Apparatus for selectively connecting a telephone to a telephone network or the internet and methods of use
US6700956B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 2, 2000 |
| Grant date | Mar 2, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 2, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04M1/2535
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Apparatus and methods are provided for selectively providing telephone service that is either PSTN-based or Internet-based using a standard analog telephone circuit. In a first embodiment, the apparatus comprises a hardware module and associated software for coupling a personal computer or Internet appliance and a standard analog telephone. The apparatus includes a DTMF interface circuit, a subscriber line interface circuit, a ring detection circuit, and an interface circuit for interfacing with the PC or Internet appliance. The apparatus permits the analog telephone to be toggled between an Internet-based telephone mode and a PSTN-network mode by inputting a predetermined sequence of DTMF digits. In alternative embodiments, the apparatus comprises a processor, modem and optionally, analog telephone circuit, to provide a stand-alone or partially-integrated device capable of selectively switching between PSTN-based and Internet-based telephony services.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.