Electronic (e.g., Tone Generator) Patents (Class 379/361)
  • Patent number: 11410165
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for changing credentials for an account, or a card associated with an account are provided. A method of changing user credentials by creating a queue of credentials for facilitating access to at least one account of a user, where each credential in the queue of credentials is randomly and automatically generated using information provided by the user without additional input from the user; detecting a deactivation event relating to an account of the at least one account of the user; responsive to the detected deactivation event, deactivating a current credential for the account; and activating a new credential to facilitate access to the account, where the new credential is next in the queue of credentials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
    Inventors: Gerard K. Cohen, Michelle D. Green, Christopher P. Smith
  • Patent number: 11037742
    Abstract: A keyboard device includes a substrate, keycaps, and a frame. The substrate has a top surface and a bottom surface and includes a welding-fixing portion. The welding-fixing portion includes a through hole and an arch-shaped bridge member. The arch-shaped bridge member is connected in the through hole and divides the through hole into partition holes. The arch-shaped bridge member has an arch portion and bridge bases. The arch portion protrudes from the top surface to form a recessed portion. The frame is disposed on the top surface and includes hollow holes respectively corresponding to the keycaps. The frame includes a welding member, and the welding member includes welding posts and a welding-fixing base. The welding posts respectively pass through spaces between the edge portion of the through hole and the arch-shaped bridge member. The welding-fixing base is received and fixed in the through hole and the recessed portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Chicony Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuo Horiuchi, Chia-Hsin Chen, Po-Hsin Li
  • Patent number: 10283079
    Abstract: A low power driving method includes: receiving a signal for a sub control module from a main control module when an electronic device enters a low power mode; and transmitting display data to a display driving module in response to the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Byeng Sang Jung
  • Patent number: 9258100
    Abstract: A wireless device includes processing circuitry and a Radio Frequency (RF) receiver section. The processing circuitry determines a set of a plurality of information signals of interest within a RF Multiple Frequency Bands Multiple Standards (MFBMS) signal. The RF receiver section down-converts the plurality of information signals by a shift frequency to produce a plurality of down-converted signals and filters the plurality of down-converted signals to produce a plurality of filtered signals corresponding to the set of the information signals of interest. The processing circuitry further extracts data corresponding to the set of the information signals from the plurality of filtered signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: BROADCOM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Arya Reza Behzad, Jeyhan Karaoguz, John Walley, David Rosmann, Brima B. Ibrahim, Vinko Erceg
  • Patent number: 9195665
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a system and method of document retention with policy-controlled deletion. Embodiments of the present invention comprise committing to a plurality of documents, deleting one of the plurality of documents, and providing a proof of authorized deletion of the one of the plurality of documents in response to an audit request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Mark D. Lillibridge, Kave Eshghi
  • Patent number: 9167396
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide a method for transmitting data. The method includes encoding data, by a first device, symbol-by-symbol into a first electrical signal of frequencies in a specific range, mixing, by the first device, the first electrical signal with a second electrical signal corresponding to captured voices, and transmitting, by the first device, the mixed electrical signal to a second device via a channel being configured for transmitting the captured voices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Marvell World Trade Ltd.
    Inventors: Binqiang Xia, Xing Li
  • Patent number: 8805685
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and tangible computer readable-media for detecting synthetic speaker verification. The method comprises receiving a plurality of speech samples of the same word or phrase for verification, comparing each of the plurality of speech samples to each other, denying verification if the plurality of speech samples demonstrate little variance over time or are the same, and verifying the plurality of speech samples if the plurality of speech samples demonstrates sufficient variance over time. One embodiment further adds that each of the plurality of speech samples is collected at different times or in different contexts. In other embodiments, variance is based on a pre-determined threshold or the threshold for variance is adjusted based on a need for authentication certainty. In another embodiment, if the initial comparison is inconclusive, additional speech samples are received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: Horst J. Schroeter
  • Patent number: 8504365
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and tangible computer readable-media for detecting synthetic speaker verification. The method comprises receiving a plurality of speech samples of the same word or phrase for verification, comparing each of the plurality of speech samples to each other, denying verification if the plurality of speech samples demonstrate little variance over time or are the same, and verifying the plurality of speech samples if the plurality of speech samples demonstrates sufficient variance over time. One embodiment further adds that each of the plurality of speech samples is collected at different times or in different contexts. In other embodiments, variance is based on a pre-determined threshold or the threshold for variance is adjusted based on a need for authentication certainty. In another embodiment, if the initial comparison is inconclusive, additional speech samples are received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: Horst Schroeter
  • 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: 8249242
    Abstract: A method and system for secure call Dual-Tone Multi-Frequency (DTMF) signaling includes entering (202) dial string of a telephone number of a destination device, assigning (210, 212) the dial string to a predefined string having a total length that is greater than the dial string such that there will be at least one leading hexadecimal bit in the predefined string length that is not used when the entered dial string is converted to a hexadecimal, converting (214) the dial string to hexadecimal, reversing the order of the hexadecimal, and placing the reversed hexadecimal at the beginning of the predefined string, appending (216) “one” bits to the predefined string length indicating how many nibbles of the predefined string length are unused, if any, and appending the remaining intervening unused bits in the predefined string length to “zero” bits, and sending (226) the encoded string length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Soren K. Lundsgaard, Douglas A. Kuhlman, Yi-Cheng Liu, Edgardo L. Promenzio, Jorge R. Lopez Danieluk
  • Patent number: 8099128
    Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a keypad, a memory system, and an audio effect system. The memory system includes a video game application and an audio file associated with the video game application. The audio file includes a collection of trigger signals and a collection of notations where each trigger signal is associated with a corresponding notation. The audio effect system includes an audio player, a signal generator, and a control module. The signal generator is configured for generating a trigger signal in response to operation of the keypad. The control module is configured for reading a notation from the audio file, which corresponds to the generated trigger signal and instructing the audio player to play a corresponding music sound associated with the read notation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Chi Mei Communication Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Cheng-Lung Chang
  • Patent number: 7466817
    Abstract: Tone generating sequence data are sequentially read out in accordance with a performance sequence, and tone generation control parameters are decoded from the read-out sequence data. The decoded tone generation control parameters are sequentially written into a control register. Tone signals are generated on the basis of the tone generation control parameters written in the control register. Pattern register stores pattern data representative of a time series of driven states to be taken by a plurality of light emitting elements. On the basis of the tone generation control parameters written in the control register, the pattern data stored in the pattern register are sequentially output to illuminate the light emitting elements. Particular pattern data may be stored in association with a particular caller so that, when an incoming call has been received from the particular caller, the pattern data specific to the particular caller are read out to illuminate the light emitting elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Toda
  • Patent number: 7181004
    Abstract: A method of generating a subscriber line differential ringing signal with a DC component includes providing a time-varying supply level, W(t), having a plurality of non-equidistantly spaced critical points along a folding line. W(t) is coupled to the tip line while coupling an alternate source to the ring line in response to a first critical point. W(t) is coupled to the ring line while coupling the alternate source to the tip line in response to a second critical point. An apparatus for generating the ringing signal includes a power supply providing a supply level W(t)=|f(t)?C|+C+D, wherein D is a power supply offset, wherein C?0. When W(t)?K a signal processor controls a linefeed driver to toggle between 1) coupling W(t) to the tip line while coupling the ring line to an alternate supply, VALT(t), and 2) coupling W(t) to the ring line while coupling the tip line to VALT(t), wherein K is a pre-determined switching threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Silicon Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott A. George
  • Patent number: 7181003
    Abstract: A method of generating a subscriber line ringing signal includes the step of applying a time-varying waveform W(t) to the tip line while maintaining the ring line at a pre-determined supply level for a duration T/2. The time-varying waveform is subsequently applied to the ring line while maintaining the tip line at the pre-determined supply level for the duration T/2. A subscriber line interface circuit apparatus includes a power supply providing a time-varying supply level, W(t). A signal processor controls a linefeed driver to alternately couple W(t) to one of the tip and ring lines while coupling an alternate supply level to the other of the tip and ring lines for a duration T/2. In various embodiments, the resulting differential ringing signal is trapezoidal or sinusoidal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Silicon Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott A. George
  • 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: 7076460
    Abstract: An interactive remote auction bidding system for conducting an auction utilizes a data input device for communication over a network to the auction site. The system includes a data processor located at the auction site for generating bid information for communication over the network to the remote locations. A processor located at the auction side monitors the participants' data input devices for sensing participant bids generated by the participants' data input devices. The system further displays visual bid information at the auction site for transmission over the network to the participants and generates audible bid information in support of that visual bid information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Inventor: David L. Dinwoodie
  • Patent number: 7069243
    Abstract: An interactive remote auction bidding system for conducting an auction utilizes a data input device for communication over a network to the auction site. The system includes a data processor located at the auction site for generating bid information for communication over the network to the remote locations. A processor located at the auction side monitors the participants' data input devices for sensing participant bids generated by the participants' data input devices. The system further displays visual bid information at the auction site for transmission over the network to the participants and generates audible bid information in support of that visual bid information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Inventor: David L. Dinwoodie
  • Patent number: 7068777
    Abstract: A circular dial buffer is implemented in appropriate random access memory (RAM) accessible by a DSP for the purpose of storing DTMF digits to be generated and output on, e.g., a telephone line. To the processor, the DSP appears to behave much like an off-the-shelf stand alone touch tone dialer, with the exception that the DSP does not have access to a keypad input. Instead, in addition to speed dial capabilities, mimicked keypad input is transmitted by a controller to the DSP rather than timing information. Thus, instead of requiring the input of rows and columns or other information relating to button activation on a connected keypad to input touch tone digits, the principles of the present invention allow mimicking of keypad input using commands sent by the controller to the DSP, e.g., a first command indicating that a mimicked, manually operated key is being pressed, and a second command indicating that the mimicked key has been released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Agere Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Said O. Belhaj
  • Patent number: 7023987
    Abstract: An interface is provided between a conventional telephone and a conventional computer configured for network voice applications including a sound card and modem. The interface allows for use of the telephone during network voice applications such as IP telephony and voice chat. When the telephone is not used, the interface allows for sound to be input and output via the computer sound card and conventional computer microphone and speakers. When the telephone is picked up off-hook, the interface senses the off-hook state, causes the computer sound card to be connected to the telephone instead of the conventional microphone and speakers, and allows for network voice applications to be conducted using the telephone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Televoce, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward J. Prentice
  • Patent number: 7013393
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for secure access to secured system functions utilizing a universal access card. The card includes a bank of tuned amplifier circuits and tuned audio transducers to maximize audio output power from the card, such as for telephone communications. The card includes a variety of other interfaces for the user to communicate with a secure access central system. The card includes a keypad, signature input pad, voice audio input, and fingerprint input, to capture data from a user to determine whether the user is an authorized user. The user utilizes the card to conduct a secure access authorization process with the central. After the card and user are authenticated, the user can access certain functions of a system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Inventor: Pierre Stevens
  • Patent number: 6975714
    Abstract: A method and apparatus that generate a 2100 Hz answer tone, similar to the answer tones sent by facsimile machines and modems, upon answering an incoming call. This causes predictive telemarketing dialers to remove the telephone number from their databases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Enginuity Technologies Group, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Zabel, George T. Kittle
  • Patent number: 6940974
    Abstract: A system for generating number tones for dialing a telephone device comprising a microphone. The system comprises a housing, a first data entry device, first and second memory devices, an output signal generator, and a transducer. The housing defines a sound opening. The first data entry device is supported by the housing and is associated with a first sequence of stored digits. The first memory device stores the first sequence of stored digits. The second memory device stores frequency data associated with number tones. The output signal generator generates, upon activation of the first data entry device, an output signal based on the first sequence of stored digits and the frequency data. The transducer is mounted within the housing adjacent to the sound opening and converts the output signal into an audible signal. The housing is adapted to be attached to the telephone device with the sound opening adjacent to the microphone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Inventors: Clifford J. August, Thomas Heinrich Sternberg, Mathieu Schneider
  • Patent number: 6842517
    Abstract: A filtering circuit is described for filtering out meter pulses of analog telephone communication, for example in analog modems. The circuit is mainly composed of resistors and capacitors and is configured as a double T element or a Wien bridge circuit. The filtering circuit is needed for attenuating interferences to such an extent that integrated circuits operating with low voltages are not overloaded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Rainer Storn
  • Publication number: 20040247102
    Abstract: A telephone line management system in communication with a telephone line is provided. In one aspect, the system includes a caller ID module operatively coupled to the telephone line for receiving and displaying a name and a telephone number of a calling party associated with a received telephone call and a false special information tone (SIT) generator module operatively coupled to the telephone line for sending a false signal on a telephone line substantially similar to at least a first part of a SIT in response to an incoming telephone call. In another aspect, the system includes a caller ID module, a false SIT generator module, and a controller for determining when the name and telephone number of a calling party is displayed and when the false signal is operationally coupled to the telephone line. In other embodiments, the system may include an answering machine module or a telephone module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Applicant: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Mark E. Reindle, Jonathan Katz
  • Patent number: 6775364
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively sending a false system information tone (SIT) in response to an incoming telephone call is provided. One embodiment of the apparatus includes a telephone line interface, caller identification (caller ID) module, programmable oscillator, display device, and controller. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a data storage module, telephone line interface, caller ID module, programmable oscillator, display device, controller, and one or more control devices. The method includes the steps of: a) detecting a ring on the telephone line, b) receiving information about a calling party associated with the incoming telephone call, c) determining if a false SIT is to be sent based on the calling party information, and, d) if the false SIT is to be sent, i) determining when the false SIT is to be sent; ii) generating the false SIT; and, iii) sending the false SIT at the determined time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
    Inventor: Bruce R. Knox
  • Publication number: 20040101128
    Abstract: A method of selectively sending a DTMF tone from a terminal to a first or a second destination, wherein the terminal sends a signal comprising at least one DTMF tone to an intermediate module prior to distribution to the intended destination, comprising:
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Applicant: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Pierre Sauvage, Marc Brandt, Robert Hyerle
  • Patent number: 6671315
    Abstract: A DTMF signal generator simplifies frequency characteristic design of a telephone line interface so as to make it easy to carry out alteration of a low tone group frequency component and a high tone group frequency component of a DTMF signal, and to lower cost by doing away with the need for a D/A converter. There are provided first and second sine wave generators (201 and 202) for respectively generating sine waves of specific frequencies, a combining circuit (210) for combining and outputting the outputs of the first and second sine wave generators at a specified ratio, a PWM modulator (214) for generating pulses at a width corresponding to the output of the combining circuit, and a filter (211) for removing undesired frequency components included in the output of the PWM modulator. The combining ratio of the combining circuit is variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Uniden Corporation
    Inventor: Kazunori Asanaka
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6668057
    Abstract: An arithmetic processing section is designed to repeatedly execute product-sum arithmetic processing a number of times equal to the number of samples corresponding to each of the frequencies, in which a value obtained by subtracting a product-sum arithmetic value two sampling periods before from an input signal and a value obtained by multiplying a product-sum arithmetic value one sampling period before by a coefficient corresponding to a reference frequency contained in a DTMF signal are added. A comparator extracts an output value equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold value from the product-sum arithmetic values obtained by the arithmetic processing section. A matrix section determines the type of DTMF signal on the basis of at least two output values extracted by the comparator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Eiji Otsuka, Takeshi Yamashita, Yoshiko Hase
  • 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: 20030095653
    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: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Applicant: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
    Inventor: Mark E. Reindle
  • Patent number: 6519338
    Abstract: A differential pair of a first and a second transistor is used in a tone burst generator circuit for generating tone bursts for periodic pulse metering. The first transistor carries all of the current through the differential pair when no tone burst signal is to be generated. When a tone burst signal is to be generated, the base or gate voltage of the first transistor is reduced relative to the base or gate voltage of the second transistor, thereby causing the second transistor to conduct and the first transistor to be turned off. A continuous tone signal connected to a common current path through the differential pair is then coupled through the second transistor to a telephone connection in order to apply a tone burst signal to the connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Advanced Fibre Communications, Inc.
    Inventor: Martin Fornage
  • Patent number: 6498847
    Abstract: An improved account access system and device in which a portable electronic card may be loaded into a combined programming and printing system to be programmed with predetermined signals and imprinted with associated variable data. The predetermined and programmed signals may be representative of telephone numbers, account authorization numbers, or other data. The associated variable information to be printed may be textual such as name, account number or telephone number data or graphical, such as graphic designs or barcode images. The variable information may be printed or affixed to the portable electronic system using a wide variety of processes adapted to the needs of the end user. An improved assembly design for the portable electronic system and improved programming and imprinting system are particularly adapted to accommodate high volume production of many devices with different programming and imprinting requirements. Additional new programming techniques are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Inventors: Daniel A. Henderson, Darren Townsley
  • Publication number: 20020186833
    Abstract: A method of data communication which includes the steps of generating a first series of tones, the first series of tones encoding digital data in a predetermined message format, transmitting the first series of tones over a communication medium to a remote device, and then receiving a second series of tones, the second series of tones encoding a reply to the transmitted first series of tones, the reply being encoded digital data in the predetermined message format.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventor: Phillip W. Lucas
  • Patent number: 6477390
    Abstract: A wireless communication device (101) having intuitive audio keypad navigation features is provided. Each of the keys (140-151) of a keypad (132) of the wireless communication device (101) is assigned a different audible signal (FIGS. 3-4). When a user of the wireless communication device (101) presses one of the keys (140-151), a processor (112) responds by triggering an output driver (124). The output driver (124) generates a unique output signal corresponding to the pressed key (140-151). A speaker (122) or alert circuit (126) is responsive to the triggering of the output driver (124) to generate a unique audible signal (FIGS. 3-4) associated with the unique output signal of the pressed key (140-151). In this manner, an audio feedback is provided to the user that uniquely identifies each of the keys (140-151) as they are pressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Qualcomm, Incorporated
    Inventors: Arnold J. Gum, Jason B. Kenagy
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6445790
    Abstract: A digital tone generator (1110) includes a digital signal generator (1138) which generates a digital waveform data sequence which is representative of a tone having a predetermined waveform, and an adaptive duty cycle pulse-width modulator (1132) which is responsive to the digital waveform data sequence for generating an an adaptive duty cycle period characterized by a pulse-width modulated digital tone signal having a variable frequency and duty cycle which is generated by selecting a variable number of clock pulses of a predetermined reference clock (31).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Burgan, James H. Carlquist, John R. Oakley
  • Patent number: 6415269
    Abstract: An interactive remote auction bidding system for conducting an auction among participants located at remote locations from the auction site utilizes a data input device for communication over a network to the auction site. The system includes a data processor located at the auction site for generating bid information for communication over the network to the remote locations. A processor located at the auction side monitors the participants' data input devices for sensing participant bids generated by the participants' data input devices. The system further displays visual bid information at the auction site for transmission over the network to the participants and generates audible bid information in support of that visual bid information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: BidCatcher, L.P.
    Inventor: David Lionel Dinwoodie
  • Patent number: 6400821
    Abstract: A digital tone generator (1110) includes a digital signal generator (1138) which generates a digital waveform data sequence which is representative of a tone having a predetermined waveform, and a pulse-width modulator (1132) which provides an adaptive duty cycle period (622, 630) which is responsive to the digital data waveform data sequence for selecting clock pulses of a number sufficient to generate a pulse-width modulated digital tone signal. The digital tone generator (110) can also include a low pass filter (36) which processes the pulse-width modulated digital tone signal to generate an analog tone signal. The digital waveform sequences generated by two digital tone generators (38, 40) can be digitally added by a digital adder (28) to provide a composite tone data signal, which can be processed by the adaptive pulse-width modulator (700) to produce a pulse-width modulated tone signal representative of a DTMF tone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Burgan, James H. Carlquist, John R. Oakley
  • Patent number: 6373941
    Abstract: A tone supplying device generates various tone signals which an exchange can provide for public subscribers. Address signals generated by a counting operation of a first counter are inputted to a plurality of tone tables, which in turn successively output a tone signal corresponding to each of the address signals and provide same to a corresponding buffer through a corresponding latch. The first counter allows the tone selecting signals and the address signals to be generated in the tone tables so as to successively output corresponding tone signals therefrom and, at the same time, supply the tone selecting signals to the cadence selecting circuit so as to allow the cadence selecting circuit to select any one of cadence data inputted thereto from the cadence table and to output it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hun-Cheol Kwon
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20020003872
    Abstract: A differential pair of a first and a second transistor is used in a tone burst generator circuit for generating tone bursts for periodic pulse metering. The first transistor carries all of the current through the differential pair when no tone burst signal is to be generated. When a tone burst signal is to be generated, the base or gate voltage of the first transistor is reduced relative to the base or gate voltage of the second transistor, thereby causing the second transistor to conduct and the first transistor to be turned off. A continuous tone signal connected to a common current path through the differential pair is then coupled through the second transistor to a telephone connection in order to apply a tone burst signal to the connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 1998
    Publication date: January 10, 2002
    Inventor: MARTIN FORNAGE
  • Patent number: 6243460
    Abstract: A telephone that has dual keypads, wherein one of the keypads is a standard 12 number (1-9, 0, #, and *) keypad and the other keypad comprises a plurality of keys having a single character on each key. When a character key is pressed, it generates a DTMF pair corresponding to one of the 12 standard DTMF pairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Satyasai Bhagavatula
  • 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: 6137878
    Abstract: Speech messages as user feedback audio signals in electrical/electronic apparatus are more informative to users and better at holding their attention. However, in telecommunications equipment involving transmission of data or signals over a link that has finite capacity, speech messages as user feedback audio signals are considered undesirable due to their deleterious effect on transmission link capacity. In such equipment, user feedback audio signals normally comprise generic beeps consisting of single tones or a short series of discreet tones. The invention provides a method of providing plural signals as user feedback audio signals in telecommunications equipment where the total structure of the feedback signals encapsulates the underlying speech rhythms ie prosodic patterns of corresponding speech messages. In a digital system, the bit size of user feedback signals in accordance with the invention are no greater than those for the generic beeps presently employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Nortel Networks Limited
    Inventors: Kim Marie Vonder Haar, Philip Hodgson
  • Patent number: 6101252
    Abstract: The ADSI system 100 has a file stored in RAM 202 or ROM 204. The file plays a CAS tone. The CAS tone is disguised by playing one or more introductory tones as frequencies lower than the CAS tone. The user is conditioned to receive a CAS tone by ramping the CAS tone amplitude or increasing the amplitude in discrete steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Nortel Networks Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond Anthony Cardillo, IV, Stephen D. Knight
  • Patent number: 6049712
    Abstract: An arrangement relating to telecommunication access and control. An arrangement is provided at least for providing access information for protected subscriptions to at least one telecommunications system which requires the giving of access code information. The arrangement comprises a portable telecommunications unit which includes processing devices, storing devices and loudspeaker devices. The existing processing devices, storing and loudspeaker devices of the portable telecommunications unit are used for transmitting at least DTMF-coded access code information to a communications arrangement to provide access to a number of telecommunications systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson
    Inventor: Soren Wallinder
  • Patent number: 6014441
    Abstract: A user-authentication system includes an authorized user device (AUD) for transmission of dtmf tones to a user-verification system (UVS) over a telephone network, where user-verification is performed and authorized users are granted access to a desired service. In a memory module of the AUD, a plurality of passphrases and identifying data are stored for subsequent transmission to the UVS. The compensating system comprises a pair of tone devices that generate low frequency tones and high frequency tones, respective that are amplified to different amplification levels. The amplification levels compensate for the low and high frequency tone transmission characteristics associated with different microphones in use in a public telephone system. The systems further performs channel normalization with the user-activated AUD and the UVS. Tone signals representative of the access telephone number transmitted by the AUD to reach the UVS, have a reference amplitude of zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Smart Tone Authentication, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew R. Mark
  • Patent number: RE38101
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for activating telephone services in response to speech are described. A directory including names is maintained for each customer. A speaker dependent speech template and a telephone number for each name, is maintained as part of each customer's directory. Speaker independent speech templates are used for recognizing commands. The present invention has the advantage of permitting a customer to place a call by speaking a person's name which serves as a destination identifier without having to speak an additional command or steering word to place the call. This is achieved by treating the receipt of a spoken name in the absence of a command as an implicit command to place a call. Explicit speaker independent commands are used to invoke features or services other than call placement. Speaker independent and speaker dependent speech recognition are performed on a customer's speech in parallel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Telesector Resources Group, Inc.
    Inventors: George J. Vysotsky, Ayman O. Asadi, David M. Lubensky, Vijay R. Raman, Jayant M. Naik
  • Patent number: RE36443
    Abstract: An option select circuit for a dialer includes an internal address generator (20) for generating an address pattern, which, in a set up mode, is output from a multiplexer (14) to I/O pins (10). The pins (10) are selectively hardwired through an interface circuit (24) back to address input pins (50) and (52) for input to a decorder (28). The decoder (28) decodes the selected address for input to a PLA (30). This allows selection of various functions in a function generator (12) for operation in the normal dialer mode. The interface circuit (24) comprises hardwire connections (54) and (56).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: SGS-Thomson Microelectronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Herman Ma, Darin L. Kincaid, David N. Larson