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: A safety system for electronic devices having multiple power inputs includes dedicating a different power detector to each power input and includes disabling all of the power inputs upon detection that one input has been disabled. Each of the power inputs is typically a power cord that provides electrical energy to a discrete electrical circuit. Thus, the safety system permits the electronic device to use a different power supply for each electrical circuit, while ensuring that there is no erroneous assumption that disconnecting one of the power cords will de-energize the entire electronic device. In the preferred embodiment, the paths to the power supplies are disabled by opening relay switches, with the switches that are specific to a power cord being in a logical AND arrangement.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for automatically notifying a user of an awaiting message. A wireless communication system including an identification system is utilized. The identification means identifies a registered user of the wireless communication system. A mail notification system is used for notifying the registered user of an awaiting message. A communication system checks for awaiting messages for the identified registered user. If an awaiting message is present, the communication system triggers the mail notification system.

Abstract: A method of upgrading a system, such as a computer, that supports a variety of devices includes locating and identifying a first supported device and determining location information related to a remote site at which device-level software is stored. The determination of location information is an automated response to identifying the first device and the device-level software at the remote site is specific to the identified device. The remote site is automatically accessed via transmission lines. The device-level software is then downloaded from the remote site to the system. In the preferred embodiment, the automated process that frees the user from intervention is carried to the installation of the downloaded software and the autoconfiguration of system resources. For personal computers, the downloaded software is typically driver software.

Abstract: A method is provided for a telephone subscriber to distinguish between callers. The method is accomplished by storing a pass code for a subscriber's telephone within a memory of the telephone system. Callers who have been informed of the pass code and who call the subscriber's telephone and enter the pass code receive special treatment. For example, upon the caller calling the subscriber's telephone, a normal ringing pattern is applied to the subscriber's telephone while a ring back signal is returned to the caller. Upon the caller entering the pass code, a special ringing pattern is applied to the subscriber's telephone. The special ringing pattern is different than the normal ringing pattern and thus indicates to a subscriber of the subscriber's telephone, even before the telephone is answered, that the caller is one of a select group of callers to whom the subscriber has shared the pass code.

Abstract: A system for notifying a user of awaiting messages is provided. In the preferred embodiment, this system includes a messaging device (30), a lock system (20), a central computer (40) and a output device (50). Central computer (40) processes signals from lock system (20) and to messaging device (30). Central computer (40) also monitors lock system (20) and sends user related information to messaging device (30). Output device (50) automatically contacts the user with information related to the awaiting messages.

Abstract: A method of preserving privacy in an electronic storage-and-retrieval message system includes providing access by designated persons to manipulating interface features for storage/retrieval information related to directing messages, while restricting access to any stored messages. In a voice mail system, the storage/retrieval interface feature includes the greeting that is presented to a calling party. A first access code, such as a password, is assigned to enable access to the interface features, while a second access code is assigned to enable message-retrieval. In the preferred embodiment, changes to a greeting or the like are reported in an audit message that is stored in the user's mailbox. The audit message is automatically generated. The audit message notifies the user of the history of any changes. Changes to a greeting may also be automatically generating by using a stepped sequence of prompts to solicit information relating to the user.

Abstract: A method and system of enabling incoming and outgoing call capability for a digital telephone that is limited to analog transmissions include providing a converter that locally supports the protocol of the digital telephone, but that converts digitized signals of voice information, party-specific call messages and call-handling call messages into outgoing analog signals. In one embodiment, one analog signal carries the voice information and a second analog signal carries the party-specific and call-handling call messages, with the first analog signal being transmitted via a public switching telephone network and the second analog signal being transmitted via a data network. Received analog signals are reconverted to digital signals having the appropriate protocol. In another embodiment, the voice information, the party-specific call messages and the call-handling call messages are transmitted along a single digital link between two converters, typically by means of a data network.