Communication systems and method
Users can make landline, wireless and/or internet calls from a conventional landline communication device. If the communication device is on a wireless call, that call may be placed on hold to answer an incoming call on the landline. Likewise, if the communication device is on a landline call, that call may be placed on hold to answer an incoming call on the wireless telephone. Wireless and landline calls may also be conferenced together.
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This application is a divisional of application Ser. No. 10/359,277, filed Feb. 6, 2003, which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. Section 119(e) of provisional Application No. 60/394,283, filed Jul. 9, 2002. the contents of each of these applications are incorporated herein in their entirety.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThis application generally relates to communication systems and methods and, more particularly, to such systems and methods in which communication devices for the conventional Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) may be interfaced with other communication networks such as wireless communication networks and the Internet.
The use of cellular telephones has dramatically increased, resulting in many individuals having at least two different telephones: a conventional landline telephone for home use and a cellular telephone for use away from home or for business. Cellular service providers (CSPs) now offer low-cost calling plans to attract new customers and retain current customers. Eventually, CSPs are likely to offer calling plans (e.g., unlimited nationwide calling) at rates that cause users to consider whether they have any need to subscribe to local telephone companies for telephone services.
Despite the fact that many cellular phone users can make unlimited long distance calls on nights and weekends, it is still an underused feature. In some cases, the under-usage is because many cellular phone users are unable to receive a signal strong enough to make cellular phone calls from their homes. In addition, cellular phones are not designed to maintain long conversations (e.g., greater than 30-minutes) due to over-heating. The ergonomic design and limited battery life of cellular phones further discourages their prolonged use.
In one example embodiment of the communication systems and methods described herein, users can make wireless telephone calls from a conventional landline communication device connected via interface circuitry to a single ring tip line pair. The communication device may be any communication device that is ordinarily configured for communication over a landline such as a telephone, a computer system, a set-top box, a personal video recording device, etc. The interface circuitry is also connected to a wireless communication device. Among other things, the interface circuitry permits both landline calls and wireless calls to be placed and received using the landline communication device. Other communication devices connected to the same landline may be used to place and receive landline calls even if the landline communication device is being used to place or receive a wireless call. The interface circuitry is configured so that if the landline communication device is on a wireless call, that call may be placed on hold to answer an incoming landline call. Likewise, if the landline communication device is on a landline call, that call may be placed on hold to answer an incoming wireless call. Landline and wireless calls may also be conference together. In one example embodiment, the system may be provided with a very sensitive and powerful wireless transceiver that permits the capture and transmission of wireless signals. Although such a transceiver is not required, such a feature if provided extends the communication range of the wireless communication device that is connected thereto.
In an illustrative implementation, upon receipt of an incoming wireless call, the interface circuitry automatically and distinctively rings the landline communication device connected thereto. If the landline communication device is answered, the interface circuitry establishes an audio path between the wireless communication device and the landline communication device. If the user wishes to place a wireless call using the landline communication device, the user picks up the telephone, dials the number of the called party, and then enters a predetermined wireless call code. The interface circuitry provides the number to the wireless communication device, which then dials the number (bypassing the local telephone company). To place a landline call, the user enters a predetermined landline call code that is recognized by the interface circuitry. The communication device is connected to the PSTN and the call may then be placed through the PSTN.
The system can provide wireless connectivity to personal computers, facsimile machines, printers and other computer and electronic devices. Such wireless connectivity allows the system to take advantage of third generation (3G) cellular networks and systems. For example, if the system received video information or text data, the information can be sent to a television screen, computer monitor, printer, facsimile machine and the like.
In accordance with another example embodiment of the communication systems and methods described herein, a communication system includes a caller ID (CID)-enabled landline communication device and interface circuitry connected to a ring-tip line pair and to a wireless communication device. The interface circuitry includes a memory and a processing circuit for transferring data from the wireless communication device to the memory, selectively reading out the contents of the memory in response to inputs from a user requesting display of the contents, and transferring the read-out memory contents to the communication device using a CID protocol. In one illustrative implementation, the read-out data comprises names and telephone numbers. In this case, the inputs from the user may be used to dial a displayed number and/or read out a next or previous name and telephone number. The inputs from the user may also be used to access names beginning with certain letters.
These and other features and advantages provided by the invention will be better and more completely understood by referring to the following detailed description of presently preferred embodiments in conjunction with the drawings.
Interface circuitry 106 is also connected to a wireless communication device 108 for a wireless communication network 107. Wireless communication network 107 may be for any conventional wireless service such as analog advanced mobile phone service (AMPS), digital advanced mobile phone service (D-AMPS), global system for mobile communications (GSM), personal communication service (PCS), satellite service (including low earth-orbiting satellites), specialized mobile radio (SMR), and cellular digital packet data (CDPD). A cellular communication network, for example, is made up of cells, each of which includes at least radio transmitter/receiver with which a cellular communication device can communicate. Under the control of a switching office, the radio transmitter/receiver with which the cellular communication device communicates changes as the cellular communication device moves from one cell to another. Example cellular communication devices include cellular telephones and cellular personal digital assistants (PDAs). In the following description, communication devices 102 and 108 are sometimes referred to as telephones. However, use of the term “telephone” in a particular instance is not intended to exclude the possibility of using other communication devices.
Among other things, interface circuitry 106 permits both landline calls via PSTN 105 and wireless calls via wireless communication network 107 to be placed and received using communication device 102. The other communication devices 110 connected to the same landline 104 as communication device 102 may be used for landline calls even if communication device 102 is being used to place or receive a wireless call because, during a wireless call, communication device 102 is physically disconnected from landline 104 and is connected to the wireless communication device 108 via interface circuitry 106. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the interface circuitry is configured so that if communication device 102 is engaged in a wireless call, that wireless call may be placed on hold to answer an incoming landline call via PSTN 105. Likewise, if the communication device 102 is engaged in a landline call, that landline call may be placed on hold to answer an incoming wireless call via wireless communication network 107. Wireless and landline calls can also be conferenced together.
Communication system 100 may also include other devices 109 connected to interface circuitry 106. For example, such devices may be output devices for outputting information received via the wireless communication system. These devices may include a television, a monitor, a facsimile machine, a printer and the like.
To make a call over PSTN 105 from communication device 102, a user first inputs a predetermined code (e.g., “#”) to the communication device. For example, if the communication device is a telephone, the user may press certain buttons on the keypad of the telephone. Among other things, this code results in interface circuitry 106 connecting communication device 102 to line pair 104. Thereafter, the user can simply dial the number of the called party. To make a call over the wireless communication network from communication device 102, the user simply dials the number of the called party and enters a predetermined code (e.g., “#”) when dialing is finished. When the predetermined code is entered at the end of the called party's number, interface circuitry 106 provides the dialed number to the wireless communication device which then dials the number to place the call.
As an alternative or in addition to determining how to place a call based on the inputting of predetermined codes, the interface circuitry may automatically determine whether to place a call from communication device 102 via PSTN 105 or wireless communication network 107. For example, if one of the other communication devices 110 is already on a landline call, interface circuitry 106 may detect this condition and automatically place any call from communication device 102 over wireless communication network 107 using wireless communication device 108. Interface circuitry 106 may also determine whether to place a particular call from communication device 102 over PSTN 105 or over wireless communication network 107. This determination may, by way of illustration, be based on cost. For example, some monthly cellular telephone plans provide for low cost long-distance calls at certain times such as evenings and weekends. If wireless communication device 108 is a cellular telephone connected to a cellular telephone network, interface circuitry 106 may therefore be configured with intelligence (e.g., real time clock to determine time that a call is placed, a memory storing calling rates, etc.) to place long distance calls from communication device 102 over the cellular communication network via the cellular telephone at these times.
The interface circuitry also includes a ringing Subscriber Line Interface Circuit (SLIC) 20 that performs a variety of functions. Ringing SLIC 20 detects and decodes Dual Tone Multi-Frequency (DTMF) codes generated by communication device 102 and communicates these codes to Digital Signal Processor (DSP) 22. Ringing SLIC 20 creates and generates standard and custom telephone signals and tones such as busy signals, dial tones, and the like, and also rings the communication device 102 when there is an incoming call from PSTN 105 or cellular communication network 107. Specifically, DAA 36 detects incoming calls via line pair 104 and provides an incoming landline call signal to DSP 22. In response to this signal, DSP 22 causes ringing SLIC 20 to ring communication device 102. Similarly, DSP 22 detects incoming calls to cellular communication device 108 via its connection thereto over bus 48. In response to this detection, DSP 22 causes ringing SLIC 20 to ring communication device 102. Ringing SLIC 20 may provide different rings to distinguish between incoming cellular and landline calls. Ringing SLIC 20 also generates analog signals used, for example, to send information such as CID (Caller ID) data to communication device 102. In addition, because communication device 102 is only selectively connected to line pair 104, an integrated DC-DC converter of ringing SLIC 20 is used to power the communication device. Thus, for example, if the communication device is a telephone, a user is able to press buttons on the telephone even though the telephone is not connected to the landline 104. This is desirable because during a cellular call, the telephone needs an external power supply. As noted above, such power is provided by line pair 104 during a landline call. Ringing SLIC 20 also performs on-hook and off-hook detection and generates on-hook and off-hook detection signals that are provided to DSP 22 in response to these detections. On-hook refers to the state in which the communication device is not being used such as when a telephone handset is placed on the cradle. Off-hook is the state when the communication device is in use such as when a telephone handset is removed from the cradle, releasing the hook switch. Ringing SLIC 20 performs serial communication by sending data over a bus 44 to DSP 22 using a standard communication protocol such as 4-wire Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) protocol. Bus 44 is used to send status information (on-hook, off-hook, ringing, etc) to DSP 22, and DSP 22 uses bus 44 to send commands and retrieve information from ringing SLIC 20.
DSP 22 is the central processor of interface circuitry 106 and controls all the functions thereof. For example, DSP 22 is connected via bus 48 to the external data connector of the cellular communication device 108. DSP 22 can control the functions of the cellular telephone (e.g., dialing, answering incoming calls, ending calls, power on/off, etc.) via commands sent over bus 48. Software is programmed into DSP 22 and/or is accessible from memory 42 to implement the various functions described herein. While a DSP is used as a control circuit in the example embodiment, it will be appreciated that various other types of control circuits including microprocessors, microcontrollers, logic circuits, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable array logic, etc. and combinations thereof may be used to implement some or all of the functions described herein.
DAA 36 is an analog interface to line pair 104 whose primary function is to monitor the voltage/current of line pair 104 and to detect incoming landline calls. DAA 36 is connected to DSP 22 via a bi-directional serial communication line 46 and communicates with DSP 22 when certain events occur such as an incoming landline call. DAA 36 detects incoming CID information, functions as a data modem, and may be provided with protocol stacks for applications such as internet access (e.g., dial-up) and voice-over-IP. The DAA has analog-to-digital converters for converting the analog audio signal from line pair 104 to a digital stream that is sent to DSP 22 and digital-to-analog converters for converting digital audio from DSP 22 to analog audio signals that are output to line pair 104. DAA 36 complies with the telephone standard of many countries. 2-to-4-wire (hybrid) converter 40 is a line interface provided between communication device 102 and cellular communication device 108 for, among other things, providing line impedance matching and 2-to-4 wire conversion. Converter 40 permits communication device 102 to send/receive audio to/from cellular communication device 108.
The example interface circuitry shown in
To make a call over PSTN 105, the user first places communication device 102 in the off-hook state. Ringing SLIC 20 detects this off-hook state and sends an off-hook signal to DSP 22. In response to the off-hook signal, DSP 22 closes second switch 32 and third switch 34, and opens first switch 30, audio switch 38 and hold switch 12. The user then presses the # button. Ringing SLIC 20 detects this button press and sends the # button press code to DSP 22. In response to the # button press code, DSP 22 connects communication device 102 to line pair 104 by controlling the various switches so that first and second switches 30, 32 are closed and third switch 34, hold switch 12 and audio switch 38 are open. The user then dials a telephone number to place a call over PSTN 105. If the called party answers, communication such as conversation may begin. If the called party does not answer, the calling party hangs up and communication device 102 is then in an on-hook state.
To make a call over cellular communication network 107 via cellular communication device 108, the user again places communication device 102 in the off-hook state. Ringing SLIC 20 detects this off-hook state and sends an off-hook signal to DSP 22. In response to the off-hook signal, DSP 22 closes second and third switches 32, 34 and opens first switch 30, audio switch 38 and hold switch 12. The user then dials the desired telephone number, which is detected and decoded by ringing SLIC 20 and forwarded to DSP 22. When the user presses “#” after entering the telephone number, DSP 22 closes audio switch 38 and then communicates the telephone number over bus 48 to cellular communication device 108, which thereafter dials the number. DSP 22 may, for example, use RS232 protocol at 9600 baud to communicate over bus 48 with the cellular telephone, although other protocols may readily be utilized. Because audio switch 38 is closed, an audio path is provided between cellular communication device 108 and communication device 102. If the called party answers, communication such as conversation may begin. If the called party does not answer, the calling party hangs up and communication device 102 is then in an on-hook state. Ringing SLIC 20 detects the on-hook state and sends an on-hook signal to DSP 22. DSP 22 thereafter ends the cellular call and disconnects communication device 102 from cellular communication device 108 by opening audio switch 38.
In the above-described implementation, the interface circuitry connects the communication device 102 for a PSTN call in response to the input of a predetermined code before the user enters a telephone number and connects the communication device for a wireless network call in response to the input of a predetermined code after the user enters a telephone number. Of course, it will be readily appreciated that the interface circuitry may be configured to connect the communication device for a wireless call in response to the input of a predetermined code before the user enters a telephone number and to connect the communication device for a PSTN call in response to the input of a predetermined code after the user enters a telephone number.
To place a landline call on hold and connect to a cellular call, switch 12A, 12B is closed and the second switch configuration is then utilized. To place a cellular call on hold and connect to an incoming landline call, the first switch configuration is utilized. Thus, the user has call waiting between landline and cellular calls and the user can press the flash button on their phone to activate this feature (i.e., place the landline call on hold, and answer incoming cellular call or vice versa) when they hear the special call waiting tone. If the user does not subscribe to call waiting, there is a possibility that during a call waiting event (e.g., the user is on a landline call, and there is an incoming cellular call), when the user presses the flash button, the local telephone company will see this flash event and disconnect the landline call. This is because when the flash button is pressed the telephone goes in the on-hook state for 300-700 ms and then goes back into the off-hook state. In short, if the user does not subscribe to a call waiting service, the phone company may disconnect the landline call when the flash button is pressed. To circumvent this problem, the flash button is re-mapped to another button on the telephone such as the “*’ button. In this case, during a call waiting event (as described above) the user presses the “*” button instead of the flash button on his/her telephone. The telephone company will know that the “*” button is pressed, but this press will be ignored. On the other hand, because the interface circuitry can detect an incoming call, when it detects that the “*” button is pressed during a call waiting event, the system places the landline call on hold, and connects the user to the cellular call. This flash functionality can also be provided using a dedicated flash button. Call conferencing between cellular and landline calls may be accomplished in response to an appropriate user input by closing audio switch 38 and placing the other switches in the same configuration as for a landline call (i.e., the first switch configuration described above).
Base unit 204 includes a speaker 211, a microphone 212 and a keypad 213 that can be used, for example, to place and receive calls without using the handset. Base unit 204 also includes a cradle 214 with connector 215, which includes electrical contacts for electrically connecting the base unit to the data connector of a cellular telephone 220. Because the electrical connectors of cellular telephones typically differ from manufacturer to manufacturer (and even within models from the same manufacturer),
Interface circuitry 106 is incorporated within base unit 204. The interface circuitry may include RF circuitry (not shown) for improving the range of the cellular telephone 220, for example, by boosting the power of the transmitted cellular signals and by improving the cellular signal levels that can be detected using an antenna 218. This RF circuitry may be connected to the cellular telephone via the cellular telephone's external antenna connector (not shown).
As explained above, interface circuitry 106, among other things, permits both landline calls and cellular calls to be placed and received using the handset 202. To place a wireless call, the user takes the handset 202 off-hook, enters the telephone number of the called party, and enters “#” (or some other code) after entering the telephone number. If desired, the cellular signals are communicated via the aforementioned RF circuitry. If the called party answers, audio is communicated between the user and the called party via an audio path within the interface circuitry. To place a PSTN call, the user first enters “#” (or some other code). The interface circuitry recognizes this code as indicating that the user wishes to place a PSTN call. The switches within the interface circuitry are then controlled so that handset 202 is connected to line pair 104 and the user can then dial the number of a called party and place the call over the PSTN.
Because DSP 22 is typically configured (or may be easily configured) with the appropriate protocol stacks for Internet access, the user of the systems and methods described herein has the ability of making three types of calls when communication device 102 goes off-hook: landline, wireless and internet (IP). The called party does not have to have the system described herein to receive such calls. In what follows, the user is assumed to have a dialup connection, although other connections such as broadband connections can also be used.
With reference to
More specifically, to place a voice-over-IP (VOIP) call, the user lifts handset, and presses a predetermined internet call code, which places the interface circuitry into an IP call mode. Under the control of DSP 22, DAA 36 dials and connects to the user's ISP. When this connection is established, the user is provided with a confirmation tone, which indicates that a call may now be placed. The user then dials the number he/she wishes to call (e.g., 410-555-5555). When interface circuitry 106 detects the DTMF button presses, it decodes the area code (in this case, the area code for Maryland) and decodes the local exchange “555” which will be assumed to be for Columbia, Md. Then, interface circuitry 106 sends signal via ISP 804 to a local server/voice gateway that is located in that local exchange (i.e., Columbia, Md.). When communication is established with the local server/voice gateway, an instruction is sent which instructs the local server to dial the following number of the called party (i.e., 410-555-5555). The voice (PSTN) gateway of the local server places the call to called party's number. When the call is answered, the gateway acts as the interface between the PSTN call and the IP call. Incoming internet calls to interface circuitry 106 would be the same as receiving a normal landline call because the call would be placed by a local server/voice gateway.
DSP 22 of interface circuitry 106 executes software stored in internal memory and/or in an external memory accessible thereto (such as memory 42). This memory may be read-only memory, read/write memory or some combination thereof and may be volatile and/or non-volatile. Generally speaking, the operations described below may be implemented in hardware, firmware and/or software. In the example embodiment of interface circuitry 106 shown in
The user makes a landline call as follows. First, the user picks up the telephone (i.e., places the telephone in an off-hook state) and enters a predetermined code for a landline call. The user then dials the telephone number of the called party. Ringing SLIC 120 detects the numbers being dialed and sends this information to DSP 122. DSP 122 instructs DAA 136 to go off hook, and DAA 136 dials the telephone number of the called party. If the called party answers, DAA 136 captures, digitizes and compresses the audio from the called party that is communicated over landline 104. This compressed digital data is communicated DSP 122. DSP 122 can optionally process the compressed digital data using digital audio techniques such as audio quality enhancement. DSP 122 sends the digital audio to ringing SLIC 120 via a digital audio data bus 45 (e.g., a PCM serial bus). Although busses 44 and 45 are shown separately, they may be provided as a single bus in another implementation. Ringing SLIC 120 decompresses the audio and converts the digital signal back into analog audio signals, which are then supplied to the telephone so that the user can hear them.
Analog audio from the calling party is supplied to ringing SLIC 120, which digitizes and compresses the audio and communicates the digital audio signal to DSP 122 over the digital audio path. DSP 122 can optionally utilize digital audio processing techniques on the digital audio to, for example, provide audio enhancement. The digital audio signal output from DSP 122 is supplied to DAA 136, which decompresses the audio and converts the digital signal to an analog signal that is then transmitted to the called party via line pair 104.
To make a cellular call from the telephone, the user follows the steps discussed above with respect to the interface circuitry of
The above-described arrangements also advantageously permit data other than audio data to be sent from wireless communication device 108 to communication device 102. For example, the names and associated telephone numbers that are stored in a cellular telephone phonebook may be stored into memory (such as memory 42) each time a cellular telephone is connected to the interface circuitry (e.g., by being placed in cradle 214 in
By way of illustration, stored telephone numbers in a cellular telephone's phonebook may be displayed on communication devices such as telephones that have built-in caller-ID LCD screens. This is advantageous because it enables users of standard landline telephones to retrieve names and telephone numbers stored within their cellular telephones and then place a cellular or landline call from the standard landline telephone using these names and telephone numbers. This feature may be implemented as follows.
Each time a cellular telephone is connected to the interface circuitry, the names and telephone numbers stored in the memory of the cellular telephone are synchronized with the names and telephone numbers stored in memory 42. Specifically, DSP 22 (122) detects the presence of a connection to a cellular telephone and sends a command to the cellular telephone to transfer the contents of its phonebook. DSP 22 (122) updates the phonebook contents in memory 42 (142) based on the contents transferred from the cellular telephone. These steps are performed each time the cellular telephone is connected to the interface circuitry.
To view names and/or telephone numbers that are stored in the cellular telephone's phonebook, the user picks up the standard landline telephone. At this point, the user can do one of four things: (1) make a landline telephone call as described above; (2) make a cellular telephone call as described above; (3) make a voice-over-IP call as described above, or (4) enter a predetermined code to view the contents (names and telephone numbers) of the cellular telephone's phonebook. By way of example, the predetermined code for view the phonebook contents may be “*7”, although it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited in this respect.
Ringing SLIC 20 (12) detects the user's inputs and forwards the inputs to DSP 22 (122). If the DSP determines that the user has input the predetermined code for accessing the phonebook, the DSP retrieves the first name and telephone number from the phonebook stored in memory 42 (142) and encodes the name and telephone number using the CID protocol. DSP 22 (122) then instructs ringing SLIC 20 (120) to send an alert tone to the CID receiver within the user's communication device 102. Upon receiving an acknowledge tone from the CID receiver via ringing SLIC 20 (120), DSP 22 (122) forwards the CID packet (name and telephone number) to ringing SLIC 20 (120). Ringing SLIC 20 (120) then transmits the CID information to the CID-enabled communication device 102, which then displays the name and telephone number on display 210. At this point, the user has a number of options. First, the user can press a predetermined code to dial the telephone number that is displayed. While in the cellular phonebook mode, the user can press one predetermined code (e.g., “*”) to place the call via cellular phone 108 or another predetermined code (e.g., “#”) to place the call using the landline. Second, the user can press a predetermined code to end the phonebook mode. Third, the user can press a predetermined code to go to the next name in the phonebook. Fourth, the user can press a predetermined code to go to the previous name in the phonebook. Fifth, the user can press one of the numbers 2 through 9 to jump to the first name that begins with the first letter corresponding to the number. For example, pressing “6” would jump to the first name beginning with “M” in the phonebook. Pressing “6” again would result in the display of the first name beginning with “N”, while pressing “6” yet again would result in the display of the first name beginning with “0”.
By utilizing the CID protocol, text messages from any source can be transmitted to a CID enabled home telephone. An example of this is as follows. Because the system has the capability to retrieve data from the internet, a user may retrieve stock quotes via the internet to their CID enabled telephone. To enable the stock quote system, the user presses a predetermined code (e.g., “*78”) and the corresponding key which represents the ticket symbol for the stock they are interested in. DSP 22 and DAA 36 are configured to access a web site having the desired information. For example if the user wants to get a quote for America Online (AOL). The user will press the “2” button once (which represents the letter A), and the “6” button three times (which represents 0), and finally the “5” button 3 times (which represents L). The user then presses the # button. Although the user will see the letters “AOL” on the screen, internally DSP 22 (122) will recognize the following number sequence (i.e., 2666777#). The system will retrieve the stock quote from the internet and transmit the quote to the telephone using the CID protocol.
While a user is on a call, communication device 102 may display indicia indicating the call type (e.g., whether the user is currently on a landline call or on a wireless call). In one example implementation, DSP 22 may forward text to the communication device using the CID protocol. If the user is on a landline call, the text may be “landline” or “PSTN” or some other text for informing a user that he or she is currently on a landline call. If the user is on a wireless call, the text may be “cell” or “wireless” or some other text for informing the user that he or she is currently on a wireless call. In addition, communication device 102 may display indicia indicating call status (e.g., dialing, connecting, busy, etc.). Like the call type indicia, the call status indicia may be provided to communication device 102 as text from DSP 22 using the CID protocol. Still further, user instructions may be provided on the display of communication device 102. For example, when the communication device goes off-hook, instructions like “press # to make a landline call” and/or “enter number followed by # to make wireless call” may be displayed to guide the user. When the user is on a call and there is an incoming call, an instruction like “press flash to connect to incoming call” may be displayed. It will be readily apparent that more sophisticated indicia such as images or graphics are possible. For example, communication device 102 (e.g., handset 202) may be provided with on-board memory for storing images, graphics and even audio and video for displaying call type data, call status data and/or user instructions. The appropriate data may be read out from the memory in response to instructions from DSP 22.
In another example embodiment, base unit 204 of
In still further arrangements, DSP 22 (122) may be programmed to recognize the wireless communication device that is placed in the cradle using, for example, an identifier associated with the device. Alternatively, the owner of the device may input a predetermined code using a keypad of the device to identify the device. In this case, DSP 22 (122) may maintain data for that device in an area of memory 42 (142). Thus, for each of a plurality of different devices, memory 42 (142) may contain, for example, a telephone directory (names and numbers) for that device. Thus, a user of the communication device 102 may be provided a display of telephone numbers that correspond to the device currently in the cradle. In addition, the user may input names and telephone numbers for the directory using communication device 102. Memory 42 (142) may also maintain preferences for each different wireless device connected to the cradle. For example, each wireless communication device may have a list of do not accept call numbers or restricted calling times.
The above-described example embodiments enable cellular phone-users to receive and place cellular phone calls using their standard home and/or office telephones and bypass the local telephone company. In addition, a high-gain (e.g., 6 dB) directional wireless antenna may be provided that allows users to place and make their wireless calls in areas where the wireless reception is very weak such as homes and offices. This high-gain cellular antenna permits is particularly advantageous to those wireless users who are not able to use their wireless devices at home during the times when long distance calls are promised to be free or at reduced rates (i.e., nights and weekends).
The above-described embodiments do not require users to have multiple line telephones installed in their homes and/or offices and communication devices that are connected to the interface circuitry can still be used to place and receive regular land-line calls. These embodiments also provide built-in call waiting for both wireless and regular landline calls. While users are on a regular landline call, any incoming wireless call will produce a call waiting tone and the reverse is true when a user is on a wireless call. The embodiments allow users to receive and/or place all calls through both wireless and landline telephones that are connected to the interface circuitry. The wireless telephone charges while in the cradle.
The above example embodiments show a landline communication device connected via interface circuitry to a single cellular telephone. However, the invention is not limited in this respect and the landline communication device may be connected to two or more devices that provide access to different communication networks. For example, the arrangement shown in
The systems and methods described herein can even be used in the event that the interface circuitry is not connected to a line pair for the PSTN. This might be the case, for example, in areas or regions where there is no access to the PSTN. In such areas and regions, wireless communication over a cellular network, for example, may be the primary method for telecommunication. If the interface circuitry described herein is used in this situation, users may still place and receive cellular calls using a conventional landline telephone, even though the interface circuitry is not connected to a line pair for the PSTN. Because of the limited talking time on wireless telephones due to limited battery life, heating up of the device, or poor ergonomics, the systems and methods described herein allow the user to extend his/her talking time.
While the invention has been described in connection with certain embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiment, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
Claims
1. A system comprising:
- a caller ID (CID)-enabled communication device; and
- interface circuitry connected to a wireless communication device for a wireless communication network, the interface circuitry comprising a memory and a processing circuit for transferring data from the wireless communication device to the memory, selectively reading out the contents of the memory in response to inputs from a user requesting display of the contents, and transferring the read-out memory contents to the communication device using a CID protocol.
2. The system according to claim 1, the read-out data comprises names and telephone numbers.
3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the inputs from the user comprise inputs for reading out next and previous names and telephone numbers.
4. The system according to claim 2, wherein the inputs from the user comprise inputs for accessing names beginning with certain letters.
5. A method of providing display data to a caller ID-enabled communication device comprising:
- transferring data to a memory from a wireless communication device for a wireless communication network;
- selectively reading out the contents of the memory in response to inputs from a user requesting display of the contents; and
- transferring the read-out memory contents to the communication device using a CID protocol.
6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the read-out data comprises names and telephone numbers.
7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the inputs from the user comprise inputs for reading out next and previous names and telephone numbers.
8. The method according to claim 6, wherein the inputs from the user comprise inputs for accessing names beginning with certain letters.
9. A storage medium storing computer-executable instructions for performing the steps set forth in claim 5.
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 26, 2008
Publication Date: Mar 19, 2009
Applicant: XCELIS COMMUNICATIONS, LLC. (Chalfont, PA)
Inventor: Glenroy J. Alexis (Ellicott City, MD)
Application Number: 12/292,810
International Classification: H04M 3/42 (20060101);