Abstract: A speech recognition apparatus is provided with a word dictionary managing subword sequences of words that have possibility of being input together with information indicating importance of each of subwords in each subword sequence which forms a word, where the importance indicates whether or not the subwords of the word are an important factor when recognizing the word, a managing part for managing standard values of acoustic feature patterns of each of the subwords, a generating part for successively reading the words stored in the word dictionary and for generating acoustic feature patterns of each of read subwords using the standard values managed by the managing part, and a collating part for calculating and evaluating distances between an acoustic feature pattern of an input word that is to be recognized and each of the acoustic feature patterns generated by the generating part by referring to the information.

Abstract: A method of invoking a telephone user profile comprised of storing in a database a user telephone service profile containing a directory number of a user, in association with a telephone set line, transmitting the user telephone service profile to a central computer, transmitting the service profile to a group of telephone office switches from the computer, storing the service profile at each of the telephone office switches in the group, and providing service to the user at each of the telephone office switches in the group in accordance with the service profile.

Abstract: A method and system for transmitting text information using multifrequency signals is provided. A switching center transmits a first multifrequency signal indicating the start of a text transmission. A receiver unit receives the first multifrequency signal and prepares to receive text information. The switching center transmits to the receiver unit a second and third multifrequency signals after the first multifrequency signal. The second and third multifrequency signals contain information corresponding to a text character. The receiver unit receives the second and third multifrequency signals and determines the text character transmitted. The switching center transmits a fourth multifrequency signal to the receiver unit indicating the end of the text transmission.

Abstract: The invention concerns digital synthesis of multiple frequencies a telephone, which are combined, in order to produce a replica of a bell sound. The invention also concerns detection of a power failure, and actuation of a low-power annunciator, which rings when a ring signal is received on a telephone line.

Abstract: A telecommunications device (10) includes an input terminal (12,13) for coupling to an input line of a telecommunications network. A detection arrangement (17, 18, 23) is coupled to the input terminal (12,13) for providing an output voltage in response to a voltage on the input line exceeding a threshold level. An output terminal (21) is coupled to receive the output voltage from the detection arrangement (17, 18). The detection arrangement (17, 18) includes a control arrangement (17) for setting the threshold level in response to a received control signal (19).

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.

Abstract: A dual mode mobile telephone apparatus includes an echo canceler. In a hands-free conversation mode, a received speech output from a loudspeaker is input to a microphone by circulate cross talk and transmitted to the destination side so that an acoustic echo may be generated. The echo canceler cancels the acoustic echo. A center clipper for eliminating a residual echo signal having a level lower than a preset level is provided at the output side of the echo canceler. Enabling/disabling operations of the center clipper are controlled in accordance with a volume control level for a reception signal and transmission/reception state detection signal from a voice switching circuit which controls gains of reception channel and transmission channel in the opposite directions.

Abstract: A radiotelephone (101) comprises a receiver (217), a transmitter (215), an attenuator (305), a loudspeaker (203) and a microphone (201). The receiver (217) receives a forward audio signal (257) on a forward signal path (256) coupled to the loudspeaker (203) for producing a first acoustic signal (263). The transmitter (215) transmits a reverse audio signal (243) generated by the microphone (201) on a reverse signal path (248). A portion of the first acoustic signal (263) is coupled to the microphone (201) for producing a feedback audio signal (337) on the reverse signal path (248). The attenuator (305) attenuates the reverse audio signal (337) responsive to a measure of the feedback audio signal (339). The measure of the feedback audio signal (339) preferably comprises a signal to noise ratio measurement of the feedback audio signal (337). The attenuator (305) is further responsive to the first audio signal (257), and an acoustic audio signal (239) which may also be coupled to the reverse signal path (248).

Abstract: An audio system for multimedia computer systems and method for use are provided including an audio module having speakers, a microphone and associated circuitry. The audio module is adapted to be interposed between a monitor and a monitor pedestal such that the audio module swivels and tilts in concert with the monitor. The circuitry is adapted to drive the audio module speakers and to drive only one speaker and the microphone in a speaker phone mode.

Abstract: A method and system permit monitoring the performance of a call center agent or similar service representative in servicing calls in a call center by determining an interval within which to monitor the service representative's performance in responding to calls, as well as by determining a number of calls or length of time for monitoring the representative within the interval. The invention automatically and randomly determines the precise time within the interval for monitoring the agent for a pre-determined period of time or for a pre-determined number of calls and records the performance of the service representative at the automatically and randomly determined time with or without notification to the agent. The recorded performance may then be listened to and annotated by a call center supervisor.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for use with a subscriber line interface circuit in a telephone system, the subscriber line interface circuit being interposed between a telephone central office and a subscriber line, the subscriber line being coupled with a subscriber telephone device.

Abstract: Computerized switching system a method of connecting a caller and a called party or target by a manual or automated dialer by informing a control station of a PIN or ID number and optionally the service type, and having the call routed based on pre-programmed numbers provided by the called party. The call is routed to a destination that may be based on many factors, including the hour of day, priority of call, service type, destination and origination of caller and other programmed commands. The called party has the ability to administer the routings and direct all call flows, including destination, scanning originator, time, etc. A dialer service pre-programmed with access and PIN numbers may be used to automate these procedures.

Abstract: An improved dual tone multifrequency (DTMF) or multitone signal detector which more efficiently and reliably detects DTMF signals. The present invention performs twist computations only when the signal has become stable, thus achieving more accuracy and reliability. The DTMF detector receives a plurality of digital samples of a received signal and calculates energy values for each of the plurality of different uncorrelated frequencies. The DSP then determines maximum values of the energy values for each of the two or more frequency groups, referred to as M(1) and M(2), to detect the plurality of tones in the received signal. The DTMF detector then performs improved twist computation and thresholding. The DTMF detector first determines if the M(1) and M(2) values of the respective frame being examined have the same indices.

Abstract: A digital loop system with a distributed architecture that provides telephone services with high reliability and quality and is cost-effective to install. The system is central office powered and uses a trunk unit interface to interface with a wide range of mechanical and electronic switches. The trunk unit interface connects to remote terminals via digital transmission lines. The remote terminals drive a large number of subscriber circuits through short subscriber loops. The distributed digital loop system employs sealed and environmentally hardened packaging for flexible outdoor installation. The electronic circuitry used by the remote terminals is divided into modules for flexible, incremental deployment of the system.

Abstract: A telephone handset having a housing, a loudspeaker, and microphone arranged to be brought into operating proximity with a user. A rocker member (41) extends through a side surface (16) of the housing and is arranged to be resiliently pushable in a first direction (46) and resiliently pushable in a second direction (47). A first switch (26) and a second switch (27) are mounted to a circuit board (25) in the housing; each arranged to cooperate with the rocker member so that the first switch is activated when the rocker member is pushed in the first direction and the second switch is activated when the rocker member is pushed in the second direction. The rocker member itself pivots about a pivot (31) directly mounted to the circuit board. Connection of the rocker member on the pivot directly on the circuit board facilitates fabrication of the circuit board into the housing without the constraint of ensuring, at this stage, that the rocker member co-operates with the switches mounted to the circuit board.

Abstract: A telephone subscriber circuit is coupled via a single galvanic isolation element to provide, from a subscriber apparatus unconnected to the telephone line, on- and off-hook signals to the telephone line and to control transfer of telephonic signals between the subscriber apparatus and the telephone line. The galvanic isolation element is a photocoupler. The subscriber circuit includes a speech circuit coupled to the line through a diode bridge circuit and an electronic switch is connected between the speech circuit and the diode bridge circuit. An input terminal of the speech circuit and a control terminal of the electronic switch are each connected through a voltage-generating circuit and level-translating circuit to an output terminal of the galvanic isolation element.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for providing compatible universal identification telephone protocols by generating predetermined unique audio sequences recognizable by the telephone user as defining standardized Audio Icon information and distinct from and separated from one another and other telephonically transmitted signals; sending and receiving such generated audio sequences on a public switched telephone network having paths the parameters of which fall within predetermined specified training sets, including modem performance standards; and assuring recognition and correct identification of such audio sequences conveyed along such paths.

Abstract: An arrangement in an intelligent network for queuing incoming calls to a destination number during peak calling times and initiating call-backs based on the order that the incoming calls were originally placed in the queue. Translation tables in a subscriber's telephone switching office have terminate attempt triggers and disconnect triggers set to the subscriber's number. A disconnect detection triggers a query from the telephone switching office to an integrated services control point (ISCP), at which point the ISCP accesses the first caller in the queue and sends a message to the originating office serving the first caller to ring the first caller and the subscriber's number. A call to the subscriber's number triggers a query from the telephone switching office serving the subscriber to the ISCP. If the call is from the first caller in the queue, the ISCP instructs the telephone switching office to connect the call to the subscriber.

Abstract: A transformable hinge (130) foldably connects two substrates (110, 120) at curved mating edges (140, 150). The transformable hinge (130) is capable of folding between a closed position for storage and an open position for use. In the open position, the transformable hinge (130) exhibits a configuration which orients an audio transducer (320) for communication of sound with the user's head when in the open position. Radiotelephone circuitry can be part of one substrate (110) and accessories can be received by the other of the substrates (120).

Abstract: A speakerphone which employs non-linear amplifiers to compress transmit and receive signals, and level detectors to determine levels of the compressed transmit and receive signals. Compressed transmit and receive signal levels are compared against one another by a comparator with hysteresis, to enable one of two speakerphone modes of operation--either a transmit mode or a receive mode. Fixed attenuators are switched into either the receive signal path or into the transmit signal path, depending upon the current speakerphone mode. The speakerphone functions described herein are readily implemented using inexpensive control circuitry and a standard telephone line interface, which can be shared by a telephone handset and other components of an integrated telephone system.