Abstract: A wireless telephone which includes the functionality to operate in a plurality of dialing modes. When a wireless telephone is powered up and in an idle mode, a telephone user has the option of operating the phone in a first dialing mode which simulates the operation of a land line phone and a second dialing mode which is a wireless mode of operation. Either mode may be initiated without requiring any additional steps to be performed by the telephone user. In the first mode, the telephone user may depress a “Talk” button on the keypad of the wireless phone. A dial tone is transmitted through the speaker and at this point a telephone number may be entered through the keypad. After entry of the number and the passing of a timeout period, the telephone number is automatically transmitted to the telephone network in order to establish a telephonic connection. In the second mode, a telephone user begins by entering the telephone number into the memory.

Abstract: A communications system provides the functionality to provide a wireless telephone user directional information to a desired destination. Incorporated into the wireless telephone is a position determining device such as a global positioning system (GPS) device. When a phone user establishes a connection with a particular switch in the wireless network, this positional information from the GPS device is provided and the location of the wireless phone may be determined. The wireless telephone user also provides information regarding the desired destination. Associated with the destination code for the desired destination is a physical street address. Using the known location of the wireless telephone and the street address for the desired destination, a mapping procedure may be performed to determine a route between the two points. This route may be then converted to audio and/or alphanumeric directions.

Abstract: A system is provided which monitors the frame and octet throughput of different aspects of a public frame relay network. Located in one domain is user provided equipment (CPE) which generates and receives frames over the public frame relay network. Also connected to the frame relay network are at least one destination site which also has the ability to receive and transmit frames. Included in the CPE is functionality to monitor the ingress and egress of frames and their contents. The public frame relay network also includes the functionality to monitor flow of information at its plurality of ingress and egress points. A network management server receives information from all these measurement points and through a variety of different processes, provides information as to the operating status of various portions of the managed frame network.

Abstract: Disclosed is a caller identification system that provides unblocking or audible identification on telephone calls from calling parties having blocked or unknown numbers. Calling parties from blocked numbers are given the option of unblocking their name and telephone number for the current call, or to record their name for delivery to the caller ID subscriber. Calling parties from unknown numbers are given the option of recording their name for audible identification. The system provides an audibly distinct ring on a caller ID subscriber's telephone and visually displays a special message on a caller ID subscriber's visual display unit to alert the subscriber that the incoming telephone call will be audibly announced, since the telephone number and possibly the name of the calling party are not available to the caller identification system.

Abstract: A system provides the ability to collect and analyze data generated by a global positioning system to assist in monitoring and supervising a user of a vehicle. The system includes a GPS unit incorporated into a vehicle for periodically generating and recording information with regard to the position and velocity of the vehicle. The recorded information is periodically transferred to a remotely located computer via a wireless communications system, within which a grouping program is implemented. The grouping program is used to identify periods where the vehicle is in a stationary mode and periods where the vehicle is in a moving mode traveling from one location to another, based on the information provided by the GPS unit. The system generates a summary in map or report format. The results of the grouping program may be presented on map images representing the area within which the vehicle traveled. Symbols are drawn onto the map images corresponding to the locations of the stationary segments.

Abstract: An analysis method provides a bandwidth calculation for employing voice communications over fast packet (FP) networks such as frame relay or ATM. Many companies currently have internal phone systems such as private branch exchange (PBX), which provide for the transmission of voice communication within an enterprise, but also a connection to the public switch telephone network (PSTN). In addition, PBX systems may be interconnected via a system of inter-PBX tie trunks, generally used for internal PBX-PBX communication. If a PBX system employs a private data network utilizing FP technology such as frame relay, it is now possible to route this inter-PBX voice traffic over the data network. In situations where the data network is a FP network such as frame relay or ATM, an analysis is performed to determine whether there is sufficient bandwidth to handle the voice traffic.

Abstract: An apparatus and method provides for the scheduling and broadcast of commercials and other information during transmission of multimedia information over a data network. Demographic information is gathered with regards to potential viewers of the broadcast. Through use of this demographic information, during designated commercial breaks during broadcasts of the audio or video information, advertising information can be broadcast to individuals based on the demographic information. The system includes a number of databases which correlate the broadcast schedule with the available commercials for transmission over the data network.

Abstract: An apparatus and method provide for interfacing a facsimile machine with a computer network. Specifically, an apparatus provides a fax interface for exchanging faxes with fax machine and a network interface for communicating with and retrieving electronic documents from a computer network. The apparatus further includes a memory for storing the electronic documents received from the computer network and the faxed pages received from the fax machine and a controller for comparing the electronic documents to the faxed pages. The apparatus may be employed to retrieve various electronic documents from the computer network in response to received faxes.

Abstract: Secure access is provided for a limited access data network (intranet) to handheld electronic devices which include the functionality to process alphanumeric information and process information received in handheld device markup language (HDML). A handheld device user may first establish a connection with a data network such as the World Wide Web. Through use of a uniform resource locator (URL) request made over this data network, a connection is made to an intranet. At the firewall for the intranet, an identification process is performed to determine that the URL request originated from a handheld device. Such a request is routed through a socket designated for such requests and received by a proxy server. The proxy server provides the necessary security steps in order to provide access to applications within the intranet, and once validation has been confirmed, connection to the application is established.

Abstract: A system provides for the coordination of caller ID devices connected to a common telephone line and additionally may provide control of a number of electronic appliances within a home or building. Within a home or building, caller ID devices as well as a number of electronic appliances receive electrical energy through the electronic power lines. Each of the caller ID devices includes a processor which allows the transmission of control signals over the power lines in order that all caller ID devices on the same telephone line can be synchronized. This system can be further expanded to include a home controller which, via the power lines controls the operation of the electronic appliances. The home controller is connected to the common telephone line, and may download information and generate the appropriate command signals to control remotely located appliances.

Abstract: An enclosure for electronic devices includes a frame device for moving at least one electronic device from the interior of the enclosure to a position outside to the enclosure, or a position where the device does not obstruct access to other components. A frame device may be attached to at least one interior surface of the enclosure as well as an electronic device, such that as the frame is moved within enclosure, the electronic device, connected thereto is repositioned as well. The frame may further include an additional hinge device for rotating the electronic device away from the enclosure. With this movement of the electronic device, greater access may be provided to other electronic devices and components contained therein. The enclosure may further include a specially-adapted ground bar for grounding the individual components in the enclosure. Specially marked attachments may be provided such that individual connections are established from each component as well as a connection to an electrical ground.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tool assembly for use in field applications to monitor at least one condition in a well or other hole. The tool assembly may include a computing unit for directing operation of the tool assembly and may be sized to be operable in a hole having a diameter of 1 inch, and in some cases even smaller. In one aspect, the tool assembly is designed to significantly conserve power. Sensor readings may be taken at different schedules to conserve power when frequent readings are not required. Also, internal electronics of the tool assembly can be operated at a low voltage. In one aspect, the tool assembly is assemblable by simple rotatable engagement of the components, with electrical interconnections being made automatically by the rotatable engagement without keying of components. In another aspect, the tool assembly is networkable with other like tool assemblies and monitorable from a central location.

Abstract: An adaptable communication system provides capability to change the format of multimedia files being transmitted over a data network in real-time. Incorporated into a network server is a processor and other functionality for downloading multimedia files and then recreating the files to accommodate different download formats. A file may be created that is appropriate for real-time playing for a 14.4 k modem connection as well as an high-bandwidth line, such as an ADSL line connection. A separate file is created in the network server for these different type of connections. Also incorporated into each of the newly created multimedia files are reference marks which are located at the same playing interval for each of the files. Once a system user has accessed and is viewing a multimedia file as it is being downloaded, an interface connection may detect that noise or other problems on the network are decreasing the quality of the playback.

Abstract: An improved public telephone system for providing telephony service access. In particular, the improved public telephone provides for telephony service access responsive to the use of any of a plurality of types of smart cards, each of the plurality of types of smart cards corresponding with a different one of a plurality of financial institutions. Such enhanced access is provided through the utilization of a plurality of security access modules, each of the plurality of security access modules corresponding with a different one of the financial institutions.

Abstract: A screensaver method and apparatus provides a communication system for a computer which allows a visitor to an office or workspace to leave an electronic message. A screensaver program is installed on a personal computer which provides a dialogue box on the display screen after a predetermined period of inactivity. The dialogue box includes areas for a computer user to provide instructions for visitors to the office to enter messages as well as places for the visitor to, through use of the mouse and keyboard, enter and transmit an e-mail message for the computer user. Once the message has been entered and the user transmits, the screensaver communications program converts the entered message and other information to a predetermined format and transmits it to the assigned destination address. The computer user who was absent may then upon return, remove the dialogue box from the screen and access the e-mail message.

Abstract: The privacy system apparatus and method of the present invention allow users of a publicly accessible terminal to privately access information displayed on a visual monitor of the terminal. In one embodiment, the privacy system 10 is implemented with a terminal 20 having a visual monitor 22 being disposed within a user area 50. The user area 50 provides a space for users 2 to privately access the terminal 20 and is at least partially separated from an external area 30 by a barrier assembly 40. A first filter 60 receives radiation 24 from the visual monitor 22 and transmits linearly polarized radiation 62 into the user area 50. A second filter 44 disposed between the user area 50 and the external area 30 transmits linearly polarized radiation 46. By selecting first and second filters, 60 and 44, respectively, with orthogonal transmission axes, radiation 24 emitted by the visual monitor 22 is substantially blocked from transmission to the external area 30.