Abstract: A broadband multi-drop local network, interface and method for multimedia access. A local network architecture include a wired bus coupleable directly to an external data network terminal and configured for carrying broadband packetized data traffic over a frequency spectrum uninterrupted by other defined data channels or services; and one or a plurality of network transceivers operable individually for coupling an addressable network device processing a defined class of information to the bus wherein each network appliance is configured for and further operable for providing communication interfacing of the class of information of each addressable network appliance with the packetized IP data traffic on the wired bus.

Abstract: A broadband multi-drop local network, interface and method for multimedia access. A local network architecture include a wired bus coupleable directly to an external data network terminal and configured for carrying broadband packetized data traffic over a frequency spectrum uninterrupted by other defined data channels or services; and one or a plurality of network transceivers operable individually for coupling an addressable network device processing a defined class of information to the bus wherein each network appliance is configured for and further operable for providing communication interfacing of the class of information of each addressable network appliance with the packetized IP data traffic on the wired bus.

Abstract: A broadband multi-drop local network, interface and method for multimedia access. A local network architecture include a wired bus coupleable directly to an external data network terminal and configured for carrying broadband packetized data traffic over a frequency spectrum uninterrupted by other defined data channels or services; and one or a plurality of network transceivers operable individually for coupling an addressable network device processing a defined class of information to the bus wherein each network appliance is configured for and further operable for providing communication interfacing of the class of information of each addressable network appliance with the packetized IP data traffic on the wired bus.

Abstract: A telephone communications system, a method of delivering content to a calling party and a method of distributing information to a calling party. In one embodiment, the telephone communications system includes: (1) a master subsystem configured to store ringback information including content and application rules for the ringback information and (2) a trunk interface subsystem coupled to the master subsystem and configured to perform call processing and apply at least a portion of the ringback information to at least one call-in-progress according to the application rules.

Abstract: Voice activated dialing is described for use in a mobile telecommunications system. A voice input is received from a wireless network user. A telephone number to be dialed is determined by using speaker independent speech recognition to interpret a string of spoken digits in the voice input to determine the telephone number, or using speaker dependent speech recognition to interpret a spoken word in the voice input to determine the telephone number. A telephone call is then initiated by dialing the telephone number.

Abstract: An advanced telecommunications system is provided for the recognizing of spoken commands over a cellular telephone, satellite telephone, or personal communications network. In the cellular application, for example, a Speech Recognition System interconnects either internally with or as an external peripheral to a cellular telecommunications switch. The Speech Recognition System includes an administrative subsystem, a call processing subsystem, a speaker-dependent recognition subsystem, a speaker-independent recognition subsystem, and a data storage subsystem. The Speech Recognition System also allows for increased efficiency in the cellular telephone network by integrating with the switch or switches as a shared resource. The administrative subsystem of the Speech Recognition System is used to keep statistical logs of pertinent call information. Pre-recorded instructional messages are stored in the memory of the call processing subsystem for instructing a user on his or her progress in using the system.

Abstract: Voice activated dialing is described for use in a mobile telecommunications system. A voice input is received from a wireless network user. A telephone number to be dialed is determined by using speaker independent speech recognition to interpret a string of spoken digits in the voice input to determine the telephone number, or using speaker dependent speech recognition to interpret a spoken word in the voice input to determine the telephone number. A telephone call is then initiated by dialing the telephone number.

Abstract: A broadband multi-drop local network, interface and method for multimedia access. A local network architecture include a wired bus coupleable directly to an external data network terminal and configured for carrying broadband packetized data traffic over a frequency spectrum uninterrupted by other defined data channels or services; and one or a plurality of network transceivers operable individually for coupling an addressable network device processing a defined class of information to the bus wherein each network appliance is configured for and further operable for providing communication interfacing of the class of information of each addressable network appliance with the packetized IP data traffic on the wired bus.

Abstract: Broadband multi-drop local network, interface and method for multimedia access. A local network architecture include a wired bus coupleable directly to an external data network terminal and configured for carrying broadband packetized data traffic over a frequency spectrum uninterrupted by other defined data channels or services; and one or a plurality of network transceivers operable individually for coupling an addressable network device processing a defined class of information to the bus wherein each network appliance is configured for and further operable for providing communication interfacing of the class of information of each addressable network appliance with the packetized IP data traffic on the wired bus.

Abstract: A telephone communications system, a method of delivering content to a calling party and a method of distributing information to a calling party. In one embodiment, the telephone communications system includes: (1) a master subsystem configured to store ringback information including content and application rules for the ringback information and (2) a trunk interface subsystem coupled to the master subsystem and configured to perform call processing and apply at least a portion of the ringback information to at least one call-in-progress according to the application rules.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an intelligent call processing platform for use with a home telephone system. The system consists of a processing unit interfaced with a variety of memory storage areas, a switching central office providing local telephone service and a plurality of telephone handsets. Using a variety of voice and/or pushbutton commands, a user is able to access a variety of telephone services from any telephone interfaced with the platform. Services provided include identification of incoming callers, automatic speed dialing of user-stored telephone numbers, storage of new numbers to the user-stored list of telephone numbers, and control of peripheral systems interconnected with the intelligent call processing platform.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a concentrating solar energy receiver comprising a primary parabolic reflector having a center and a high reflectivity surface on a concave side of the reflector and having a focal axis extending from the concave side of the reflector and passing through a focal point of the primary parabolic reflector; and a conversion module having a reception surface wherein the reception surface is spaced from the focal point by a predetermined distance and disposed to receive a predetermined cross section of radiant solar energy reflected from the concave side of the primary parabolic reflector for conversion to electrical energy in the conversion module. In one aspect, the conversion module includes a reception surface comprising a planar array of at least one photovoltaic solar cell. In another aspect, the conversion module includes a reception surface coupled to a thermal cycle engine. The mechanical output of the thermal cycle engine drives an electric generator.

Abstract: Broadband multi-drop local network, interface and method for multimedia access. A local network architecture include a wired bus coupleable directly to an external data network terminal and configured for carrying broadband packetized data traffic over a frequency spectrum uninterrupted by other defined data channels or services; and one or a plurality of network transceivers operable individually for coupling an addressable network device processing a defined class of information to the bus wherein each network appliance is configured for and further operable for providing communication interfacing of the class of information of each addressable network appliance with the packetized IP data traffic on the wired bus.

Abstract: Multipoint interface devices (MPID) for digital subscriber line environments are provided. In one embodiment an MPID is provided for each item of customer premises equipment that is connected to the telephone line. An MPID may include a signal transform device having a particular signal transform function. For example, a low band MPID individually adapts each voice band device such as a telephone set, facsimile machine, PBX machine, or the like, to a standard telephone line. A high band MPID individually adapts high speed digital modem devices including ADSL, RADSL or HDSL to a customer's telephone line. Thus, each item of equipment is connected in parallel through an appropriate MPID to a common telephone line. In another embodiment an interface device includes selectable low-band and high-band MPIDs. In another embodiment, an MPID includes means for automatically engaging the MPID only when the affected line is in use.

Abstract: An adaptive transmission line impedance matching device and method are disclosed. The device and method can be used, for example, in xDSL and home phone line network applications. The adaptive impedance matching device comprises a signal transmission section, a signal receiving section, a variable impedance matching network and a signal analysis section. The signal receiving section is operable to receive signal information transmitted across a transmission line. The signal analysis section is then operable to calculate a proper impedance match based upon the signal information and to adjust the variable impedance matching network according to the calculated impedance match. The device and method are robust enough, for example, to account for dynamic mismatches when telephone sets are taken off-hook during digital (e.g., xDSL) network operation.

Abstract: A method and system for selecting a frequency for communication within a premises network are disclosed that offer significant operational advantages. According to one aspect of the present invention, a system for selecting a frequency for communication within a premises network may include a telephone line interface, a transceiver, and a logic/control unit coupled to both the telephone line interface and the transceiver. The telephone line interface may be operable to couple to a premises network. In some embodiments, the logic/control unit may be operable to select a first channel. The first channel may correspond to a first frequency over which communications may be sent from the transceiver to other devices within the premises network.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a concentrating solar energy receiver comprising a primary parabolic reflector having a center and a high reflectivity surface on a concave side of the reflector and having a focal axis extending from the concave side of the reflector and passing through a focal point of the primary parabolic reflector; and a conversion module having a reception surface wherein the reception surface is spaced from the focal point by a predetermined distance and disposed to receive a predetermined cross section of radiant solar energy reflected from the concave side of the primary parabolic reflector for conversion to electrical energy in the conversion module. In one aspect, the conversion module includes a reception surface comprising a planar array of at least one photovoltaic solar cell. In another aspect, the conversion module includes a reception surface coupled to a thermal cycle engine. The mechanical output of the thermal cycle engine drives an electric generator.

Abstract: An advanced telecommunications system is provided for the recognizing of spoken commands over a cellular telephone, satellite telephone, or personal communications network. In the cellular application, for example, a Speech Recognition System interconnects either internally with or as an external peripheral to a cellular telecommunications switch. The Speech Recognition System includes an administrative subsystem, a call processing subsystem, a speaker-dependent recognition subsystem, a speaker-independent recognition subsystem, and a data storage subsystem. The Speech Recognition System also allows for increased efficiency in the cellular telephone network by integrating with the switch or switches as a shared resource. The administrative subsystem of the Speech Recognition System is used to keep statistical logs of pertinent call information. Pre-recorded instructional messages are stored in the memory of the call processing subsystem for instructing a user on his or her progress in using the system.

Abstract: An advanced telecommunications system is provided for the recognizing of spoken commands over a cellular telephone, satellite telephone, or personal communications network. In the cellular application, for example, a Speech Recognition System interconnects either internally with or as an external peripheral to a cellular telecommunications switch. The Speech Recognition System includes an administrative subsystem, a call processing subsystem, a speaker-dependent recognition subsystem, a speaker-independent recognition subsystem, and a data storage subsystem. The Speech Recognition System also allows for increased efficiency in the cellular telephone network by integrating with the switch or switches as a shared resource. The administrative subsystem of the Speech Recognition System is used to keep statistical logs of pertinent call information. Pre-recorded instructional messages are stored in the memory of the call processing subsystem for instructing a user on his or her progress in using the system.

Abstract: An advanced telecommunications system is provided for the recognizing of spoken commands over a cellular telephone, satellite telephone, or personal communications network. In the cellular application, for example, a Speech Recognition System interconnects either internally with or as an external peripheral to a cellular telecommunications switch. The Speech Recognition System includes an administrative subsystem, a call processing subsystem, a speaker-dependent recognition subsystem, a speaker-independent recognition subsystem, and a data storage subsystem. The Speech Recognition System also allows for increased efficiency in the cellular telephone network by integrating with the switch or switches as a shared resource. The administrative subsystem of the Speech Recognition System is used to keep statistical logs of pertinent call information. Pre-recorded instructional messages are stored in the memory of the call processing subsystem for instructing a user on his or her progress in using the system.