`
`MUK Patent Application nos “.2 318 703 MA
`
`(43} Date of A Fublicetion 29.04.1998
`
`{51: WT CL6
`Hem 1m
`
`{52) UKCLlEd‘rtionPl
`H4K KBHX KFH
`
`{56] Documents Cited
`GB 2210541!
`GB 2284126A
`GB 2305331 A
`EP 0144042” W096102M5A1 W0 951‘2183A1
`US 4776005 A
`
`(53) Field of Search
`UK CL (Edition P l H-IIK KBHX KFH KOBE
`INT Ci.ls norm tron
`ONUNE: WPI
`
`[21l Application No 91206535
`
`(221 Date of Filing 29.09.1997
`
`l30] Priority Data
`l3‘ll 2186928
`
`{32} 01.10.1996
`
`{33) CA
`
`l'lll Applicantlsl
`Mitel Corporation
`
`{Imorporated in Canada * Ontariol
`
`Po Box 13089, 350 Legget Drive. Karma,
`Ontario KZK 1X3. Canada
`
`{72}
`
`Invemorlsl
`Maichael Langlois
`Richard Loen
`Duncan Smith
`
`('34) Agent andlor Address for Service
`Veneer Shipley 8: Co
`20 Little Britain, LONDON. EC1A TDH,
`United Kingdom
`
`
`
`(54} A computer controlled telephone apparatus
`
`(57) A telephone apparatus is disclosed. comprising:
`a telephone set 1 for implementing telephony actions on a telephone line. said telephone set including a
`serial interface 9 for bidirectional communication of data signals; and
`a computer executable software application for receiving first ones of said data signals from said
`telephone set and in response implementing predetermined software functions. and for tranSmit'ting further
`ones of said data signals to said telephone set in response to a user input whereupon said telephone set
`implements predetermined ones of said telephony functions. The serial link is either a Universal Serial Bus
`lUSBl or an IRS—232 link. The controlling software operates in a windows type environment and telephone
`functions are controlled on-screen using drop-down menus, on-screen buttons and icons.
`
`
`TELEPHONE
`
`SWITCl-IlNG
`SYSTEM
`
`
`
`11
`
`
`
`FIG.1
`
`10
`
`At least one drawing originally filed was informal and the print reproduced here is taken from a later filed formal copy.
`
`V80L8L8Z89
`
`UNIFIED 1003
`
`UNIFIED 1003
`
`

`

`
`
`
`
`
`TELEPHONE
`SWITCHING
`SYSTEM
`
`
`
` 11
`
`97/L
`
`FIG.1
`
`

`

`Application
`
`
`
`17
`
`
`
`
`
`TAPi extension path. Skips
`UnimodemN to send
`
`97/Z
`
`Command to and from modem
`
` Musbmdm.Tsp
`35
`
`
`UnimodemN.Tsp
`
`16bit
`Thunking Layer
`
`32 bit
`
`
`UnimodemN.de
`
`
`
`
`\ Separate de required for
`USB and H8232
`
`43
`
`37
`
`39
`
`Mitel.de
`
`
`FIG.2A
`
`

`

`
`
`
` MSerial de
`(VCOMM Port driver)
`
`USB Stack &
`
`Hard ware
`
`PC
`
`53
`
`97/5
`
`45
`
`49
`
`51
`
`Fix
`HTS
`DTR
`
`
`
`
`55
`
`Phone
`
`Keypad ONO”
`Lamp State
`Status Mask
`Contigu ration
`Watchdog starUstoptgoing
`Data Packet
`
`
`
`Tx
`Rt
`CD
`DSFt
`CTS
`
`19
`
`23
`
`21
`
`25
`
`Msg Waiting
`Status
`
`Keystrokes
`Hookswitch
`
`

`

`4/45
`
`Name: White,S-lani-ey “-
`
`Number: 592-2134[Home] fl
`Incoming phone call
`
`9—0::0023
`
`Name: _hiteS—anley
`
`Number: _2-2134Home
`
`FIG.4
`
`
`
`L: Personal Assistant
`
`Eile Edit Ehone Iools fieip
`«Ew- lllla
`
`
`
`

`

`5M6
`
`:3 Personal Assistant
`
`II
`
`illMake Cali
`
`E;
`
`Name:
`
`Number:
`
`Your line is free
`
`E
`
`Q. USB Phone
`
`Eile Edit Miew Ehone Qial
`
`Iools flelp
`
`Name: White, Stanley
`Number: 592-2134 Home
`
`a
`
`

`

`57—...
`
`. 57——--
`
`6/46
`
`
`
`@- USB Phone
`
`
`
`
`Name:
`
`Number:
`
`Your line is free
`
`78
`
`Name:
`
`
`
`
`
`Number:
`
`
`Your line is tree
`80
`
`
`
`General greeting
`
`Al the main office
`0 ln 3 meeting
`
`
`Back at 4:00 pm
`Call me on cellular
`
`
`
`
`FIG.GC
`
`
`
`@use Phone
`
`
`
`Elle Edit Miew Ehone Qial
`
`Iools flelp
`
`
`
`Name:
`
`Number:
`
`Your line is free
`
`

`

`7/46
`
`@- USB Phone
`
`Name:
`
`Number:
`
`Your line is free
`
`
`
`82
`
`
`
`
`an?)
`Open Voicemail
`
`
`k'
`
`Name:
`
`Number:
`
`@ USB Phone
`
`Eiie
`
`gd'rt Miew Rhone Qial
`
`Iools _|:I_eip
`
`Your line is free
`
`

`

`8/45
`
`
`
`@3- USB Phone
`
`57—--
`
`Name:
`
`Numben
`
`
`Your line is free
`
`
`
`
`86
`
`
`
`Name:
`
`Number.
`
`Your lineIS free
`
`88
`
`
`a) USB Phone
`
`Eile Edit mew Ehone Qial
`
`Iools flelp
`
`Your line is lree
`
`
`
`
` I
`
`
`
`

`

`9/46
`
`.
`
`D's la
`
`.
`
`Record
`
`85
`
`97
`
`101
`
`Programmable
`Loone
`
`
`
`
`Retrieve
`Voicem
`
`USER INTERFACE
`
`103
`
`Call L09
`
`Main
`Window
`
`COMPONENTS
`ENGINE COMPONENTS 135
`
`
`
`Control Manager
`Manager
`
`Can
`Discrimination
`
`Manager
`
`123
`
`Dialing
`Manager
`
`Remote
`Retrieval
`
`MS
`Exchange
`
`117
`
`1 1 1
`
`Call
`
`Line
`
`ManagerManager
`
`FIG.9A
`
`81
`
`Phone
`
`Manager
`
`“5
`
`

`

`10/45
`
`Application
`Configuration
`Dialog
`
`
`Phone
`Configuration
`Dialog
`
`91
`
`
`
`UI
`
`Tray Icon &
`Tray
`
`MS
`Exchange
`
`107
`
`Voice Mail
`Manager
`
`1 39
`
`127
`
`Manager
`
`Conversion
`Manager
`
` Control
`
`Smart Data
`
`Manager
`
`121
`
`133
`
`Database
`Manager
`
`Audio IIO
`
`Manager
`
`129
`
`Manager 131
`
`Registry
`
`125
`
`m
`
`

`

`11/45
`
`a USB Phone
`
`
`
`Name: _W—hiieS—tanley
`
`
`Number: Q—'-'52-2134 Home
`
`Inc—-'omingphone calla
`
`Name:
`
`
`Numben5
`
`
`White,Stanley ”a-
`592-2134 Home—'-a-
`
`
`
`
`Take a
`
`Message
`
`FIG.1OB
`
`

`

`143
`
`Automatic Redial
`
`
` Take a Message
`
`
`
`Monitor Voicemail
`
`Open Profile
`
`@2- USB Phone
`
`Eile Edit
`
`yiew Rhone Qial
`
`Iools fiel-
`
`

`

`13/45
`
`@ USB Phone
`
`= White' Stanley _.. El.
`: 592—2134[Home] a
`
`
`
`57
`
`
`
`Eile
`
`gem
`
`
`
`
`
`Miew Ehone Qial
`Ioois flelp
`
`fl
`:Whfle'Samev
`
`': 592—2134 Home a
`
`
`
`
`
`Monitor.
`
`Volcemall
`
`Answer
`
`
`
`Hang Up
`
`Make a Call
`
`Redial
`
`Automatic Redial
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Take a Message
`Monitor Voicemail
`
`Open Profile
`
`FIG.11C
`
`
`
`
`

`

`14/45
`
`Name:
`Number.
`
` a) USB Phone
`
`I
`
`63
`
`.
`
`:
`
`@JUSB Phone
`
`Eile Edit View Phone Dial Tools
`
`fielp
`
`Name: _hite,S—anjey
`
`Number: 592-2134Home
`69—..00023
`
`6-) 0:00:23
`
`a
`Name: White. Stanley
`Number. 592-2134 Home a
`
`a
`Name: White, Stanley
`Number: 592-2134 Home a
`
`

`

`15/45
`
`
`
` E. USB Phone
`
`Name: _hien__._,StaI “a
`Number: 592-2134 Home B
`
`Your line is free
`
`Your line is free
`
`Name:
`
`Number:
`
`

`

`16/46
`
`fin USB Phone
`
`Number: 5
`
`Name:
`
`__
`
`_ a
`:_White,Stanle
`— 592—2134 Home a
`
`Your lineIS free
`
`

`

`Number: 592-2134 Home a
`Your line is tree
`
`fl use Phone
`
`Eile
`
`_E_dit View Phone Dial Tools
`
`fielp
`
`Dialing the number
`
`Name-WhiteStanle
`Number.
`592-2134Home
`
`FIG.16D
`
`QUSB Phone
`
`
`
`a
`Name: Wh'ne. Stanle
`Number. 592-2134 Home a
`60:00:23
`
`
`
`Eile Edit
`
`
`yiew Phone Qial
`Ioois fielp
`
`155
`
`FIG.16E
`
`

`

`18/56
`
`@ USB Phone
`
`Name:
`
`Number:
`
`Your line is free
`
`
`
`Eile Edit Eiew Ehone Qial
`Iools fielp
`
`
`
`
`
`
` Name; Mlle. Slginlel“l'=-
`. 592-5532 Office a.Makea
`
`592_632[Office] @061“
`
`- 592-213HHome]
`”734%Cellular
`
`
`
`FIG.17D
`
`

`

`19/46
`
`fl. USB Phone
`
`a
`White, Stanle
`: 592-2134[Home a
`
`90:00:23
`
`fl
`Name: White, Stanle
`Number: ' 592-2134 Home a
`
`
`amuse Phone
`
`Eiie Edit Miew Rhone Qial
`
`Ioots Help
`
`
`
`Name:
`
`Number:
`
`Your line is free
`
`

`

`67
`
`E.
`
`a: Use Phone
`
`
`
`
`file Edit Miew Rhone Dial Iools tlelp
`
`
`
`FD'3_-:..'=.-1-
`hag-.1. gum-'2 Office
`
`592-2134 Home
`*
`
`
`Wayne Sudan
`'
`Calls Made
`
`
`797-3456 Cellular
`Jennifer Dickson
`'
`03"5 Reeeived
`
`Chunky Fannsworlh
`
`Tom Knot
`
`
` VTVYV
`
`97/03
`
`
` mew Rhone Qial
`locals fielp
`Qial
`Iools Help
`Eile Edit
`White,Stanle ‘a
`592-5632 Office a
`
`
`
`FIG.18D
`
`

`

`21/46
`
`Loen,Fiic
`
`159
`
`finUSB Phone
`
`Eile Edit
`
`yiew Ehone Qial
`
`Iools fielp
`
`Name:
`
`Number:
`
`Your line is free
`
`567-5952 [Office] a
`
`:—a
`.
`
`FIG.190
`
`

`

`57——-
`
`22/56
`
`
`Q. USE Phone
`
`
`
`
`Name:_§
`Number: 567-5962 Office a
`Dialing the number
`
`
`
`FIG.19D
`
`Eile
`
`,Edil
`
`yiew Ehone Qial
`
`looks L-jelp
`
`:_fl
`: 557-5952 office] a
`
`
`Name: _hiteStan—5y
`Number: ”2-2134 HomeG)—-0:00:23
`
`
`
`Name: _hit5,S—anley
`
`Number: 592-134Home
`
`Hanging Up
`
`

`

`2 3/46
`
`@959 Phone
`
`Eile
`
`gdii
`
`yiew Rhone Qiai
`
`Iools Help
`
`Name:
`
`Number:
`
`Your line is tree
`
`Iools flelp
`
`Eile Edit
`
`giew Rhone Dial
`
`
`
`Name: White Stanley a
`
`Number: 5-922134
`a
`
`6) 0:00:23
`
`
`57"....
`
`
`
` Name: WhiteStanley Ha-
`
`
`Number: 592-2134 a-
`
` Add to
`
`Phonebcok
`
`
`90:00:23
`
`

`

`
`
`Q USB Phone
`57\ Eile Edit View Rhona Dial Tools Heip
`
`
`Name: WhineStanle
`3
`
`
`i
`Number:
`592—5—6-‘32Office
`
`
`- PP- PMPP- _
`E-ile Edit ViewIIEoolsIflel-p-
`
`E Everyone—g IWWE 3:
`
`
`
`f{:1 Business
`in"1:1 Personai
`Button
`5673432
`
`
`\ 4343:3334?“
`'
`;~@ Speed Dial
`[""EI Cail Screen
`"""El Ca" 3"”
`1 Obie-cits} selecied
`
`
`
`
`
`L
`
`-
`
`Dickson
`
`’
`
`YET-9876
`
`..
`
`164
`
`163
`
`
`
`
`
`Knot
`
`592-6765
`
`a
`
`an_lul
`
`FIG.22C
`
`'23"H.
`
`
`
`
`
`

`

`/57
`
`fl. use Phone
`
`
`
`Name:
`Number:
`
`
`
`While.Stanle a
`592-5532 Office a
`8 0:00:23
`
`
`
`[3’ Wife name is Nana
`Kids are Robin an Drew
`Sailing enthusiast...
`
`Tuesday, May ?th, 1996 @ 1:25 pm
`Saved Voicemail
`
`533. Monday Mayfilh1996 @ 200pm
`Meeting with Grant and Tracy Iggarding presemation
`
`FIG.22D
`
`97/93
`
`

`

`26/46
`
`'33 Profile - Stanley White
`
`Eile Edit Miew Iools
`Name
`
`flelp
`
`First Stanley
`
`Last:
`
`”mm
`
`Company:—:
`
`Type: Telecommunications
`
`a
`
`Address:
`
`350 Legget
`
`'
`
`Country: —: Code: K2K 1xa
`
`any: II_=
`
`Provxsmez—:
`
`FIG.23A
`
`

`

`2 7/46
`
`[E Profile - Stanley White
`
`Eile Edit mew Iools
`Name
`
`flelp
`
`First
`
`Country:_fl Code: K2K 1X3
`
`Address:
`
`23 Gordon Boul.
`
`City:MD
`
`Prov/State:—:
`
`FIG.23B
`
`

`

`28/46
`
`I}; Profile - Stanley White
`
`fidit Miew Iools Help
`Eiie
`Name
`
`First:
`
`Last:
`
`CLID Name: White.Stanle
`
`a
`
`Default Number:
`
`592.2122 Office
`
`a
`
`

`

`29/45
`
`[Eu Profite - Stanley White
`Eile Edit Eiew Idols
`Name
`
`flelp
`
`First:
`
`Las‘i
`
`Change Message...
`
`(9 Play instead of the standard greeting
`
`Personal Greeting
`
`0 Play before the standard greeting
`
`0 Don't ptay personai greeting
`
`Change Greeting...
`
`Personal Message
`
`Play personal message
`
`FIG.23D
`
`

`

`30/46
`
`EB: Profile - Stanle White
`
`fidit Eiew Iools
`Eile
`Name
`
`flelp
`
`First.
`
`Stanley
`
`Picture
`
`®Display
`_Brewseli‘hL
`
`-—--M
`
`El Open these items when I call Stanley White
`
`Issues us‘
`
`Work Folder
`
`Automatic Open
`
`[Zl Open these items when Sianley White calls
`
`FIG.23E
`
`

`

`31/46
`
`E; USB Phone
`
`
`
`Name:
`
`Number:
`
`Your line is free
`
`Name:
`
`
`
`Your line is free
`
`
`Number:
`
`
`

`

`@2- USB Phone
`
`lb CaIILog-Voicemail
`
`:
`Eile Edit Eiew Iouls Help
`
`EEIE
`El.-
`m enmemmewemnes-
`L723 All Cans
`lE-mln
`E~--1’:‘n_| Calis Received
`‘-time
`531.52qu
`5-32-2'-
`=15 Voicemail
`I Bunon
`Wayne
`56?-3432
`C Ii M d
`I Dickson
`Jennifer
`?8?-9876
`El
`a S
`a e
`- Famwonh
`Chucky
`676-4244
`-
`
`6W96© 1 :04pm
`
`6.-‘4;’95@3:23pm
`6,-‘4196@3:54pm
`6f4f96®1z54pm
`s;4;96@1:23pm
`
`97/23
`
`FIG.24D
`
`

`

`33/L6
`
`fix USB Phone
`
`
`
`
`
` Phonebook
`a
`White, Stanly
`
`. 592-2134 Hoe u
`Messages
`
`Call Log
`Call Screening
`
`Recorder
`
`
`Dialers
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`FIGZSB
`
`

`

`3 4/46
`
`I"TEIDialers
`
`flelp
`gdit
`Eile
`E Citizen Info Line
`
`181
`
`183
`
`'5‘.- Call Answer
`
`_.L
`
`5°9°T493snesnw
`
`Password
`
`Headlines
`
`Sports
`
`Horoscope
`
`Weather
`
`Classified
`
`:
`
`'fi) Stock Quotes
`
`'fi Mitel Corporation
`
`FIG.2SC
`
`

`

`3 5/46
`
`
`
`"is: Dialers
`
`Eile Edit Help
`
`
`Citizen info Line
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`2.
`
`3.
`
`4 5
`
`.
`
`m-EditthisButton...
`
`183
`
`
`
`
`Change Section um...
`
`What's This?
`
`
`
`
`
`Classified
`
`Main Menu
`
`l::|
`Hang up
`
`
`
`6 7 8 9
`
`
`
`'% Stock Quotes
`
`'5) Call Answer
`
`"-3: Mitel Corporation
`
`FIG.25D
`
`

`

`36/46
`
`E] Assistant
`
`El
`
`The Personal Assislent helps m E
`9
`U handleymaus
`-
`
`can Screening
`
`Call Blocking
`
`Eersonal Messages
`
`With Call Screening you can have the Personal Assistant lei only
`the people in your Call Screening list ring through on incoming
`calls. All other callers will be sent to voicemail.
`
`Qpen Call Screening List
`
`I] Call Screening is en
`
`Do you wish to add the current
`caller lo the Call Screening list?
`
`add to Call Screening L'St
`
`FIG.26A
`
`

`

`37/46
`
`I21 Assistant
`
`g
`
`The Personal Assistant helps
`
`0 handle your calls
`
`A I
`
`Close
`
`Qpen Call Screening List
`
`Qall Screening
`
`Call Blocking
`
`Personal Messages
`
`With Call Screening you can have the Personal Assistant let only
`® the people in your Call Screening list ring through on incoming
`calls. All other callers will be sent to voicemail.
`
`D Call Screening is on
`
`Do you wish to add the current
`caller to the Call Screening list?
`
`Add to Call Screening L'St
`
`FIG.2SB
`
`

`

`38/46
`
`CI Assistant
`
`IE
`
`(‘9 The Personal Assistent helps
`handle your calts
`
`Apply
`
`gall Screening
`
`Callfltocking
`
`Eersonal Messages
`
`Set-up the volcemail message your callers hear in three parts.
`13 First record how you want to greet them, next let them know your
`status and finally instruct them on what to do next.
`
`“Heeee'eeeeeeeeeee
`Limited.”
`
`Default Greeting
`Test Initial greeting
`
`n
`
`My Status
`.
`..
`peggngagghgfiggl‘e —:
`
`ttzzzgleslresW
`
`..
`
`Instructions
`
`FIG.260
`
`

`

`39/46
`
`E1 Assistant
`
`IE
`
`The Personal Assistant helps n
`a
`C3 handle your calls.
`
`C 055‘
`
`gall Screening Callfilocking
`
`Personal Messages
`
`You can leave personal messages for specific callers.This
`E] message is played the next time a call IS recorded from this
`number.
`
`_—_IIEIE1!
`
`FIG.26D
`
`

`

`E1 Contl-uration Settins
`
`Customize Personal Assistant
`with your own settings.
`
`-—u
`_. Test Ringz
`fl
`. Test Rings
`
`a
`
`F’Ia},r this for
`
`Stan recording Been_
`
`Answering to HOIdI A hold an answer sound.
`
`Music on field: Test music on hold
`
`Hold Beminder: a hold reminder
`
`FIG.27A
`
`189
`
`97/07
`
`190
`
`

`

`[:1 Configuration Settings
`
`Customize Personal Assistant
`with your own settings.
`
`lncomingCaIis
`
`When we receive a phone call
`
`El §i|encethefirst ring
`
`‘
`
`Fling phone using
`
`Auto Answer alter
`
`El rings if no messages, and
`
`rings when new messages are waiting
`
`On incoming calls, do the lollowing
`
`El Pop-up the application
`
`0 PC Speaker [recommended]
`(9 Ehone
`
`E] Qpen contact profile based on CailerlD 191
`
`\
`
`97/i'7
`
`

`

`recording sounds: Speakerphone
`
`listening to sounds 81 messages:
`
`PC Speaker
`
`a
`
`:
`
`97/27
`
`Ctr Confi-uration Seitins
`
`Customize Personal Assistant
`with your own settings.
`
`incoming Calls
`
`Sound devices used for
`
`listening to sounds & messages: [:13 193
`
`It a PC device is selected above‘ohoose which PC device to use for
`
`

`

`:3 Configuration Settings
`
`Customize Personal Assistant
`with your own settings.
`
`O
`
`fiposd Dials
`
`9W9}
`
`Print Qard 195
`
`-Sezg —m (9
`anctions
`MUTE
`[Mme]
`Phonebook
`Config
`Record
`Dialers
`we
`Speakerphone
`Hold
`Call Log
`Calls Mada
`
`Calls Made
`
`Designation Card
`all—: Sizez-
`
`Title: Rich Loen's Phone
`
`

`

`t: Configuration Settings
`
`IE]
`
`Customize Personal Assistant
`with your own settings.
`
`Apply
`
`m incoming Callsm
`
`197
`
`97/77
`
` /137
`
`When recording voicemail messages...
`
`Listen to the can?
`
`[I
`
`The maximum tength of a voicemail message is : 01:33 [mmzssi
`
`When dialing in for my voioemail...-
`
`0 fine!
`Remote retrieval messages are: @Detaited
`
`Theflassword | enter on the touchtone phone is:
`
`FIG.27E
`
`

`

`1:: Configuration Settings
`
`Customize Personal Assistant
`with your own settings.
`
`incominscails
`
`Eunction Buttons
`
`Appiication Settings
`
`CI The telephone keypad should pick up the line when a key is pressed.
`
`Modem Settings... 199
`
`My country code is: I: My area code is: |:] Toll List
`
`Show the Iooi Bar on startup.
`
`[j Astor confirmation when hanging up?
`
`E! Show first name than last name in lists?
`
`Auto rediai
`Retry a maximum 0' El “mes
`and wait for
`(”“713“)
`between retries
`
`flold Reminder
`flemind me every
`seconds
`
`Windows Modern Settings
`
`97/9?
`
`

`

`E3 Sound Manager
`
`You can create or change sounds. These can then be assigned
`to a variety of different functions and features throughout.
`
`Ayailable Sounds by Category
`
`Sound Details
`
`Sound type filter.
`
`A “Old 0" answer sound
`a hold reminder
`system sound
`Test call block sound-3
`
`Test call block sound1
`Test call block sound2
`Test hold on answer
`Test hold remind
`Test initial greeting
`
`File Path: CzlProgram FilestMitelUSBUtudio
`.
`‘
`.
`Description,_beep
`Sgund Tf’fpe
`p
`a
`
`Last Modtlted: September 15.1996
`
`|:l:l:|:] Edit Soufld
`Elay
`Pause
`SOP “£00m
`
`FIG.28
`
`*— 201
`
`97/97
`
`

`

`2318703
`
`§Y§ [ EM FOR INTERACTIVE CONTROL OF COMPUTER AND TELEPEQNE
`
`am
`
`This invention relates in general to personal computers and telephony. and
`
`more particularly to an interactive system by which a computer and telephone
`
`function cooperatively to implement a multiplicity of fiinctions invoked by a user.
`
`df
`
`Invert'
`
`Software applications are known in the art for implementing telephony
`
`features using a personal computer. According to existing First Party Call Control
`
`architectures, a physical connection is provided between the telephone and personal
`computer for providing Computer Telephony Integration (CTI). Such prior art CTI
`
`architecnires have suffered from extreme limitations in functionality and ease of use.
`
`For example, in order to place a phone call. a user typically must first close or
`
`minimize whatever application he or she is cunently running (cg. Microsoft Word®),
`
`Open the CTI application, enter the digits to be dialled via point-and-cliclt numbers.
`
`IO
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`15
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`20
`
`and then click an accept or dial button. Alternatively, according to some CTI
`
`architecmres, the user is able to navigate or browse a telephone directory in order to
`
`identify the party to be called and then. once located, highlight the party‘s name and
`
`click a dial button.
`
`25
`
`30
`
`Understandably, the awkwardness of using such systems and the limited
`
`features provided thereby have led some consumers to abandon priorart CTI systems
`
`in favour of more functional telephone sets or even “plain old telephone sets" (POTS)
`
`with enhanced feann'es being provided by the central office.
`
`One of the reasons for the awkwardness and limited functionality of prior art
`
`CTI architectures is that there is no seamless integration of functions activated by the
`
`telephone and functions activated directly or indirectly by the computer.
`
`Recent develomnems in the standardization of computer interfaces have led to
`
`

`

`2
`
`increased development of software applications which are adapted to integrate
`
`fimctionality of a personal computer with various and diverse external devices. For
`
`example, the recently established standard for USB (Universal Serial Bus - a 12
`
`Mbitfs serial interface running over a four wire bus, with an associated software stack
`
`supporting peripheral connectivity to a personal computer) is expected to yield a raft
`
`of software applications which interact cooperatively with external devices ranging
`
`from video games to faxes and data modems.
`
`An object of the present invention is to provide an interactive telephone and
`
`PC-based software application which will overcome the limitations of prior art CT}
`
`architectures and be compatible with emerging standardized interfaces such as USB.
`
`mm
`
`According to the present invention, an interactive system is provided by which
`
`a computer and telephone function cooperatively to implement a multiplicity ofuser-
`
`invoked features. Physically, the system comprises a telephone set which is
`
`connected to a personal computer on which a novel TAPI (Telephony Application
`
`Program interface) application is executed. The telephone set includes a plurality of
`
`user-definable function keys in addition to the keypad, handset. speaker phone and
`
`other standard components. The user-definable ftmction keys are programmable via
`
`the computer to implement specific telephony features or to launch applications on
`
`the computer. The TAPI application permits shared and interactive functionality
`
`between the computer and telephone set including, but not limited to, call
`
`management. call logging, call recording, phonebook database creation and editing,
`
`and dialling. The telephone set is connected to a single central ofice line, and can be
`
`connected to the computer via either a USB or a standard RS-232 serial line.
`
`The TAPI application according to the present invention comprises a plurality
`
`ofuser interface components for user display and printing, and a plurality of engine
`
`components for call processing, data storage and manipulation, application
`
`configuration management and audio recording and playback. The engine
`
`10
`
`15
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`25
`
`30
`
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`

`3
`
`components are located in one or more Dynamic Link Libraries (DLLs) to provide the
`
`necessary information for display or printing by the user interface components. The
`
`user interface components are contained in a main executable file and are isolated
`
`fiom the non-user or engine components to allow for flexibility in than: interface
`
`developments.
`
`The user interface components ofthe present invention provide a gtaphical
`
`user interface (GUI) characterized by a number of useful features. According to one
`
`aspect ofthe GUI, a “flyout” control bar may be activated by the user to display
`
`various context sensitive call feattn'es. According to another aspect, where caller line
`
`identification data (CLID) is sent to the user’s system, the caller’s picture is dismayed
`
`ctr-screen as a bit map. along with the user's name and telephone number. According
`
`to an additional aspect, the user can program a plurality of custom diallers which
`
`operate in a manner somewhat similar to speed diallers except that the diallers are
`
`logically sequenced by the user for navigating automated attendants and other
`
`comparable call answering systems.
`
`E'EE
`
`.. Eluwi
`
`A detailed description of the preferred embodiment is provided herein below
`
`with reference to the following drawings, in which:
`
`Figure l is a schematic illustration of the computer-based telephony system
`
`according to a general aspect ofthe present invention;
`
`Figure 2 is a block diagram showing software modules which form the
`
`protocol stack governing communication between the telephone set and computer of
`
`the telephony system according to the present invention;
`
`Figure 3 shows a main window display generated by the software application
`
`according to a first embodiment ofthe present invention;
`
`10
`
`IS
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`4
`
`Figure 4 shows the main window display of Figure 3 with a flyout control bar
`
`thereof in the open position;
`
`Figures 5a though 5c show the main window display according to an
`
`alternative embodiment of the present invention, wherein Figure Sa shows the main
`
`window display with toolbar showing, and Figures 5b and 5c show the main window
`
`display with control bar actuator positioned n the right and left, respectively;
`
`Figures Ga though (So show a receptionist icon or indicator ofa status line of
`
`the main window according to the first embodiment;
`
`Figures “In though 7c show a voicemail icon or indicator ofthe status line of
`
`the main window according to the first embodiment;
`
`Figures 8a though 8d show a “Do Not Disturb" icon or indicator ofthe status
`
`line of the main window according to the first embodiment;
`
`l0
`
`15
`
`Figure 9 is a block diagram showing user interface components of the
`
`software application and engine components ofthe core software module executed by
`
`20
`
`the computer according to the present invention;
`
`Figures 10 shows the main window display ofthe first embodiment in the
`
`event ofan incoming call (Figure 10a). with the control bar in the open position
`
`(Figure i013), and with the Phone menu open (Figure 10c), whereas Figure 10d shows
`
`the main display according to the alternative embodiment;
`
`Figure 11 shows the main window display according to the first embodiment
`
`whenan incoming call is sentto voicemnii (Figure 113.). with the control barin the
`
`open position (Figure 1 lb), and with the Phone menu open (Figure 11c);
`
`Figure 12 shows the main window display according to the first embodiment
`
`when a voice mail message is being recorded (Figure 12a) and the user picks-up the
`
`25
`
`30
`
`

`

`call (Figure 12b);
`
`UI
`
`Figure l3 shows the main window display according to the first embodiment
`
`when a call is diverted to hold;
`
`Figure l4 shows the main window display according to the first embodiment
`
`during a hang-up sequence beginning with the user hanging up (Figure 14a). the call
`
`state being indicated as “Hanging Up” (Figure 14b), and finally the call state being
`
`indicated as “Your Line is Free" (Figure 14c);
`
`10
`
`Figure 15 shows the main window display according to the first embodiment
`
`during a direct dial sequence beginning in the idle state with the user clicking the
`
`“Make a call” default button (Figure 1520, followed by positioning of the cursor over
`
`the Number field and the call state being indicated as “Enter a phone number” (Figure
`
`15
`
`15b), entering ofdial digits (Figure 15c), and finally upon a match between the
`
`entered dial digits and a number stored in the Phonebook, the called party’s name is
`
`displayed along with a call timer for the duration of the call (Figure 15d);
`
`Figure 16 shows the main window display according to the first embodiment
`
`20
`
`during an on-hook dial sequence beginning in the idle state (Figure 16a), followed by
`
`positioning ofthe cursor over the Number field and entering ofdial digits (Figure
`
`16b), asdigits are entered, ifa match is found in the Phonebook. the name ofthe
`
`person being called is displayed in the Name field (Figure 16c), clicking ofthe “Make
`
`a Call” icon appearing in the default button (Figure 16d), and finally initiating the call
`
`25
`
`and displayingthe mil timer (Figure 16e);
`
`Figure I? shows the main window display according to the first embodiment
`
`during a dial by name sequence beginning in the idle state (Figure We), followed by
`
`positioning of the cursor over the Name field and entering of letters of the name ofthe
`
`30
`
`personto becalled(Figure 17b),asletlersareentered, ifarnatchisfound inthe
`
`Phonebook. the name and default telephone number of the person being called are
`
`displayed (Figure 17c), selecting a different phone number for the person being
`
`

`

`6
`
`called, from a drop-down list (Figure 17d). clicking of the "Make a Call" icon
`
`appearing in the default button (Figure He), and finally initiating the call and
`
`diSplaying the call timer (Figure 17f);
`
`Figure l8 shows the main window di5p1ay according to the first embodiment
`
`during a speed dial sequence beginning in the idle state with the user selecting a “Dial
`
`“menu item from the menu bar (Figure 18a), selecting a name and number fi-orn the
`
`“Speed Dial” list Figure 18b), displaying the selected name and number are displayed
`
`(Figure 18c), initiating the call and displaying the call timer (Figure 18d);
`
`Figure i9 shows the main window display according to the first embodiment
`
`during a drag-and-drop name search and dial sequence, beginning in the idle state
`
`(Figure 19a), highlighting and dropping a portion of text from another application into
`
`the Name field such that the Phonebook is automatically searched and in response to a
`
`match the default number associated with the matched name is displayed in the
`
`Number field (Figure 19c), clicldng on the default button resulting in a line being
`selected and digit out-pulsing (Figure 19d). and once the dialling is complete, display
`
`ofthe call timer (Figure l9e);
`
`Figure 20 shows the main window display according to the first embodiment
`
`during a hang up, beginning with clicking on the “Hang Up” icon of the default
`
`button (Figure 20a), displaying a “Hanging Up’ message (Figure 20b), and finally
`
`reducing to the idle state (Figure 20c);
`
`Figure 21 shows an extension in use indicator of the main window display
`
`according to the first embodiment;
`
`Figure 22 shows the main window display according to the first embodimut
`
`dining a sequence ofadding a partyto the Phoneboolt from the connected state
`
`(Figure 2a) where the user activates the control bar (Figure 22b), and therefrom
`
`activates a Phonebook window (Figure 22c) flow which a Profile window can be
`
`activated (Figure 22d);
`
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`7
`
`Figure 232 shows a Work tab of the Profile window, a Home tab is shown in
`
`Figure 23b. 3 Phone tab is shown in Figure 23c. a Personal tab is shown in Figure 23d
`
`and a Shortcuts tab is shown in Figure 23c;
`
`Figure 24 shows the main window sequence according to the first embodiment
`
`for playing a voicemail message from the idle state with a message waiting icon
`
`flashing (Figure 24s), with a tooltip indicating the number of messages waiting
`
`(Figure 24b), with a shortcut mouse click to open voicemail (Figure 24c) and
`
`displaying the voicernail subdirectory of a Call Log and superimposed recorder
`
`10
`
`window;
`
`Figure 25 shows various window displays indicating operation of a user
`
`customizable dialler feature according to the first embodiment, wherein Figure 25a
`
`shows access to the dialler feanire via the Tools menu ofthe main window, Figure
`
`25b shows a series ofuser defined categories or sections of the dialler, Figure 25:
`
`shows a particular section in an open state, and Figure 25d shows an editingfeature
`
`for a selected button;
`
`Figure 26 shows a Personal Assistant window according to the alternative
`
`embodiment including a plurality oftabs identified as Call Screening (Figure 26a),
`
`Call Blocking (Figure 26b), Greetings (Figure 26c) and Personal Messages (Figure
`
`26d);
`
`Figures 273 through 27fshow a configuration window having multiple user
`
`selectable tabs for configuring the telephone and application, wherein Figure 27a
`
`shows a Sounds tab, Figure 27h shows an Incoming Calls tab, Figure 27c shows an
`
`Audio Devices tab, and Figure 27d shows a Function Buttons tab, Figure 27c shows a
`
`Voicemail tab, and Figure 27! shows a Miscellaneous tab; and
`
`Figure 28 shows a Sound Manager window for effecting sound recording and
`
`editing.
`
`15
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`

`

`D
`
`'led
`
`'
`
`'
`
`f
`
`e referred mbodiment
`
`S
`
`Turning to Figure l. the computer-based telephony system of the present
`
`invention is shown in its broadest aspect comprising a telephone set 1 connected to a
`
`telephone switching system 3 (e.g. central office) via a telephone line 5. The
`
`telephone set 1 is also connected to a personal computer 7 via a serial link 9. The
`
`personal cornputer 7 includes a monitor or display 8 as well as a mouse pointer 10 and
`
`keyboard 12, in a well known manner. According to the preferred embodiment, the
`
`serial link is one of either a USB or RS-232 line. although other suitable data
`
`communication links are possible. The computer 'z' executes a TAP! compliant
`
`sofiware application for communicating with the telephone set i to implement various
`
`telephony functions, as discussed in greater detail below.
`
`The telephone set i includes a handset l l and keypad 13, and in addition
`
`includes a plurality of programmable function keys 15. As discussed in greater detail
`
`below, respective ones of the function keys may be programmed via the software
`
`application executed on computer 3' to activate predetermined telephony functions or
`
`software {motions on the computer. For example, in one scenario a function key may
`
`be programmed to automatically activate a “Do Not Disturb" feamre while in another
`
`scenario the fimction key may be programmed to launch a software application such
`
`as Microsoft Word®. The set 1 also includes a message waiting lamp 16 which is
`
`activated by the software application to notify the caller ofan incoming message,
`
`which can be a voicemail message, a fax. Internet email or other multimedia message.
`
`As indicated above. the software application mnning on computer 7
`
`communicates with telephoneset l viascriallinkil. AsshowninFignre 2,inorder
`
`forthis oommmication to take place, data must pass through a plurality of modules
`
`which form a protocol stack between the application 17 and telephone set 1. The
`
`telephone set 1 incorporates a microprocessor 19 (e.g. Intel 80930) with Flash
`
`EPROM memory 21. A modem 23 is connected to microprocessor i9 and is also
`
`provided with a Flash memory 25. The microprocessor l9 and modem 23 together
`
`control implementation of standard telephony functions such as incoming call,
`
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`

`

`9
`
`outgoing call. call waiting, speaker phone conversation. hold, etc., in a well known
`
`manner. However, in accordance with the principles of the present invention. the
`
`software application 1? is able to interact with the telephone set 1 to cooperatively
`
`implement a multiplicity of user-invoked features.
`
`Although the software modules comprising the protocol stack do not form part
`
`of the present invention, a brief description is provided herein for completeness. The
`
`highest level in the stack is represented by the software application I? which
`
`comprises a plurality of user interfaco Components for display and printing
`
`fitnctionality, as discussed in greater detail below with reference to Figure 9.
`
`Immediately below the application 17 is a core 27 comprising a plurality of engine
`
`components for providing all ofthe support which the user interface components
`
`require to display and print data. This support includes call processing, data storage
`
`and manipulation, application configuration management and audio recording and
`
`playback. The engine components are located in one or more DLls with “C"
`
`language interfaces to them, as discussed in greater detail below.
`
`According to the preferred embodiment as ofthe filing date of this application.
`
`the application 17 is coded in VisualBasic whereas the core 27 of engine components
`
`is coded in C++. To facilitate access fi-om VisualBasic to the DLLS. an OCX layer 29
`
`is provided. The OCX layer 29 is also coded in CH.
`
`10
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`15
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`20
`
`Below the OCX layer is TAPI layer 31, which is a Microsoft device
`
`independent comnumioation library created by lvficmsofi for use by programmers
`
`25
`
`writing telephony applications (including data, fax and voice modem) for Nficrosofi
`
`Operating SYM-
`
`Below TAP! layer 31 is a TAP! service provider referred to as
`
`“Musmdm.Tsp” layer 33. This layer commtmicatee with Microsofi’s
`
`30