Method, apparatus and system for incorporating voice or video communication into a television or compatible audio capable visual display
US8253772B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 6, 2009 |
| Grant date | Aug 28, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 27, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N7/148
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Voice or video communication is incorporated into a television or compatible audio capable visual display by routing a television signal through a communication interface apparatus connected to a voice or video communication network and switching between a call and at least the audio portion of the television signal when a call is detected and the user chooses to answer the call in response to an on-screen menu superimposed on the video portion of the television signal. The communication interface apparatus includes a controller that is configured to allow speed dialing using a wireless remote, as well as making calls from a user-defined contact list or a regional phone directory that is updatable from a remote source via the Internet.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.