Telephony system
US6535590B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 27, 1999 |
| Grant date | Mar 18, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 27, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N7/141
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A telephony system and method provide for the establishment of telephonic communications through use of a television and a set top box. The set top box is connected both to the television and a telephone network. Incorporated into a set top box is a microphone and a command signal input device. A viewer of the television may, through use of a user interface device such as a hand-held remote control or a keyboard, enter command signals which when processed within the set top box provide for the display of a number of interactive display graphics. Through interaction with these display graphics, the viewer may go off hook and dial phone numbers in order to establish a telephonic connection. Through use of a microphone and speakers incorporated into the television, a speaker phone is provided which allows for two-way audio conversations.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.