US5488657A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for and method of operating an automatic log on/log off circuit in a telephone system by disconnecting a headset
Assignee: ACS Wireless Inc
•
Filing: 1993-05-11
•
Granted: 1996-01-30
•
Expires: 2013-05-11
Abstract
Abstract Existing automatic log on/log off systems in telephone systems determine whether or not a workstation is occupied, and that calls can be directed to that workstation, by determining whether or not the amplifier that provides the interface between the telephone system and the occupant's headset is plugged into the workstation. Recent headsets have a connector in the cord between the headset and the amplifier. This enables the occupant to leave the workstation without unplugging the amplifier, which defeats sensing mechanism of the existing automatic log on/log off system. An amplifier according to the invention replaces the existing amplifier and includes a detector that determines whether the headset is connected to the amplifier, and an activator that activates the existing automatic log on/log off system in the telephone system. In the preferred embodiment, the detector senses the current drawn by the electret microphone in the headset, and the activator activates both current-sensing and voltage/resistance-sensing automatic log on/log off systems.
Inventors
- 👤 Dwight D. Lynn
- 👤 Kirk A. Reid
- 👤 Shu-Ren Chen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 12:50
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04M; H04M1/00; H04M1/60; H04M1/6033; H04M1/72; H04M1/725; H04M3/00; H04M3/42; H04M3/50; H04M3/51; H04M3/523; H04M3/60; H04M2203/00; H04M2203/60; H04M2203/6018; H04M2207/00; H04M2207/18; H04M3/40; H04M3/5133; H04M3/62
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 40
Claim 1
Independent Claim
125 words
An amplifier for connection to a telephone system, the telephone system including a means for monitoring when a peripheral device is connected thereto, the monitoring means operating to detect a change in a parameter which occurs when the peripheral device is disconnected from the telephone system, the amplifier also being connectable to a telephone headset, and passing signals between the telephone headset and the telephone system, the amplifier comprising: detecting means for detecting when the headset is disconnected from the amplifier and for generating an output signal in response thereto; and activating means, operating in response to the output signal, for changing the parameter in a manner that emulates the disconnection of a peripheral device from the telephone system, even though the amplifier remains connected.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
125 words
An amplifier for connection to a telephone system, the telephone system including a means for monitoring when a peripheral device is connected thereto, the monitoring means operating to detect a change in a parameter which occurs when the peripheral device is disconnected from the telephone system, the amplifier also being connectable to a telephone headset, and passing signals between the telephone headset and the telephone system, the amplifier comprising: detecting means for detecting when the headset is disconnected from the amplifier and for generating an output signal in response thereto; and activating means, operating in response to the output signal, for changing the parameter in a manner that emulates the disconnection of a peripheral device from the telephone system, even though the amplifier remains connected.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
48 words
The amplifier of claim 1, wherein: the parameter is a current drawn from the telephone system, the amplifier further comprises a current drawing means for drawing current from the telephone system, and the activating means changes the current drawn from the telephone system by the current drawing means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
38 words
The amplifier of claim 2, wherein the current drawn from the telephone system by the current drawing means when the headset is connected to the amplifier is greater than when the headset is not connected to the amplifier.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
48 words
The amplifier of claim 2, wherein the activating means includes a controlled switch having: a first switched contact connected to a conductor through which the amplifier draws current, a second switched contact connected to the current drawing means, and a control input terminal receiving the detector output signal.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
13 words
The amplifier of claim 2, wherein the current drawing means is a resistor.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
The amplifier of claim 1, wherein the detecting means is responsive to the current drawn from the amplifier by the headset.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
44 words
The amplifier of claim 6, wherein the detecting means includes: means for generating a voltage substantially proportional to the current drawn from the amplifier by the headset, and comparator means for comparing the voltage with a reference voltage and for providing the output signal.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
79 words
The amplifier of claim 1, wherein: the parameter is a resistance between a first conductor and a second conductor, the activating means includes a controlled switch having a first switched contact coupled to the first conductor, and a second switched contact coupled to the second conductor, the first switch contact and the second contact having a resistance between them, and the resistance between the first switched contact and the second switched contact changes in response to the output signal.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
79 words
The amplifier of claim 1, wherein: a cord, including a connector and plural conductors, connects the headset to the amplifier; and the detecting means includes a means for determining when a detection parameter changes as a result of the headset being disconnected from the amplifier, the detection parameter being chosen from a group including: a current through one of the plural conductors, a resistance between two of the plural conductors, and a voltage on one of the plural conductors.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
55 words
The amplifier of claim 9, wherein: the cord includes two conductors having a resistance between them, the resistance between the two conductors changing when the headset is disconnected from the amplifier, and the determining means determines when the resistance between the two conductors changes as a result of the headset being disconnected from the amplifier.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
30 words
The amplifier of claim 10, wherein the determining means applies a voltage to one of the conductors, and the voltage on the other of the conductors provides the output signal.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
35 words
The amplifier of claim 9, wherein: the cord includes conductors for power supply, signal, and ground, and an additional conductor, and the determining means provides the voltage on the additional conductor as the output signal.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
69 words
The amplifier of claim 9, wherein: the cord includes a pair of connections for power supply and ground, and the determining means includes: means for applying a pilot signal having an amplitude to one of the conductors, and means for measuring the amplitude of the pilot signal on the one of the conductors and for providing the output signal in response to the measured amplitude of the pilot signal.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
101 words
The amplifier of claim 2, wherein the monitoring means of the telephone system additionally operates to detect a change in the parameter which occurs when the peripheral device is reconnected to the telephone system, and wherein: the detecting means is additionally for detecting when the headset is reconnected to the amplifier, and for generating an additional output signal in response thereto; and the activating means additionally operates in response to the additional output signal to change the parameter in a manner that emulates the reconnection of a peripheral device to the telephone system, even though the amplifier has not been disconnected.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
165 words
The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the monitoring means of the telephone system additionally operates to detect a change in the parameter which occurs when the peripheral device is reconnected to the telephone system, and wherein: the detecting means generates the output signal in a first state when the headset is disconnected from the amplifier; the activating means operates in response to the first state of the output signal to change the parameter in a manner that emulates the disconnection of a peripheral device from the telephone system, even though the amplifier remains connected; the detecting means is additionally for detecting when the headset is reconnected to the amplifier, and for generating the output signal in a second state in response thereto; and the activating means additionally operates in response to the second state of the output signal to change the parameter in a manner that emulates the reconnection of a peripheral device to the telephone system, even though the amplifier has not been disconnected.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
101 words
The amplifier of claim 8, wherein the monitoring means of the telephone system additionally operates to detect a change in the parameter which occurs when the peripheral device is reconnected to the telephone system, and wherein: the detecting means is additionally for detecting when the headset is reconnected to the amplifier, and for generating an additional output signal in response thereto; and the activating means additionally operates in response to the additional output signal to change the parameter in a manner that emulates the reconnection of a peripheral device to the telephone system, even though the amplifier has not been disconnected.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
165 words
The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the monitoring means of the telephone system additionally operates to detect a change in the parameter which occurs when the peripheral device is reconnected to the telephone system, and wherein: the detecting means generates the output signal in a first state when the headset is disconnected from the amplifier; the activating means operates in response to the first state of the output signal to change the parameter in a manner that emulates the disconnection of a peripheral device from the telephone system, even though the amplifier remains connected; the detecting means is additionally for detecting when the headset is reconnected to the amplifier, and for generating the output signal in a second state in response thereto; and the activating means additionally operates in response to the second state of the output signal to change the parameter in a manner that emulates the reconnection of a peripheral device to the telephone system, even though the amplifier has not been disconnected.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
101 words
The amplifier of claim 1, wherein the monitoring means of the telephone system additionally operates to detect a change in the parameter which occurs when the peripheral device is reconnected to the telephone system, and wherein: the detecting means is additionally for detecting when the headset is reconnected to the amplifier, and for generating an additional output signal in response thereto; and the activating means additionally operates in response to the additional output signal to change the parameter in a manner that emulates the reconnection of a peripheral device to the telephone system, even though the amplifier has not been disconnected.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
165 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the monitoring means of the telephone system additionally operates to detect a change in the parameter which occurs when the peripheral device is reconnected to the telephone system, and wherein: the detecting means generates the output signal in a first state when the headset is disconnected from the amplifier; the activating means operates in response to the first state of the output signal to change the parameter in a manner that emulates the disconnection of a peripheral device from the telephone system, even though the amplifier remains connected; the detecting means is additionally for detecting when the headset is reconnected to the amplifier, and for generating the output signal in a second state in response thereto; and the activating means additionally operates in response to the second state of the output signal to change the parameter in a manner that emulates the reconnection of a peripheral device to the telephone system, even though the amplifier has not been disconnected.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
10 words
The amplifier of claim 1, wherein the parameter is current.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
10 words
The amplifier of claim 1, wherein the parameter is resistance.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
112 words
A method of operating an automatic monitoring circuit in a telephone system by disconnecting a headset from an amplifier connected to the telephone system, the automatic monitoring circuit monitoring when a peripheral device is connected to the telephone system by detecting a change in a parameter which occurs when the peripheral device is disconnected from the telephone system, the method comprising the steps of: detecting when the headset is disconnected from the amplifier, and generating an output signal in response thereto; and changing the parameter in response to the output signal in a manner to emulate the disconnection of a peripheral device from the telephone system, even though the amplifier remains connected.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
112 words
A method of operating an automatic monitoring circuit in a telephone system by disconnecting a headset from an amplifier connected to the telephone system, the automatic monitoring circuit monitoring when a peripheral device is connected to the telephone system by detecting a change in a parameter which occurs when the peripheral device is disconnected from the telephone system, the method comprising the steps of: detecting when the headset is disconnected from the amplifier, and generating an output signal in response thereto; and changing the parameter in response to the output signal in a manner to emulate the disconnection of a peripheral device from the telephone system, even though the amplifier remains connected.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
10 words
The method of claim 22, wherein the parameter is current.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
10 words
The method of claim 22, wherein the parameter is resistance.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
56 words
The method of claim 22, wherein: the parameter is a current drawn from the telephone system, the amplifier draws current from the telephone system, and in the step of changing the parameter in response to the output signal, the current drawn from the telephone system by the amplifier is changed in response to the output signal.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
56 words
The method of claim 25, wherein, in the step of changing the parameter in response to the output signal, the current drawn from the telephone system by the amplifier when the headset is connected to the amplifier is greater than the current drawn from the telephone system when the headset is not connected to the amplifier.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
96 words
The method of claim 25, wherein the automatic log on/log off system in the telephone system additionally detects a change in the parameter which occurs when the peripheral device is reconnected to the telephone system, and wherein the method additionally includes the steps of: detecting when the headset is reconnected to the amplifier, and generating an additional output signal in response thereto; and changing, in response to the additional output signal, the parameter in a manner that emulates the reconnection of a peripheral device to the telephone system, even though the amplifier has not been disconnected.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
62 words
The method of claim 22, wherein: the parameter is a resistance between a first conductor and a second conductor, the first and second conductors being connected to the telephone system, and in the step of changing the parameter in response to the output signal, the resistance between the first conductor and the second conductor is changed in response to the output signal.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
84 words
The method of claim 28, wherein: a cord including plural conductors connects the headset to the amplifier, and the step of detecting when the headset is disconnected from the amplifier includes the step of determining when a detection parameter changes as a result of the headset being disconnected from the amplifier, the detection being chosen from a group including: a current through one of the plural conductors, a resistance between two of the plural conductors, and a voltage on one of the plural conductors.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
96 words
The method of claim 29, wherein the automatic log on/log off system in the telephone system additionally detects a change in the parameter which occurs when the peripheral device is reconnected to the telephone system, and wherein the method additionally includes the steps of: detecting when the headset is reconnected to the amplifier, and generating an additional output signal in response thereto; and changing, in response to the additional output signal, the parameter in a manner that emulates the reconnection of a peripheral device to the telephone system, even though the amplifier has not been disconnected.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
96 words
The method of claim 22, wherein the automatic log on/log off system in the telephone system additionally detects a change in the parameter which occurs when the peripheral device is reconnected to the telephone system, and wherein the method additionally includes the steps of: detecting when the headset is reconnected to the amplifier, and generating an additional output signal in response thereto; and changing, in response to the additional output signal, the parameter in a manner that emulates the reconnection of a peripheral device to the telephone system, even though the amplifier has not been disconnected.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
133 words
A method of operating an automatic monitoring system in a telephone system by disconnecting a headset from an amplifier connected to the telephone system, the amplifier being connected to the telephone system by a connection including a plug and socket coupling, the automatic monitoring system monitoring when the amplifier is physically disconnected from the telephone system by detecting a change in a parameter which occurs when the plug and socket coupling is physically disconnected, the method comprising the steps of: disconnecting the headset from the amplifier while leaving the plug and socket coupling between the amplifier and the telephone system physically connected; and changing, in response to the disconnecting step, the parameter in a manner to emulate disconnecting the plug and socket coupling, even though the plug and socket coupling remains physically connected.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
133 words
A method of operating an automatic monitoring system in a telephone system by disconnecting a headset from an amplifier connected to the telephone system, the amplifier being connected to the telephone system by a connection including a plug and socket coupling, the automatic monitoring system monitoring when the amplifier is physically disconnected from the telephone system by detecting a change in a parameter which occurs when the plug and socket coupling is physically disconnected, the method comprising the steps of: disconnecting the headset from the amplifier while leaving the plug and socket coupling between the amplifier and the telephone system physically connected; and changing, in response to the disconnecting step, the parameter in a manner to emulate disconnecting the plug and socket coupling, even though the plug and socket coupling remains physically connected.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 32, wherein: the method additionally comprises the step of generating a control signal in response to the disconnecting step; and in the changing step, the parameter is changed in response to the control signal.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
54 words
The method of claim 32, wherein: the amplifier draws current from the telephone system; the parameter is the current drawn by the amplifier from the telephone system; and in the changing step, the current drawn by the amplifier is reduced in response to the disconnecting step to emulate disconnecting the plug and socket coupling.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
57 words
The method of claim 32, wherein: two conductors interrupted by the plug and socket coupling connect the amplifier to the telephone system; the parameter is a resistance between the two conductors; and in the changing step, the resistance between the conductors is increased in response to the disconnecting step to emulate disconnecting the plug and socket coupling.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
10 words
The method of claim 32, wherein the parameter is current.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
10 words
The method of claim 32, wherein the parameter is resistance.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1999-01-29 | 1999-07-31 | 2000-01-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-01-29 | 2003-07-31 | 2004-01-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-01-29 | 2007-07-31 | 2008-01-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |