Case 5:19-cv-00036-RWS Document 379-4 Filed 07/02/20 Page 1 of 24 PageID #: 17884
`Case 5:19-cv-00036—RWS Document 379-4 Filed 07/02/20 Page 1 of 24 PageID #: 17884
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`EXHIBIT C
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`EXHIBIT C
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`

`

`Case 5:19-cv-00036-RWS Document 379-4 Filed 07/02/20 Page 2 of 24 PageID #: 17885
`
`APL-MAXELL_00713234
`
`United States Patent (19)
`BOrland
`
`54
`
`SYSTEMAND METHOD FOR
`SELF-ANNOUNCING A CALLER OF AN
`INCOMING TELEPHONE CALL
`
`Inventor: David J. Borland, Austin, TeX.
`
`Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.,
`Sunnyvale, Calif.
`
`Appl. No.: 08/969,652
`Filed:
`Nov. 13, 1997
`Int. Cl." ............................ H04M 1/663; H04M 1/64
`U.S. Cl. ......................... 379/70; 379/88.21; 379/142;
`379/199
`Field of Search .................................. 379/89, 70, 72,
`379/88.19, 88.2, 88.21, 142, 156, 157-177,
`179, 180, 182, 199, 88
`
`56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`4,172,967 10/1979 Porter et al..
`4,371,752 2/1983 Matthews et al..
`4,481,382 11/1984 Villa-Real.
`4,720,848
`1/1988 Akiyama.
`4,723,271 2/1988 Grundtisch .............................. 379/179
`4,776,006 10/1988 Comerford et al..
`4,783,797 11/1988 Hashimoto.
`4,807,225 2/1989 Fitch.
`4,894,861
`1/1990 Fujioka.
`4,985,913
`1/1991 Shalom et al..
`5,023,868
`6/1991 Davidson et al..
`5,062,133 10/1991 Melrose.
`5,086,458 2/1992 Bowen .................................... 379/18O
`5,117,451
`5/1992 Ladd et al..
`5,127,049 6/1992 Sabo ........................................ 379/199
`5,157,712 10/1992 Wallen, Jr. ........................... 379/88.21
`5,200,994 4/1993 Sasano et al..
`5,220,599 6/1993 Sasano et al..
`5,265,145 11/1993 Lim.
`5,268,957 12/1993 Albrecht.
`5,283,818 2/1994 Klausner et al. ....................... 379/199
`5,327,486
`7/1994 Wolff et al..
`5,384,831
`1/1995 Creswell et al..
`(List continued on next page.)
`
`USOO6122347A
`Patent Number:
`11
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`6,122,347
`Sep.19, 2000
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`O 622934 A1 11/1994 European Pat. Off..
`O 637 158 A1 2/1995 European Pat. Off..
`2144946 3/1985 United Kingdom.
`2240693 7/1991 United Kingdom.
`95/05045 2/1995 WIPO.
`97/28631 8/1997 WIPO.
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`International Search Report for PCT/US 98/10177 dated
`Aug. 28, 1998.
`Berger, et al., “An Application Specific DSP For Speech
`Applications, IEEE Transactions on Consumer Electronics
`39, Nov. 1993, No. 4, New York, XP 000423058, pp.
`733–738.
`
`(List continued on next page.)
`Primary Examiner Paul Loomis
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Conley, Rose & Tayon; Jeffrey C.
`Hood
`ABSTRACT
`57
`The present invention comprises a telephone System and
`method for Self-announcing a caller of an incoming tele
`phone call. After an incoming telephone call is received
`from a caller, the telephone answers the incoming telephone
`call before any ring Signals are generated. A message is then
`generated requesting the caller to Self-announce him/herself.
`A Speaker on the telephone is activated to enable the
`telephone users to listen to the announcement. After the
`caller Self-announces him/herself, a user, if present, may
`decide to answer the incoming telephone call. The user may
`answer the incoming telephone call either by placing the
`telephone in Speakerphone mode or by activating the hand
`Set and engaging in a conversation with the caller. If the user
`is not present or chooses not answer the incoming telephone
`call, the telephone transferS control to an answering machine
`unit So that the caller is given the choice of leaving a
`message. In one embodiment, the answering machine is
`built-in to the telephone. In another embodiment, the
`answering machine is an external unit attached to the
`telephone.
`
`22 Claims, 11 Drawing Sheets
`
`Ring phone like normal
`320
`
`receive an incoming call
`
`
`
`Mo
`
`ls the no-call
`feature enabled?
`
`Yes
`
`Do not ring the phone ringer
`330
`
`y
`
`Take the phone off-hook
`340
`
`y
`Play voice message alerting
`the caller that no calls are
`taken at this time
`350
`
`y
`Hang up the phone
`360
`
`

`

`Case 5:19-cv-00036-RWS Document 379-4 Filed 07/02/20 Page 3 of 24 PageID #: 17886
`
`APL-MAXELL_00713235
`
`6,122,347
`Page 2
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`5,394,445 2/1995 Ball et al..
`5,402,472 3/1995 Melampy et al..
`5,425,089 6/1995 Chan et al..
`5,440,615 8/1995 Caccuro et al..
`5,483,579
`1/1996 Stogel.
`5,497.414 3/1996 Bartholomew .
`5,550,900 8/1996 Ensor et al..
`5,559,860 9/1996 Mizikovsky.
`5,566.231 10/1996 Sizer, II.
`5,596,631
`1/1997 Chen.
`5,604,790 2/1997 Grimes.
`5,604,791
`2/1997 Lee.
`5,604,792 2/1997 Solomon et al. ....................... 379/142
`5,651,055 7/1997 Argade.
`5,661,788 8/1997 Chin.
`5,809,111 9/1998 Matthews ................................ 379/156
`5,883,942 3/1999 Lim et al..
`5,903,628 5/1999 Brennan.
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`Naganawa, et al., “A Study Of Audio Communication
`Devices For ISDN, IEEE Transactions on Consumer Elec
`tronics 36, Aug. 1990, No. 3, New York, XP000162916, pp.
`753 757.
`
`Philips, News Release, “Hearing is Believing With Mag
`navox AnnounceTM Caller ID,” May 1, 1997, 2 pages.
`Product Advertisement, Class Co., Inc., “Stop Running
`every time the Phone Rings Get a Voice Announce Caller ID
`from ClassCo.” May 1, 1997, 4 pages.
`MITEL CMOS MT8843, “Calling Number Identification
`Circuit 2." Issue 3, Apr. 1996, pp. 5-1 through 5-22.
`MITEL MSAN-164, “Application of the MT8843 Calling
`Number Identification Circuit 2, Issue 1, Oct. 1996, pp. 5-1
`through 5-18.
`“Talking Caller ID: The Caller ID that Speaks for itself.”
`Home Automation Systems at http//www.Smarthome.com,
`downloaded and printed Feb. 2, 1998, 1 sheet.
`“View Caller ID on your TV: Caller ID Info shows up
`automatically on the top of your TV screen when the phone
`rings' Home Automation Systems, Inc., at http://www.s-
`marthome.com, downloaded and printed Feb. 2, 1998, 2
`sheets.
`
`

`

`Case 5:19-cv-00036-RWS Document 379-4 Filed 07/02/20 Page 4 of 24 PageID #: 17887
`
`APL-MAXELL_00713236
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep.19, 2000
`
`Sheet 1 of 11
`
`6,122,347
`
`160
`
`To Telephone
`Company
`/
`140
`
`Telephone
`FIG. 1
`
`160
`
`
`
`To Telephone
`Company
`140 /
`
`Telephone
`FIG. 2
`
`100
`130
`
`120
`
`100
`
`120
`
`

`

`Case 5:19-cv-00036-RWS Document 379-4 Filed 07/02/20 Page 5 of 24 PageID #: 17888
`
`APL-MAXELL_00713237
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep.19, 2000
`
`Sheet 2 of 11
`
`6,122,347
`
`(Y)
`Q)
`H
`-
`
`
`
`
`
`?uO?d??31le?is
`
`ÕT?
`
`

`

`Case 5:19-cv-00036-RWS Document 379-4 Filed 07/02/20 Page 6 of 24 PageID #: 17889
`
`APL-MAXELL_00713238
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep.19, 2000
`
`Sheet 3 of 11
`
`6,122,347
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`ON
`
`

`

`Case 5:19-cv-00036-RWS Document 379-4 Filed 07/02/20 Page 7 of 24 PageID #: 17890
`Case 5:19-cv-00036-RWS Document 379-4 Filed 07/02/20 Page 7 of 24 PageID #: 17890
`
`US. Patent
`
`Sep. 19, 2000
`
`Sheet 4 0f 11
`
`6,122,347
`
`____
`
`boEmE
`
`953280%o:
`
`6:80Incosmoécmg8:8
`
`
`
`93053593me
`
`aa53m5235
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`E3053
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`.III_0TV
`_lllllllllllllllllllllllllE:"cozmoczcou____________
`ex52550.8:%
`I.02
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`
`___________
`
`APL-MAXELL_00713239
`APL-MAXELL_00713239
`
`
`
`

`

`Case 5:19-cv-00036-RWS Document 379-4 Filed 07/02/20 Page 8 of 24 PageID #: 17891
`
`APL-MAXELL_00713240
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep.19, 2000
`
`Sheet 5 of 11
`
`6,122,347
`
`
`
`Select a distinctive ring
`for all callees of incoming
`telephone calls
`500
`
`Receive an incoming
`telephone call from
`a Caller
`510
`
`Determine the identity of
`the Callee of the
`incoming telephone call
`530
`
`Generate a distinctive
`ring Corresponding the
`person being called
`540
`
`FIG. 6
`
`

`

`Case 5:19-cv-00036-RWS Document 379-4 Filed 07/02/20 Page 9 of 24 PageID #: 17892
`
`APL-MAXELL_00713241
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep.19, 2000
`
`Sheet 6 of 11
`
`6,122,347
`
`N
`Q)
`H
`-
`
`
`
`
`

`

`Case 5:19-cv-00036-RWS Document 379-4 Filed 07/02/20 Page 10 of 24 PageID #: 17893
`
`APL-MAXELL_00713242
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep.19, 2000
`
`Sheet 7 of 11
`
`6,122,347
`
`
`
`Select a distinctive ring
`and associated callers
`for all callees of incoming
`telephone calls
`600
`
`Receive an incoming
`telephone call from
`a caller
`610
`
`Determine the identity of
`the Caller
`620
`
`Determine the identity of
`the callee in response to
`determining the identity
`of the caller
`630
`
`Generate a distinctive
`ring corresponding to the
`identified callee
`640
`
`FIG. 8
`
`

`

`Case 5:19-cv-00036-RWS Document 379-4 Filed 07/02/20 Page 11 of 24 PageID #: 17894
`
`APL-MAXELL_00713243
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep.19, 2000
`
`Sheet 8 of 11
`
`6,122,347
`
`ON
`QS
`H
`L
`
`| | |
`
`| | | |
`
`|80|| ||
`
`
`
`
`
`

`

`Case 5:19-cv-00036-RWS Document 379-4 Filed 07/02/20 Page 12 of 24 PageID #: 17895
`
`APL-MAXELL_00713244
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep.19, 2000
`
`Sheet 9 of 11
`
`6,122,347
`
`
`
`Receive an incoming call
`from a calling party
`700
`
`ldentify the caller by
`prompting the caller to
`say the callers name
`710
`
`ldentify the callee by
`prompting the caller to
`say the callee's name
`720
`
`Announce the name of
`the caller and the name
`of the callee through a
`built-in speaker
`730
`
`FIG. 10
`
`

`

`Case 5:19-cv-00036-RWS Document 379-4 Filed 07/02/20 Page 13 of 24 PageID #: 17896
`
`APL-MAXELL_00713245
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep. 19, 2000
`
`Sheet 10 of 11
`
`6,122,347
`
`
`
`0?6|
`
`| | | | | | | | | | | |
`
`| | | | | | | | | |
`
`

`

`Case 5:19-cv-00036-RWS Document 379-4 Filed 07/02/20 Page 14 of 24 PageID #: 17897
`
`APL-MAXELL_00713246
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep.19, 2000
`
`Sheet 11 of 11
`
`6,122,347
`
`Receive an incoming
`telephone call from
`a caller
`800
`
`Generate a message
`requesting the caller to
`Self-announce
`him/herself
`810
`
`Self-announce the Caller
`through a Speaker
`of the telephone
`820
`
`A
`user answers the
`telephone call
`830
`
`Transfer Control to the
`answering machine unit
`to enable the Caller to
`leave a message
`840
`
`
`
`
`
`Engage in a Conversation
`With the Caller
`850
`
`FIG. 12
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`

`Case 5:19-cv-00036-RWS Document 379-4 Filed 07/02/20 Page 15 of 24 PageID #: 17898
`
`APL-MAXELL_00713247
`
`6,122,347
`
`15
`
`25
`
`35
`
`40
`
`1
`SYSTEMAND METHOD FOR
`SELF-ANNOUNCING A CALLER OF AN
`INCOMING TELEPHONE CALL
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`The present invention relates to the field of telephone
`Systems and more particularly to a telephone System and
`method for Self-announcing a caller of an incoming tele
`phone call.
`DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
`Telephone Subscribers communicate via a vast telephone
`network, referred to as the Public Switched Telephone
`Network (PSTN). In the present disclosure, the term
`“PSTN” is intended to include the analog phone network or
`POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service), ISDN (Integrated
`Services Digital Network), DSL (Digital Subscriber Line),
`and Wireless Local Loop (WLL), among others.
`A telephone Subscriber's communications devices, e.g.,
`telephones, are typically connected in parallel to a telephone
`line which links a Subscriber's premises to a telephone
`Service provider's central office. An ordinary telephone is
`the most familiar of Such communications devices. An
`ordinary telephone includes a handset, and the handset
`includes a receiver and a transmitter. The receiver is
`designed to be placed over a user's ear during use, and the
`transmitter designed to be positioned in close proximity to
`the user's mouth during use.
`In a POTS system, when the telephone is not in use, the
`telephone is disconnected from the telephone line, except for
`a ringer circuit. When a caller places a telephone call to a
`receiving party, Switching equipment in the central office
`transmits a Series of ring Signals over the receiving party's
`telephone line. The ring signals cause the ringer circuit of the
`receiving party's telephone to generate Sounds which alert
`the receiving party to the incoming telephone call. At the
`Same time, the Switching equipment Sends a Series of ring
`back Signals to the caller to let the caller know that the
`telephone call is being placed. When the receiving party
`answers the incoming telephone call, a communication is
`established between the caller and the receiving party.
`Several different types of communications devices are
`designed to automatically transmit or receive information
`following detection of one or more ring Signals. Examples of
`Such communications devices include telephone answering
`machines and communications devices equipped with
`modulator-demodulators (modems). An answering machine
`typically includes control circuitry which electrically con
`nects a voice message unit to the telephone line after a
`predetermined number of ring Signals are detected, causes
`the voice message unit to transmit (i.e., play back) a pre
`recorded outgoing voice message, and then receives and
`records any incoming Voice message transmitted by the
`caller following transmission of the outgoing Voice message.
`Digital communications devices equipped with modems
`eXchange frequency-encoded information via the telephone
`network. Facsimile (fax) machines are examples of Such
`digital communications devices. A faX machine typically
`includes control circuitry which electrically connects a
`modem to a telephone line after a predetermined number of
`ring Signals are detected, then either transmits or receives
`frequency-encoded digital information. A modulator portion
`of a modem within a transmitting fax machine converts a
`digital value (i.e., a logic one or a logic Zero) to a corre
`sponding analog tone. A demodulator portion of a modem
`within a receiving fax machine performs the opposite
`function, converting the analog tone to the corresponding
`digital value.
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`2
`Telephone service providers also offer “Caller ID' ser
`vices which provide information about a caller. Devices
`which receive, Store, and display digital Caller ID informa
`tion are widely available. The Caller ID service is typically
`available to telephone subscribers for a small additional
`monthly fee. Under current Standards, frequency-encoded
`digital Caller ID information is transmitted between the first
`and Second ring Signals. Information about a caller is thus
`received, stored, and displayed by a Caller ID device before
`a user would normally answer a ringing telephone. Caller ID
`information is typically recorded by Caller ID devices
`whether the associated telephone is answered or not. Caller
`ID circuitry may be included as part of a telephone or the
`caller ID circuitry may be part of a separate box that is also
`connected to the telephone line.
`A telephone system would be desirable that provides the
`user or the users with additional features for a more effective
`use of their telephone service. Desirable features could be,
`for example: a feature that would enable the user to Stop
`accepting incoming calls and inform the caller to that effect;
`a feature that could identify the caller and/or the callee of
`incoming call and alert the user to the identity of the caller
`and/or callee. Such features would enhance the usefulness of
`a user's telephone Service.
`Applicants are aware of the “party line' telephone net
`working. The “party line” comprises one telephone line that
`extends to multiple houses with Support for multiple tele
`phone numbers. Upon receiving a telephone call, all the
`telephones that are connected to the line ring but with a
`different cadence.
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`The present invention comprises an improved telephone
`System with additional features that enable a user or users to
`make more effective use of their telephone Service.
`In the first embodiment, the present invention comprises
`an improved telephone System and method that reduce call
`interruptions to a telephone, i.e., reduce interruptions caused
`by a caller placing a call to the telephone. The user can
`enable the no-call feature either by operating a Switch on the
`telephone or by entering a specific numeric code using the
`telephone's keypad. If the no-call feature is enabled and a
`call is received by the telephone, when the telephone is
`answered, the telephone then plays a message to the caller
`indicating that no calls are being taken. The telephone playS
`the message after the call is answered. The telephone does
`not generate an audible ring Signal in response to the
`telephone call received from the caller. Instead of generating
`a ring Signal, the telephone plays the no-call message in
`response to the no-call feature being enabled.
`The telephone System, according to the first embodiment,
`further comprises an exemption logic unit for allowing calls
`placed by certain callers to come through even when the
`no-call feature is enabled. The user indicates the exception
`parties to the no-call feature prior to receiving a call from an
`external party. If the caller is determined to be an exception
`party after a telephone call is received, a ring Signal is
`generated, and the user may then answer the call in a normal
`fashion.
`Several methods are used to determine whether the caller
`is an exception party. In one method, the Voice of the caller
`is analyzed using Voice recognition techniques to determine
`the identity of the caller. Alternatively, a caller is asked to
`enter a personal identification number. Upon entering the
`correct identification number, the call is allowed through. A
`third method of identifying the caller comprises using infor
`mation obtained from a Caller ID unit.
`
`

`

`Case 5:19-cv-00036-RWS Document 379-4 Filed 07/02/20 Page 16 of 24 PageID #: 17899
`
`APL-MAXELL_00713248
`
`6,122,347
`
`15
`
`25
`
`35
`
`40
`
`3
`In the Second embodiment, the present invention com
`prises an improved telephone System and method that deter
`mine the identity of the callee of an incoming telephone call.
`A distinctive ring is first Selected by one or more of the users
`of the telephone prior to activating the feature or at any later
`time. The callee identification feature is enabled either by
`operating a Switch on the telephone or by entering a specific
`numeric code using the telephone's keypad. Information
`about the individual distinctive ring Signals is Stored in
`memory inside the telephone. When an incoming call is
`received from an external party, the telephone determines
`which one of the users is the callee of the telephone call. A
`distinctive ring Signal is then generated corresponding to the
`callee of the incoming telephone call. The distinctive ring
`Signal identifies the callee of the incoming telephone call to
`the telephone users.
`In order to identify the callee of the telephone call, the
`telephone System, after answering the telephone call,
`inquires the caller for the identity of the callee. For example,
`the telephone announces the list of possible callees and ask
`the caller to enter a numeric code corresponding to the callee
`of the telephone call.
`A callee may also be identified using voice recognition
`techniques. After answering a call, the telephone, using a
`prerecorded message, asks the caller to Say the name of the
`callee. The telephone voice-processes the received Voice
`Signals in order to determine the identity of the callee. The
`telephone then generates a distinctive ring corresponding to
`the identified callee that identifies the callee to the telephone
`USCS.
`In an embodiment where multiple telephones are con
`nected on the same telephone line, one telephone is desig
`nated as the master telephone. Upon receiving an incoming
`telephone call, all the telephones that are connected to the
`line answer the incoming telephone call. In an embodiment
`where the callee is identified by inquiring the caller, the
`master telephone performs the inquiry and any other
`prompting of the caller that is involved. In an embodiment
`where the callee is identified by other means, for example,
`caller ID, all the telephones perform the identification. In all
`the embodiments, all the telephones on the line contain logic
`that generates the distinctive ring Signals that identify the
`callee.
`In the third embodiment, the present invention comprises
`an improved telephone System and method that determine
`the identity of the callee of an incoming telephone call by
`first determining the identity of the caller. The telephone
`users program the telephone by entering information on
`calling parties and their corresponding callees prior to any
`incoming telephone calls and prior to activating the feature.
`The users may also reprogram the telephone at any later
`time. The information on callers and corresponding callees
`is Stored in memory inside the telephone. In addition, each
`user Selects a distinctive ring Signal that is unique to the user.
`Information about the distinctive ring Signal is also stored in
`memory. The telephone System uses caller ID information,
`Voice recognition, or prompts the caller for a numeric code
`in order to determine the identity of the caller.
`The identity of the callee is determined after determining
`the identity of the caller. Information entered by the users
`during Setup is accessed in order to determine which callee
`corresponds to the identified caller. Once the identity of the
`callee is established, a distinctive ring Signal corresponding
`to the identified callee is generated.
`In an embodiment where multiple telephones are con
`nected on the same telephone line, one telephone is desig
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`4
`nated as the master telephone. Upon receiving an incoming
`telephone call, all the telephones that are connected to the
`line answer the incoming telephone call. In an embodiment
`where the caller is identified by inquiring the caller, the
`master telephone performs the inquiry and any other
`prompting of the caller that is involved. In an embodiment
`where the caller is identified by other means, for example,
`caller ID, all the telephones perform the identification. In all
`the embodiments, all the telephones on the line contain logic
`that generates the distinctive ring Signals that identify the
`callee.
`In the fourth embodiment, the present invention com
`prises a telephone System and method that identify and
`announce the caller and/or the callee of an incoming tele
`phone call. After receiving a telephone call from a caller, the
`telephone System answers the telephone call. The identity of
`the caller is then determined. The telephone System prompts
`the caller to Say his/her name. The name is recorded and
`repeatedly played back through a built-in speaker announc
`ing the name of the caller to the users of the telephone.
`In addition, the telephone System may also ask the caller
`to Say the name of the callee. In that case, the name of the
`callee is also recorded and repeatedly played back. The
`name of the caller and the name of the callee are both
`announced to the users of the telephone.
`In an embodiment where multiple telephones are con
`nected on the same telephone line, one telephone is desig
`nated as the master telephone. Upon receiving an incoming
`telephone call, all the telephones that are connected to the
`line answer the incoming telephone call. In an embodiment
`where the caller and/or the callee are identified by inquiring
`the caller, the master telephone performs the inquiry and any
`other prompting of the caller that is involved. In an embodi
`ment where the caller is identified by other means, for
`example, caller ID, all the telephones perform the identifi
`cation. In all the embodiments, all the telephones on the line
`contain logic that enable the telephones to announce the
`identity of the caller and/or the callee.
`In the fifth embodiment, the present invention comprises
`a telephone System and method for Self-announcing a caller
`of an incoming telephone call. After an incoming call is
`received from a caller, the telephone answers the telephone
`before any ring Signals are generated. A message is then
`generated requesting the caller to Self-announce him/herself.
`A Speaker on the telephone is activated to enable the
`telephone users to listen to the announcement.
`After the caller Self-announces him/herself, a user, if
`present, may decide to answer the telephone call. The user
`may answer the telephone call either by placing the tele
`phone in Speakerphone mode or by activating the handset
`and engaging in a conversation with the caller. If the user is
`not present or chooses not answer the telephone call, the
`telephone transferS control to an answering machine unit So
`that the caller is given the choice of leaving a message. In
`one embodiment, the answering machine is built-in to the
`telephone. In another embodiment, the answering machine is
`an external unit attached to the telephone.
`In an embodiment where multiple telephones are con
`nected on the same telephone line, one telephone is desig
`nated as the master telephone. Upon receiving an incoming
`telephone call, all the telephones that are connected to the
`line answer the incoming telephone call. Only the master
`performs any prompting of the caller that is involved. The
`caller's self identification is then heard on all the telephones
`that are connected on the line.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`Other objects and advantages of the invention will
`become apparent upon reading the following detailed
`description and upon reference to the accompanying draw
`ings in which:
`
`

`

`Case 5:19-cv-00036-RWS Document 379-4 Filed 07/02/20 Page 17 of 24 PageID #: 17900
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`APL-MAXELL_00713249
`
`S
`FIG. 1 shows a telephone with improved features and a
`Switch for enabling/disabling the improved features,
`FIG. 2 shows a telephone with improved features;
`FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of a telephone with a
`no-call feature;
`FIG. 4 shows a flowchart describing a method for reduc
`ing call interruptions by a caller placing a telephone call to
`a telephone;
`FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of a telephone that iden
`tifies the callee of an incoming telephone call;
`FIG. 6 shows a flowchart describing a method for iden
`tifying the callee of an incoming telephone call;
`FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of a telephone that iden
`tifies the callee of an incoming telephone call by identifying
`the caller,
`FIG. 8 shows a flowchart describing a method for iden
`tifying the callee of an incoming telephone call by identi
`fying the caller;
`FIG. 9 shows a block diagram of a telephone system for
`announcing a caller and a callee of an incoming telephone
`call;
`FIG. 10 shows a flowchart describing a method for
`announcing a caller and a callee of an incoming telephone
`call;
`FIG. 11 shows a block diagram of a telephone system for
`Self-announcing a caller of an incoming telephone call; and
`FIG. 12 shows a flowchart describing a method for
`Self-announcing a caller of an incoming telephone call.
`While the invention is susceptible to various modifica
`tions and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof
`are shown by way of example in the drawings and will
`herein be described in detail. It should be understood,
`however, that the drawings and detailed description thereto
`are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form
`disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all
`modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the
`Spirit and Scope of the present invention as defined by the
`appended claims.
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
`First embodiment, System and method for reducing call
`interruptions caused by incoming telephone calls.
`In the first embodiment, the present invention comprises
`an improved telephone System that reduces call interruptions
`to a telephone, wherein the call interruptions are produced
`by a caller placing a call to a telephone. Such a telephone
`system is shown in FIG.1. Telephone 100 is connected to the
`telephone Service provider's central office using telephone
`line 140. Telephone 100 is coupled to telephone line 140
`through port 150 for Sending and receiving telephone signals
`to and from the central office. AS used in the present
`invention, “telephone' may refer to a conventional or
`telephone, a digital telephone, cordless telephone, or a
`cellular telephone. Furthermore, the telephone functions
`may be performed by a computer, a personal digital assistant
`(PDA), a web surfer, or any other system that has a sub
`function that acts like a classic telephone.
`Telephone 100 further comprises handset 110. Handset
`110 comprises a Speaker for receiving voice Signals and
`generating an audible Sound and a microphone for transmit
`ting voice over the telephone line. In a POTS network, when
`the handset is located in the cradle of the telephone, the
`placement and/or weight of the handset 110 maintains hook
`Switch 160 in the open position. Once the handset 110 is
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`picked up by the user, hook switch 160 closes and telephone
`100 turns on for placing or answering a call. It is noted that
`hook Switch 160 may be closed by other means, such as the
`user pressing a "talk” button in the case of a cordless phone.
`Furthermore, for an ISDN, DSL, WILL, or other networks,
`the telephone answers the telephone call using means appro
`priate to that network.
`Telephone 100 includes a no-call Switch 130. No-call
`Switch 130 is preferably a toggle Switch for turning the
`no-call feature on and off. The no-call feature will be
`discussed further below. Alternatively, the no-call feature is
`activated and deactivated by lifting handset 110 and entering
`a numeric code using the keypad 120. For example, 28 may
`be the activation code and 29 may be the deactivation code.
`Such a telephone, without no-call switch 130, is shown in
`FIG. 2. In another embodiment, the no-call feature is
`enabled/disabled using a computer System coupled to the
`phone, wherein the no-call Switch is either directly coupled
`to the telephone or coupled through the telephone line.
`FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of telephone system 100.
`When a caller places a call, a ring Signal is transmitted to
`telephone system 100 through telephone line 140 to port
`140. No-call logic unit 200, which is directly coupled to port
`140, first receives the incoming ring Signal. If the no-call
`feature is disabled by either toggling no-call switch 130 or
`by entering the appropriate activation/deactivation code
`through keypad 120, no-call logic unit 200 transmits the ring
`signal to telephone control unit 240.
`Telephone control unit 240 performs regular telephone
`functions as are well known in the art. Upon receiving a ring
`Signal, telephone control unit 240 Sends the ring Signal to
`ringer 230. Ringer 230 produces an audible ring that alerts
`the user to the incoming call. The user then answers the
`telephone call. In a POTS, the user answers the telephone
`call by lifting handset 110, which closes switch 160 and
`places the telephone off-hook. For an ISDN, DSL, WILL, or
`other types of telephone network, the telephone is answered
`by other means appropriate to the protocol used. The user
`then transmits voice to the caller by talking into microphone
`110A and receives sound by listening to speaker 110B.
`The user can enable/disable the no-call feature either by
`operating Switch 130 on the telephone or by entering a
`numeric code using the telephone's keypad. If the location,
`i.e., the home, includes a plurality of telephones, then
`preferably one of the telephones is the master telephone.
`Upon receiving an incoming telephone call, the master
`telephone answers the call before any other phone in the
`household. If the no-call feature is enabled, the master
`telephone plays the outgoing message and terminates the
`telephone call. If the no-call feature is not enabled or if the
`caller is an exception party, the master telephone allows the
`telephone Signal to be transmitted to all the telephones in the
`household.
`If the no-call feature is enabled and a call is received by
`the telephone, no-call logic unit 200 answers the telephone
`call but does not transmit the ring Signal to telephone control
`unit 240. Consequently, ringer 230 does not ring to alert the
`user about the incoming call.
`In one embodiment, telephone system 100 comprises
`warning Speaker 250. In this embodiment, no-call logic unit
`200 sends a signal to warning speaker 250 when the no-call
`feature is enabled and when an incoming call is received.
`Warning Speaker 250 generates a Sound that alerts the user
`to the incoming call and to the fact that the no-call feature
`is enabled. The sound generated by warning speaker 250 is
`distinctively different from the Sound generated by ringer
`230. The sound generated by warning speaker 250 is short
`in duration and not very loud and thus is leSS annoy