Patent number: 5568536
Abstract: An option attach connector has a first indicator bit combination that alerts the device that a public switched telephone network connection has been made to it. The presence of the first indicator bit combination is a signal to the device that telephone, FAX, and E-MAIL communications applications are to be conducted over a PSTN link. The presence of the first indicator bit combination invokes a stored computer program to provide appropriate connections between the PSTN link and the telephone, FAX, and modem hardware in the device. The connections are made by an audio multiplexer that receives control signals from the system CPU, while executing the stored computer program. The program determines the communications application selected by the user and selectively configures the PSTN link to be connected to the either the ear piece and microphone for voice communications, or to the FAX/modem for FAX communications, or to the modem alone for E-MAIL communications.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 25, 1994
Date of Patent:
October 22, 1996
Assignee:
International Business Machines Corporation
Inventors:
Byron K. Tiller, David J. Allard, Connie Y. Au, Francis J. Canova, Jr., Daniel M. Hsieh, Julie F. Goodwin, Debra A. G. Johnson, Charles S. Lanier, James R. Lewis, Jean L. Stout, William Villafana, Raymond L. Yee, Russell S. Padgett, Robert B. Ferrier, Anthony F. Corkell, Thomas T. Murakami, Bradley J. DeBauche, Wayne P. Whitley, Neal A. Osborn, Brent A. Beatty, Roger L. Cox, James C. Wulf, Jose L. Rivero