Abstract: Apparatus and method for simultaneously providing multiple telephone-type services to any/all POTS-type devices on a single wire pair at a user premises. The present invention provides for the ability to add separately addressable POTS devices on a single service loop. This can be accomplished in at least two ways: first by the use of a multipoint protocol or second by Frequency Division Multiplexing.

Abstract: In one embodiment according to the invention, a telephonic apparatus includes an interface to a network, a memory adapted to store a telephone number, a text-to-speech module adapted to produce audible signals associated with the stored telephone number, a processor, and a local input unit. The local input unit is adapted to produce an input signal in response to user activation, and the processor is adapted to respond to the input signal by retrieving the stored telephone number from the memory and causing the text-to-speech module to produce the audible signals for transmission to the network via the interface. In an alternative embodiment according to the invention, a method of transmitting Caller ID data to a distant party includes the steps of receiving a local input command, retrieving stored Caller ID data in response to the local input command, producing audible signals based on the retrieved Caller ID data, and transmitting the audible signals to the distant party.

Abstract: The invention relates to a recording control apparatus in a dealing talk system, and aims at making it possible for a dealer to easily listen to a talk content recorded in a talk recording unit 1-29, and the invention is provided with a line control unit 1-2 to accommodate a digital line circuit 1-3 and a trunk 1-15, a talk terminal unit 1-1 connected with the digital line circuit 1-3, a talk recording unit 1-29 which is connected with the trunk 1-15 and records a talk content, an information processing unit 3-29 for managing talking control information from the talk terminal unit 1-1, and a network server 1-30 which controls the talk recording unit 1-29 on the basis of the talking control information from the information processing unit 3-29 and provides a talk voice recorded in the talk recording unit 1-29 through a telephone line to the talk terminal unit 1-1.

Abstract: A listening conditioning system includes an audio conditioning unit and optionally one or more audio delivery components. A receiver provides at least one receiver channel which receives signals indicative of sound from a source of desired sound, and provides as an output digital sound data for each receiver channel. Digital signal processing circuitry coupled to the at least one receiver channel filters the digital sound data from each receiver channel using a filter profile to obtain filtered digital sound data. A profile upload input is configured to receive a multiple filter profiles, wherein each of the filter profiles corresponds to user preferences or to an audiogram of a user of the listening conditioning system and to a particular sound environment. A profile selection user input can be used to select the filter profile from the multiple filter profiles. A transmitter coupled to the digital signal processing circuitry is configured to transmit filtered sound data from each receiver channel.

Abstract: A call management system includes a local telephone circuit, a first telephone set, a second telephone set, and a telephony device. The first telephone set, the second telephone set, and the telephony device, each coupled to the local telephone circuit. The telephony device includes an off-hook monitor that detects an off-hook state on the local telephone circuit, and a command processor which recognizes a voice command signal transmitted from either the first telephone set or the second telephone set. A method for telephone call management is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method relating to telecommunications in which the telephone of a first subscriber is connected to the telephone of a second subscriber via a standard telephone network and the call is billed to a third subscriber. The first subscriber first dials a subscriber number, preferably preceded by a prefix, which leads to the third subscriber and then dials a subscriber number that leads to the second subscriber. The telephone network connects the call to a telephone-network-connected computer unit that forwards the call to the second subscriber to connect the first subscriber with the second subscriber. The call between the first subscriber and the second subscriber is billed to the third subscriber, and advertisements are transmitted on the call connected between the first and second subscribers.

Abstract: Audio information is distributed from a service center to a large group of subscribers on a regular basis, depending on the desires of the individual subscribers. The audio information can be educational, recreational, or informational in nature. The service center stores user profile information, stores compressed audio recordings for future delivery, transmits compressed audio information to each base unit, and interfaces with subscribers. The base unit provides readiness status to the service center. The service center sends compressed digital audio information to the base station, after which the base station receives the compressed audio unattended, and automatically decodes and records the audio information on a cassette or other recording device. Communication between the service center and each base unit may use a data network that operates on top of the Public Switched Telephone Network using xDSL modems or a cable network using cable modems.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for prompt recipient notification of the active greeting on a voice message system, with the notification provided on initial recipient access of the voice message system, typically at the same time as the recipient is informed of new voice messages. Notification of the active greeting on initial access provides the recipient the opportunity to modify an outdated greeting thereby providing more current information. The invention also provides a method and system for automatically restoring the primary greeting at a predetermined date without the necessity of the recipient accessing the voice message administration area on that predetermined date.

Abstract: A user-programmable telephone call annunciator for use with a telephone includes a recording circuit configured to receive an audio signal from a user and to store the audio signal as an electronic signal. A playback circuit is connected to the recording circuit and configured to selectively play back the electronic signal as the audio signal. An incoming signal detector circuit is connected to the playback circuit and configured to receive an incoming signal on a line to the telephone and to activate the playback circuit in response to said incoming signal. Additional embodiments include a plurality of recording and playback circuits and a plurality of incoming signals. Advantages to the invention include the ability for a user to program the telephone call annunciator to produce a sound provided by the user.

Abstract: An automated telephone hold device including a housing with a visual indication mechanism, audible indication mechanism, and push button switch positioned on a top face thereof. Further included is a voice playback mechanism, decoder, phone interface, and sequential logic located within the housing. In use, the sequential logic allows a user on hold to depress the push button switch which, in turn, actuates the visual indication mechanism. At this point in time, the phone interface allows communication between the voice playback mechanism and the phone of the second party for prompting the second party to press a designated key on the phone thereof. Once the second party presses the designated key, the sequential logic mechanism is adapted to actuate the audible indication mechanism. Also, upon the user lifting the handset thereof from an inoperative orientation, the sequential logic mechanism prompts the phone interface to revert to a normal mode of operation.

Abstract: In the present telecommunication system, a wired network receives a plurality of voice signals and transmits them. A first communication device is connected to the wired network. The first communication device includes means for receiving the plurality of voice signals, a first storage means for storing the plurality of voice signals, a first playback means for retrieving a portion of the stored plurality of voice signals, and a first control means for controlling the first playback means to transmit the retrieved portion of voice signals. The portion of the stored plurality of voice signals which are retrieved are then placed onto a wireless network which is in communication with a plurality of portable units. Each of the portable units has capability of communicating with the wireless network for receiving the voice signals therefrom, for storing a received voice signal, and for playing back the stored voice signal.

Abstract: A system and method for selected audio response to a telephone call that results in an unsuccessful connection. If a condition within the set of conditions is satisfied based on attributes associated with the caller or the telephone call, an action list associated with the satisfied condition is executed. The action list can comprise a selected audio response that is transmitted to the caller of the unsuccessful connection.

Abstract: A telephone message system overcomes the problems and limitations of presently available systems that seek to enhance inter-and intra-premises communications. The system comprises a controller unit with Caller ID capabilities and one or more adjunct units that are all bridged onto a single wire-pair at a user's residential location in a parallel electrical connection. For facilitating a message routing capability, a mailbox of groups of telephone numbers are associated with a particular party at the residence. These telephone numbers are preprogrammed into the controller unit so that upon receipt of an incoming call from one of these telephone numbers, identified through caller ID, the incoming call is associated with the particular called party and the controller unit routes the incoming call directly to the called party's mail box where the calling party is able to leave a message.

Abstract: A battery powered hand-held portable computer device for audible processing of messages stored at one or more remote central message facilities. A telephonic interface is included within the portable computer device. A connection between the portable computer device and the remote central message facility is automatically established in response to a connection to a telephonic network and the operation of a single switch. Thereafter, selected audio and/or digital messages from a remote central message facility are transferred to the portable computer device, digitized if necessary, and stored within random access memory or stored utilizing analog storage systems. The portable computer device preferably utilizes a limited number of tape recorder-like switches. In response to a single operation of a "start" switch, electronic messages stored in a digital format are sequentially coupled to a text-to-speech conversion application and converted to audible speech through a speaker or headphone.

Abstract: Audio communication may be established between a plurality of communication units in a communication system that includes a dispatch switching center in the following manner. A first communication unit generates information to be distributed to a second communication unit. The dispatch switching center receives a digital packet including the information to be distributed, and ascertains an identifier associated with the second communication unit. The dispatch switching center replicates the information to be distributed, and uses the identifier to distribute the replicated information to the second communication unit.

Abstract: A real time weather information access and distribution system having a central switching and interface unit accessed at least in part via a commercial telephone network. A remote weather station is selected by the incoming caller by means of a "decision tree" process using a touch tone phone, and the central switching and interface unit makes contact with a local interface unit at the selected geographically remote weather reporting station. Weather information being produced and broadcast locally by the weather reporting station is then provided to the geographically remote incoming caller on a real-time basis via the local interface unit, being in communication with said central switching and interface unit, and thence to individual callers desiring said real time weather information.

Abstract: A system for paging mobile stations within a cellular telecommunication system wherein paging areas, which are composed of a plurality of location areas, are created to provide a means for locating a mobile station when the mobile station has not responded to a location area page and without requiring a service area page. The system sends a page request to the location area where the desired mobile station last registered. If a response is not received, the system sends a page request to the paging area which includes a plurality of location areas where the mobile station is likely to be found. If a page response is still not received from the desired mobile station, then a page request will be sent to all of the location areas within the service area.

Abstract: A combined audio system and automatic electronic audio signal attenuating device is disclosed which provides an audio system combined with an automatic electronic audio signal attenuating device comprising an audio attenuation portion for attenuating audio signals and a plurality of network interface portions for controlling the audio attenuation portion in response to changes in telephone system inputs to the network interfaces. In addition, the audio attenuation portion is provided with at least two separate audio input/output connections to provide a plurality of configurations of the attenuating portion to yield different degrees of audio signal attenuation. The combined audio system and automatic electronic audio signal attenuating device can accommodate plurality of telephones in addition to a plurality of audio signal channels.

Abstract: A program material screening device is provided whereby the owner/operator of a program material playback device such as a videocassette player, television, laser disc player, motion picture projector, phonograph or the like may automatically and selectively prevent the reproduction into humanly perceivable form of unwanted program material. The screening device is capable of recognizing non-interfering material content signals stored along with the program signals that are reproduced by the program material playback device, and is capable of automatically disabling the playback device in response to the recognition of the material content signal.

Abstract: An establishment which provides goods and/or services to customers or patrons, such as a retail store or restaurant, is provided with a telephone handset in a stand located at a convenient and readily accessible spot but yet which is outside the congested or heavily trafficked area and gives the user a feeling of privacy and the telephone handset is coupled to a message repeater and a message recorder so when the customer or patron picks up the telephone handset out of its cradle he or she hears a message from the message repeater which provides an introduction and instructions and then the customer talks into the mouthpiece or transmitter of the telephone handset and the message is recorded.

Abstract: A telephone call responding system which allows the user to respond to an incoming telephone call without actually speaking to the caller personally, and, if desired, without having to pick up the telephone to answer a call. To activate the responder system, the user, upon receiving an incoming telephone call, selects one of a plurality of call response messages by actuating a control key of the responder system corresponding to the desired message. Once activated, the responder system connects itself to the telephone line and, utilizing speech synthesis or digital-to-analog conversion, delivers the selected message for putting-off an unwanted or nuisance call, asking the caller to call back later, or instructing a person on an extension telephone to hang up. After delivering the message, the responder system disconnects itself from the telephone line until once again activated by the user.

Abstract: A portable device to be carried by a reporter and coupled to a telephone line to a location from which the reporter wishes to transmit a report to a broadcast station to be broadcast live has a casing with a microphone (1) for voice input, a tape input (2) for receiving a tape signal and a monitor (3) for providing acoustic signal to the reporter.The device has signal conditioning circuitry including voice control gain adjustment (20) and amplification (5) for providing a signal to be transmitted by the telephone line in a form suitable for broadcasting. The device is coupled to the telephone line by a hybrid transformer arrangement (7 to 14) which serves to cancel unwanted components of the signal to be sent down a telephone line from that to be received from the telephone line. The device is portable and has its own power supply in the form of batteries or connections for an AC mains auto supply.

Abstract: A program material screening device is provided whereby the owner of a program signal receiving device such as a telephone, television, radio, VCR, or the like may automatically and selectively prevent the reception and replay by the receiving device of unwanted transmissions. The screening device is capable of recognizing non-interfering material content signals co-transmitted with the program signals received by the receiving device, and is capable of automatically disabling the receiving device in response to recognition of the material content signal.

Abstract: In a signal processing environment, voice messages are stored into and read out of a buffer in real time. Since voice messages are being stored and read from the buffer, different sizes and rates of information are being stored therein. Small packets of digitized voice are input to the buffer at a very high rate, while larger packets of data are output from the buffer at a lower rate and can be stored into permanent memory. The buffering of this digitized voice data occurs in real time using a ringed buffer. The transfer of data into and out of the buffer is under the control of a software application running on a host processing system. The producer of the digitized voice data is a signal processing system which converts an input analog voice signal into a compressed digitized signal. The consumer of the buffered digitized voice data is a software application program which removes blocks of multiple data records from the buffer for program execution.

Abstract: The system comprises an apparatus for signalling to a party on hold that the hold initiating party is ready to continue conversation. As soon as the hold initiating party places the other party on hold, the party on hold activates the system which causes a pre-recorded message to be transmitted back to the hold initiating party. The pre-recorded message invites the hold initiating party to produce a DTMF signal tone. The DTMF signal activates a tone detector which turns off the message generator and produces an audio and visual signal to alert the party on hold. In this manner the party on hold is free to pursue normal activities until such time as the hold initiating party is ready to talk.

Abstract: In a telecommunications network, a system for applying messages or data to the customer lines of calling parties during the "ringback" period of telephone call set up. The messages are preferably applied between successive ringback tones during the ringback period and are terminated when the called party answers the call. Advertising messages, civic or company announcements, political messages, informational messages(e.g. news or weather), or other data can be transmitted on the telephone lines during what is otherwise essentially unused times when the line is already tied up.

Abstract: In a telecommunications network, a system for applying messages or data to the customer lines of calling parties during the "ringback" period of telephone call set up. The messages are preferably applied between successive ringback tones during the ringback period and are terminated when the called party answers the call. Advertising messages, civic or company announcements, political messages, informational messages (e.g. news or weather), or other data can be transmitted on the telephone lines during what is otherwise essentially unused times when the line is already tied up.