Abstract: An on-line indicator (40) for the multipurpose headset amplifier comprises a holder in two parts (45) arranged to be snapped onto the ascending, holder (10) which is mounted on the housing (5) of the multipurpose headset amplifier. The on-line indicator has a rotatable indicator or light emitting diode (41) which is coupled to the multipurpose headset amplifier by means of a cable (42). The light diode will light up when the headset is in use to indicate to others that the user of the headset is on the line.

Abstract: A system and method for modifying a composite Ring AC/Message Waiting (RAC/MW) signal to prevent bell tap on analog telephones. The composite RAC/MW signal comprises AC signals and DC signal alternately spaced in time. At a zero crossover point the composite RAC/MW signal is ramped from a given bias voltage level to a desired Message Waiting voltage level at a slope sufficient to prevent bell tap. Near the end of the Message Waiting portion of the composite signal the composite signal is ramped to the bias voltage level at a slope sufficient to prevent bell tap.

Abstract: For a portable telephone set having a display portion for displaying various information associated with call or origination and reception, a gyro for detecting inclination of a main body is provided. When substantially horizontal position of the main body for dialing is detected by the gyro, power supply for the display portion is initiated. On the other hand, when the vertical position of the main body for speaking is detected by the gyro, supply for the display portion is shut off.

Abstract: A telephone system and method for easing an incoming caller's wait time in queue before being connected to a called party is disclosed. A "ready" signal initiated by the called party via the called party's telephone is provided to the caller's telephone to inform the caller that communication can commence between the caller and the called party. Thus, the caller need not wait with the caller's telephone pressed against his or her ear. Instead, the caller can put the telephone down (off-hook) and go about his or her business until receiving the ready signal. The ready signal can be provided visually and/or audibly. The ready signal can be enabled by the caller. The ready signal can also be terminated by the caller to enable the initiation of communication with the called party. "Ready enable", "ready" and "ready termination" functions can be initiated by pressing specialty keys on a telephone or can be assigned predetermined sequences of keys from a traditional telephone key pad.

Abstract: A drive frequency control method and apparatus for use in a radio receiver, such as a paging unit. The paging unit includes an LED for informing a user of an incoming call, and a drive frequency controller coupled to the LED for controlling the luminance of the LED by supplying a certain amount of electric current to the LED. The luminance of the LED is based on the amount of ambient light detected by an illumination detector. The detected illuminance information is sent to a CPU, which controls the drive frequency generator accordingly. The drive frequency generator generates a drive signal which is provided via an amplifier to an on-off switching transistor. The transistor, in turn, controls the amount of electric current that is supplied through a storage/discharge device and the LED, thereby controlling the luminance of the LED.

Abstract: A method for displaying an absence message in a private exchange system. More specifically, a method for displaying on a calling party's telephone, a message containing the reason for a called party's absence and the beginning and ending points of the absence in either a time or date format. The method is accomplished by a party registering an absence message on a keyphone, so that a reason for an absence and the period of absence will sent and displayed on variable visual display of the calling party's telephone when the party is called while absent.

Abstract: A telephone having a plurality of key tops and a small number of light sources for illuminating the key tops with a thin construction. A switch panel formed of a transparent material is mounted on a case of the telephone. The switch panel has a plurality of holes through which the key tops of a key top sheet are respectively inserted. An opaque film is formed on an outer surface of the switch panel. A plurality of conductive contracts are formed on a lower surface of the key top sheet at positions corresponding to the respective key tops. A plurality of switch patterns are formed on a printed circuit board so as to respectively face the conductive contacts. With this construction, the switch panel functions as a light guiding board, thereby efficiently illuminating the plurality of key tops by means of the small number of light sources such as LEDs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to home telephone accessary and more specifically to an accessary that turns on a green light and a buzzer when the home phone line is open, and a red light when the line is in use. This invention is useful especially for those who share one telephone line with many other people.

Abstract: A procedure for cleaning a display screen in a touch screen based telephone such that features of the telephone are not inadvertently activated is described. The procedure operates by causing the telephone (actually, a processor in the telephone) to enter a "clean screen" mode in response to a request from the user to clean the display screen. While in the "clean screen" mode, all signals generated in response to the user touching the display screen are ignored. In this matter, while in the "clean screen" mode, the user is able to clean the display screen without inadvertently activating any features of the telephone. The telephone automatically determines when the user has finished cleaning the display screen. When it is determined that the user has finished cleaning the display screen, the telephone leaves the "clean screen" mode and enters an "active screen". While in the "active screen" mode, all signals generated in response to the user touching the display screen are processed.

Abstract: A telephone apparatus comprises a display unit to display use states of a plurality of external lines; a dial key including a ten-key; and a selector to select either one of the external lines in accordance with the operation of the dial key. LEDs of two colors may be used as a display unit.

Abstract: A telephone apparatus, comprises: a memory for storing a telephone number; a switch for producing a switch signal in response to user operation; a dialing circuit for dialing in response a dialing control signal; a control portion responsive to the switch signal for reading out the stored telephone number and producing the dialing control signal in accordance with the stored telephone number; a telephone number detection circuit for detecting a telephone number data indicative of a telephone number of a caller sent from a telephone line; a comparing portion for comparing the detected telephone number data with the stored one to produce a indication signal when the detected telephone number agrees with the stored one; and indication portion responsive to the indication control signal for indicating that the detected telephone number agrees with the stored one.

Abstract: An information communication terminal having a telephone and an informational processing device for communicating with other such terminals or communication devices by way of a telephone network. The informational processing device is adapted to execute a number of predetermined application programs and perform data communication which includes receiving electronic mail by way of the telephone network. The informational processing device may include a battery, a device for generating a battery informational signal representing a charged state of the battery, a first display device for displaying thereon results of the execution of an application program and information corresponding to the electronic mail, a device for generating an electronic mail informational signal representing the receipt of electronic mail, and a device for generating a disconnect command signal when the informational processing device is performing data communication.

Abstract: A telephone privacy device includes first and second connectors that are mateable with a telephone handset and a telephone base, respectively. The handset includes a microphone, and the device includes a variable amplifier that allows the user to amplify the microphone signal to a desired level prior to sending it on to the base. A signal strength display allows the user to monitor the amplitude of the amplified microphone signal. A side tone suppression circuit generates a side tone suppression signal in response to the amplified microphone signal. This side tone suppression signal is used to reduce excessive side tone from the telephone base. An adjustable gain amplifier amplifies the speaker signal supplied by the base for the handset speaker.

Abstract: An interactive display arrangement for easily moving between menu screens in a display device at a telephone terminal is provided. Ease of movement between the menu screens for certain logical functions is facilitated by a multipurpose screen prompt having a single softkey message. This softkey message is commonly displayed in each plurality of sets of softkey messages displayed in associated menu screens, with multiple tasks being assigned to this softkey label message. Each assigned task for the softkey message is determined by each menu screen in which the softkey message is displayed. By being able to use a single screen prompt for multiple functions, simplicity and screen space in a small interactive display is conserved. Also, the user of the display is able to move easily among available menu screens in the interactive display arrangement without the need for detailed knowledge of the menu hierarchy.

Abstract: In a radio telephone (100, 200) having a keypad (206) for receiving first information (302), a memory (112) for storing second information (313), and an intelligent editing function. There is provided a method of transmitting information representing a phone number using the intelligent editing function that selects a prefix mode when a phone number has been automatically entered and selects an appending edit mode when the information representing a phone number has been manually entered. The information is then edited to form a complete phone number (315), and transmitted (102, 104, 105, 106).

Abstract: An arrangement where display control data which has been developed off-line, and which specifies the content and sequence of the display screens required to lead a customer through activation of a plurality of telephone features, is received and stored by an analog display station either at an initialization or a feature update of the station. The display control data is used by the station to communicate information relating to a particular feature to a user via the station display. The user inputs, e.g., keystrokes, received after each display screen, are stored by the station, and after the sequence has been completed, all such stored user inputs are rapidly transmitted to the switching system to effect the particular feature. Significantly, the switching system telephone feature software is not involved until after all stored user inputs are transmitted. Therefore, there is no need to modify existing software as long as the user inputs are not changed.

Abstract: A telephone in-use indicator having a diode bridge which is connected to a telephone line. The diode bridge ensures than an input signal from the telephone line is at a constant polarity. An inverter is connected to the diode bridge and receives a signal from the telephone line through the diode bridge. The inverter operates to invert the signal received from the telephone line. An oscillator receives a signal output from the inverter. A light emitting diode is connected to an output of the oscillator and is intermittently driven by the oscillator. A power source powers the inverter, oscillator and light emitting diode. When one telephone extension along the telephone line is changed from an "on-hook" to an "off-hook" condition, a drop in voltage is detected. As a result, the light emitting diode is intermittently driven by the oscillator to thereby provide an indication that a telephone line is in use.

Abstract: A hold displaying system includes plural multifunction telephone sets each of which has a hold indicator, and an exchange for accommodating the telephone sets. Each multifunction telephone set cooperates with the exchange to perform a hold display on the hold indicator of the respective multifunction telephone set. When information for a multifunction telephone set to which a hold display is forwarded is sent from a multifunction telephone set on a hold operating side to the exchange, the exchange transmits its hold display switching information to the multifunction telephone set to which the hold display was forwarded, whereby the hold indicator indicates the same hold display as that provided by the multifunction telephone set to which a hold display has been forwarded during its holding operation.

Abstract: Digital communication systems cover a wide range of applications with the provision of features. However, new features must be added for specific application areas. One such specific application area is trading with shares, currency, raw materials, etc.

Abstract: A telephone terminal provides display screens of information messages which are selectively arranged to be time-specific in accordance with the complexity content of the information in each message. The amount of text in an information message, the complexity of words in the message and whether any user action should follow the text presented in the message are factors used in optimizing the duration of the display screens for the messages timed specific to their content. A plurality of user selectable options for the duration of the display screens also are available. These selectable options alter the duration time of all the display screens as a set. Within each selected set the variable time accorded each display screen, in accordance with the time-specfic information messages, provides for optimum viewing of each message by a user of the telephone terminal.

Abstract: The local telephone message announcing device automatically checks a remote telephone voice messaging system for stored messages in a consistent and timely manner, announces the presence of stored messages through an external indicator and automatically connects the user to the stored messages upon entry of a predetermined command by the user. The device checks for the stored messages by detecting a unique tone sent to a user's telephone set or telephone number by the remote telephone voice messaging system to indicate the presence of stored messages. The detection occurs at predetermined time intervals whereby interference with the operation of the local telephone set is minimized. In addition, the device is easily installed by a person without technical expertise and can be adapted to any type of telephone set.

Abstract: A telephone exchange accommodates a plurality of lines in a primary group of an Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), as well as a plurality of extension terminals, in which a plurality of channels constitute each line. Control is performed in such a manner that the status of a line of an extension terminal when this terminal is using one channel among the plurality thereof is indicated by lighting an Light Emitting Diode (LED) in the color green, the status of a line of an extension terminal when this terminal is not using any of the plurality of channels but all of these channels are being used by other terminals is indicated by lighting the LED in the color red, and the status of a line of an extension terminal when this terminal is not using any of the plurality of channels but some of these channels are being used by other terminals is indicated by flashing the LED in the color red.

Abstract: An interactive display arrangement in a telephone terminal permits direct movement between unrelated child menu screens in a menu hierarchy. The arrangement is configured such that a user may advance directly from a displayed first child menu screen to an unrelated second child menu screen in the menu hierarchy, in order to perform specific tasks at the second child menu screen. Once the tasks at the second menu screen are completed or the user elects not to perform such tasks, the arrangement permits the user to return directly to the first child menu screen. The user of the telephone terminal thus is able to easily complete specific tasks at selected menu screens in the interactive display arrangement without the need for excessive movement in the menu hierarchy.

Abstract: A method for controlling a signalling procedure in communication terminal equipment such that initialization and control of the signalling procedure or of subscriber performance features is achieved with a minimum of additional, special keys. First procedure control information that defines a signalling sub-procedure is formed after every activation of the communication terminal equipment and before every branching of the signalling procedure into a plurality of signalling sub-procedures. Procedure control information is communicated to a display device for the purpose of visualization of at least one procedure control information. Upon actuation of a sequence key in the communication terminal equipment, further procedure control information defining a further signalling sub-procedure is formed and is communicated to the display device.

Abstract: A telephone includes means for switching the LEDs, on the face of the phone, between a normal operating mode in which the lights indicate the status of telephony features, such as mute or hold, to a diagnostic operating mode in which the LEDs indicate the status of the telephone's data communications signals. The modes are toggled by entry of a code on the telephone keypad or by way of a command from a workstation coupled to the telephone by way of a data communications port.

Abstract: Device for detecting and identifying call progress tones on telephone lines. The application discloses a device for converting auditory call progress tones to visual indications and a novel circuit for identifying and distinguishing call progress tones based on their on-off cadence, if any, along with various alternative embodiments including: (1) a device which converts call progress tones to visual indications as for use by the deaf, (2) a device which is programmed to automatically go off-hook at certain times, detect a tone such as a stuttered dial tone indicating a message waiting, and activate a visual indicator, and (3) the use of a capacitor or rechargeable battery which is periodically refreshed by the device automatically going off-hook and which, while the device is on-hook, provides power required by the device.

Abstract: Dial tone detection circuitry is employed in a telephone of the type which has its dialing mechanism incorporated into the handset. The dial tone detection circuitry is connected to an annunciating means which indicates to a user that dial tone is present without the need to bring the handset to the user's ear. The dial tone detection circuitry my also be connected to the telephone's automatic redial circuitry to ensure efficient operation of the redial function.

Abstract: A visual indicator circuit is provided for visually indicating that a telephone is ringing or that a message is waiting. The circuit includes a visual indicator such as a light emitting diode (LED), a voltage triggering circuit for triggering when a minimum predetermined voltage is applied to the telephone lines, and a current limiting circuit for limiting the current provided to the LED.

Abstract: A central clock unit has a ring generator for generating ringing signals and a DC voltage source for generating display signals. With the assistance of the central clock unit having a switching unit that is controlled by a central processor unit, either the ringing signals or display signals are transmitted to an analog communication terminal via a ring down line and a line connection unit. Within the line connection unit, a switch is controlled by a ringing-display procedure to generate the desired rhythm of the ringing or display signal. A read/write memory unit within an I/O device is divided into dedicated memory sections to eliminate any delays associated with the control of the ringing-display procedure. The dedicated memory sections are used to store information which is written to or read from the memory by the I/O device and the central processor unit.

Abstract: A call identification display system includes a reception unit; at least one remote user unit; and a communication link such as conventional interface electronics located in the reception unit and the remote units interconnected by cables or rf or laser transmitter and receiver systems; the reception unit has a data entry device such as a keyboard for entering a message including at least identifying indicia for an incoming caller and a display device; each remote user unit includes a display displaying the message from the reception unit identifying the incoming caller and an instruction selector for selecting one of a number of predetermined instructions for display in the display device in the reception unit for directly disposition of the incoming call.

Abstract: A communication terminal apparatus connected to an integrated services digital network to transmit data from an outgoing call office to an incoming call office and a method of controlling the communication terminal apparatus, in which notification of a person to be called for an incoming signal and acceptance or rejection of the incoming signal are controlled on the basis of predetermined identification data contained in the incoming signal. When detecting the identification data contained in the incoming signal, the present apparatus compares the detected identification data with registration identification data previously registered so that, if the apparatus finds a coincidence therebetween, it informs the user of corresponding to the coincided identification data visually by character data or audibly by a sound.

Abstract: Terminal equipment having transmitting and receiving functions for a vehicle radio telephone system has a function thereof limited to one of a plurality of modes depending on the time zone. The equipment is automatically locked when a predetermined period of time expires after the end of a communication. The area wherein a call can be originated on the equipment is limited to one of local, domestic and international areas on the basis of the time zone. A memory has a plurality of addresses each being loaded with a particular telephone number to allow the single equipment to selectively use a plurality of telephone channels, on the basis of the time zone. A plurality of memories each stores a particular speed call number table or a particular unattended telephone message table, so that the tables are selectively used depending on the time zone.

Abstract: A telephone headset on-line indicator uses a light emitting diode located on a boom of a headset to indicate that the user is on-line with another telephone. Circuits are described for use with use with conventional telephones, electronic telephones and PBX telephone base units.

Abstract: A station controller for use with a centrex exchange in which the controller provides lamping signal control for the lamps of telephone stations forming multi-station pick-up groups and wherein the controller further provides cable pair information for use in establishing and updating an equipment port/cable pair/telephone station correlation table in the centrex exchange.

Abstract: A control circuit for an electrical telephone accessory detects if the telephone receiver is on the cradle, the telephone ringer is actuated, or if the telephone receiver is lifted from the cradle. The control circuit connects the electrical telephone accessory to a power supply source when the telephone ringer is actuated or when the telephone receiver is lifted from the cradle.

Abstract: A control method for a cordless telephone system including a main apparatus connected to a telephone line and having a line control function, a plurality of stationary apparatuses connected to the main apparatus and each having a radio transmitter/receiver, and portable telephones capable of communicating with the stationary apparatuses through a radio channel. When the main apparatus receives a simultaneous calling request signal from one portable telephone through a given stationary apparatus, it transmits a simultaneous calling request signal to whichever of the other portable telephones are not in use through corresponding stationary apparatuses.

Abstract: A communication unit utilizes a caller management unit which monitors in-house lines and detects a caller side calling code included in a calling set up message applied at the time of reference. A control unit stores the detected calling code in one memory region of a memory and reads out the stored calling code from the memory region in response to an output request to produce information corresponding to the calling code. The management unit displays the information produced by the control unit. The memory has another memory region for storing a plurality of predetermined calling codes and caller specification information corresponding to each calling code. The control unit stores the detected calling code into the one memory region in response to a non-response detection to reference by the line monitor.

Abstract: An exchange having a display apparatus for displaying the states of a plurality of subscriber terminals accommodated therein. The display apparatus includes a display board having n indicator-keys, each for displaying the state of a subscriber terminal and an indication board having m indicator-keys, each for selectively indicating the states of n groups of subscriber terminals so that the states of a total of n.times.m subscriber terminals are displayed. Under control of the exchange, the display apparatus displays an incoming call and a recall terminated at an attendant console by lighting up the indicator-keys and flickering the indicator keys on and off, respectively. When an indicator-key which is displaying an incoming call or a recall is pressed, the subscriber terminal and the station line concerned are connected.

Abstract: A selective call receiver includes a fiber optic channel located along the length of at least one side thereof for providing a visual alert of a received message.

Abstract: A telephone number display device adapted to a facsimile machine having a telephone function comprises a telephone number input device, display device having first and second display areas for displaying a telephone number, and display mode controller for controlling the display device so as to display the telephone number given by the telephone number input devices in the first display area to the maximum number of places thereof and, when the telephone number overflows the first display area, the telephone number is divided into two groups and displayed in two display areas.

Abstract: Apparatus that allows a called party, while engaged in a first call, to indicate to a second calling party that he/she is aware of the second call and will respond to the second call within a waiting time interval. The second calling party is given a "personal answer" message indicating that the called party will answer the second call within the waiting time interval. The second calling party is then placed on hold so that when the called party terminates the first call, the called party can answer the second call.

Abstract: Apparatus for apprising an unattended station of the presence of a voice message awaiting retrieval from a voice mail system. The voice mail system is connected to the unattended station, as by automatic telephone dialing, whereupon activating signals are transmitted to the unattended station to dispose that station in a signal receiving mode of operation. Display data then are transmitted to the unattended station when said unattended station is conditioned to receive signals. A disconnect operation is carried out to disconnect the voice mail system from the unattended station if the unattended station is not conditioned to receive signals, or subsequent to the transmission of the display data. Preferably, and in accordance with the preferred embodiment, the voice message is transmitted for recording at the unattended station if the display data are received successfully thereat.

Abstract: A voice message service system stores subscriber-specific voice phrases (e.g., names) using digitally encoded phonemes while common system voice phrases are stored using digitally encoded voice samples. System voice announcements are formed by combining selected common system voice phrases with selected subscriber-specific voice phrases generated from phonemes. When a voice mail message is sent from one message system to another message system, the sender's identification is sent using digitally encoded phonemes in the message header. The destination message system uses the received digitally encoded phonemes to generate the sender's identification as a synthetic voice signal.

Abstract: A system for speeding response time to a telephone request for emergency assistance. The system passively monitors all dialing from the particular premises and responds to dialing of predesignated emergency numbers by activating an indicator such as a strobe light or a flashing lamp visible at some distance from the premises to positively identify the location of the emergency and attract relief personnel arriving into the area.

Abstract: An illuminated house light display system and a telephone operated emergency indicator device for activating the display. The circuit responds to the dialing of the numeric emergency sequence "9-1-1" and the test sequence "#-9-1-1" and activates the display to provide a visual warning signal to guide summoned emergency personnel. Reset may be accomplished anytime by lifting the handset and dialing a "#". The generally cubical address display is externally mounted in a clearly visible place. The illuminated display comprises a resilient housing preferably fitted with a translucent, marked screen bearing the appropriate indicia. A bright strobe warning light is housed within the address box. The electronic circuit is mounted within a control box, and it is interconnected with the telephone line via a conventional jack. The circuit comprises a decoder which senses the dialing of digits, and an Initiation circuit interconnected with the decoder.

Abstract: The housing of a hand held portable telephone has only a limited amount of surface area for providing a number of functions such as providing for a microphone, a receiver, a ringer, a keypad, an information display panel, a panel light, and a control key. By a reoperation of a control key, some equipment on the surface area is reused to perform a second function without requiring additional surface space.

Abstract: An electronic telephone set for use with a telephone headset receiver/transmitter apparatus is disclosed. The telephone set is line-powered, and is capable of transmit muting, last number re-dial, and memory dialing. The volume of the received voice signal is controllable by a user, and a visual indication of the volume setting is provided. The receiver and transmitter amplifiers includes circuitry for compensating for the frequency response characteristics of two or more headsets, the compensation circuitry being selectively and automatically engaged by means of a programmable connecting jack. The design of the telephone is such that it consumes very little power, especially during "on-hook" operation. Moreover, an electrical storage device is employed to provide continuous operational power to the dialer circuitry and electronic hook-switch control circuitry, so that the telephone set retains its dialing memory when not in use.

Abstract: A flickering device for telephone sets includes a phone housing having all the necessary elements and telephone circuits disposed therein for effecting communication operations with an open section provided in one side of the phone housing, a transparent member installed in the open section of the phone housing, a flickering circuit electrically coupled with the telephone circuits having a plurality of light-emitting elements disposed therein in conjunction with the transparent member for effecting flickering illuminations thereat, and an external power supply connected to the flickering circuit for providing the required power therefrom. Whereby, flickering illuminations will be effected along with the incoming ringing signals and the voice levels of those communicating on the related telephone set during communications.

Abstract: A telephone includes a lamp pivotally mounted to the telephone housing. An inductive pick-up detects an incoming call on a telephone line and actuates a switching device to energize the lamp if the ambient light level adjacent the telephone is below a predetermined level as determined by a photosensor on the telephone housing. After disconnection of the call, a time delay circuit de-energizes the lamp after a predetermined time interval. The ambient light level at which the lamp will be illuminated and the time delay between call disconnection and lamp shut-off are programmable by a user. A manual override switch allows activation or deactivation of the lamp independently of detection of an incoming call or the ambient light level.

Abstract: An automatic emergency locator system detects tone dialing of an emergency number, such as 911. Upon detecting this number the system turns on a visual signalling device, such as a flashing strobe light. The signalling device helps personnel responding to the emergency call locate the emergency. The visual signalling device remains on for a set period. Authorized persons can reset the system and turn off the signalling device by dialing a predetermined reset number.