Method apparatus and communications system for companion information and network appliances
US6883023B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 10, 2000 |
| Grant date | Apr 19, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 24, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04M2250/02
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The invention provides an information appliance and a network appliance (or telephone) that function independently as well as with each other as companion appliances. The information appliance stores user information corresponding to a particular user. The telephone is linked to network. In some embodiments, the companion appliances are capable of simultaneously exchanging voice and data messages with devices connected to the network. The appliances are connected to each other physically through a communications port, and exchange data link layer formatted data corresponding to user personalized information, commands from the user, and responses including message status information corresponding to action of the network connected devices. The user information enables the telephone to perform network communications according to user specified settings, and enables the telephone to assume the user specific information appliance network identification. The information appliance is typically a portable computer and in some embodiments is a palm-sized computer. In some embodiments, the telephone is an Ethernet telephone. One aspect of the invention provides a method for transmitting dat…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.