneous and independent communication of analog signals and digital data is disclosed. Processing of analog signals enables functions including, for example, message saver, speakerphone, caller identification and fax. Processing of digital data enables functions, including, for example, DSL modem communications, digital voice communications, video communications, and voice-over-data communications. The disclosed system may operate independently or coupled to one or more computers.

Abstract: Circuits and methods for determining the caller identification for an incoming call and for displaying such caller identification information on a video display device such as a television. A caller identification line modem determines the caller identification information, a control processor translates and/or inputs such caller identification information to a video circuit for displaying the caller identification information. Various methods for so displaying caller identification information are provided, including overlaying such information on an input video signal such as for a predetermined interval of time, generating a separate caller identification video signal, which may be placed, for example, on an unused television channel. The caller identification circuits and methods may be integrated or combined with various advanced television, video and/or telephony functions.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and an apparatus for placing a caller into telecommunication with a subscriber. A call from the caller, directed to the subscriber, is detected and, in response thereto, a page is initiated to the subscriber and at the same time a forward leg call is initiated to a stored telephone address. If the call on the forward leg is answered, the party answering that call is placed in telecommunication with the caller. A call from the subscriber is also detected the subscriber is placed in telecommunication with the caller together with any party on a forward leg call.

Abstract: The invention is a method of receiving digital data from a Local Switching Office (LSO) on first party equipment that is communicating, in an off-hook state, via the LSO with second party equipment. The method presumes that the first party equipment has a telephone line interface that interfaces with a telephone line and an acoustic transducer interface with a loudspeaker and a microphone.

Abstract: Apparatus and processes of operating a telephone answering device (TAD) to record a message from a third party caller who calls when a first telephone line connected to the TAD is busy when the third party calls. After the third party hangs up, the automatic third party callback module calls the third party back based on a telephone number obtained from call related information, e.g., Caller ID information. The TAD may alternatively or additionally automatically answer selected third party callers to a second telephone line of the TAD possibly based on a match between call related information with respect to the third party caller, e.g., Caller ID, and pre-entered telephone numbers of those the user desires to have the TAD automatically answer when busy on the first telephone line.

Abstract: A modem that handles interruptions caused by call waiting signals is described. When the modem detects a call waiting signal, the modem alerts the user to the presence of the call waiting signal, and permits the user to answer the incoming call by taking a local phone that is connected to the modem off-hook. When the local phone is taken off-hook, the modem automatically generates a hook-flash signal to switch to the incoming call. When the user places the local phone back on-hook, the modem generates another hook-flash signal to resume (if possible) the modem connection. Additionally, the modem prevents a “fallback”, in which the modem switches from its current protocol to a lower-speed protocol, during a “retrain” process caused by a call waiting event.

Abstract: Reliable detection of a call-waiting tone is provided by employing a correlation based technique. A modem or other device employing such a technique need not rely on carrier drop detection and is generally insensitive to other energy or noise on the line.

Abstract: An Internet Call Waiting Device (ICW) detects a Call Waiting signal even when a modem is currently using the phone line. Upon sensing the Call Waiting signal, the internet Call Waiting device alerts the user using one or more flashing lights and/or generating audible signals that the user can hear. If the user has a Call Waiting-Caller ID service the caller's name and number are also displayed if it is available from the phone company. After being notified, the user can choose to ignore the call or take the call by picking up a telephone. If the user picks up the telephone, the ICW signals the central office to put the first modem connection on hold. A connection is then made with the second call. When the second call is completed and the user hangs up the telephone for the second call, the ICW signals the central office to reconnect the first modem call. The ICW includes a signal detector for detecting a Call Waiting or Call Waiting-Caller ID signal on the phone line.

Abstract: Consumer process equipment (CPE) for cost effective caller identification (CID) and call-waiting (CW) for a multi-line telephone includes a single CIDCW detection circuit and a single switch for coupling the single CIDCW detection circuit between a plurality of telephone lines. The CPE is able to process CIDCW information over a plurality of telephone lines by dynamically switching the single switch from one telephone line to another, depending upon the current state of the CPE.

Abstract: An exchange identifies a destination telephone number dialed by a subscriber, accesses a database access unit to determine whether the subscriber performs data communication or speech communication based on the identified destination telephone number, suspends a call waiting service when the subscriber performs data communication service and activates the call waiting service when the subscriber performs speech communication.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for verifying call waiting information in a communication system is particularly well suited for correcting mispronunciation of caller identification information provided for a call waiting call. A current pronunciation of the call waiting information is provided to the calling party who is prompted to change the current pronunciation. The system receives a new pronunciation of the call waiting information and stores information about the new pronunciation for subsequent retrieval.

Abstract: A telephony call-waiting system for clients having a computer with a video display unit (PC/VDU) and a public-switched telephony network (PSTN) telephone connected to the PSTN by a single line, keeps a status indication of the client's Internet connection status and, during periods of time the PC/VDU is connected to the Internet, alerts the client by an alert signal over the Internet connection of any waiting PSTN calls. In a preferred embodiment the client's PC/VDU is adapted to provide an audio and/or visual alert event when an alert signal is received, and to provide for a user-initiated response to an alert, accepting or rejecting a call. In the event a call is accepted, provision is made for connecting the accepted call to the client's PC/VDU as an IP call. In some embodiments several calls may be dealt with at the PC/VDU, and features are provided such as caller-ID on the client's VDU. Several ways of accomplishing the call-waiting system are taught.

Abstract: Circuits and methods for determining the caller identification for an incoming call and for displaying such caller identification information on a video display device such as a television. A caller identification line modem determines the caller identification information, a control processor translates and/or inputs such caller identification information to a video circuit for displaying the caller identification information. Various methods for so displaying caller identification information are provided, including overlaying such information on an input video signal such as for a predetermined interval of time, generating a separate caller identification video signal, which may be placed, for example, on an unused television channel. The caller identification circuits and methods may be integrated or combined with various advanced television, video and/or telephony functions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method allow a called party, who is utilizing the telephone transmission line to connect to a data network, and as such is unable to directly receive an incoming phone call from a calling party, to be able to provide a specific response message to the calling party while not requiring the called party to directly communicate with the calling party.

Abstract: A user on a data call, e.g., to the Internet, is prevented from establishing a data call immediately after an emergency interrupt has been initiated, and the fact that the emergency interrupt took place is brought to his attention. This is necessary because otherwise the emergency interrupt is likely to be perceived by a user connected to the Internet as simply a dropped line, in response thereto the user is likely to simply originate a new call to the ISP, and so may never become aware that there has been an attempt to bring to his attention, via the emergency interrupts, an extraordinary circumstance. The invention achieves this by transmitting from the telephone network a signal which is recognizable by the user's modem and which indicates that an emergency interrupt took place. Such an emergency-interrupt-occurred signal may be transmitted upon the occurrence of the emergency interrupt or after the line next goes off-hook. Such a signal may be in addition to or in lieu of dial tone.