Abstract: A method for detecting voice activity comprises receiving audio signals on a plurality of channels and processing the audio signals on the channels to improve the signal-to-noise ratio thereof. The processed audio signals on each channel are then fed to associated voice activity detection algorithms and further processed. A voice or silence determination is then rendered based on at least the output of the voice activity detection algorithms. A voice activity detector is also provided.

Abstract: A method of locating a talker in a reverberant environment comprises receiving multiple audio signals from a microphone array that include direct path audio signal and reverberation signal components. The direct path audio signal components of the multiple audio signals are detected and are used to weight the multiple audio signals. A position estimate based on the weighted audio signals is then calculated. Periods of speech activity are detected and a final position estimate is generated during the periods of speech activity.

Abstract: A system is provided that automates the process of pre-screening calls by reliably identifying callers and directing calls according to user preferences related to specific callers. The automated system answers an incoming call, communicates with the caller, identifies the caller through their unique voice pattern, and redirects the call according to associated policies and/or feature specifications set by the receiver.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for testing connection of customer premise equipment to a trunk, comprising a user interface for receiving user commands from a remote location, memory registers for storing indications of trunk type and status, and a controller for initiating automatic trunk tests responsive to the user commands and in response storing the indications of trunk type and status in the memory registers and outputting the indications to said the interface.

Abstract: An equalizer for a loudspeaker telephone includes a signal generator for generating a reference signal for broadcast by a loudspeaker of the loudspeaker telephone. A filter alters the frequency response of signals prior to broadcast by the loudspeaker. During set-up, a processor processes the reference signal picked up by a microphone remote from the loudspeaker that has been convolved with the acoustical response of the environment to determine coefficients for the filter that are necessary to compensate for the environment acoustics and applies the coefficients to the filter.

Abstract: A system and method for accessing a party with a telephone over a LAN with user verification and dialing achieved by making use of handwriting analysis. A server incorporating phone agents and user agents is linked to software for analyzing the handwriting from a touch sensitive pad. The system and method prevents unauthorized access to a dialed party and ensures user validity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for synchronising slave and master timing, comprising a phase adjust circuit for receiving and delaying an arbitrary clock signal by an adjustable amount and outputting a delayed clock signal related to the slave timing, and a master phase detector and lock circuit for comparing relative phases of the master and slave timing and in response generating and applying delay adjust signals to the phase adjust circuit at a dynamically adjusted rate which is related to the relative phase in order to synchronise the slave and master timing and is thereafter reduced to a minimum rate required to maintain synchronisation of the slave and master timing.

Abstract: A powering arrangement for providing power to an Ethernet connected device, comprising a power unit connected via a first terminal to the device and via a second terminal to an Ethernet cable carrying two signal wire pairs and two spare wire pairs. A connection is provided within the power unit for interconnecting the signal wire pairs and a first one of the two spare wire pairs to the device, and a source of power is provided within the power unit connected to a second one of the spare wire pairs from the device for providing power thereto.

Abstract: An acoustically resistive membrane is incorporated into a gasket construction for use with a microphone. Preferably, a moulded thermoplastic gasket is provided with an integrated acoustically resistive element in the form of a thin perforated membrane that is moulded into the gasket at an appropriate location for optimum acoustic performance.

Abstract: An agent-based networking system and process for building a data warehouse containing application specific information and for mining data therefrom. The networking system utilizes functional and resource agents to communicate with distributed databases in order to collect pertinent data. The agents employ multiple strategies for identifying and resolving potential ambiguities involving information gathered by the process.

Abstract: A system within a PC server cabinet for receiving an externally supplied loop feed voltage (−48 VDC) and generating a ringing voltage (75 VAC) from the loop feed voltage. For universal applicability, the ringing voltage generator is preferably located in a 5.25 inch standard disk-drive housing of the cabinet, allowing it to fit into any PC. All required telecommunications signaling and power is thereby provided in the PC while limiting accidental user exposure to hazardous ringing signal voltage levels.

Abstract: The present invention is a switching power supply having efficient light load regulation at high input voltage. The power supply comprises a pulse-width modulator integrated circuit along with two separate voltage buses. A transformer is connected to the first voltage bus via a first primary winding and is connected to the second voltage bus via a second primary winding both primary windings have a predetermined number of turns proportional to voltages supplied by the two voltage buses. The power supply further comprises a pair of switches connected to the two primary windings and driven by the integrated circuit.

Abstract: A method of initiating a data session between a wireless device and an information network over a wireless communication link includes establishing a voice session between the wireless device and a voice recognition application over the wireless communication link. A speech request is conveyed to the voice recognition application for information to be obtained from the information network. The voice recognition application converts the speech request into search criteria. A search of the information network is then initiated using the speech criteria and the voice session is terminated. A data session is then established with the wireless device and the search results are pushed to the wireless device over the wireless communications link.

Abstract: A call processing apparatus comprises a device for answering an incoming call, an interactive voice unit for eliciting information about the call from the customer, a device for analyzing the caller's response according to predetermined criteria to identify callers having certain behavioral characteristics, and a device for routing callers identified as having these characteristics to predetermined attendant stations. The apparatus therefore permits caller's having special needs to be automatically routed to suitably trained attendants.

Abstract: An adjunct part can be secured to a host part, where the host part defines a recess configured to allow a threaded fastener to secure the host part to a further part. The adjunct part has a resilient boss projecting therefrom and adapted to enter the recess, the boss having an axially extending opening to receive a threaded tightening member. The boss and the threaded tightening member have configurations which allow the tightening member, as it advances into the boss along the opening, to resiliently urge portions of the boss radially outward into binding contact with the interior of the recess, thereby fastening the adjunct part to the host part.

Abstract: A hardware authentication system method for equipment including at least one removable hardware component comprises a processing unit within the equipment that includes a first pseudo-random number generator responsive to at least one non-deterministic event for generating a pseudo-random number. A second pseudo-random number generator is provided on the removable hardware component. The second pseudo-random number generator is also responsive to the at least one non-deterministic event and generates a pseudo-random number. The processing unit compares the pseudo-random numbers generated by the first and second pseudo-random number generators to detect coincidence and thereby determine authenticity of the hardware component.

Abstract: A multi-frequency tone detector with analysis window (i.e. filter size) chosen such that spectral nulls are located at adjacent frequencies of interest. The decision logic block of the tone detector uses the roll-off characteristics of the filter in conjunction with background noise to determine a threshold pass/fail for any tone that has deviated excessively from its nominal value. The foregoing aspects of the invention result in simple filter design (i.e. reduced order) relative to prior art tone detectors.

Abstract: A line circuit utilizing a differential amplifier whose output is regulated to zero volts D.C. (when the subscriber's set is off-hook) by a negative feedback circuit, for controlling a voltage controlled power supply which provides a constant current feed to the subscriber's loop. The differential amplifier also transmits audio signals received from the subscriber's loop directly to a PABX via an unbalanced terminal. When the loop range exceeds a predetermined threshold, the circuit reverts to a voltage feed operation thereby allowing operation over long loop lengths and the ability to provide on-hook CLASS services.

Abstract: A support unit includes an outer panel intended to lie in a vertical plane when in use, the outer panel having a straight, horizontal lower edge. The support unit further includes an inner panel extending generally at right angles to the outer panel and connected thereto along a portion of the lower edge of the outer panel which is adjacent one end of that edge. The inner panel has structure defining a first horizontal contact plane on the upper side of the inner panel, and a second horizontal contact plane on the lower side of the inner panel. These two planes are substantially parallel. The preferred embodiment further includes a flange adjacent the mid-region of the outer panel and extending generally parallel with the two contact planes. In the preferred embodiment, the flange is flat and has a top surface which contains a hypothetical line extending at right angles to the outer panel.