USRE38741E1 - Audio communication system - Google Patents
Audio communication system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- USRE38741E1 USRE38741E1 US09/018,358 US1835898A USRE38741E US RE38741 E1 USRE38741 E1 US RE38741E1 US 1835898 A US1835898 A US 1835898A US RE38741 E USRE38741 E US RE38741E
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- signals
- interface
- audio
- data access
- access arrangement
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
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Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
- H04M1/738—Interface circuits for coupling substations to external telephone lines
- H04M1/7385—Programmable or microprocessor-controlled
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M11/00—Telephonic communication systems specially adapted for combination with other electrical systems
- H04M11/06—Simultaneous speech and data transmission, e.g. telegraphic transmission over the same conductors
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M11/00—Telephonic communication systems specially adapted for combination with other electrical systems
- H04M11/06—Simultaneous speech and data transmission, e.g. telegraphic transmission over the same conductors
- H04M11/066—Telephone sets adapted for data transmision
Definitions
- the present invention relates to the utilization of the I/O ports of the audio boards and audio capable computers (built-in sound cards) for communication purposes.
- the audio board also referred to as “voice card” or as “line card”, is a component in a proprietary or pc-based multimedia system.
- the audio board accepts input from an analogue source (e.g., a microphone, or a CD player) and turns it into a file that can be stored on a hard disc. This file can be played back later on, with the board turning the digital data back into analog signals receivable by headphones, speakers, an amplifier, or any such kind devices.
- an analogue source e.g., a microphone, or a CD player
- audio boards convert analogue speech into digital characters, store the information for retrieval, and synthesize the information back into human voice capable of being listened by a caller.
- the I/O terminals of such boards are standard audio plugs, namely of the kind provided on audio microphones, audio headsets, etc.
- the accuracy of the sound reproduction by the sound board is governed by two factors.
- the sampling rate which is the rate by which the sound board samples the incoming audio signals; and the resolution, that is the number of bits used to store each sample.
- each of these factors requires considerable disk space.
- voice processing function has been the voice mail function which employed computers to store messages electronically. Since then, voice processing systems evolved to more sophisticated capabilities, such as automated call routing and distribution, interactive voice response, collection of voice and data messages from a single source, and voice recognition systems that allow users to interact with computers by speaking certain commands into their telephones.
- a further drawback of the existing systems resides in that they are not compatible with all computer platforms. Still another drawback of the existing systems is that they need allocation of COM ports with ADD-IN boards, and are not self configuring.
- the computer can “say” the contents of a file or user input data, upon request from user or caller; 4. voice recognition capabilities can also be used with the device to allow users to dial just by “saying” “Dial” or for controlling the devices mode of operation etc.
- a communication system comprising a computer with a built-in/external sound board connectable through audio input/output ports, and a communication device capable of receiving, processing and sending analog signals, characterized in that the device is coupled to the said ports.
- the device may be installed as a stand-alone unit between the audio board and a telephone line, or as a part of the audio board.
- FIG. 1 is a diagram of the device in its environment
- FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the device's main components
- FIG. 3 is FIGS. 3A and 3B are a flowchart of the algorithm of the system operating as an answering machine, illustrating one of the various possible options of the system.
- FIG. 1 there is schematically illustrated a unit, generally denoted 10 , representing main functional features of the system provided according to present invention.
- the unit 10 is connected to a sound board 11 incorporated in a computer 19 , coupled thereto by means of input/output terminals 12 and 13 of such sound boards via standard audio plugs 14 and 15 , to the telephone line 16 , and optionally to a telephone handset/headset 17 .
- FIG. 2 illustrates the main components of unit 10 .
- a DTMF decoder 21 There is provided a DTMF decoder 21 , a logical unit or logic unit 22 , a data access arrangement 23 , a speaker 24 , an earpiece 25 and microphone 26 , and audio mixers/amplifiers 27 .
- the audio board 11 is capable of digitizing audio signals, store them in digitized form on the hard drive in the computer 19 , retrieve the signals and output them in audio form by digital-to-analog conversion. These capabilities are found in conventional sound board applications.
- the communication protocols used by unit 10 are via DTMF signals.
- Unit 10 accepts computer generated DTMF signals together with audio synthesized signals and differentiates between them in unit 27 .
- the DTMF signals produced by the computer 19 may function both as control signal for unit 10 and as dial out signals.
- Unit 21 decodes the DTMF signals and transfers them to the logical unit 22 , which controls the operation of unit 10 . If, for instance, a stream of DTMF signals starts with control signals directing unit 10 to seize the telephone line, then the rest of the stream is dialed out in the form of DTMF signals.
- the audio-in port 13 is constantly under the control of software operating in the computer side.
- the signals entering through the audio-in port are digitized, filtered and analyzed by software modules operating in the computer.
- DTMF and audio signals coming in are recognized by the software, and the software then either outputs information or saves a voice message, in accordance with the nature and the contents of those signals.
- Unit 10 operates in conjunction with the above mentioned software, which would be classified as “high level” software, which controls the high level functions of the device 10 , and with the software that “drives” the sound board.
- the device In its standard mode of operation the device accepts signals either from the computer or through the telephone line.
- the computer generates DTMF signals together with synthesized audio signals, and the device is capable of differentiating between the two.
- the DTMF signals coming out of the computer towards the device function as control signals applied to the device. For example, control signals like place the phone line off hook, or place a conversation on hold, or determine the device mode of operation, etc.
- control signals like place the phone line off hook, or place a conversation on hold, or determine the device mode of operation, etc.
- the DTMF signals are used for dialing out.
- DTMF and audio signals coming in through the telephone line are transferred to the audio-in port which is under constant software control from the computer side.
- Those signals are digitized, filtered, analyzed and recognized by suitable conventional software, and the software application has the capability to determine the further processing step or steps, e.g. either output the information in response, or save a voice message, or both.
- the device's operation such as answering machines; record greetings; voice mail; speakerphone; call screening; message forwarding; hold; music on hold; mute mic.; dial from directory; dial manual; auto dial and repeat; go off hook; go on hook, and the like, while several options can be chosen to function all at once, for a speakerphone plus music on hold plus call screening.
- device 10 when a ring is received from the telephone line 16 , device 10 recognizes the ring and transmits it to the audio-in plug portion 15 .
- the scanning software is adapted to control, for instance, the number of rings, till it dials a DTMF control signal to unit 10 to seize the line.
- the computer 19 After the line is seized, the computer 19 outputs a prerecorded message to the audio out 14 , which is routed, under the control of logical unit 22 , to the telephone line.
- the audio-in port 15 records the caller message and stores it on the hard drive for later retrieval.
- the computer then outputs a different DTMF signal to device 10 , in order to place the device on hook.
- the initial power to the device 27 is supplied by the audio signals coming out of the sound board 11 . After line is seized with the “off hook” signal, the device gets power from the telephone line.
Abstract
Description
Claims (44)
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/018,358 USRE38741E1 (en) | 1993-02-26 | 1998-02-04 | Audio communication system |
US11/146,554 US20060034435A1 (en) | 1993-02-26 | 2005-06-06 | Communication system |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
IL10487193A IL104871A (en) | 1993-02-26 | 1993-02-26 | Communication system |
US08/201,629 US5526408A (en) | 1993-02-26 | 1994-02-25 | Communication system |
US09/018,358 USRE38741E1 (en) | 1993-02-26 | 1998-02-04 | Audio communication system |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US08/201,629 Reissue US5526408A (en) | 1993-02-26 | 1994-02-25 | Communication system |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/146,554 Continuation US20060034435A1 (en) | 1993-02-26 | 2005-06-06 | Communication system |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
USRE38741E1 true USRE38741E1 (en) | 2005-06-07 |
Family
ID=11064564
Family Applications (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US08/201,629 Ceased US5526408A (en) | 1993-02-26 | 1994-02-25 | Communication system |
US09/018,358 Expired - Lifetime USRE38741E1 (en) | 1993-02-26 | 1998-02-04 | Audio communication system |
US11/146,554 Abandoned US20060034435A1 (en) | 1993-02-26 | 2005-06-06 | Communication system |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US08/201,629 Ceased US5526408A (en) | 1993-02-26 | 1994-02-25 | Communication system |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/146,554 Abandoned US20060034435A1 (en) | 1993-02-26 | 2005-06-06 | Communication system |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (3) | US5526408A (en) |
IL (1) | IL104871A (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20060034435A1 (en) * | 1993-02-26 | 2006-02-16 | Barak Yekutiely | Communication system |
US20060268836A1 (en) * | 2000-05-04 | 2006-11-30 | Prentice Edward J | Method And Apparatus For Adapting A Phone For Use In Network Voice Operations |
Families Citing this family (30)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5799036A (en) * | 1995-06-29 | 1998-08-25 | Staples; Leven E. | Computer system which provides analog audio communication between a PC card and the computer's sound system |
US5867575A (en) * | 1995-10-20 | 1999-02-02 | Creative Technology Ltd. | Optimized interface between audio/modem board and sound board |
AU7528296A (en) * | 1995-11-07 | 1997-05-29 | R. Ross Cooper | Internet answering machine |
JPH09238205A (en) * | 1996-02-29 | 1997-09-09 | Toshiba Corp | Constitution method for speakerphone and information processor |
IL117609A (en) * | 1996-03-21 | 1999-10-28 | Smartlink Ltd | Combined audio and modem interface unit |
US5784436A (en) * | 1996-06-19 | 1998-07-21 | Rosen; Howard B. | Automatic telephone recorder system incorporating a personal computer having a sound handling feature |
US6009151A (en) * | 1996-08-27 | 1999-12-28 | Data Race, Inc. | PC card modem with microphone and speaker connectivity |
US6366653B1 (en) * | 1996-09-19 | 2002-04-02 | Acer Incorporated | System for integrating a telephone to a computer |
US6859525B1 (en) | 1996-10-23 | 2005-02-22 | Riparius Ventures, Llc | Internet telephony device |
JP3688416B2 (en) * | 1996-12-25 | 2005-08-31 | 富士通株式会社 | Communication interface module |
US6418203B1 (en) | 1997-06-06 | 2002-07-09 | Data Race, Inc. | System and method for communicating audio information between a computer and a duplex speakerphone modem |
US6044150A (en) * | 1997-08-21 | 2000-03-28 | 3Com Corporation | Method and apparatus for a host-based personal computer speakerphone |
JPH1198268A (en) * | 1997-09-19 | 1999-04-09 | Fujitsu Ltd | Communication aid equipment |
US6968065B1 (en) * | 1997-09-24 | 2005-11-22 | Sandisk Corporation | Multiple function, bi-directional input/output interface for sound processing system |
US7227933B1 (en) | 2000-01-12 | 2007-06-05 | Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. | System and method for remote management of a DSL device |
US6442248B1 (en) * | 2000-01-12 | 2002-08-27 | Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. | System for providing analog and digital telephone functions using a single telephone line |
US6894903B2 (en) * | 2001-02-28 | 2005-05-17 | Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. | Optical data link |
US20040190691A1 (en) * | 2001-12-05 | 2004-09-30 | Gustav Schoeman | Means and method for computerized call logging |
JP2003271198A (en) * | 2002-03-13 | 2003-09-25 | Namco Ltd | Compressed data processor, method and compressed data processing program |
TW587384B (en) * | 2002-08-05 | 2004-05-11 | Syshubs Global Service Inc | Phone receiver sharing device and system and method applying such device for multi-party communication |
US8059803B1 (en) * | 2003-06-30 | 2011-11-15 | Embarq Holdings Company, Llc | System and method for ordered processing of telecommunicaion service orders |
US7941333B2 (en) * | 2003-06-30 | 2011-05-10 | Embarq Holdings Company, LLP | Method and system for identifying and categorizing past due telecommunication service orders |
US7769153B1 (en) | 2003-06-30 | 2010-08-03 | Embarq Holdings Company, LLP | System and method for automated routing and processing of telecommunication service orders |
US7660402B1 (en) | 2003-11-18 | 2010-02-09 | Embarq Holdings Company, Llc | System and method for managing telecommunication trunk groups |
US20080262897A1 (en) * | 2007-04-17 | 2008-10-23 | Embarq Holdings Company, Llc | System and method for geographic location of customer services |
US8694351B2 (en) * | 2008-09-03 | 2014-04-08 | Centurylink Intellectual Property Llc | System and method for an audit tool for communications service providers |
US8494140B2 (en) * | 2008-10-30 | 2013-07-23 | Centurylink Intellectual Property Llc | System and method for voice activated provisioning of telecommunication services |
US20120131466A1 (en) | 2010-11-23 | 2012-05-24 | Embarq Holdings Company, Llc | User-Based Monitoring and Control |
US11573034B2 (en) | 2016-08-09 | 2023-02-07 | Sabanci Üniversitesi | Energy harvesting device |
CN108718365A (en) * | 2018-05-18 | 2018-10-30 | Oppo(重庆)智能科技有限公司 | Message treatment method, device, terminal and storage medium |
Citations (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4908850A (en) | 1988-01-11 | 1990-03-13 | American Communications & Engineering, Inc. | Voice services network with automated billing |
US4908845A (en) | 1986-04-09 | 1990-03-13 | Joyce Communication Systems, Inc. | Audio/telephone communication system for verbally handicapped |
US4974254A (en) | 1989-05-10 | 1990-11-27 | Perine Michael C | Interactive data retrieval system for producing facsimile reports |
US4998272A (en) | 1989-06-15 | 1991-03-05 | Digital Voice Technologies, Inc. | Personal voice mail system |
US5177780A (en) | 1990-10-18 | 1993-01-05 | At&T Bell Laboratories | Method of voice mail notification for cellular telephone systems |
US5181236A (en) | 1990-09-25 | 1993-01-19 | Rockwell International Corporation | Automatic call returning method for call distributor with message record capability |
US5187735A (en) | 1990-05-01 | 1993-02-16 | Tele Guia Talking Yellow Pages, Inc. | Integrated voice-mail based voice and information processing system |
US5196943A (en) * | 1989-08-25 | 1993-03-23 | Copia International, Ltd. | Facsimile information distribution apparatus |
US5228128A (en) | 1989-03-31 | 1993-07-13 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Personal computer facsimile device |
US5243643A (en) * | 1990-11-01 | 1993-09-07 | Voiceples Corporation | Voice processing system with configurable caller interfaces |
US5274738A (en) * | 1991-12-31 | 1993-12-28 | Dictaphone Corporation | Modular digital voice processing system |
US5283638A (en) * | 1991-04-25 | 1994-02-01 | Compuadd Corporation | Multimedia computing and telecommunications workstation |
Family Cites Families (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JPH077532A (en) * | 1993-01-19 | 1995-01-10 | Canon Inf Syst Inc | Control board controller and communication control equipment |
IL104871A (en) * | 1993-02-26 | 1996-06-18 | Yekutiely Barak | Communication system |
-
1993
- 1993-02-26 IL IL10487193A patent/IL104871A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
-
1994
- 1994-02-25 US US08/201,629 patent/US5526408A/en not_active Ceased
-
1998
- 1998-02-04 US US09/018,358 patent/USRE38741E1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2005
- 2005-06-06 US US11/146,554 patent/US20060034435A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (13)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US4908845A (en) | 1986-04-09 | 1990-03-13 | Joyce Communication Systems, Inc. | Audio/telephone communication system for verbally handicapped |
US4908850B1 (en) | 1988-01-11 | 1995-02-07 | American Communications & Engi | Voice services network with automated billing |
US4908850A (en) | 1988-01-11 | 1990-03-13 | American Communications & Engineering, Inc. | Voice services network with automated billing |
US5228128A (en) | 1989-03-31 | 1993-07-13 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Personal computer facsimile device |
US4974254A (en) | 1989-05-10 | 1990-11-27 | Perine Michael C | Interactive data retrieval system for producing facsimile reports |
US4998272A (en) | 1989-06-15 | 1991-03-05 | Digital Voice Technologies, Inc. | Personal voice mail system |
US5196943A (en) * | 1989-08-25 | 1993-03-23 | Copia International, Ltd. | Facsimile information distribution apparatus |
US5187735A (en) | 1990-05-01 | 1993-02-16 | Tele Guia Talking Yellow Pages, Inc. | Integrated voice-mail based voice and information processing system |
US5181236A (en) | 1990-09-25 | 1993-01-19 | Rockwell International Corporation | Automatic call returning method for call distributor with message record capability |
US5177780A (en) | 1990-10-18 | 1993-01-05 | At&T Bell Laboratories | Method of voice mail notification for cellular telephone systems |
US5243643A (en) * | 1990-11-01 | 1993-09-07 | Voiceples Corporation | Voice processing system with configurable caller interfaces |
US5283638A (en) * | 1991-04-25 | 1994-02-01 | Compuadd Corporation | Multimedia computing and telecommunications workstation |
US5274738A (en) * | 1991-12-31 | 1993-12-28 | Dictaphone Corporation | Modular digital voice processing system |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20060034435A1 (en) * | 1993-02-26 | 2006-02-16 | Barak Yekutiely | Communication system |
US20060268836A1 (en) * | 2000-05-04 | 2006-11-30 | Prentice Edward J | Method And Apparatus For Adapting A Phone For Use In Network Voice Operations |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
IL104871A0 (en) | 1993-06-10 |
IL104871A (en) | 1996-06-18 |
US5526408A (en) | 1996-06-11 |
US20060034435A1 (en) | 2006-02-16 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: SOUNDESIGNS MULTIMEDIA COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS LTD., Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:YEKUTIELY, BARAK M.;REEL/FRAME:009074/0233 Effective date: 19980128 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: IP HOLDINGS LLC, NEW YORK Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:YEKUTIELY, BARAK;SOUNDESIGNS MULTIMEDIA COMMUNICATIONS LTD.;REEL/FRAME:011091/0231 Effective date: 20000829 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: SOUND COMMUNICATIONS LLC, NEW YORK Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:IP HOLDINGS LLC;REEL/FRAME:012272/0394 Effective date: 20010425 |
|
FEPP | Fee payment procedure |
Free format text: PAT HOLDER NO LONGER CLAIMS SMALL ENTITY STATUS, ENTITY STATUS SET TO UNDISCOUNTED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: STOL); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 12 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: CORUNDUM DATASAFE LLC, NEVADA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:SOUND COMMUNICATIONS LLC;REEL/FRAME:019850/0884 Effective date: 20041214 |