Abstract: In an audio system, an audio signal is preprocessed to provide an input signal to a fast detector and a slow detector, the input signal comprising alert signals and ambient sounds. The slow detector determines the ambient sound level of the input signal which is output to an alert signal detector. The alert signal detector uses the ambient sound level to compute an adaptive threshold level using an adaptive threshold function. The fast detector determines the envelope level of the input signal which is output to the alert signal detector. The alert signal detector compares the envelope level to the adaptive threshold level to determine if an alert signal is present in the input signal. The adaptive threshold level varies depending on the ambient sound level of the input signal and the alert signal detection of the audio system automatically adapts to changing acoustic environments having different ambient sound levels.

Abstract: A power socket terminal network, comprising: at least one power socket stave terminal, having: at least one power socket coupled to a power line, for providing power to a device; a switch for turning said at least one power socket on and off; a wireless communication module, for providing wireless communications; and at least one power socket master terminal, having: at least one power socket coupled to a power line, for providing power to a device; a switch for turning said at least one power socket on and off; a power line communications module, for providing power line communications via said power line; and a wireless communications module, for providing wireless communications; wherein said at least one power socket slave terminal is arranged to communicate wirelessly, using said wireless communications module, with said at least one power socket master terminal.

Abstract: In an audio system, an audio signal is preprocessed to provide an input signal to a fast detector and a slow detector, the input signal comprising alert signals and ambient sounds. The slow detector determines the ambient sound level of the input signal which is output to an alert signal detector. The alert signal detector uses the ambient sound level to compute an adaptive threshold level using an adaptive threshold function. The fast detector determines the envelope level of the input signal which is output to the alert signal detector. The alert signal detector compares the envelope level to the adaptive threshold level to determine if an alert signal is present in the input signal. The adaptive threshold level varies depending on the ambient sound level of the input signal and the alert signal detection of the audio system automatically adapts to changing acoustic environments having different ambient sound levels.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus may include a trunk service unit and at least one logical multimedia terminal adapter (L-MTA). The trunk service unit may be configured to provide session initiation protocol (SIP) service to at least one subscriber equipment in a subscriber network. Each subscriber equipment may have an associated subscriber equipment identifier. The trunk service unit may provide subscriber-facing signaling to communicate with the subscriber network and network-facing signaling to communicate with a stimulus-based network. The L-MTA may be associated with the stimulus based network and may be configured to obtain service from a call management server (CMS) in the stimulus-based network. Each L-MTA may have an associated L-MTA equipment identifier, where the network-facing signaling of the trunk service unit being used to control the at least one L-MTA.

Abstract: A communication system (1) comprises: a beverage preparation machine (10) having a data-exchange communication module (11, 11?); a service unit (30) that is distant from the beverage preparation machine and that is arranged for exchanging data with the communication module of the beverage preparation machine; a transmission arrangement (15, 20, 35) for transmitting data between the data-exchange communication module and the service unit. The data-exchange communication module of the beverage preparation machine comprises a sound-interface (11, 11?) for exchanging data as a sound signal. The transmission arrangement comprises a telephone device (15) for transmitting this sound signal of the data towards the service unit and/or originating from the service unit.

Abstract: An electronic device for use in conjunction with a telephone line. The electronic device is a standard caller identification connection that has an extra computer chip which disconnects incoming telephone calls in which the caller's identity can not be ascertained.

Abstract: A linkage system for linking a soft phone incorporated in an exchange and a hard phone not incorporated in the exchange, and informing the state of the linkage operation. The linkage system allows an exchange which incorporates the soft phone terminal having a telephone function to link the soft phone terminal and the hard phone not incorporated in the exchange and establishes communication between the hard phone and the call destination.

Abstract: A button box provides additional keys that can be used in conjunction with a telephone. In one embodiment, a button box is configured by associating it with a telephone and by programming its keys. When a key on the button box is activated, a key press event is sent from the button box to the associated phone. The phone treats the key press event as if a key on the phone itself had been activated and forwards the event to the voice switch appliance associated with the phone. (Alternatively, the key press event is sent from the button box directly to a voice switch appliance.) The button box's user interface is controlled by a voice switch appliance.

Abstract: An apparatus for issuing notifications includes at least a first input configured to recognize an incoming call, at least a first notification interface, and at least a first controller. The first controller is in electrical communication with the first input and the first notification interface. The apparatus further includes a first memory in electrical communication with the first controller. The memory is configured to store at least one destination. The first controller is configured to issue at least one notification message responsive to a recognized incoming call, wherein the notification message is issued to at least one destination via the notification interface.

Abstract: A multifunction device previously stores a line connection condition of when a line interface received caller ID information in an EEPROM, and determines that a line with an exchange is connected based on a first ringing signal or a second ringing signal. When it is determined based on the first ringing signal that a line connection is a first type of connection, the line is connected according to the line connection condition. On the other hand, when it is determined based on the second ring signal that a line connection is a second type of connection, the line is connected using a line connection condition, which is adjusted by an adjustment device at the time of determination.

Abstract: A system and a method for selectively intercepting audio and video conversations over a wide area computer network, for monitoring, storing, and contributing to these conversations and reconstructing the associated communications session upon request.

Abstract: In a system for providing user input information to multiple independent, concurrent applications, the applications send subscription messages to a device receiving user input such as a telephone receiving key presses from a keypad. Each subscription message identifies a pattern of user input that the application is to be notified of. The device monitors the user input to identify the occurrence of the identified patterns. When a specified pattern of user input is detected, the device notifies the corresponding application via a signaling channel linking the application with the device. The subscription messages use regular expressions including various formats to specify the patterns of interest, such as a single digit (explicitly or wildcard), one of a set of digits, a range of digits, and a repeating pattern of digits.

Abstract: A system for communicating with the user of a cellular telephone via the cellular mobile radio (CMR) system and the public switched telephone network (PSTN). A communications interface appends the telephone exchange number of an outgoing communication to include an identifier unique to the communications interface. The outgoing communication is transmitted by the cellular telephone to the CMR system, which recognizes and verifies the outgoing communication originating with the communications interface. Accordingly, the origination of the outgoing communication from a communications interface is documented prior to forwarding the outgoing communication to its intended recipient via the PSTN. Communications incoming to a communications interface are authenticated as such, and a record as the this is created, prior to forwarding the incoming communication to the cellular telephone.

Abstract: A system and a method for selectively intercepting audio and video conversations over a wide area computer network, for monitoring, storing, and contributing to these conversations and reconstructing the associated communications session upon request.

Abstract: A system for extending the effective distance of digital subscriber line service is provided. The system includes a central office terminal having a data interface and a plurality of line units. The system further includes at least one communication link, coupled to one of the plurality of line units, that carries signals using digital subscriber line service and at least one remote access multiplexer, coupled to the at least one communication link. The at least one remote access multiplexer includes a plurality of ports that are adapted to provide digital subscriber line service. The remote access multiplexer is adapted to multiplex signals between the plurality of ports and the at least one communication link. Further, the at least one remote access multiplexer is located at a distance from the central office terminal so as to provide digital subscriber line service to user terminals that are located more than 12 kilofeet from the central office terminal.

Abstract: A telephone line interface and associated circuitry that may be implemented to simultaneously couple DC loop voltage, ring bursts, and caller-ID data to the phone line side of a DAA circuit through a single two wire resistively coupled interface. The interface and circuitry may be implemented to combine processing of the DC loop voltage and ring bursts into a single circuit, with processing of caller-ID data being performed separately.

Abstract: A system includes sleeves each being removably receivable, one at a time, by an adapter connectable to an appliance operable for enabling a user to communicate hands-free on a phone when the phone is connected to the appliance. The sleeves are differently configured from one another to respectively receive, one at a time, phones having configurations which correspond to the configurations of the sleeves. One of the sleeves connects a phone to the appliance via the adapter when the phone is received by the sleeve while the sleeve is received by the adapter while the adapter is connected to the appliance.

Abstract: A method for converting a public switched telephone network call to a data network call. In one approach, the method includes receiving the public switched telephone network call from an origination phone at a destination phone and then identifying a caller identifier for the public switched telephone network call. The call is then rejected and a call placed to a network service provider. Once connected to the network, the network address for the origination phone is determined and the call is completed across the data network. Alternatively, a PSTN call is placed from an origination phone to a destination phone. The origination phone detects a rejected call from the destination phone and places a call to a network service provider. Once connected to the network, the network address for the destination phone is determined and the call is completed across the data network. A network phone capable of acting as either a destination phone or an origination phone is also discussed.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically completing long distance, international and local telephone calls using a preselected discount telephone service. A R.A.T. sensor array monitors a telephone line for activity. When the dialing of an outgoing call is detected, a central processing unit, in conjunction with a DTMF decoder, determines whether the call being made is a discount call by detecting whether predetermined positioned digit(s) is a predetermined number or set of numbers. If the number dialed is a discount call, the DTMF generator dials a predetermined prefix and/or access code resulting in completion of the call at a discounted rate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transmitting and receiving a message using a caller ID is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, it includes an advertiser and an advertisement service company unit adapted to provide an advertisement. The advertisement service company unit includes an embedded device for inputting and modulating information. A cable/mobile communication company unit adapted to provide a communication network to the advertisement service company unit is also provided so that the advertisement service company can use the communication network. The cable/mobile communication company unit includes an embedded device to demodulate and transmit the information. An advertisement service subscriber unit, adapted to be provided with the advertisement from the advertisement service company unit through the cable/mobile communication company unit is also provided. The advertisement service subscriber unit includes a device to demodulate and identify the received information, and an embedded display unit.

Abstract: Improper microphone position and speech level on a telephone headset is sensed by comparison of a speech envelope to multiple signal threshold levels. A first threshold is used to determine whether a headset user is talking. A second threshold is used to determine whether a signal level at the microphone is sufficiently strong for proper communication. An indicator is activated when the user is talking and the signal level is too weak. Typically, a weak signal is caused by a mispositioned microphone or a user talking too softly.

Abstract: A picture/sound output equipment with caller identification and volume adjustment functions comprises a main unit provided with buttons and picture/sound output hole for connection to the screen and amplifier; and an incoming-call detection circuit connecting to telephone line on one end and connecting to the main unit on the other end. The incoming-call detection circuit transforms the signals of incoming calls into visual signals and outputs the visual signals. When the picture/sound output equipment is in use and the phone rings, the signals of incoming calls will be located and displayed on the screen, thereby helps users not to miss the phone calls as they watch films.

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.

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.

Abstract: An impedance blocking filter circuit is used in telecommunication systems for interconnecting between incoming telephone lines carrying Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) signals and a customer's terminal equipment in order to block impedances above a desired frequency. The impedance blocking filter circuit includes a low pass filter circuit having at least one capacitive pole providing component. The impedance blocking filter circuit also includes a tank circuit coupled in series with the at least one capacitive pole providing component to provide impedance matching for the customer's terminal equipment.

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.

Abstract: Method and system for transmitting messages to subscribers of a telephone network during the set-up stage of incoming calls prior to the off-hook from a local exchange to at least one telephone terminal through an access system. The access system simulates, on one hand, the operation of a telephone terminal towards the local switching exchange such that it receives, from the local switching exchange and by means of an access node located in the access system, a first message preferably modulated and demodulates and stores it for subsequent replication; and, on the other hand, simulates the operation of a local switching exchange towards the telephone terminal such that it generates and transmits to the telephone terminal and by means of a network termination located in the access system, a second message preferably modulated which is a replication of the first message.

Abstract: A TAPI method according to an implementation of the present invention includes installing a TAPI service provider and associating a first PID with the TAPI service provider; re-installing the TAPI service provider and associating a second PID with the TAPI service provider; and automatically associating TAPI devices that had been associated with the first PID with the second PID.

Abstract: A device for automatically identifying DTMF and FSK system is disclosed. A signal detector is provided for detecting signals on a telephone line. A DTMF and a FSK decoders are provided for decoding DTMF and FSK signals, respectively. A microprocessor is activated when the signal detector detects a signal on the telephone line for only activating the DTMF decoder to calculate frequency spectrum of the detected signal. When the calculated frequency spectrum conforms to DTMF frequency spectrum, it is determined that a DTMF system is in use. When the calculated frequency spectrum only has a frequency of about 1,200 Hz or 1,300 Hz, it is determined that a FSK system is in use, so as to deactivate the DTMF decoder and activate the FSK decoder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to displaying caller ID information, and more specifically, to displaying caller ID information in an environment with broadband telephony service. The invention provides a method and apparatus for receiving caller ID information from a service provider and providing the caller ID information for display as an overlay over a television programming image provided by the service provider and displayed on a television.

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.

Abstract: A call related information detector/receiver system which is capable of downloading call related information received at that device to another call related information detector/receiver system remote from the system which initially received the call related information, back over the telephone line. Thus, a remote user while away from the home or office can receive and synchronize call related information at a system other than the one which initially received the call related information. Thus, a remote user can update a local call related information system and review past callers to their home or business telephone at their leisure. Upon establishment of a telephone call between customer premises equipment respectively associated with the two relevant call related information detector/receiver systems, a remote call related information system will request download of call related information logged from another call related information system using the established telephone call.

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.

Abstract: Caller ID (CID) data-reporting circuitry operates in conjunction with direct-access arrangement (DAA) circuitry or other circuitry that operates within the operational requirements of the Audio Codec '97 (AC-97) Component Specification. The CID data-reporting circuitry provides for the transfer of a data word from the DAA circuitry to a host computer or controller that operates within the AC-97 operational specifications. The CID data-reporting circuitry transfers the CID data in an asynchronous manner, i.e., at non-pre-determined intervals. Software running on the host computer or the controller may thus examine each data word or group of data words and take appropriate action, for example, process the data further or terminate the data transfer. A command interpreter begins the data transfer by initializing an address pointer used to facilitate retrieving the data from a CID random-access memory (RAM) and to make the data available to the host computer or controller through an output register.

Abstract: A communication apparatus for an exchange network having a service of notifying the telephone number of a caller during a call-receiving operation can recognize respective callers of past call-receiving operations. During a call-receiving operation, a communication partner's telephone number detection unit detects the telephone number (identification information) of the caller, and stores the detected telephone number in a nonvolatile RAM (random access memory). The RAM can store a plurality of sets of identification information, which are recorded and output in the form of a list by a recording unit.

Abstract: A call processing apparatus incorporates a robust database supporting both autodialing and autoattendant functions. Incoming calls not directed to a specific telephone extension and any call to a dedicated autodialer function are answered and the caller prompted to speak the name of the desired person or department. A speech recognition platform analyzes the spoken name to provide one or more searchable text strings representing the various spellings associated with the spoken name. The database is searched to retrieve corresponding terminal address instructions such as the telephone number or extension of the named party and call routing to the address is initiated. Alternatively, in an autoattendant mode, a subscriber calls a telephone number associated with a specified service such as a hotline and is asked to identify himself by name. The speech recognition platform again provides a corresponding searchable text string used to retrieve subscriber-specific information for handling the call.

Abstract: In a caller telephone number storage system, when the polarity inversion detector 6 detects the polarity inversion of the line 7, the timer controller 12 starts measuring six seconds. When the short ringer detector 11 detects a short ringing from the line 7 supplied via the ring signal binary encoder 5, a short ringer detection signal is sent to the relay controller 14. When the relay controller 14 receives the short ringer detection signal, the timer controller 12 controls the line closure relay 13 within six seconds to dc close the line 7. Thereafter, the data receiver 15 sends the number display data to store it into the data storage means 16. At the same time, the data receiver 15 sends reception completion signal to the timer controller 12. Thus, the timer is cleared.