Abstract: A digital communication link establishment control mechanism, termed ‘dial on off-hook’ (DOO) call routing, is incorporated into call routing control software employed by the microcontroller of an integrated access device (IAD). The DOO routine automatically routes an outgoing call to a user pre-specified destination number of a called circuit, in response to detecting an off-hook signaling state of the calling circuit. No user dialing is required.

Abstract: When a caller dials a telephone number with a telephone device assigned to a caller area code, the telephone device stores the telephone number to analyze it. According to the analysis, the telephone device adds the caller area code to the top of the dialed telephone number if the call is addressed to a telephone device in the area assigned to the caller area code, and the dialed telephone number does not include the caller area code.

Abstract: A computer system is used with a telephone that is operable by a user to furnish a predetermined command. The processing unit and a control circuit. The central processing unit is connected to communicate with the interface port, and the control circuit is connected to the telephone. The control circuit is configured to detect the predetermined command and in response to detection of the predetermined command, change a connection status between the telephone and the interface port.

Abstract: A telephone includes a telephone circuit, a connector, and a switch. The connector is capable of being connected to a voice input/output interface in a network for a computer. The switch makes a selection as to whether a hand-set having a microphone and a loudspeaker is to be connected to the connector or to the telephone circuit. In this telephone, a hand-set accessory therefor can also be connected, as a voice input/output device for the personal computer, to the voice input/output interface for the computer network.

Abstract: The present invention is embodied in a system and method for automatically configuring dialing properties of a telephone, such as a landline or mobile telephone. In general, the present invention allows a user's most often called outgoing and received incoming numbers to be easily dialed, even as the user's calling patterns change. This is accomplished by automatically and dynamically tracking, sorting, organizing and displaying the most frequently called and received telephone numbers without requiring preprogramming of the telephone. Namely, as a number is dialed less or more often, it's place in the organized hierarchy is represented.

Abstract: An information terminal equipment is provided with a managing part for managing functions and/or information in a manner linked to a plurality of using situations, a switch for setting a using situation, and a control part for automatically selecting a function and/or information from the managing part depending on the using situation set by the switch, and making the selected function and/or information usable by a user.

Abstract: A method, system and device for audio input/output to a computer using a regular telephone. Analog data transfer between the telephone and the computer is facilitated by an adapter that does not perform A/D conversion. The adapter is switchable between operating states and modes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for activating an emergency telephone mounted upon a structure, wherein the telephone is activated as a result of an impact by an object upon the structure causing the telephone to go off-hook active with immediate automatic connection to another telephone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for activating a telephone so as to automatically connect to another telephone wherein the activation of the telephone is by means of electrical power delivered by the action of an electrical impact switch upon receiving an impact and particularly wherein the telephone is a cordless telephone handset concealed in another object with the impact switch activation means such the object may be jolted by dropping it or otherwise causing the telephone to go off-hook with immediate automatic dialing of another telephone number.

Abstract: A method and a system to meter and control the usage of a telephone. The metering and control functions are applicable for specific outgoing or incoming destination, the specific user of the telephone, the time of the day when an outgoing call is made or an incoming call is received, and the calling time allowed either collectively or per the specific outgoing or incoming destination. At least one list of a plurality of lists is stored. Each of the stored lists includes at least one entry, and each entry includes at least one of a plurality of fields. The fields within an entry contain information that is used by the metering circuitry to execute the control functions. The outgoing or incoming phone number is received and encoded using a codec unit and compared with all the entries stored within the lists. The result of the comparison is used to determine if a match exists between the encoded phone number and one of the entries stored within the lists.

Abstract: A method of generation and detection of acoustic signals carrying alpha-numeric data for reducing the effects of noise and thereby improving signal transmission without the need to boost the power of the signal. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a special DTMF acoustic signal consisting of a combination of two frequencies will be generated for the representation of a particular alpha-numeric character that will be similar to the standard DTMF tone. The difference between the amplitudes of both frequencies varies during the time of generation of the DTMF tone in such a way that both signals will arrive at a final destination detector, i.e., an interactive voice response board, at least for a portion of the generation time, at a relatively similar amplitude, thereby substantially increasing the probabilities of being recognized as a DTMF signal.

Abstract: A method of displaying the numbers inputted by a user on a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen provided in a telephone connected through an extension with a telephone switching system, comprises the steps of setting the telephone to the hide key mode to hide the numbers in response to the input of a hide key, and hiding the numbers by replacing the numbers with obscuring symbols displayed on the liquid crystal display (LCD) screen.

Abstract: In a method for detecting the state of dialling a codenumber a number already dialled digits (Nx) is counted and is compared with a defined number of digits to be dialled. If this number is reached, a timer (Tx) is started and during the runtime of the timer it is detected whether further digits are dialled. If further digits are dialled the timer is restated at every detection. If no further digit is detected, after time out of the timer a query is launched. Alternatively after launching a first query it is possible to analyse the already dialled number of digits and to define a number of digits to be dialled. If then this number is reached a timer is started and the further method is processed.

Abstract: An automated system places telephone calls to speech-based information systems, and interacts with the systems to retrieve information therefrom. The system employs a calling computer which uses speech recognition software to recognize the verbal messages generated by the information systems. A first embodiment of the present invention is designed specifically for calling bank information systems to verify accounts, checking transactions drawn on accounts, etc. This embodiment includes a bank database which contains all of the pertinent information necessary to navigate each of a plurality of bank's information systems through entry of appropriate DTMF tones. A second embodiment of the invention is employed for checking the status of lists of telephone numbers to determine whether the numbers have been changed or disconnected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for selectively routing a dialed telephone number. The apparatus intercepts a dialed telephone number having a plurality of digits and prevents the dialing of the number from being completed over the telephone access line. A comparator compares the digits of the dialed telephone number to a preselected combination of digits and also includes routing means for routing the dialed number along a first route if the compared digits are in agreement, but will route the dialed telephone number along a second route if the compared digits are not in agreement with the preselected combination.

Abstract: A wireless intercommunicating system includes a base unit connected to a telephone through a telephone line, and a user unit for intercommunication with the base unit by radio signal, the user unit being carried with the user and selectively controlled for use as a radio to receive the broadcasting of a radio broadcast station, or a wireless telephone.

Abstract: A system and method for modifying voice signals to avoid triggering tone detectors in a telephone network. The system includes a voice processor coupled between the handset and station set of a conventional telephone unit. The voice processor modifies the voice signal to prevent triggering DTMF tone detectors.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method are provided for providing information to a called party of multiple leg telecommunication sessions, such as in a flexible alerting service. The preferred system includes a home location register coupled to a mobile switching center. The home location register has, stored in a memory, a plurality of secondary directory numbers associated with a primary directory number, such as an ANSI compatible pilot directory number. The mobile switching center has an interface for receiving an incoming call leg designating the primary directory number and for differentially processing and routing each outgoing call leg associated with each secondary directory number, of the plurality of secondary directory numbers, the mobile switching center further providing in each outgoing call leg, of a plurality of outgoing call legs, first called party information distinguishing each outgoing call leg as a multiple leg telecommunication session.

Abstract: A device connected to a base of a telephone system by four wires. The device determines the manner in which the wires are used during transmission and reception of electrical signals representing communications. A user places the telephone system in a receive-only mode and provides an indication to the device. The device examines the wires to determine which of the two wires are being used for reception, and the voltage level which is used for receiving the signals. The remaining two wires are deemed to be used for transmission of electrical signals. Communication may be established with an external calibration system to calibrate the transmission and receive voltage levels. The determined information can be used in several environments such as for secure communication for voice and data.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a data transmission transmitted over a telephone line includes the first step of determining if a data transmission is incoming or outgoing over a telephone line. In the second method step, a modem is configured to monitor a receive portion of the telephone line if the first step determines that the transmission is outgoing. The modem is configured to monitor a transmit portion of the telephone line if the first step determines that the transmission is incoming. In the third method step, a data signal is detected from the data transmission. The method may include the further step of maintaining statistics corresponding to the data signal. The data transmission may be a facsimile transmission. The data signal may be any one of a DCS signal, an MCF signal, and an RTP signal.

Abstract: A telephone answering machine (TAS) is preprogrammed to place calls automatically to a service bureau (SB) over a telephone or other suitable communications network. In response to the calls, the SB generates and transmits messages (e.g., compressed digital audio messages) to the TAS for recording and subsequent playback by a user. In this way, users can routinely receive information useful to their daily lives.

Abstract: An interconnect circuit is described which provides automatic three-way connection between a single base telephone line and any telephone destination, while under control of a caller from a remote location. The device may be used to make long distance calls or local calls, automatically connecting the lines to the remote caller, while telephone charges are billed to the single base telephone account. The invention device incorporates a programmable microprocessor that operates the circuit according to a program and will also accept instructions from the remote caller to program the calls in any given sequence or combination. Circuit components are operated low in stress, at low power and are few in number. Thus the circuit has high reliability and the device is low cost.

Abstract: A multi-function telephone dialer display device which is equipped with a display screen for displaying the use status and the caller identification information, and a dialer for responding to data input and for generating a data signal to the display screen to display the corresponding use status. When dialing with numerical keys, with standard non-numerical keys or when setting up a function, the data signal is coded into a numerical code representing the original digit, coded into a standard non-numerical code representing the original non-numerical keys or coded into a function key code representing the function, respectively.

Abstract: A supervisory signal for a derived channel data reporting system is implemented as a tone having a frequency capable of transmission using a telephone signal communicating network, including networks incorporating digital equipment, at an attenuated level. The tone preferably has a frequency of from 200 Hz to 300 Hz, and is capable of operating in conjunction with biphase modulated (BPSK), frequency shift keyed (FSK) and multi-tone modulated (MLT) polling systems. Such frequencies are effectively communicated by conventional digital loop carrier systems, despite a limited frequency range, and are of a sufficient magnitude to be detected by the derived channel data reporting system.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a traveler can use a portable computer to automatically retrieve voice mail from a PBX-based voice mail system or a telephone answering machine. The computer has a modem, an audio output system (e.g., SoundBlaster card and speakers) and a special program. During a training phase of the method, the program creates a script of normal interaction with the voice mail system. The script is used during a message retrieval phase to retrieve voice mail messages. Multiple scripts may be recorded. During the retrieval phase of the method, the program uses word spotting to compare prompts received from the voice mail system to prompts in the script to ensure that the process is working properly. The program can create script commands for: dialing the voice mail system; entering a mail box number and password; making appropriate selections to listen to new messages; recording the messages from the voice mail system into the portable computer; and disconnecting from the voice mail system.

Abstract: A monitor-controlling device is disclosed. The monitor-controlling device, used for a system having a monitor and a first circuit, includes a buffer for storing data from the system; a decoder electrically connected to the buffer for receiving and decoding the data; a bi-directional transmitter electrically connected to the buffer for providing the buffer with a path to transmit the data to the first circuit; and a controlling circuit electrically connected to the bi-directional transmitter for controlling the path on or off.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for processing an environment-dependent access number of a voice mail box, comprising interpreting the environment-dependent access number and converting it into an environment-independent access number, with the environment-dependent access number being capable of comprising an abbreviated access number related to a specific sub-environment, with interpreting taking place on the basis of properties of the access number, and with said properties comprising the presence of one or more prefixes. In accordance with the invention said properties, on the basis of which interpreting takes place, furthermore comprise the length of the environment-dependent access number. Preferably the environment-independent access number is composed of a first part and a second part, with one part corresponding with an abbreviated access number or an international access number and the other part comprising an additional code, which can be a code related to a sub-environment.

Abstract: A voice-dialing device without additional power supply can generate articulate voice signal upon dialing; such device can provide a function of voice dialing, and a function of confirming the dialing. In dialing operation, the device can provide a correct dialing by using the voice dialing as an auxiliary means; after dialing, a user can confirm the number dialed so as to ensure a user to control the dialing operation and the correctness of a number dialed.

Abstract: Provided is an exchange system accommodating an ISDN circuit as a line wire, in which a channel of the line wire is capable of being selected by an operation performed at a connected telephone. If, in a state where the ISDN circuit has been selected by the connected telephone, a terminating request which has designated the channel in the selected state is received and this terminating request is answered, the selected state on the side of the connected telephone is cancelled. As a result, the operator on the transmitting side can be informed of the fact that the transmitting operation has been interrupted. Further, by denying the received terminating request which has designated the channel in the selected state, a situation in which a transmission from the selected channel can no longer be made is eliminated.

Abstract: This invention describes a universal method of producing a plurality of analog telephone signal types, commonly used repeatedly, with telephone peripheral, terminal and central office equipment, using a single means. Signal types include dual tone multi-frequency (DTMF), dial tone, voice prompt, voice message, busy tone, ring back tone, frequency shift key (FSK), fax and modem, to name a few of the most common. The invention describes specific telephone devices and systems that are made more versatile by, or possible by, the application of this analog telephone signal production method. One such device is an acoustically coupled telephone automatic dialing device (ACTADD) in which the application of this analog telephone signal production method results in an extremely compact and versatile product. The invention further describes a solution for reliable acoustic coupling, as well as certain user friendly features for an ACTADD.

Abstract: A telephone remote control system for direct control of the dialing sequence of a telephone from a personal computer. The remote control system includes an RF transmitter unit mounted on a personal computer and an RF receiver unit within a phone. The transmitter receives dialing commands from a personal computer and transmits those commands to a receiver unit via an RF signal. The receiver unit receives the dialing commands from the transmitter unit and directly controls the dialing sequence of the telephone.

Abstract: Data communication is started when a first B channel is established between a source terminal and a destination terminal. Immediately before or after the start of a data transmission phase, the destination terminal is called a second time so that a second B channel may be established. Immediately before or after the data transmission phase, the use of one of the B channels is terminated. Accordingly, time required for data communication can be reduced.

Abstract: A vocal frequency suppression apparatus for suppressing selected portions of a vocal signal to prevent inadvertent control of components controlled by dual tone multi-frequency ("DTMF") codes. The vocal frequency suppression apparatus includes a DTMF code generator having a plurality of user-selectable switches. The apparatus further produces a vocal signal which may contain vocal frequencies which correspond to at least one frequency of at least one of the DTMF codes. The apparatus includes a device for suppressing one or more of the vocal frequencies which correspond to frequencies found in the DTMF codes to prevent inadvertent control of any DTMF controlled components by the vocal signal. The suppression device is operably located between the producing device and the DTMF generator.

Abstract: Provided is an exchange system accommodating an ISDN circuit as a line wire, in which a channel of the line wire is capable of being selected by an operation performed at a connected telephone. If, in a state where the ISDN circuit has been selected by the connected telephone, a terminating request which has designated the channel in the selected state is received and this terminating request is answered, the selected state on the side of the connected telephone is cancelled. As a result, the operator on the transmitting side can be informed of the fact that the transmitting operation has been interrupted. Further, by denying the received terminating request which has designated the channel in the selected state, a situation in which a transmission from the selected channel can no longer be made is eliminated.

Abstract: A telephone dialing device includes a data memory unit with a first memory region for storing normal dial numbers and a second memory region containing pre-stored memory dial numbers. A keypad is operated so as to provide a sequence of key inputs. The key inputs are decoded sequentially to determine if a normal or memory dialing activity is to be accomplished. A normal dial number corresponding to the decoded input is stored in the first memory region of the data memory unit, and a first code, which includes a normal dialing command and a first address to indicate the location of the normal dial number corresponding to the decoded input in the first memory region, is generated if the decoded input involves a normal dialing activity. A second code, which includes a memory dialing command and a second address to indicate the location of the memory dial number corresponding to the decoded input in the second memory region, is generated if the decoded input involves a memory dialing activity.

Abstract: Any valid displayed called number may be properly visually segmented by a call-processing arrangement (200) that uses stored definitions of syntax (320, 350) and grammar (400, 410) of the whole network numbering plan. The syntax definitions include definitions (312) of individual symbol strings and their associated display demarcations (360), if any--such as spaces or dashes or parentheses--or even their associated replacement strings. Display demarcations or replacement strings that are specified for individual symbol strings are administratively reprogrammable to change the specified display demarcations or replacement string. Following dialing of an individual symbol string, the symbol string is identified and it or its replacement is displayed (986) on the display (19) of the caller's telephone set (17) along with any previously-dialed symbol strings and is demarcated therefrom as specified in the definition of the symbol string.

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 telephone circuit arrangement allows the use of a (high voltage) dialler chip (3) without a mode select output in a low voltage telephone. A filter (R1,C1) derives control signals from the DTMF output of the dialler chip. The control signals switch a control switch (TR1) connected to the Mode Select input (MS) of a transmission circuit (2) and the DTMF signals are applied to an input (T1) of transmission circuit (2). This enables the use of a dialler chip without a dedicated mode select output in a circuit which normally requires a dialler chip with a mode select output.

Abstract: A predictive dialing system having a computer connected to a telephone switch stores a group of call records in its internal storage. Each call record contains a group of input parameters, including the date, the time, and one or more workload factors. Workload factors can indicate the number of pending calls, the number of available operators, the average idle time, the connection delay, the completion rate, and the nuisance call rate, among other things. In the preferred embodiment, each call record also contains a dial action, which indicates whether a call was initiated or not. These call records are analyzed by a neutral network to determine a relationship between the input parameters and the dial action stored in each call record. This analysis is done as part of the training process for the neutral network.

Abstract: An additional piece of telephone equipment for protecting against nuisance calls as a substitute for a telephone answering device, wherein after the equipment is engaged upon reception of an incoming call, one or the other of a dummy busy tone or a dummy ringback tone is randomly sent out to a calling party, so that it is possible to inform the calling party in a natural way that a called party cannot answer the calling party now. At this time, according to an even or odd number of value of a counter in a microprocessor (CPU), the dummy busy tone or the dummy ringback tone is sent out, and for this purpose, a random-number command stored in the program is used to select the above even or odd number.

Abstract: An automatic telephone number dialing service for use with mass-distribution media products to enable consumers to automatically dial a preprogrammed number associated with one or more sources of goods and/or services. The device may be constructed as an insert for, or attachment to, various media such as magazines, books, direct mail advertising, newspapers and the like. The device may also be constructed as a customized service card for accessing sources of products or services. The preprogrammed number may be that of a centralized, automated, or personal telemarketing system. The dialing device includes a single chip microprocessor capable of producing DTMF tones corresponding to the preprogrammed telephone. By passing the tones through a miniature speaker or other sound transducer, the preprogrammed number will be automatically dialed. A related telemarketing process using the device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system automates interface intervals with remote telephone terminals as to provide information or advice in response to select tone signals formed at a telephone terminal, and at the conclusion of an interval provides a disconnect or termination signal prompting a caller to "hang up". Disconnect signals simulate known sounds, specifically as the "click" attendant a remote "hang up" and the traditional dial tone. The disconnect signals are transmitted to a caller after an interface interval to prompt the caller to "hang up" and release the telephone line connection.

Abstract: A hold and dial monitor accessory is provided for use with a conventional telephone instrument connected across a subscriber service pair extending from a central office. The hold and dial monitor accessory is bridge connected across the telephone service pair and includes a manually actuable and releasable line seize switching circuit for controlling a line hold circuit connectable across a communications loop through the central office. The line seize switching circuit has an internally established time constant for automatic line release whenever a telephone handset is taken off-hook, and an audio amplifier and loudspeaking circuit is provided for amplifying audio information present on the telephone service pair during the interval when the line hold circuit is holding the communications loop.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the D.C. supply for a subscriber control system, and consists essentially in supplying the control system from the exchange solely in response to a request, such request being emitted either by the exchange or by the control system, a preamble message being emitted in-line by the control system in order to initialize a communication in the latter case. The invention is applicable to the digitalization of the subscriber's telephone.

Abstract: The method includes generating a binary signal (S4A to S4D) which is time modulated. To do this, an alternating signal (S1) is compared with a known cyclical signal (S5) and a threshold signal. There is measured the durations between the transitions of the modulated signal by means of a high speed clock and by means of counting in the positive and negative directions of the clock pulses for one or more periods of the signal under examination. If, after counting, a residual value is found, one generates a binary signal representing the transition.