Abstract: A messaging system allows a message recipient to assign different message lengths to different messages. In one embodiment, the recipient sets the length of time per message. In another embodiment, the recipient programs the messaging system with codes that, when matched, enable longer messages. The recipient assigns the codes to “preferred” senders. The senders transmit the code, either explicitly, for example by a sequence of keystrokes, or automatically, for example by transmitting caller identification.

Abstract: A telephone utilizes a grid of light beams to generate signals that are unique to particular key regions of the telephone in response to interruptions of light beams that intersect at the particular key regions. The key regions of the telephone are arranged in a matrix of rows and columns and the light grid includes horizontally and vertically oriented pairs of light sources and photo detectors that have respective light beam paths passing through rows and columns of key regions. The intersection points of one of the horizontal and vertical light beam paths correspond to particular key regions. In one embodiment, the light sources and photo detectors are raised from a surface of the support structure such that the light beam paths cross the matrix of key regions at the exterior of the support structure.

Abstract: A method and system for distinguishing valid DTMF signals from spurious DTMF noise includes detecting signals having a first signal component indicative of DTMF signals and having a second signal component having frequencies unrelated to DTMF frequencies. The second component is utilized in isolation from the DTMF frequencies of the first signal component. The analysis includes determining a signal level representative of the second signal component. If the signal level exceeds a predetermined threshold level, the first signal component is determined to be spurious noise. On the other hand, if the signal level is below the threshold level, the first signal component is passed to a DTMF-responsive system, such as a voicemail system or a voice response unit. Optionally, the operation includes requesting confirmation of the signal of interest, if the signal level of the second signal component falls within a range which includes the threshold level as its upper limit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for using local wiring (102) with a wireless phone (114) are described. The local wiring is coupled to a local phone network (110). Where the local wiring is not engaged with a current call, transmission of calls from the local phone network to the local wiring is inhibited (112, 218) in response to receipt of a wireless transmission by the wireless phone. A ring signal is transmitted (216) to another device (104, 106) coupled to the local wiring. The wireless transmission is converted (214) for transmission over the local wiring. In response to the other device responding to the ring signal, the converted wireless transmission is transmitted (216) to the other device over the local wiring.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for connecting a headset alternately to a telephone line and an audio device. The apparatus includes an audio connector for connecting the apparatus to the audio device, a telephone connector for connecting the apparatus to the telephone line, and a headset connector for connecting the apparatus to the headset. The apparatus also includes a switching circuit connected to the audio, telephone and headset connectors. The switching circuit connects the telephone connector to the headset connector in response to sensing a voltage greater than a predetermined threshold on the telephone line. When the voltage sensed returns to a value less than the predetermined threshold value, the switching circuit reconnects the headset connector to the audio connector.

Abstract: An improved mousepad (100) includes a telephone integrated therewith. A keypad (108) for the telephone is disposed beneath a mylar layer (130). The keypad (108) includes a plurality of capacitive switches (108a, 108b) disposed just beneath the mylar layer. In a mousepad mode, a mouse may be moved around the surface of the mylar in the standard fashion. In a telephone mode, the user may activate the keypad (108) by pressing the buttons which are viewable beneath the mylar.

Abstract: A telephone for use in ISDN telephone systems that implement advanced features such as call forwarding and a method for operating an ISDN telephone system to provide such advanced features are provided for. In an ISDN telephone system implementing the invention, the telephone communicates commands to the switching system by sending codes to the switching system. These codes normally denote keys on the telephone that have been depressed by a user of the telephone. A user of the advanced telephone features having a conventional telephone signals the switching system to activate the advanced telephone feature by depressing a specific key on the conventional telephone.

Abstract: A telephone with a mute ringer function having an automatic disabling feature includes multiple call indicators including a ringer. A power output reducing device is connected to the ringer to reduce the ringer volume prior to a connection between the telephone and a remotely located telephone. A volume switch control unit is connected to the power output reducing device to reset the ringer volume to a level established prior to a volume reduction upon detecting either connectivity to the remotely located telephone or the termination of the connection. A selecting device selects an incoming call indicator prior to the connection to the remote telephone. A reverting device automatically reverts power to a previously selected incoming call indicator upon either establishing connectivity for the call or the termination of the call. In a preferred embodiment, the ringer power output reducing device and the ringer power output resetting device include a volume switch connected to the ringer.

Abstract: A method, system, and device for performing diagnostic testing of digital feature phones remotely located from a diagnostic device includes establishing a bi-directional communications link between a digital feature phone and the diagnostic device. The diagnostic device transmits signals to the digital feature phone which activate a troubleshooting program in the feature phone to perform a self-test and access an error list stored in the memory of the feature phone. The diagnostic device can direct the feature phone's troubleshooting program to execute different troubleshooting procedures; depending on what information is needed. The feature phone transmits the results of the troubleshooting procedures back to the diagnostic device, whereupon the diagnostic device determines the performance characteristics of the feature phone based upon the troubleshooting results.

Abstract: An improved speakerphone that may be viewed as a modification of a conventional half-duplex speakerphone that includes transmit and receive attenuators for alternatively isolating either a speaker or a microphone from a phone line. The attenuators are controlled by a controller that compares a signal generated by the microphone with a signal received on the phone line to determine which of the transmit or receive attenuators should be turned on. In the present invention, a first variable gain amplifier is connected so as to amplify the signal generated by the microphone prior to the signal being connected to the controller, and a second variable gain amplifier is connected so as to amplify the signal received on the phone line prior to the signal being connected to the controller.

Abstract: A server allows a worldwide telephone number associated with a local telephone to be shared by one or more remote telephones. A call placed to the worldwide telephone number rings at the local telephone and at least one of the remote telephones. The server stores a set of telephone numbers to be associated with a worldwide telephone number serviced by the switch to which the local telephone is connected. The server receives notification of a telephone call from a calling telephone to the worldwide telephone number The server retrieves the set of telephone numbers associated with that worldwide telephone number, and places calls to telephone numbers in the set through the switch. The server then causes a connection to be made between the local telephone or the remote telephone, depending on which telephone goes off hook first, to the calling telephone.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for determining the telephony features assigned to a telephone connected to a central switch. By communicating with the central switch, the telephone generates a list of assigned telephony features. The list of telephony features is stored in a nonvolatile memory and displayed to the telephone user.

Abstract: A feature telephone having an internal mechanism for providing access to its features from a remote location. Without third party intervention or the aid of special features on a PBX or public network, a remote user can set up his office phone to transfer telephony features to another phone, such as his home phone. For example, a user can gain access to his company's tie lines and private network from his home telephone. A user can also bill data calls to his office phone or receive office calls at his home phone without the use of a PBX or public network call forwarding feature. According to another aspect of the mechanism, a user can also set up a password to restrict access to his telephone's features and set up a time of day clock to activate call forwarding and feature access between predetermined hours of the day.