Communications network and method
US4975896A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 8, 1986 |
| Grant date | Dec 4, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 8, 2006 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S379/908
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The network is particularly useful in office communications. The network includes a plurality of transceiver units, each of which can be used as a telephone, or as a dictation terminal, or optionally as an automatic telephone answering machine. The network includes a personal computer for performing various communications and communication control functions. A private branch telephone exchange ("PBX") can be included. Preferably, each transceiver unit includes a visual display for displaying messages. Messages can be sent from the computer to the transceiver units, or from one transceiver unit to another. The messages can be pre-set standard messages, or messages created uniquely. A telephone or PBX operator may send messages through the network reporting missed telephone calls, thus avoiding the need for written notes or other memoranda. The personal computer is used to send, forward, store and log messages. It can do telephone call accounting. It also can create, store, transmit to and receive from the transceiver units telephone directories for each transceiver unit. The computer also can keep a dictation log and a log of automatic telephone answering machine communications. It …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.