Conversion Of Signal Form Patents (Class 379/353)
  • Patent number: 9558254
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes downloading data elements from a wireless device. The method includes determining whether a user account exists in storage and determining whether the user account currently has stored data elements of the same type as the downloaded data elements associated therewith. The method further includes comparing the downloaded data elements to the stored data elements. This method also includes storing any downloaded data elements not currently existing in the data elements associated with the user account and not in conflict with data elements associated with the user account. The method further includes resolving conflicts between downloaded data elements and currently existing data elements, to establish which of the conflicting elements is representative of a proper version of the element. Finally, the method includes storing the proper version of the element resulting from each conflict resolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Brian Y. Wilkerson
  • Patent number: 8879989
    Abstract: An application for a caller-identification system includes a circuit for receiving caller-identification information from a tip and ring interface and a circuit for wirelessly transmitting at least a subset of the caller-identification information to a display system. In the display system includes a circuit for receiving the caller-identification information and a circuit for displaying the caller-identification information on a display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Vizio Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew Blake McRae
  • Patent number: 8804634
    Abstract: A method comprising detecting closed subscriber group (CSG) proximity based on an autonomous search function; signaling a proximity indication to a network, wherein the proximity indication includes at least one priority of at least one allowed neighbor CSG cell. A method comprising, performing measurements on neighboring CSG cells; and generating a measurement report including measurements of at least one neighboring CSG cell; and transmitting a message including a measurement report and a CSG priority for at least one CSG cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: InterDigital Patent Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Sylvie Gomes, Diana Pani, Paul Marinier
  • Patent number: 8594078
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods for utilizing a stand-alone Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephone with traditional plain old telephone service (POTS) telephone support is disclosed. A stand-alone VoIP telephone with an analog telephone adaptor supporting a plurality of external analog telephone sets and a digital Internet protocol (IP) interface to support VoIP voice data communication over a data channel is presented. The VoIP telephone is used to establish VoIP service line data connections between a VoIP telephone and a data switch to an IP network. The VoIP telephone receives an analog telephone signal from an external analog telephone and establishes a voice connection between the external analog telephone and the VoIP telephone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Goangshiuan Shawn Ying, Eugene L. Edmon, Carlton Ligar Brown
  • Patent number: 8467513
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a method of initiating a call. The method includes receiving, at a network device over a first network, an identifier associated with a called party. The method determines a first security level associated with the first network and identifies a plurality of networks associated with the called party using the identifier. The method queries a database to determine a second security level for each network in the plurality of networks and automatically selects an identified network from the plurality of networks associated with the called party having the second security level at least equal to the first security level. The method completes a call to the called party using the identified network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventor: Carl M. Coppage
  • Patent number: 8391467
    Abstract: Methods and systems for encoding and decoding audio signals are described. In one embodiment, a first DTMF tone in an audio signal may be identified and decoded. A second DTMF tone in the audio signal may be identified and decoded at a time delay from the first DTMF tone. A requested action is determined for an electronic figurine associated with the first DTMF tone and the second DTMF tone. The second DTMF tone is different than the first DTMF tone. Additional methods and systems are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Koplar Interactive Systems International L.L.C.
    Inventors: Yousri Barsoum, Michael S. Gramelspacher, Rory T. Sledge
  • Patent number: 8335308
    Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for attenuating a dialing confirmation tone includes receiving an enable signal from a tactile user input device, generating at least one dual-tone multiple frequency (DTMF) tone, and communicating the at least one DTMF tone to a telephone line. The method further includes attenuating a signal level of the at least one DTMF tone by a predetermined amount to produce at least one attenuated dialing confirmation tone in response to receiving the enable signal, and communicating the at least one attenuated dialing confirmation tone to an audio output device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventor: Amar Nath Ray
  • Patent number: 8213595
    Abstract: A method for adjusting caller ID information includes receiving at a call device a caller ID message that includes a calling number. An address book associated with the call device is searched. An address book telephone number having the matching area code or local exchange number is analyzed to determine if the first digits of both address book phone number and calling number constitute a “1.” If the first digit in both numbers is the same, the calling number is stored unadjusted, while if the first digits differ, the calling number is adjusted. A method for adjusting caller ID information includes comparing the format of a received calling phone number to a set of predetermined criteria that are used to enable a “truncate” function in a context-sensitive “delete” button only when a predetermined criterion is met.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: VTech Communications Limited
    Inventor: Holger Janssen
  • Patent number: 8194878
    Abstract: A system and method is described herein in which an audio source wirelessly transmits audio content to a first audio sink over one wireless link and to a second audio sink over another wireless link. The two audio sinks also exchange forward error correction (FEC) streams over a link between the two audio sinks, wherein the FEC streams are generated by FEC encoding the audio content received from the audio source. The audio sinks advantageously use the exchanged FEC information to synchronize the playback of the audio content as well as to improve the robustness of the wireless links with the audio source in a manner that does not consume additional bandwidth on those links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Laurent Pilati, Mickael Jougit
  • Patent number: 8041051
    Abstract: A system and method is described herein in which an audio source wirelessly transmits audio content to a first audio sink over one wireless link and to a second audio sink over another wireless link. The two audio sinks also exchange forward error correction (FEC) streams over a wireless link between the two audio sinks, wherein the FEC streams are generated by FEC encoding the audio content received from the audio source. The audio sinks advantageously use the exchanged FEC information to synchronize the playback of the audio content as well as to improve the robustness of the wireless links with the audio source in a manner that does not consume additional bandwidth on those links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Laurent Pilati, Mickael Jougit
  • Publication number: 20110007890
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for ring-trip detection in a line card having an analog-to-digital converter for processing voice signals. The method includes receiving a ringing control signal, transmitting a ringing signal to a subscriber line in response to the ringing control signal, and receiving a portion of the ringing signal from the subscriber line. The method includes converting the portion of the ringing signal to a digital signal using the analog-to-digital converter, and providing a ring-trip indication in response to the digital signal. The apparatus includes first circuitry capable of processing a voice signal, the circuitry including a analog-to-digital converter for processing the voice signal. The apparatus includes a ringing generator, second circuitry, and ring-trip detection logic. The generator is capable providing a ringing signal to a subscriber line in response to receiving a ringing control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventor: Merle L. Miller
  • Publication number: 20100248687
    Abstract: Methods and systems for encoding and decoding audio signals are described. In one embodiment, a first DTMF tone in an audio signal may be identified and decoded. A second DTMF tone in the audio signal may be identified and decoded at a time delay from the first DTMF tone. A requested action is determined for an electronic figurine associated with the first DTMF tone and the second DTMF tone. The second DTMF tone is different than the first DTMF tone. Additional methods and systems are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: KOPLAR INTERACTIVE SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, LLC
    Inventors: Yousri Barsoum, Michael S. Gramelspacher, Rory T. Sledge
  • Patent number: 7636082
    Abstract: Dialing methods for use in a device having a keypad. The keypad comprises a plurality of dual-purpose keys and non-numerical-purpose keys. The dual-purpose key has different input definitions in a letter mode and a number mode, and the non-numerical-purpose key does not have a numerical input definition. First, at least one keystrokes are received, and an input sequence corresponding to the keystrokes is generated. If any one of the keystrokes corresponds to one of the non-numerical-purpose keys, at least one address record conforming to a letter input definition of the input sequence in the letter mode is retrieved from an address book for dialing accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: HTC Corporation
    Inventor: John C. Wang
  • Patent number: 7587031
    Abstract: The present invention provides a technique for providing a forced hold service such as is used for an emergency services call, which is supported at least in part over a packet network. The forced hold service acts to effectively hold a connection for the call with a called party, even when the caller takes an action that would normally end a call, such as going on hook, pressing end, or the like. When the caller takes an action that would normally end the call, the forced hold service allows the caller to automatically reconnect to the emergency services provider over the held connection upon going offhook, pressing send, or the like. Alternatively, the emergency services provider can effectively re-engage the call wherein the caller is reconnected over the held connection upon going offhook, pressing send, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Nortel Networks Limited
    Inventors: David P. Ress, William D. Gentry, Brian Stucker, Olga Wagner
  • Patent number: 7421071
    Abstract: A method of operating a wireless calling device comprises connecting to a call tone provider configured to provide call tones, transferring a plurality of call tone requests to the call tone provider, receiving a plurality of call tones from the call tone provider in response to the plurality of call tone requests, transferring a call setup message to a telecommunication switch to initiate a call, receiving a call message from the telecommunication switch in response to the call setup message wherein the call setup message indicates a status of the call, processing the call message to select a one call tone from the plurality of call tones based on the status of the call, and audibly playing the one call tone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventor: Dean C. Boldt
  • Patent number: 7386117
    Abstract: The invention relates to the representation, independent of access type, of ISDN accesses (PRA, BRA) in the central core (cVst) of a packet-oriented exchange (P-Vst). By adapting the signaling information transmitted by ISDN accesses in a peripheral unit (PE) it is possible to handle different ISDN access types as a uniform access type in the central core (cVst) of the packet-oriented exchange (P-Vst). The adaptation can be performed for example with the aid of a conversion table for the user data references and call references contained in signaling messages. The invention has the advantage of providing a simple, low-cost, low-overhead representation of ISDN data in the central core of the packet-oriented exchange (P-Vst). Changes such as e.g. a concentration of the user data channels can be carried out easily and flexibly by the network management (NetMg).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Norbert Löbig
  • Publication number: 20080043990
    Abstract: Consistent with an embodiment of the invention, a communication device enables real-time communications by generating a representation of an analog input signal that is suitable for communication over a real-time communication channel to a remote communication device. In addition, the communication device stores and processes an alternative representation of the input, which is communicated to the remote device in a reliable, out-of band channel. Accordingly, the remote communication device initially stores the real-time data, but later automatically replaces the real-time data with the enhanced data that it receives over the reliable, out-of-band communication channel. The communication device similarly stores, and replaces, data received from the remote communication device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventors: Sunil Vemuri, Nagabhushan Rao Machiraju
  • Patent number: 7203304
    Abstract: In a communication system, call tones are individually associated with call messages. The communication system comprises a wireless communication system and a wireless user device. The wireless user device transfers a call tone request to the wireless communication system over a wireless link. The wireless communication system transfers one of the call tones to the wireless user device over the wireless link in response to the call tone request. The wireless communication system processes signaling for a call to select one of the call messages associated with the one call tone. The wireless communication system transfers the one call message to the wireless user device over the wireless link. The wireless user device processes the one call message to select the one call tone and audibly plays the one call tone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company
    Inventor: Dean C. Boldt
  • Patent number: 7200417
    Abstract: A communication device (200) operates on a plurality of communication networks (104, 110) and utilizes a method (400) for reformatting a caller identification received from one communication network (110) to match the caller identification format of a second communication network (104). The reformatted caller identification can be used to match an address book entry (318) or for dialing a call using the second communication network (104). A communication controller (300) is also used to provide the reformatted caller identification in an alternate embodiment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Anatoly S. Belkin, Peter P. Hux, Zaffer S. Merchant
  • Patent number: 7113584
    Abstract: A digital communication translator for redirection of preprogrammed instructions and/or information from a digital alarm communicator system or digital communicator transmitter. The inventive device includes an integrated circuit board containing memory ships with input for a common analog or digital communications circuit and output for the same. An input for a low voltage direct current power. An EEPROM (Electronically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) may interact with the activated host communication process and initiate a communication circuit with the redirected receiver. This EEPROM may simulate a receiver to the host transmitter, An EPROM (Electronically Programmable Read Only Memory) may contain a library of various formats and data to assist the EPROM in simulating the appropriate receiver for the host communicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Inventor: John G. Seay
  • Patent number: 7110530
    Abstract: A present invention comprises a device and method for monitoring dial pulse (DP) signals on a line and recognizing a digit pattern comprising at least one digit on the line. In response to the recognized digit pattern, the invention determines when to initiate transmission of DTMF signals corresponding to dialed DP digits and initiates the transmission of DTMF signals at the determined point in time, which may be immediately or after a predetermined number of dialed digits or after a predetermined dialed number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Inventor: Iosif Meynekhdrun
  • Patent number: 7050564
    Abstract: A communication system is disclosed that generates call progress tones for a call. The communication system is comprised of a calling device and an originating system. Examples of the calling device include a telephone, a cellular phone, a computer, and a fax machine. To place a call, the calling device transmits set up messages to the originating system. The originating system transmits set up messages to a terminating system to set up the call. The originating system receives acknowledgment message from the terminating system in response to the set up messages. The originating system generates a call progress message and transmits the call progress message to the calling device. The calling device generates a call progress tone based on the call progress message and plays audible sounds that represent the call progress tone. By having the calling device generate the call progress tones, the originating system is advantageously available for other communications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventor: Dean C. Boldt
  • Patent number: 6920183
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention mitigate crosstalk by equalizing transmit signals in a data dependent fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Bryan K. Casper
  • Patent number: 6754336
    Abstract: A telephone apparatus is disclosed which comprises: a receiving portion for receiving a telephone signal and generating a voice signal from the received telephone signal; a frequency conversion portion responsive to a control signal for frequency-converting the voice signal; and a reproducing portion for reproducing the voice signal from the frequency conversion portion. The frequency converting amount may be controlled externally or may be predetermined. The frequency converting amount data may cleared every communication for various circumstances. The circumference noise level and the frequency conversion amount data are stored when the frequency conversion is commended in an automatic mode during a communication. In the later communication, the frequency conversion may be effected automatically when the circumference noise level is larger than the stored circumference noise level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinichiro Ito
  • Patent number: 6671369
    Abstract: A method and apparatus (10) for returning a false signal substantially similar to at least a first portion of a special information tone (SIT) after a device receiving an incoming telephone call puts the telephone line (11) in an off-hook condition is provided. The apparatus includes: a power distribution member (30); a mode selection member (28), a programmable oscillator (18); an off-hook detector (14); and, a controller (12). The method includes the steps: selecting a mode of operation from a group of multiple operating modes; detecting an off-hook condition in the telephone line; generating a false signal according to the selected SIT and the selected mode of operation; and, sending the false signal over the telephone line in response to the incoming telephone call once the off-hook condition is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
    Inventor: Mark E. Reindle
  • Publication number: 20030147524
    Abstract: A present invention comprises a device and method for monitoring dial pulse (DP) signals on a line and recognizing a digit pattern comprising at least one digit on the line. In response to the recognized digit pattern, the invention determines when to initiate transmission of DTMF signals corresponding to dialed DP digits and initiates the transmission of DTMF signals at the determined point in time, which may be immediately or after a predetermined number of dialed digits or after a predetermined dialed number.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventor: Iosif Meynekhdrun
  • Publication number: 20030048894
    Abstract: On a communication device, letters A to Z are assigned to data entry keys of a data entry keypad (330), and the letters assigned to each of the data entry keys are advantageously arranged in accordance with the frequency of occurrence of the letters in use. Numeric digits are assigned to the data entry keys in the conventional way. A controller (410) detects activation of each data entry key on the keypad (330) by a user, and also detects the number of times the data entry key is activated. The controller (410) then accesses a key map (415) in memory to determine the letter or numeric digit selected by the user. From the assignment of the letters to the data entry keys and the corresponding mapping (415) in the memory, the letters having a higher probability of occurrence are selected by a single activation of the data entry keys and, letters with a lower probability of occurrence are selected by activating the data entry keys two or more times.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventor: Gary N. Mager
  • Publication number: 20020131579
    Abstract: A system and method for allowing callers using DP telephones to access IVR systems, including monitoring DP signals until a dialed digit is recognized, where the DP signals are generated by a transmission element and received by a reception element within a telephone network, and where the monitoring does not interfere with the DP signals, sending the dialed digit to a DTMF transmitter, and outputting a DTMF signal following the DP signals on a speech path, wherein the DTMF signal corresponds to the dialed digit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventor: Iosif Meynekhdrun
  • Publication number: 20020090077
    Abstract: A graphical user interface (GUI) (202) converts stylus strokes (106) into characters (204), which are applied to a dialer (206) in a telephone. The dialer converts the characters into dial signals (108), such as tone combinations or (in older machines) pulse strings, which dial the indicated phone number.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventors: Christine Park Burke, Stephen A. Sprigg
  • Patent number: 6408068
    Abstract: An electronic system such as a modular telephone which includes one or more module slots used to add features. The module slots are configured to receive modules adding the software and hardware necessary to provide the desired features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Kool! Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kent W. Larson, Debra Lea Enfield, Bradley J. Koehler
  • Patent number: 6366669
    Abstract: A system and method for allowing callers using DP telephones to access IVR systems, including monitoring DP signals until a dialed digit is recognized, where the DP signals are generated by a transmission element and received by a reception element within a telephone network, and where the monitoring does not interfere with the DP signals, sending the dialed digit to a DTMF transmitter, and outputting a DTMF signal following the DP signals on a speech path, wherein the DTMF signal corresponds to the dialed digit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Inventor: Iosif Meynekhdrun
  • Patent number: 6353621
    Abstract: The invention provides systems, including a methods and apparatus, for providing seamless telephone service across MSC's that support multiple or different protocols. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the home mobile switching center, where the subscriber record is stored, is equipped to respond to a first inquiry signal from an originating mobile switching center by identifying itself to the originating mobile switching center. The incoming call may then be trunked to the home mobile switching center and forwarded to the visited mobile switching center according to the second protocol. According to another preferred embodiment, in response to the first inquiry signal, the home mobile switching center sends a second inquiry signal to the visited mobile switching center. The first inquiry signal represents a request for an identification number identifying, in the first protocol, the visited mobile switching center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard R. Boland, Patrick Joseph Boyle, John M. Gafrick, Mark A. McCormick, Leslie J. Williams
  • Publication number: 20010006548
    Abstract: The problem of talk-off and talk-on errors occurring when a common detection method for predefined signaling signal like a calling alerting signal CAS is used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Publication date: July 5, 2001
    Inventor: Francois Pinier
  • Patent number: 6236724
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Enco-Tone Ltd.
    Inventors: Isaac J. Labaton, Michael K. Kelly
  • Patent number: 6054941
    Abstract: An apparatus (100) and method for inputting ideographic characters. The apparatus (100) has an input pad with a predetermined number of input keys (102, . . . 111). Theoretically, at least a stroke and a radical are mapped to each input key (102, . . . 111). After the apparatus (100) receives at least a first and a second input key entry, based on a number of input key entries received, the apparatus (100) determines whether the first input key entry is one of the following: a stroke and a radical. Thus, the method solves the ambiguity problems caused by such a mapping of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventor: Xixian Chen
  • Patent number: 6049604
    Abstract: A method and circuit for generating speech and DTMF tones in a hand-held dialer which includes a memory for storing predetermined speech and tone signal data and a speech processor for selectively retrieving a sequence of the predetermined speech and tone signal data stored in the memory. The selection of the stored data is based on the selections made by the dialer user. The selected data is output through a loudspeaker to dial a selected telephone number and to vocalize a selected message to the user and/or to the dialed party.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Winbond Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: James Lin
  • Patent number: 6009444
    Abstract: A text input device (10) and a method of data entry for entering text in a language (e.g. Zhuyin phonetic Chinese), in which a character is representable as a first symbol selected from a first subset of symbols and a second symbol selected from a second subset of symbols, where the first and second subsets are mutually exclusive. A first key on which is displayed a first subset of symbols is activated (e.g. any one of keys 1-6). A candidate first symbol is displayed in response to the step of activating the first key. A second key is activated on which is displayed a second subset of symbols (e.g. any one of keys 7-0). The candidate first symbol is fixed and a candidate second symbol is displayed in response to activating the second key. A third key can be activated (e.g. any one of keys 7-0), on which is displayed a further subset of symbols, whereupon the candidate second symbol is fixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventor: Xixian Chen
  • Patent number: 5960075
    Abstract: A power converter forming part of a telephone subscriber line interface circuit selectively generates a ringing signal waveform, for supply to the line, or a supply voltage for a driver circuit for providing loop current on the line. First and second fixed frequency PWM signals are used to control the power converter, and hence the voltage which it generates, for the ringing signal waveform and the supply voltage respectively. The first PWM signal enables the power converter to provide a high power level needed for ringing signals. The second PWM signal has a lower frequency, and hence results in lower switching losses and power dissipation, and a lower duty cycle, suitable for the lower power level needed for the supply voltage, and is conveniently produced by masking pulses of the first PWM signal. The frequency of the second PWM signal is greater than 270 kHz, to avoid transmitting spectral energy to the line below this frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Northern Telecom Limited
    Inventors: Brian A. F. S. Sutherland, Brian Glenn Wall, Alan William Jaakkola
  • Patent number: 5952942
    Abstract: A method of text entry into a device by activating keys of a keypad (16), where a key represents various characters. Input is delivered to a processor (30) corresponding to the keys activated. A dictionary (33) is searched for candidate combinations of characters corresponding to the keys activated. The candidate combinations are rank ordered, for example using language model data and feedback (14, 38) is provided to a user indicating at least a highest rank ordered candidate combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Sreeram Balakrishnan, Xixian Chen, Yu Dong
  • Patent number: 5920623
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for defeating a predictive dialing telemarketing system includes a signal generator in the nature of an oscillator (18) that is capable of creating a 914 Hz sine wave that substantially imitates the first tone of an intercept Special Information Tone used by the telephone network to indicate a nonworking number. The oscillator (18) is amplified with an amplifier (22). The imitation signal is selectively sent in response to the incoming call when a controller (12) closes a relay (20) to connect the imitation signal to the telephone line (16). The controller (12) is prompted to close the relay (20) by an off-hook detector (14) that indicates to the controller (12) when a voice signal is established.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Vera-A-Fast
    Inventors: Robert M. Bensman, Bruce R. Knox
  • Patent number: 5859905
    Abstract: A cycle-modulating DTMF generator for generating a DTMF signal; the generator comprises a programmable time-pulse generator, counters or up/down counters, a memory unit for storing data, a digital adder, and a digital-to-analog converter. The circuit of such generator is substantially a digital circuit so as to overcome the problem of signal distortion, which usually exists in an analog circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Holtek Microelectronics,Inc.
    Inventors: Rong-Tyan Wu, Herman Chung
  • Patent number: 5784558
    Abstract: An enhanced ISDN-DP transmission device of the present invention allows for testing of ISDN-protocol communication paths using an existing DDS-protocol test infrastructure. The ISDN-DP unit receives a DDS test command and determines whether the command was intended for the immediate receiving unit or a tandem unit. If the command is intended for the immediate ISDN-DP unit, the unit processes the command. If the command is intended for another ISDN device in the transmission path, the ISDN-DP converts the DDS-protocol command to an ISDN-protocol command and transmits the converted ISDN command to an adjacent tandem ISDN device in the communication path in an upstream or downstream direction. After the test path is enabled, loopback testing is available on all available ISDN bandwidth, including the B1, B2 and D+ channels, from a DDS-protocol test set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Integrated Network Corporation
    Inventors: Earl A. Emerson, Henry J. Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 5781625
    Abstract: A system and apparatus includes a premises phone connected to a phone network along a first communication channel. A dial tone controller generates within the premises a dial tone along a second communication channel to a switch and to the premises phone. The dial tone controller receives and processes signals received from the premises phone via the switch along the second communication channel and can generate DTMF tones for establishing communication to the phone network based on generated signals received from the premises phone. The switch is operatively connected between the premises phone and the dial tone controller for switching the premises phone from communication with the phone network along the first communication channel and communication with the dial tone controller via the switch along the second communication channel so that the premises phone receives a dial tone from and sends signals to the dial tone controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Theodore Sizer, II
  • Patent number: 5706340
    Abstract: A serial data generating circuit and a key input signal generating circuit are provided at a panel substrate side, and input key data are transmitted in series to a main substrate side of a telephone apparatus. The number of signal lines connected between the panel substrate and the main substrate are reduced. Further, on the main substrate side downstream of a selection circuit, a data converting and producing circuit which converts the serial input key data into parallel dial data is provided to permit switching of the signal source between a processor and the panel substrate to thereby enable a dial call origination even during a power failure condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mitsuro Saji
  • Patent number: 5638435
    Abstract: An impulse convertor for converting a received telephone impulse dialing signal into a restored dialing signal has a limiter-amplifier, a signal detector, an output formatter, and a controller. The limiter-amplifier receives the impulse dialing signal from an interface b to a communication system such as a public switched telephone network or a cellular network, limits the amplitude range of the received impulse dialing signal, and compensates for attenuation of the received impulse dialing signal. The signal detector analyzes successive portions of an output signal generated by the limiter-amplifier and determines dialed digits represented by the received impulse dialing signal. The output formatter converts the dialed digits determined by the signal detector into the restored dialing signal that is provided to a device C such as a PABX. The controller coordinates operation of the limiter-amplifier, signal detector, and output formatter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson
    Inventors: Per Svante Axling, Juan Hernandez
  • Patent number: 5638437
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a telecommunication system and method enabling a user to get access to any of automated call processing systems. The system comprises in combination a telephone line interface means adapted to provide function of a telephone set, a control means connected to the telephone line interface means, and adapted to constantly monitor the telephone line, analyze a call progress and a ring back tone signals and to switch automatically without human intervention from a pulse dialling mode to a DTMF dialling mode upon detection of a ring back signal validated by a central office. This system also includes a handset and keypad means connected to a telephone interface means and the control means. The central office processes calls in a pause dialling mode. The system enables the user to get access to automated call processing systems, the access to which is limited only to callers equipped with a DTMF telephones and central office base DTMF services.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: Teleliason Inc.
    Inventors: Georges Bettan, Joseph-Desire S. Kouam, Vatche Varvarian
  • Patent number: 5497373
    Abstract: A multi-media interface universally and flexibly supports present (and contemplated) messaging applications including voice mail, facsimile mail, electronic mail, interactive voice response, automated attendant surface services, audio text services, electronic messaging services, radio paging services, speech recognition/speech synthesis, DTMF tone detection, voice recognition, video messaging, video mail, interface of voice and data between the public switched telephone network (PSTN), the packet switched public data network (PSPDN), and mobile/portable telephone subscribers, e.g. cellular telephones and does so at a very high throughput.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Assignee: Ericsson Messaging Systems Inc.
    Inventors: John S. Hulen, David Oren
  • Patent number: 5425096
    Abstract: A circuit for generating dial pulses and a circuit for forming the direct current loop of a line have conventionally been made up of relays and a coil. In the present invention, these circuits are made up of components, such as capacitors and a semiconductor switching element, to render a network control unit smaller. A compensating circuit is provided for reducing the distortion (caused by the capacitor in the DC loop) of the waveforms of dial pulses and rise waveforms of a direct current when the direct current loop is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masaaki Okada
  • Patent number: 5359598
    Abstract: An interface for coupling a standard telephone set to a distributed digital network for allowing digital voice communication over the distributed network such that the utilization of the distributed network is wholly transparent to the user. An interface is provided for each telephone set. Each interface includes a state machine, a coder/decoder and a digital tone generator. The state machine is responsive to analog control signals from the telephone set to generate digital control signals to be transmitted over the distributed network. The state machine is also responsive to digital control signals to control the digital waveform generator to generate supervisory tones which are relayed to the user by the telephone set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Assignee: Unisys Corporation
    Inventors: Robert W. Steagall, Steven T. Barham, John W. Love
  • Patent number: 5299261
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Assignee: AT&T Bell Laboratories
    Inventors: Frank J. Bogart, Bruce D. Butterfield, David L. Chavez, Jr., Henry C. Dittmer, Frederick R. Fix, Larry J. Hardouin, Nancy K. Schmidt, Linda L. Thomson