Abstract: A display device is provided which permits viewing of both hardcopy and digital images. An embodiment of an image viewing station comprises a housing having an internal light source and a light transmissive display panel coupled to the housing such that light from the internal light source passes therethrough. Hardcopy images affixed to an outer surface of the display panel may be transilluminated by the light passing through the display panel. Digital images may also be displayed on the display panel, by projecting the digital images onto either the inner or outer surface of the display panel. Alternatively, the panel could include a light emitting or light transmissive display panel, such as a liquid crystal display or an electroluminescent panel. Light emitted by the display panel may be sufficient to transilluminate a hardcopy image disposed on an outer surface of the display panel.

Abstract: A device (FIG. 1, item 110), which may be remotely controlled, inserted between a telephone (FIG. 1, item 100) and a telephone line (FIG. 1, item 120) that controls the telephone's ringer to silence it or not, to cause it to ring in a different manner to signal an event other than an incoming telephone call (FIG. 1, item 140), and/or to signal another device (FIG. 1, item 130) to indicate an incoming call.

Abstract: An apparatus inserted between a local computer and a local video monitor to split the video signal for transmission over transmission media to a remote splitter which feeds a remote video monitor, as well as to the local video monitor. Input may be accepted into the remote splitter from various input devices and transmitted back to the local video monitor or local computer over the transmission media and through the local splitter.

Abstract: An apparatus inserted between a local computer and a local video monitor to split the video signal for transmission over transmission media to a remote splitter which feeds a remote video monitor, as well as to the local video monitor. Input may be accepted into the remote splitter from various input devices and transmitted back to the local video monitor or local computer over the transmission media and through the local splitter.