Abstract: The telecommunications apparatus has telephone terminal devices (3) that are constructed to be operable fully and completely by a connected computer via a telephone exchange unit. The computer (2) generates operating signals for full and complete operation of the telephone terminal devices (3), which are connected with the computer only through the telephone exchange unit. The computer (2) is connected with the telephone exchange unit (1) by means of a standard data link and the telephone exchange unit (1) is equipped so that the operating signals from the computer are converted for transmission in a telephone channel (B channel) connecting the telephone terminal devices (3) to the telephone exchange unit.

Abstract: A conventional portable cellular phone modified such that the phone housing incorporates a digital cameras security alarm system and other functions. In another embodiment, the portable cellular phone is modified such that the phone housing incorporates a security alarm system, radio receiver and other functions.

Abstract: The usage detection system establishes a suppressed ringing connection to the subscriber line for either a predetermined extended time interval to enable at least two successive usage readings to be taken, or for a duration as determined by the telemetry equipment to perform the necessary usage readings to detect the presence of usage anomalies. This usage detection system communicates with the serving central office to establish a suppressed ringing connection, the duration of which is either under the control of the usage detection system or the telemetry equipment located at the customer premises. The usage detection system communicates with the telemetry equipment to identify the usage measurements that are desired.

Abstract: An interactive interface facilitates the setting of preferences and other programmable parameters of an appliance. The interface is hosted by a server on a global computer network. The appliance owner initiates a connection to the server and is presented with a graphical user interface for setting the preferences and features of the appliance. Once the desired settings have been made, they are downloaded to the appliance either directly from the server or the appliance owner's computer or indirectly using a portable transfer device.

Abstract: A videophone apparatus with an on-screen telephone keypad user-interface. The videophone communicates video and audio data over a plain old telephone service (POTS) line and includes a video source and a communication channel interface circuit coupled to a programmable processor. The programmable processor is configured and arranged to execute a user interface program for user controlled operation of the videophone apparatus, display a first menu on the display, the first menu referencing a first plurality of options for operating the videophone apparatus and having associated therewith respective indicators of telephone keypad buttons, receive from the telephone keypad a first selection signal indicative of a pressed button, and initiate an operation to control the videophone apparatus in response to the first selection signal.

Abstract: A telephone answering apparatus for determining the time of message reception includes a host computer having a host clock operatively connected to an application running on the host computer. A telephone answering device includes a controller operatively connected to a device clock, and a memory device operatively connected to the controller to store a message. The application is operatively connected to the controller wherein the application resets the device clock and stores a host clock value on the host computer and adds an incremented device clock value assigned to the stored message to the host clock value to determine the actual time of message reception.