Abstract: The invention relates to, among others, an intercom network (10), comprising a plurality of speech stations (11a, 11b, 11c) and at least one switching center (13, 16), wherein from each speech station connected to the switching center a connecting line (12a, 12b, 12c) extend to the switching center, wherein the connecting line provides a direct connection, respectively, between the switching center and the connected speech station, and wherein the speech stations of the intercom network, due to an audio data communication via the switching center, can enter into audio communication in real time. The particular feature consists, among others, in that at least one speech station (11a) comprises a terminal (53, 54) for a second connecting line (50, 50a, 50b, 50c), via which the speech station is connected with the same switching center (13) or with another switching center (16).

Abstract: Techniques for synchronizing communication across devices are described. A system receives an input command corresponding to an announcement and sends data representing the announcement to devices of the system. The system receives responses from the devices and causes the device that originated the announcement to output content corresponding to the responses.

Abstract: An energy harvesting circuit is provided that consists of two parallel paths, each comprising a transformer, full wave rectifier, and capacitor. An ultra-low-power microcontroller operates a double-position double-throw switch, which switches the capacitors from charging from the input, to providing energy to the output.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a telephony communication interface device. The device includes a communication transceiver configured to communicate with a remote system via a predetermined communication channel. A control circuit is coupled to the communication transceiver. The control circuit is configured to determine a device operating mode status based on communication transceiver activity. The device operating mode status includes a telephonic communications mode and a remote system communications mode. An interface circuit is coupled to at least one telephone set. The interface circuit is configured to propagate voice telephony signals between the at least one telephone set and a telephony network in a telephonic communications mode and propagate voice intercom signals between the at least one telephone set and the communication transceiver in the remote system communications mode.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a telephony communication interface device. The device includes a communication transceiver configured to communicate with a remote system via a predetermined communication channel. A control circuit is coupled to the communication transceiver. The control circuit is configured to determine a device operating mode status based on communication transceiver activity. The device operating mode status includes a telephonic communications mode and a remote system communications mode. An interface circuit is coupled to at least one telephone set. The interface circuit is configured to propagate voice telephony signals between the at least one telephone set and a telephony network in a telephonic communications mode and propagate voice intercom signals between the at least one telephone set and the communication transceiver in the remote system communications mode.

Abstract: Disclosed is a door intercom system, which is installed on a door of a community for communicating with and identifying a visitor and opening/closing the door through a network by an inhabitant among a plurality of inhabitants of the community and capable of transferring data to a system provider through the network. The door intercom system has a central processing unit (CPU) connected to a database, a dialing key module, a display module, a video and audio processing module and a network interface, respectively. In the database, inhabitant codes, network logon numbers and identification numbers of the plurality of inhabitants are stored. When the visitor inputs an inhabitant code through the dialing key module, the CPU acquires the network logon number corresponding to the inhabitant and is communicatively connected to the network through the network interface, the network being connected at the other end to the inhabitant end or the system provider through a public switched telephone network (PSTN).

Abstract: An advanced voice service known as “Press-to-Connect” for wireless communications systems. A real-time exchange interfaces to the wireless network to provide a Press-to-Connect (PTC) call between an initiator and one or more recipients, wherein the PTC call comprises a time-limited Press-to-Talk (P2T) call. The real-time exchange uses a Talk Timer to limit how long the user may press a button and talk (i.e., the Talk Timer limits the length of each continuous “Talk” session of the call), before a “Talk” session of the call in the wireless network is ended, and the real-time exchange uses a Call Timer to limit how long the call can last (i.e., the Call Timer limits the overall length of the call), before the call in the wireless network is ended.

Abstract: An interrupt message is sent over one of a plurality of transport mediums from a first mobile device to a second mobile device. The interrupt message may include a first mobile device identifier associated with a transport medium that is independent of the plurality of transport mediums. Upon receipt of the interrupt message at the second mobile device an interruption of any current mobile device operation may occur to notify a user of the interrupt message.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a surveillance apparatus for monitoring the situation of a visitor through a mobile phone, which comprises a monitor assembly including a microprocessor, a digital/analog converter connected to the microprocessor, an electric bell, a microphone, and a speaker. If the electric bell is pressed, a visit signal will be sent to the microprocessor. After the microprocessor has received the visit signal, a notice signal is sent immediately from a switchboard through at least one base station to a mobile phone. After the mobile phone is connected, a bidirectional signal communication can be made between the mobile phone and the microphone and the speaker.

Abstract: A telephone exchanging apparatus 30 comprises a joined terminal table 341, a joined terminal table operating portion 352, and a reception side designating portion 355. The joined terminal table 341 stores terminal identification information that identifies a telephone terminal 40 that will join a conference. The joined terminal table operating portion 352 operates the joined terminal table 341 corresponding to joined terminal table operation commanding information. The reception side designating portion 355 designates the reception side of a speech packet transmitted from the telephone terminal 40. Since the joined terminal table 341 is operated by the joined terminal table operating portion 352, even if the number of people who join a conference increases, they can be easily added or deleted.

Abstract: A security system and method is disclosed for use with a security gate entry system that uses a telephone or other communication system at a security gate for communication by a person seeking entry into the secure area with a residence or other unit in the secure area. When a person seeking entry to a limited access area calls on the voice communication system, provided at a security gate entry system a residence or other unit within the secure complex the party answering the call has the option of disguising or altering the voice characteristics of the person answering the call. The system in a preferred embodiment shifts the audio characteristics of a female or child's voice to that of an adult male.

Abstract: A method and system for interconnecting a telephone system and an intercom system. In one exemplary embodiment, telephone switchgear is connected to a telephone interface which provides separate voice transmit and receive channels. For example, an E&M tie line module can be utilized, which also includes E&M signaling connections for signaling an incoming intercom call to a telephone and for signaling an outgoing telephone call to an intercom. In this exemplary embodiment, an interface circuit is also provided to allow for signal level adjustment along the transmit and receive channels, such that the signal gain of the telephone system can differ from the signal gain of the intercom system. The interface circuit can include a controller which controls a switching device for selectively allowing communication along the transmit and receive channels during periods when communication is desired.

Abstract: A system and method provide the capability for a visitor to a home or business to leave an audio message for the occupants if they are not present. Outside the home or building, an interface may be provided which is proximate to a doorbell which a visitor may employ when notification by the doorbell has proved unsuccessful. Actuation of a switch on the interface may activate a messaging system which will retrieve a stored phone number and establish a telephonic connection over a telephone network. The telephonic connection may be with a voice messaging system which, in turn, will broadcast via a speaker incorporated into the user interface, a greeting recorded by the occupant. At the end of the greeting, a visitor may then speak into a microphone incorporated into the user interface, and record an audio message. The controller may further be programmed to establish a telephonic connection remotely located between the visitor interface and a telephone.

Abstract: A method and system for communicating without use of manual contact with a communications unit. The user approaches a communications system and can activate a communications unit by a proximity/motion detector and/or a voice activation device. The person can generate audio signals, such as by voice command, to activate the unit and establish contact. Body movements can also be used to connect to a specific location and/or control the communications mode, such as private, semi-private or conference call mode.

Abstract: A security system and method is disclosed for use with a security gate entry system that uses a telephone or other communication system at a security gate for communication by a person seeking entry into the secure area with a residence or other unit in the secure area. When a person seeking entry to a limited access area calls on the voice communication system, provided at a security gate entry system a residence or other unit within the secure complex the party answering the call has the option of disguising or altering the voice characteristics of the person answering the call. The system in a preferred embodiment shifts the audio characteristics of a female or child's voice to that of an adult male.

Abstract: A method of establishing a private audio communication channel on an intercom system (100) having a plurality of intercom units (101-1 to 101-n), is diclosed. The intercom system 100 is activated by spoken request data input via at least one of the intercom units (101-1 to 101-n). Audio data is transmitted to substantially each of the plurality of intercom units (101-1 to 101-n) in response to the spoken request data. A private audio communication channel is established between at least two of the plurality of intercom units (101-1 to 101-n) in response to spoken reply data input via any one of the plurality of intercom units (101-1 to 101-n).

Abstract: A liquid crystal display and method of making same has a first transparent substrate bondable to a second transparent substrate. The second transparent substrate has a plurality of vias passing through opposing active surfaces of the second transparent substrate. Vias are filled void-free with an optical grade adhesive material when the first and second transparent substrates are bonded together.

Abstract: A wall-hung or shelf situated free-standing voice memorandum system allows an individual to record a message for another member of the household. the system can be used in connection with a household doorbell system so that at the user's choice, the system either operates simply as a doorbell or when the door button is pressed plays at the door a greeting that the user has recorded, invites the visitor to leave voice messages for the household-and-records any messages given.

Abstract: A power circuit is provided which is capable of improving use efficiency of a chemical cell.

Abstract: A telephone system for providing advanced telephony includes a first phone system adapter and a phone system controller. The first phone system adapter is coupled between a first telephone handset and a telephone line. Furthermore, the first phone system adapter is operable to (i) selectively couple the first telephone handset to the telephone line, (ii) receive an oral command from the first telephone handset when the first telephone handset is decoupled from the telephone line, and (iii) transmit the oral command to the phone system controller via the telephone line while the first telephone handset is decoupled from the telephone line. The phone system controller is coupled to the telephone line. Moreover, the phone system controller includes a personal computer system having an interactive phone system board and a computer readable medium.

Abstract: An automatic door answering system comprises a door intercom system, a recording machine, a telecommunication system, first, second and third interfaces, and a microprocessor-based switching device. The switching device is coupled to the door intercom system, the recording machine, and the telecommunication system by way of the first, second, and third interfaces, respectively. The switching device switches back and forth between coupling the door intercom system to a telecommunication system, coupling the door intercom system to a recording machine, and coupling the telecommunication system to the recording machine. If the recipient of a visitor is not available, the automatic door answering system establishes a communication link between the visitor and the recipient using the door intercom system and the telecommunication system. If the recipient of the visitor is not available, the automatic door answering system allows the visitor to record a message for the recipient.

Abstract: A one-touch dial apparatus and method for registering dialing numbers in a telephone system includes a memory module divided into a plurality of memory blocks, each memory block having a number of memory locations, wherein each of the memory blocks is arranged for each of the corresponding telephones. When an intercom number for a subject telephone is generated from a source telephone, a memory block corresponding to the subject telephone having the intercom number is selected and each of the memory locations in the selected memory block is addressed sequentially. And then, a memory button is assigned to an addressed memory location and a dialing number is registered into the addressed memory location assigned to the memory button.

Abstract: A microphone/loudspeaker includes a microphone arrangement and a loudspeaker such that the microphone/loudspeaker operates in a quiescent mode and shifts to a speakerphone mode in response to detecting a battery voltage on a telephone line. In the quiescent mode the microphone arrangement and the loudspeaker operate substantially independent of each other while in the speakerphone mode they interact on the basis of their respective signal strengths. In a system, the microphone/loudspeaker is connected to other microphone/loudspeakers so that the microphone arrangement of one microphone/loudspeaker couples in tandem to the microphone arrangement of other microphone/loudspeakers, and the loudspeaker of one microphone/loudspeaker couples in tandem to the loudspeaker of other microphone/loudspeakers.

Abstract: A collective-house control system is provided which employs an interface circuit for alternative mark inversion (AMI) communication. The interface circuit has a data detecting unit, a controlling unit, and an AMI signal generating unit. The data detecting unit receives input AMI signals from a single coaxial line and detects first control data within the input AMI signal. The controlling unit receives the first control data and generates a corresponding output signal. Also, controlling unit inputs second control data and generates first and second signals for generating an output AMI signal. The AMI signal generating unit inputs the first and second signals and generates the output AMI signal in accordance with such signals. The interface circuit may also include a collision detecting unit and a logic circuit unit.

Abstract: An intercom system (110) for a drive-in restaurant (102) is integrated with a point of sale system (118) through a computer (126) that provides for tracking and managing intercom calls to operators taking orders. The computer indicates to point of sale system when a call from an intercom extension is received, and the point of sale system indicates on a terminal (116) for the point of sale system that a call is waiting. In addition to providing an interface between the intercom system and point of sale system, the computer queues unanswered calls and tracks calls after they have been answered. The computer also maintains timing of calls to assist in management of the restaurant.

Abstract: A telephone station instrument add-on control subsystem with selectable addressing and ringing response delay techniques enhances any conventional instrument by providing added functionalities to ordinary telephone subscribers. When one or more of this enhanced station instruments are used on the same telephone line, a distributed single line PABX is formed. The formation of this system is based on the continuity of a pair of ordinary telephone wires. The specific routing of this wire pair does not affect the characteristics of the service features. A special case of this distributed system is to provide local dialed intercom services for communications among locations within an isolated area. A simplified version of this invention can be applied to improve the efficiency of data communication in a Local Area Network whose terminal information speed is comparable to the channel bandwidth of the transmission medium.

Abstract: A telephone adaptor unit for a telephone set connectible, with other like telephone adaptor units for other telephone sets, between the respective telephone set and a common telephone line, includes a first switching device effective, when an off-hook condition is detected, to connect the respective telephone set to the telephone line and to disconnect the other telephone sets from the telephone line, an audio circuit including a speaker connected to the telephone line, a second switching device for enabling the audio circuit to receive audio signals from the telephone line and to reproduce such signals via its speaker, and a control system effective to actuate the first switching device of the other telephone adaptor units to connect their respective telephone sets to the common telephone line, and to actuate the second switching device of the other telephone adaptor units to enable the audio circuit of the other telephone adaptor units to receive audio signals from the telephone line and to reproduce such s

Abstract: A dial controllable conditionally operative device which is directly connectable to the ring and tip lines of a subscriber loop. "On-hook" coupling is provided to allow the device to provide the conditional operation of one or more of the functional capabilities of a standard telephone. The device is usable in parallel with at least one standard telephone to provide a controlled telephone system. The device may also be usable in an intercommunication system using the ring and tip lines of the subscriber loop.

Abstract: A person to whom a telephone call is directed is called at an extension either by voice only or by voice during each silent period of an audible ringing signal. A plurality of telephone sets are provided where each telephone set includes a receiver for receiving a telephone call and a called person signal representative of a called person to whom the telephone call is directed. A telephone call and the corresponding called person signal can be transferred to another telephone set by placing the caller on hold and accessing a base unit which transmits the call and the corresponding called person signal to the appropriate portable unit. Each unit in the system includes a voice signal amplifier and an audible ringing signal generating circuit to output the ringing and voice calls through a speaker.

Abstract: An identifying telephone controller system using a main computer component with a central processing unit coupled to an in-house AC wiring system and utilizing a plug-in ringer/appliance controller receive and a base-remote telephone system to provide multi-function telephone operations including caller identification and call patching and remote appliance control.

Abstract: A telephone with an inter communicating facility is disclosed. The telephone has: a condition storage unit for storing operation condition data; an operation process unit for, when the operation of a hold key is detected, making the condition storage means to store the operation condition data indicative that the telephone holds a telephone line; and a condition control unit for, when the condition storage unit stores the data indicative that the telephone line is held, making a holding unit to hold the telephone line. When the operation of an extension call key is detected, the operation process unit makes the operation condition data indicative that the telephone is calling another telephone connected through an extension line to be stored in the condition storage unit, and makes a command transmission unit to transmit an extension call signal through the extension line.

Abstract: A call management system connected locally between a central office telephone company switching station (CO) and a conventional single telephone line having multiple extensions provides call paging and intercom capabilities between the multiple telephone extensions. An integrated voltage generator supplies a high voltage, local ringing voltage for ringing the local extensions independent from the CO and a low voltage talk or "battery" feed to the local telephone when they are operated independently from the CO. Line splitting apparatus temporarily separates the CO from the local extensions when the local ringing voltage is generated by the integrated voltage generator and injected into the local telephone extensions. A hold device mimics an active local telephone off the hook, thereby keeping a call from the CO holding when the local telephones are being used in the paging or intercom modes.

Abstract: Several ISDN telephone terminals in a passive bus configuration are enabled to be used to share a single voice communication in the familiar extension phone arrangement by means of a second bus connecting the analog sides of the terminal circuits. Once an incoming or outgoing voice call has been established at one of the number of ISDN terminals located on the premises, any others of such terminals may join the conversation by simply completing an off-hook connection by way of the analog bus. In conversion of premises to ISDN systems, the abandoned conventional telephone wiring may be employed as the analog bus. Conventional analog phones may also be utilized with ISDN voice terminals via the analog bus.

Abstract: An intercom system for use in combination with a multi-line telephone system wherein the intercom system utilizes the same wire pair for communications between intercom units that is used for normal telephone communications. The intercom system transmits voice signals on two or more frequency modulated channels over a wire pair of a local telephone network. Each intercom unit includes a microprocessor which controls communication activity and protocol in each unit and communicates with other intercom unit miroprocessors via a separate frequency modulated digital signal channel.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for communicating a doorside intercom set of an intercom system with a selected forwarding telephone, having a microprocessor and an input for inputting the telephone number of the selected remote telephone. To detect the state of the selected remote telephone, a back-ring/busy tone detector is provided. To enable a host to remotely change the number of the selected remote telephone, a multiple frequency signal decoder and a ring detector is provided.

Abstract: A telephone intercom device is provided for use in a telephone system. The telephone system includes a plurality of telephones interconnected to one another via first and second pairs of conductors, the first pair of conductors also being coupled to an external telephone line. Each of the telephones includes a hook switch associated therewith that is operable to enable the telephone. The intercom device includes a connector for receiving the conductors of the telephone that extend from the hook switch. A pair of telephone call conductors are provided for connecting at one end to the first pair of conductors. A pair of intercom call conductors are also provided for connecting at one end to the second pair of conductors. A mode selection switch is connected at one end to the connector and is operable between first and second positions to connect the conductors extending from the telephone hook switch to one of the telephone call and intercom call conductors.

Abstract: A switching control apparatus for intercom-telephone sets includes a switching control circuit and a surge protection circuit electrically coupled with a talking circuit for increasing the reliability of the intercom-telephone operation, reducing the cost of manufacturing the product and protecting the intercom-telephone sets against high voltage surges which may damage the intercom-telephone sets during electrical storms.

Abstract: A device for adding intercom functions to a residential or small business phone system uses existing telephone equipment and wiring. The device attaches to the incoming telephone line to switch telephone calls and generate user coded ringing signals. The invention allows the user to simultaneously use existing telephone equipment as an intercom system and for normal outside telephone use.

Abstract: A premises in which a plurality of telephone sets (10, 12) are used is provided with dedicated intercom wiring (1, 6) having its own power source. Each telephone set (10, 12) includes standard telephone circuitry (20), for communicating off premises, and also includes an intercom circuit (21). A switch (22) is provided for switching the receiver and transmitter (HS) of each set (10, 12) between off premises communications and intercom use. Each set (10, 12) includes a paging speaker (LS1) that is a part of the intercom system. To page, a button (96) is depressed at one station and the user talks into the transmitter at that station. The transmitted message is broadcasted through the speaker (LS1) at each telephone set in the system except the one that is sending the message. The intercom system control utilizes the same wire over which the audio signal is transmitted.

Abstract: Full duplex local intercom circuit arrangements are provided for telephone station instruments within a local network. Each instrument includes an FM receiver and an FM transmitter. If two subscriber telephone paths are provided, switches are also provided to reverse the connection of the paths of e.g. the calling party station relative to called party stations. The switches may be manual or automatic. If a single subscriber telephone path is provided, alternative carrier frequencies are selectively generated, with the calling party receive and transmit frequencies being reversed for the called party frequencies, either automatically, or manually. In all arrangements, the establishment of a normal telephone circuit through the central office over the subscriber line(s) has no effect on intercom communications, and vice versa.

Abstract: A frequency multiplexed system for coupling a plurality of individual telephone sets to at least one subscriber telephone line. The system includes a line adapter unit for controlling use of subscriber lines and for assigning the use of frequency bands to the individual telephone sets. The system includes a two-conductor interconnection cable for coupling to each of the telephone sets and to the line adapter unit. The system has a power-down mode in which the loss of external power allows each of the individual telephone sets to use the subscriber line. The line adapter unit and each of the individual telephone sets employ transconductance amplifiers so that modulated current signals are produced on the interconnection cable, thus allowing a plurality of voice signals to be summed together by voltage addition for conferencing between the telephone sets and the subscriber lines.

Abstract: A cordless telephone system includes a control unit having a speaker, a microphone and control circuitry for selective operation in a "normal" mode for communications between the handset and an outside party, a "local answer" mode for communications between a party at the control unit and an outside party, an "intercom" mode for communications between parties at the control unit and the handset and a "3-way" mode for communications between parties at the control unit and handset and an outside party. A microprocessor so responds to ring detect, control and switch-generated interrupt signals as to obtain the desired communications.

Abstract: A two line telephone available for the home or the small business employs five pushbuttons for line selection, conference, hold and intercom. The line circuits and the conferencing switches are opto-isolated so that a single transformer coupled power supply is used. The usual illumination is provided in all of the pushbuttons to indicate that their function is being implemented. The conference function is implemented using the transformer coupled SCR circuit of U.S. Pat. No. 3,470,867.