Patents Assigned to Communication Networks, Inc.
  • Patent number: 5995621
    Abstract: The present invention provides a user installable option module which contains upgrade circuitry to add additional functions to a basic telephone. This generic upgrade module is capable of containing different sets of electronic circuitry which perform different functions and have different applications. The option module is user installable, and requires neither shipping the original unit to repair or upgrade, nor does it require trained service personnel to visit the customer site to perform the installation. The user installed option is installed in the base of a basic telephone. After installation, the option module appears to be an integral part of the basic telephone and is not readily visible to the user. The basic telephone also retains its original footprint. The option module is secured to the basic telephone in such a manner that prevents the option module from being damaged when subjected to significant forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Siemens Information and Communication Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: David Bryant, Pierce Jones, Wayne McKinnon, William McRight
  • Patent number: 5995594
    Abstract: According to the invention, a system and method are provided for notifying a user of an awaiting message. The awaiting message is located in a user mailbox (24). User (10) is first provided with notification. This notification is different for different types of messages. The notification to user (10) is repeated if user (10) fails to respond to it. The repeating occurs until user (10) responds to the notification, and the repeating takes place after a predetermined period of time. User (10) is then informed of the awaiting message located in user mailbox (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Siemens Information and Communication Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Shmuel Shaffer, William Joseph Beyda
  • Patent number: 5995837
    Abstract: A handover control is executed when a location area of the mobile station is changed. The communication channel applied is the optimum route suited for the roaming destination of the mobile station. A service controller 6 is provided in the mobile communication network, switching node information transmitters 7 are provided in switching nodes 151, 131 and 132 so as to transmit, to the service controller 6, switching node informations representing the nodes themselves. Furthermore, in the service controller 6, a memory 8 for storing the switching node informations, and a handover execution unit 9 for executing handover control are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: NTT Mobile Communications Network Inc.
    Inventors: Yukichi Saito, Yasuo Maruyama, Masami Yabusaki
  • Patent number: 5995607
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for enhancing telephony trunk routing includes a call requirements assessor which identifies call requirements associated with a call request. In particular, the call requirements assessor recognizes call requests which are indicative of speaker-phone calls and conference calls. A comparison processor responds to call data received from the call requirements assessor bad comparing the call requirements of a particular call with the quality of service capabilities of an Internet telephony trunk and a non-Internet telephony trunk. A call request which includes a request for a speaker-phone call or a conference call triggers the comparison processor to instruct a call router to route a call via the non-Internet telephony trunk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Siemens Information and Communication Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: William Joseph Beyda, Shmuel Shaffer
  • Patent number: 5995490
    Abstract: A method and system for integrating occasional user-initiated data transfers with a generally continuous video transmission in a multimedia communications session includes enabling a party of the session to select at least two levels of video quality of service for the session. A first level is selected for time segments in which the user-initiated data transfers are active. A second level of video QoS is selected for time segments having user-initiated data transfers. Connectivity for the session is established based upon the first level. However, upon initiation of a data transfer, the video transmission requirements are switched to requirements based upon the second level of video quality of service. Present-time quality of service is monitored to determine whether the data transfer should be regulated so as to ensure that the present-time video quality of service remains at or above the second selected level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Siemens Information and Communication Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Shmuel Shaffer, William J. Beyda
  • Patent number: 5991387
    Abstract: A method is provided for monitoring channels and controlling calls. Multiple channels provided by at least one digital line are monitored. Based on this monitoring, the present invention determines when all of the multiple channels are occupied. At least one of an incoming call and an established call is given priority when all of the multiple channels are busy. The priority is based on predetermined inputs from a user. The call with priority is provided on one of the multiple channels. The present invention then determines when one or more of the multiple channels are available. When one of the multiple channels becomes available, the action based on the call priority is automatically disabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Siemens Information and Communications Network, Inc.
    Inventors: Shmuel Shaffer, William J. Beyda, Selena Dilley, Henry W. Lambert, Phillip Meredith, Rudolph Bitzinger
  • Patent number: 5991383
    Abstract: A system and method for communication information between origination equipment and destination equipment, in which switching signal information is received from a calling party telephone network. Additionally, information is also received from origination equipment for use by destination equipment for displaying calling party numbers. A display for use with the destination equipment receives the information from the calling party telephone network. From the plurality of information received, a first code from the calling party telephone network identifies calling party number information, and a second code from the calling party telephone network identifies partitioning information of the first code relating to a convention of parsing of telephone numbers associated with the calling party telephone network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Siemens Information and Communication Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis L. Kucmerowski, David A. Vander Meiden, Harald Muller
  • Patent number: 5991642
    Abstract: Communication is carried out on the basis of an optimum speech coding scheme that is matched to the speech coding schemes provided by the radio zones, and to the speech coding capabilities of the mobile stations. To achieve this, when a traffic channel is set up between a mobile station and a switch, a traffic channel selection condition that has been specified by the switch on the basis of the speech coding capabilities of the mobile station that made the SETUP request and of the mobile station to which the call is made, is stored in the control station. The control station grasps which speech coding scheme is currently being used in the radio zone which it controls. Moreover, by transferring the selection conditions specified by the switch and using these conditions as information required for channel setup by another control station, communication can be carried out using a high-priority speech coding scheme when handover occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: NTT Mobile Communications Network Inc.
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Watanabe, Noriya Nakaima, Kouji Yamamoto, Moritoshi Katuta
  • Patent number: 5991388
    Abstract: A method for enabling a plurality of Local Service Providers within a common Numbering Plan Area (NPA) to serve Subscribers of the plurality of Local Service Providers. The method includes the step of assigning to each Subscriber of a Local Service Provider within the common NPA a unique three digit code, hereinafter referred to as an SPA code. The service provider area (SPA) code is used by the telephone system in the same manner presently used for routing calls made when a calling Subscriber dials the NPA code of the called party. Here, however, the SPA code is not dialed by the calling Subscriber. The dialed directory number, NXX-XXXX, of a called Subscriber subscribed to a different Local Service Provider, is sent to a database. The database maintains a record of the relationships between the directory numbers of Subscribers and the SPA codes of the Subscribers. The database retrieves the SPA code associated with the dialed directory number presently serving the called Subscriber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Siemens Information and Communication Networks, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward Sonnenberg
  • Patent number: 5987114
    Abstract: A method for enabling a plurality of Local Service Providers within common a Numbering Plan Area (NPA) to serve Subscribers of the plurality of Local Service Providers. The method includes the step of assigning to each Subscriber of a Local Service Provider within the common NPA a unique three digit code, hereinafter referred to as a SPA code. The service provider area (SPA) code is used by the telephone system in the same manner presently used for routing calls made when a calling Subscriber dials the NPA code of the called party. Here, however, the SPA code is not dialed by the calling Subscriber. The dialed directory number, NXX-XXXX, of a called Subscriber subscribed to a different Local Service Provider, is sent to a database. The database maintains a record of the relationships between the directory numbers of Subscribers and the SPA codes of the Subscribers. The database retrieves the SPA code associated with the dialed directory number presently serving the called Subscriber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Siemens Information and Communications Networks, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward Sonnenberg
  • Patent number: 5987121
    Abstract: A telephone having key/light control logic which enables independent and dual usage of physical key/light pairs. Firmware within the telephone's key and light control logic is provided access to special tables which have definitions for each key. When a key is depressed, a feature activation code is sent uplink to notify the PBX of the user's action. In response to receipt of the feature activation code, the PBX returns a feature indication. When the telephone receives the feature indication, it scans the tables and turns on all lights for which the feature indication matches the key definition. Within the tables, an extra definition is maintained for the standalone light. This definition is downloaded by the switch at phone initialization time along with the key definitions. If the switch defines a key definition as "local" then the user programs the definition of that key either via the phone keypad or through an application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Siemens Information and Communication Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Elie Antoun Jreij, Tave Pearce Dunn
  • Patent number: 5983097
    Abstract: A mobile communication scheme capable of notifying a communication regulation information efficiently by using radio interfaces from the macro-cell system to the micro-cell system, without requiring communications through a fixed communication network, so as to be able to regulate the service through the micro-cell system efficiently in coordination with the regulation of the service through the macro-cell system. In this mobile communication scheme, the communication regulation information is notified from the macro-cell system to the mobile station while the mobile station is located within the macro-cell system, and stored in a memory of the mobile station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: NTT Mobile Communications Network Inc.
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Kakinuma, Masaaki Yoshimi, Tatsuaki Wakabayashi, Kiyohito Nagata
  • Patent number: 5979771
    Abstract: A SIM contact position tester (100) for verifying the position of SIM card contacts (c1-c8). A printed wiring board (102) is provided with traces (A-D) which correspond to the contacts (c1-c8) of the SIM card reader connector (101) and are configured to mate with the contacts of the SIM card reader connector (101) mounted within the radio telephone. A plurality of light emitting diodes (LED) (106) are coupled to the traces (A-D). The light emitting diodes (106) are configured to provide an indication of the position of the contacts (c1-c8) when the PWB (102) is positioned within the radio telephone. In one embodiment, the LEDs (106) sequentially light up as the printed wiring board (106) is moved into position over the contacts (c1-c8) of the SIM card reader connector (101).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Siemens Information and Communication Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel Quinn Adams, David E. Bryant
  • Patent number: 5978470
    Abstract: A signal-processing method and system for a telecommunications switch that supports a number of individually addressable telephones including transmitting ring signals to telephones that are determined to be in an inadvertent off-hook condition. The telecommunications switch is configured to transmit a first notification ring signal upon detecting that a particular telecommunications line is in a condition that indicates that the associated telephone is in the inadvertent off-hook condition. The first ring signal induces a ring condition that preferably is uniquely identifiable as indicating that the phone has been left off-hook. A second notification ring signal is transmitted if the phone is returned to the on-hook condition and an incoming call is directed to the telephone. Preferably, the second ring signal induces a uniquely identifiable ring condition indicating that an incoming call is directed to an off-hook telephone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Siemens Information and Communications Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Shmuel Shaffer, William J. Beyda
  • Patent number: 5978464
    Abstract: A method for enabling a plurality of Local Service Providers within a common Numbering Plan Area (NPA) to serve Subscribers of the plurality of Local Service Providers. The method includes the step of assigning to each Subscriber of a Local Service Provider within the common NPA a unique three digit code, hereinafter referred to as a Service Provider Area (SPA) code. The SPA code is used by the telephone system in the same manner presently used for routing calls made when a calling Subscriber dials the NPA code of the called party. Here, however, the SPA code is not dialed by the calling Subscriber. The dialed directory number, NXX-XXXX, of a called Subscriber subscribed to a different Local Service Provider, is sent to a database. The database maintains a record of the relationships between the directory numbers of Subscribers and the SPA codes of the Subscribers. The database retrieves the SPA code associated with the dialed directory number presently serving the called Subscriber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Siemens Information and Communications Networks, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward Sonnenberg
  • Patent number: 5974044
    Abstract: This invention appropriately regulates or controls a simultaneous communication between different communication methods. When a request of a voice communication is made with respect to a communication terminal 4 which is currently busy with a packet communication from a communication terminal 1, a voice incoming signal is generated at a voice line controller 20. Then, a communication terminal state request is output from the voice line controller 20. This is transmitted to a data base 30 through a data exchange device 21. Then, the data base 30 reads voice line memory AB, packet line memory PB and transmits the same as a communication terminal state response to the voice line controller 20 through the data exchange device 21. As a consequence, the voice line controller 20 can know the communication state of the communication terminal 4 and determines whether or not the voice communication circuit should be connected based on it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Mobile Communications Network Inc.
    Inventors: Kimio Ikeda, Koji Sasada, Akitoshi Miyazaki, Kazuo Sugiyama, Akihiro Maebara, Ichiro Okajima, Noriko Uchida
  • Patent number: 5970131
    Abstract: A method for enabling a plurality of Local Service Providers within a common Numbering Plan Area (NPA) to serve Subscribers of the plurality of Local Service Providers. The method includes the step of assigning to each Subscriber of a Local Service Provider within the common NPA a unique three digit code, hereinafter referred to as an SPA code. The service provider area (SPA) code is used by the telephone system in the same manner presently used for routing calls made when a calling Subscriber dials the NPA code of the called party. Here, however, the SPA code is not dialed by the calling Subscriber. The dialed directory number, NXX-XXXX, of a called Subscriber subscribed to a different Local Service Provider, is sent to a database. The database maintains a record of the relationships between the directory numbers of Subscribers and the SPA codes of the Subscribers. The database retrieves the SPA code associated with the dialed directory number presently serving the called Subscriber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Siemens Information and Communication Networks, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward Sonnenberg
  • Patent number: 5966427
    Abstract: A device and method for IP telephony troubleshooting include multiple alternative input/output members for connecting the troubleshooting device to an IP telephony network at one of multiple sites within the IP telephony network. A system control connected to one of the connector members transmits and receives digital control messages to establish a bidirectional audio communications link over the IP telephony network. A system control user interface connected to the system control enables a user to direct a call to a remote telephonic device. A converter, connected to one of the connector members, converts digital audio signals received from the remote telephonic device to analog audio signals and converts analog audio signals generated by a microphone to digital audio signals for transmission to the remote telephonic device. An interface obtains synchronization with the remote telephonic device to facilitate synchronous data communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignees: Siemens Information, Communications Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Shmuel Shaffer, William Joseph Beyda
  • Patent number: 5966351
    Abstract: A system and method for enabling the sender of electronic mail messages to access a recipient's mailbox to reprioritize the messages previously sent by the sender. The system searches the recipient's mailbox for messages sent by the sender and unread by the recipient. An unopened message counter is used to determine the number of unopened messages in the recipient's mailbox. A message review unit enables the sender to review the unread messages. A message prioritization unit is used to reprioritize the unread messages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Siemens Information and Communications Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Robert Carleton, William Joseph Beyda, Shmuel Shaffer
  • Patent number: 5963847
    Abstract: A booster system for transmitting a received wave after amplifying it comprises a receiving antenna section, a carrier combining section, a transmitting section, a transmitting antenna section and a parameter control section. The carrier combining section multiplies a canceling signal by a cancel parameter to obtain a replica signal, then combines it with a received signal in at least one of the radio frequency band, the intermediate frequency band and the base band, and derives a combined base band signal from the combined signal. The transmitting section generates a send signal and a canceling signal by using a signal demodulated through the demodulation of the combined base band signal. Based on the combined base band signal and the canceling signal, the parameter control section determines a canceling parameter such that the power of the combined base band signal is reduced, the parameter being provided to the carrier combining section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: NTT Mobile Communications Network Inc.
    Inventors: Kazuhito Ito, Hiroshi Suzuki, Manabu Nakada, Yoshio Ebine