Abstract: Apparatus and method to minimize power usage by electronic devices. In a particular disclosed example, the battery power of a remote handset is reduced by extending the sniff period of a cordless telephone when the remote handset is remote from its base unit and the user is not likely to use the cordless telephone (e.g., when away from the house or when asleep). A low power mode module causes the electronic device, e.g., the remote handset of a cordless telephone, to remain in an extended low power STANDBY mode, or to extends the period of the periodic transition to a receive only STANDBY mode to check status registers at the base unit, at appropriate times. In one embodiment, a low power mode table contains entries defining periods of time during which the remote handset may transition between the low power STANDBY mode and the receive only STANDBY mode. The remote handset transitions to a fully powered transmit/receive (TDD) ON mode, e.g.

Abstract: A system and method for automating the initiation of a telecommunications session and a calling card to use with the system or the method. In one embodiment, an automated telephony interface system includes a scanner and a session initiator which is coupled to the scanner. The initiator extracts a telephone number from information read by the scanner and transmits a signal containing the telephone number to a telecommunications device in order to initiate a telecommunications session.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying the location of nearby electronic devices location relative to a user device. An electronic user device transmits a GPS coordinate request to all nearby electronic devices. The nearby electronic devices respond with their device GPS location information and then the user device displays the location of each electronic device that responded relative to the user device location.

Abstract: A user can program the user's VCR when away from home by calling the user's home telephone number and remotely interacting with the user's telephone which is adapted for programming the VCR in accordance with the invention. A telephone answering device according to the invention thus includes an incoming call signal decoder adapted to decode a signal contained within an incoming call, and an output device adapted to output a control signal to a remotely controlled device in response to the decoded signal. In an alternative embodiment, a method of programming a video recording device includes steps of calling, from a telephone at a remote location, to a telephone answering device; and providing a programming signal to the telephone answering device, wherein the telephone answering device responds to the programming signal to program the video recording device.

Abstract: Apparatus and method to receive and record an Emergency Alert System warning message on a voice messaging system. A voice messaging system such as a telephone answering device includes an Emergency Alert System radio receiver and detector module to receive and record an Emergency Alert System warning message. The emergency message can be reviewed either locally or remotely. In another embodiment, an Emergency Alert System warning message is received by a telephone system, and played in the earpiece or speaker on a substantially real-time basis. In yet another embodiment, an Emergency Alert System warning message may be recorded and then forwarded to another location based on address information (e.g., telephone number, e-mail address, pager number, etc.) which would not otherwise be within the broadcast area of the original Emergency Alert System warning message.

Abstract: Apparatus and method to minimize power usage by electronic devices. In a particular disclosed example, the battery power of a remote handset is reduced by extending the sniff period of a cordless telephone when the remote handset is remote from its base unit and the user is not likely to use the cordless telephone (e.g., when away from the house or when asleep). A low power mode module causes the electronic device, e.g., the remote handset of a cordless telephone, to remain in an extended low power STANDBY mode, or to extends the period of the periodic transition to a receive only STANDBY mode to check status registers at the base unit, at appropriate times. In one embodiment, a low power mode table contains entries defining periods of time during which the remote handset may transition between the low power STANDBY mode and the receive only STANDBY mode. The remote handset transitions to a fully powered transmit/receive (TDD) ON mode, e.g.

Abstract: When a plurality of cordless telephones (e.g., digital cordless telephones) are used within range of one another, base units of one or more of the digital cordless telephones may receive transmissions from others of the digital cordless telephones. Conventionally, the base unit would simply ignore information relating to that received from an unintended remote handset, i.e., a remote handset having a security code which fails to match that of the receiving base unit. However, in accordance with the principles of the present invention, information regarding the unique security code received with respect to other remote handsets (i.e.

Abstract: In one embodiment according to the invention, a telephonic apparatus includes an interface to a network, a memory adapted to store a telephone number, a text-to-speech module adapted to produce audible signals associated with the stored telephone number, a processor, and a local input unit. The local input unit is adapted to produce an input signal in response to user activation, and the processor is adapted to respond to the input signal by retrieving the stored telephone number from the memory and causing the text-to-speech module to produce the audible signals for transmission to the network via the interface. In an alternative embodiment according to the invention, a method of transmitting Caller ID data to a distant party includes the steps of receiving a local input command, retrieving stored Caller ID data in response to the local input command, producing audible signals based on the retrieved Caller ID data, and transmitting the audible signals to the distant party.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically forwarding calls directed to a wireless telephone device is disclosed. A call forwarding operation is automatically enabled in response to the wireless telephone device being at a particular location and is automatically disabled in response to the wireless telephone device leaving said predetermined location.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for overcoming interference which occurs when one or more cordless devices seek to communicate over the same range of narrow band channels. Any one of a number of algorithms not based on channel clarity may be utilized to order groups of available channels which surround a cordless device. The device then selects a channel from within the ordered group of channels to assure clear communications between a cordless telephone handset and base. The algorithm may be randomly selected from among a number of algorithms or may be selected by other means.

Abstract: An system and method of reminding a user of any missing portable electronic devices when leaving a location. A reminder device transmits a signal to each of the reminder enabled devices. The reminder device then alerts the user of any reminder enabled devices that did not transmit acknowledgement signals.

Abstract: An indication unit for use with a portable wireless device is provided. The indication unit senses, via a proximity detector, that the user has returned to the vicinity of the portable wireless device sometime after the device has been in a stationary position and reminds the user of some important pending message through the use of a predetermined user indication. The portable wireless device may be a wireless telephone unit, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a short message service (SMS) device, a pager, or any other portable wireless device capable of storing a message of such a nature that a user would want to be notified and/or reminded of its existence in quick fashion upon returning to the vicinity of the wireless device.

Abstract: A communications system is provided in which a short message service (SMS) message is sent from a calling telephone device to a called telephone device which contains caller identification information and an associated annunciation message. The called telephone stores the annunciation message in association with the identification information. The annunciation information is used whenever an incoming telephone call is received from the calling telephone device.

Abstract: A virtual coach is provided in the form of a master communications device and one or more player associated communications devices. The master communication device includes a processor which receives information on game play conditions and/or player and game object locations, analyzes the information, and formulates an appropriate coaching instruction which is transmitted to one or more selected players.

Abstract: Apparatus and method to generate an alternative receiver off-hook (AROH) notification signal to a user of a telephone system suffering from an extended off-hook condition. The alternative receiver off-hook notification signal may be, e.g., an e-mail message sent to a preferred e-mail address, a paging message sent to a preferred pager number, a facsimile message sent to a preferred facsimile machine, and/or an audible message sent to a preferred alternative telephone. More than one alternative receiver off-hook notification device may be used, and are preferably prioritized such that as one notification device fails to rectify the off-hook condition, the next priority notification device will be utilized after a suitable delay. Thus, the user of the telephone system can receive notification of the off-hook condition of their telephone system even when not within an audible or visual distance of the telephone system.

Abstract: The current draw of a wireless device, e.g., a cordless telephone, is minimized for a cradled remote handset drawing power from an AC outlet. This allows a greater portion of the total current amperage provided by the AC to DC converter to be allowed to charge the battery in the remote unit, and reduces the overall maximum or peak value of the current draw of the wireless device. With an improved peak power budget, a smaller (and presumably less expensive) AC to DC adapter than otherwise necessary may be used to power the wireless device. In one aspect, sniff operations of the remote handset are disabled or otherwise suppressed while the remote handset is in the cradle of the base unit, e.g., receiving a quick charge or trickle charge to its battery. In a second aspect, sniff operations of the base unit are disabled or otherwise suppressed while the remote handset is in the cradle of the base unit.

Abstract: A telephone or adjunct Caller ID device adaptively stores Caller ID data based, for example, on a handling status of an incoming call. In a particular example, a telephone or Caller ID device includes a memory adapted to store Caller ID data associated with an incoming call, and a processor adapted to affect storage of the Caller ID data based on a status of the incoming call, such as whether the incoming call is answered. In an alternative embodiment, a method of receiving an incoming telephone call includes the steps of receiving Caller ID data associated with the incoming telephone call, evaluating a status of the incoming telephone call, and making a Caller ID storage decision based on the status of the incoming telephone call. The decision may be based on handling of the incoming telephone call, such as whether the incoming telephone call is answered, or whether it is answered by a person.

Abstract: A method of using an intercom on a cordless telephone during an active call. The active call is put on hold while the intercom is in use. Once the call is re-activated, the intercom is shut off. This system may be designed for a cordless telephone with one handset or a plurality of handsets.

Abstract: Customer premises telephone equipment and methods are provided for automatically recording telephone conversations based on a comparison of call related information (for incoming calls) or dialed telephone numbers (outgoing calls) to entries in a user defined automatic conversational record table. An automatic conversational record module compares the received or entered call related information, e.g., a telephone number, to the entries in the user defined automatic conversational record table and automatically activates recordation of the telephone conversation if a match is determined. The entries in the user defined automatic conversation record table may be entered manually, e.g., using a keypad, may be based upon previously received call related information, or may be transferred from other memory in the customer premises equipment, e.g., speed dial telephone numbers.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for monitoring a plurality of audio sources and switching from one to another of the audio sources in accordance with a stored program. An audio output device receives a signal from each of the portable electronic devices and selectively switches the contents of its output according to at least one preprogrammed user preference. The audio output device also automatically communicates with transceiver modules connected to local information systems, for example within a vehicle, office or shopping center. Based on programs stored in a storage device connected to the headset, the local information sources may be monitored and selected to interrupt other audio sources received by the headset when desired.