Abstract: A method of introducing a feature during a communication between subscribers of a telecommunications network. The first step of the method is executing, at each predefined trigger point during the communication, an operation to activate a particular requested feature. The method then requires accessing data stored in a network memory for use in the activation operation. The data is arranged in the memory in table and bit map format so as to enable the features to be customized. The method then requires executing the particular requested feature upon activation. The method may also include repeating the method steps for each feature available to be activated at a respective trigger point in an order determined by the stored data. The method is independent of the type of requested feature.

Abstract: A programmable band-pass filter in a radio-frequency receiver. The band-pass filter has a bandwidth substantially covering a channel bandwidth. Once the appropriate channel in use is determined, the frequency band of the band-width filter is set to correspond to it.

Abstract: A cordless digital telephone system which allows call screening is provided. Time division multiple access (TDMA) cordless phone systems provide a base unit which is able to provide connections for a plurality of mobile units, such as handsets. With time division, the mobile units are synchronized to different time slots. A broadcast mode is provided that causes the mobile units to be placed in a receive only mode and to synchronize to the same time slot where a broadcast message is sent. In this way, an incoming call can be recorded substantially simultaneously with being broadcast to any number of mobile units, any of which can elect to pick up the incoming call. Once so elected, the base station is reset to a standard mode thereby permitting an uninterrupted conversation between a caller and a user of the mobile unit as a callee.

Abstract: A cordless telephone system employing a base station (202) as slave and a plurality of handsets (204a, 204b) as masters is provided. The handsets (204a, 204b) periodically poll the base station. The base station (202) responds with acknowledge slots and also timing information whereby the handsets (204a, 204b) can adjust their poll timing so as avoid interfering with one another. If an active connection is set up between the base station (202) and a handset (204a), the other handset (204b) is not allowed to poll during the connection, effectively functioning as a system slave for the duration of the connection. Thus, the second handset (204b) stays synchronized to the first handset (204a) and listens until the connection is completed, whereupon it resumes normal functioning.

Abstract: A base station (12) according to an implementation of the invention is adapted to identify a public power supply frequency, e.g., 50 Hz or 60 Hz. The base station (12) then adapts its frame and slot structures to the power supply frequency. The base station (12) transmits a synchronization word on a data channel, and also transmits a signal indicative of the power supply frequency. The mobile unit (14, 16) receives the data channel and the information indicative of the frequency. The mobile unit (14, 16) then adapts its frame and slot structure appropriately. After the link is established, and if periodic interference is detected, transmission occurs during the inactive period of the interference.

Abstract: A system and a method for securing telecommunications resources include a resource requirements module which determines network resource requirements specified in call requests of telecommunications calls. In one embodiment, a resource availability monitor determines if the resource requirements exceed the available levels for at least two network resources. In another embodiment, the resource availability monitor determines if Digital Signal Processor (DSP) requirements in the call request exceed DSP availability. If the resource requirements exceed the resource availability at the time when the call request is received, a resource reservation mechanism places the call request into network resource queues for those network resources which are in short supply.

Abstract: A system and method for sending an electronic message in a compatible messaging format are presented. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a file, such as a data file, is automatically examined in the context of its application, and the lowest available file format level that preserves the data integrity is selected. An alternate version of this file, such as an unformatted text-only file, that preserves the content of the message may also be created and sent.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for forwarding Caller ID data on demand when retrieving messages from an answering device using an endpoint telecommunications device and an associated call control system (such as the central office of the calling phone, a PBX, ToL Gatekeeper, wireless carrier switch, etc.), to fully or partially automate the dialing process for remotely calling back a message sender. The invention permits the caller retrieving messages to quickly and easily return calls with little or no manual intervention, without having to create a trombone connection. The invention operates with calling endpoint telecommunication devices that are “intelligent” enough to receive, store and/or utilize Caller ID data forwarded from an answering device; as well as with not so intelligent telecommunications devices (such as many pay phones) that may lack the ability to receive, store and/or utilize forwarded Caller ID data.

Abstract: Apparatus and systems for recording Call ID data and transmitting the Caller ID data to remote telecommunications devices on demand, to fully or partially automate the dialing process for remotely calling back a message sender.

Abstract: An improved video e-mail system includes a video input device with a video e-mail controller, and a Web Access Device processor implementing video capture, e-mail and compression selection programs. In operation, a user activates the video e-mail controller, for example, by pushing or clicking a button. The video input device sends a video stream to the Web Access Device processor which is stored until the user clicks or pushes the button again. The Web Access Device processor then activates the e-mail program, opens a “compose” window, and attaches the stored video file.

Abstract: A frequency hopping cordless telephone system is provided, including a base station and one or more mobile units. The base station and mobile units are adapted to determine if a carrier frequency has been interfered with. If so, and if a next frame has slots available, the lost slot(s) are resent, along with those next in queue. A ring buffer memory is provided to receive both the resent slot(s) and the current one. The slots are read into the memory at a first rate and read out at a higher rate.

Abstract: A method and system for establishing and managing subconference calls within a main conference call includes a subconference call subsystem which responds to a subconference call request from a first terminal during the main conference call by transmitting the subconference call request to a second terminal. The subconference call subsystem monitors a connection to the second terminal to detect a signal indicating acceptance of the request. Upon detecting an acceptance, the subconference call subsystem establishes a first subconference call and a data mixer mixes first voice data from the main conference call with simultaneously transmitted second voice data generated from the first and second terminals. A data router transmits the mixed first and second voice data to the first and second terminals without transmitting the second voice data to any of the other terminals participating in the main conference call.

Abstract: Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) data service and Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) are provided over a subscriber loop by an ADSL transceiver and a control processor located in a local communication center, and a subscriber ADSL modem at the subscriber location. The control processor is responsive to a detection of an origination of a POTS call for generating a first control signal that causes the ADSL transceiver to load ADSL data into tone bins which are only in a frequency band above a predetermined frequency band used for a POTS call for data transmissions over the subscriber loop. The control processor is also responsive to a detection of a termination of a POTS call for generating a second control signal that causes the ADSL transceiver to load ADSL data into tone bins which are in both the predetermined frequency band used for a POTS call and the frequency band thereabove for ADSL data transmissions over the subscriber loop.

Abstract: A cordless digital telephone system which allows broadcast over broadcast is provided. Time division multiple access (TDMA) cordless phone systems provide a base unit which is able to provide connections for a plurality of mobile units, such as handsets. With time division, the mobile units are synchronized to different time slots. A broadcast mode is provided that causes the mobile units to be placed in a receive only mode and to synchronize to the same time slot where a broadcast message is sent. In this way, a cordless telephone base unit in a broadcast mode receives a radio or streaming audio signal. A call controller unit included in or coupled to the base station then sends the received radio or streaming audio signal to at least one mobile unit in communication with the base station.

Abstract: A telephone with a ringer silencer call screening feature includes a ringer for indicating the receipt of an incoming call. A ringer control unit deactivates the ringer while the telephone is in a continuous on-hook state and reactivates the ringer upon termination of the incoming call. A call control unit for transmitting and receiving call signaling messages is connected to the ringer control unit for communication with the ringer control unit. Multiple keypads provide an interface between a user of the telephone and both the call control unit and the ringer control unit. A display connected to the ringer control unit and the call control unit displays caller identification information and a call status detector communicates with the ringer control unit upon termination of the incoming call. One method for screening calls includes utilizing one of the keypads to cause the ringer control unit to locally deactivate the ringer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a call forwarding system for forwarding telephone calls to a target telephone not having a direct dial number. The call forwarding system includes an intelligent forwarding unit for storing a forwarding direct dial number and the extension number for accessing the target telephone and for connecting the received forwarded call to the target telephone, a voice response unit including a DTMF decoder for receiving the forwarded telephone call and for decoding the extension number of the target telephone. A call connecting unit directly connects the in-coming telephone call to the target telephone.

Abstract: A telecommunication system includes a private branch exchange (170) that uses an automatic route selection algorithm to select a trunk on which a call is to be routed. A number of trunk groups are queried for an available trunk and once an available trunk is located, the call is placed. The automatic route selection algorithm monitors the call to determine if an error message or error tone is received. If an error message or error tone is received, a set of remaining trunk groups not previously queried are queried for an available trunk to route the call.

Abstract: In an optical regenerator for use in an optical transmission system, an optical input signal to the regenerator comprising N wavelength division multiplexed channel signals is received in a signal synchronizing arrangement which synchronizes the phase of all of the N channels, where N·2. An optical output signal from the signal synchronizing arrangement has N phase-synchronized wavelength division multiplexed channels and is provided as an optical input signal to a nonlinear optical loop mirror (NOLM) arrangement. The NOLM has a high nonlinearity fiber loop that propagates equal parts of the optical input signal from the signal synchronizing arrangement in both a clockwise (CW) and a counterclockwise (CCW) direction. An optical clock signal from a laser having a phase that matches the phase of the CW and CCW propagating signals is multiplexed with the CW signal to provide a 180 degree phase shift between the CW and CCW propagating signals while propagating in the optical fiber loop.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for wireless communication. A base unit and a mobile unit are provided which are operable to communicate over an air interface having a plurality of channels. The method and system further include transmitting from the mobile unit a message on a selected channel for a first predetermined time. The channels are scanned at the base unit. Also, the message is detected at the base unit on the selected channel and the selected channel is used as an initial channel for a wireless communication link between the mobile unit and the base unit.

Abstract: A non-coherent receiver for digitally modulated signals, linearly or not, possibly combined with channel coding, is described. In the case of M-PSK, or M-QAM modulations, the received signal is demodulated and filtered by a filter matched to the transmitted pulse. In the case of linear modulations in presence of intersymbol interference, and non-linear M-CPM modulations, the reception filter is of the whitened matched type. The signal is filtered and sampled and the samples are accumulated in a relevant memory containing N-1 samples preceding the current one. These samples are processed by a Viterbi processor estimating the sequence of transmitted symbols according to a maximum likelihood criteria. A first embodiment calculates suitable trellis branch metrics using an implicit estimation of the carrier phase in PSP mode (Per- Survivor-Processing).