US5661785A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Flexible telecommunications line interface
Assignee: Nokia of America Corp
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Filing: 1996-04-12
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Granted: 1997-08-26
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Expires: 2016-04-12
Abstract
Abstract This invention relates to the use of a standard language and signal interface between a custom line card for connection to a corresponding arbitrary type terminal, and a switch. The line card is plugged into an interface unit which converts between the signals from the arbitrary type terminal and a standard set of signals for interfacing with the switch. The Bellcore TR303 standard is the preferred choice for communicating signals between the interface unit and the switch. The term terminal as used herein is very general and includes both simple (analog) and complex (video) telephone devices, as well as other types of customer premises equipment such as FAX terminals; it includes, for example a TV set-top box. Advantageously, only a small signal conversion program and table, and an interface card, need be developed in order to support a new type of terminal.
Inventors
- 👤 Stuart Alan Carpenter
- 👤 Richard Gregory Carr
- 👤 Stuart Mandel Garland
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 12:27
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04M; H04M3/00; H04M3/005; H04Q; H04Q11/00; H04Q11/04; H04Q11/0428; H04Q11/0435; H04Q2213/00; H04Q2213/1305; H04Q2213/1309; H04Q2213/13103; H04Q2213/13178; H04Q2213/13179; H04Q2213/13202; H04Q2213/13204; H04Q2213/13209; H04Q2213/13337
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
121 words
Apparatus for processing calls for a plurality of types of telecommunication terminals, comprising: line interface means for converting coded control signals for a plurality of terminals on a time shared basis from and to ones of any of said plurality of types of telecommunication terminals to and from a standard set of coded control signals, respectively; a local switching system comprising processor means for processing coded control signals of said standard set of coded signals for communicating with said line interface means for any of said plurality of types of telecommunication terminals, independent of the type of said any of said plurality of type of telecommunications terminals; and transmission means for connecting said line interface means to said local switching system.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
121 words
Apparatus for processing calls for a plurality of types of telecommunication terminals, comprising: line interface means for converting coded control signals for a plurality of terminals on a time shared basis from and to ones of any of said plurality of types of telecommunication terminals to and from a standard set of coded control signals, respectively; a local switching system comprising processor means for processing coded control signals of said standard set of coded signals for communicating with said line interface means for any of said plurality of types of telecommunication terminals, independent of the type of said any of said plurality of type of telecommunications terminals; and transmission means for connecting said line interface means to said local switching system.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said transmission means uses the same protocol as used for subscriber loop carrier systems.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said interface means comprises a processor for specifying conversion of said coded control signals.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said processor comprises memory tables for specifying data for specifying said converting.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said interface means comprises circuitry for automatically converting coded control signals for ones of said telecommunication terminals.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said interface means comprises circuit packs for converting coded control signals for a group of similar terminals.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
136 words
A method for signaling messages for a plurality of types of telecommunications terminals, comprising: converting coded control signals from and to one of any of said plurality of types of telecommunication terminals to and from a standard set of coded control signals, respectively, said step of converting being performed in line interface means for converting coded control signals for a plurality of terminals on a time shared basis; transmitting said standard set of coded control signals to or from a switching system serving said plurality of types of telecommunication terminals from or to said line interface means for any of said plurality of types of telecommunication terminals, independent of the type of said any of said plurality of types of telecommunications terminals; and processing only coded control signals from said standard set in said switching system.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
136 words
A method for signaling messages for a plurality of types of telecommunications terminals, comprising: converting coded control signals from and to one of any of said plurality of types of telecommunication terminals to and from a standard set of coded control signals, respectively, said step of converting being performed in line interface means for converting coded control signals for a plurality of terminals on a time shared basis; transmitting said standard set of coded control signals to or from a switching system serving said plurality of types of telecommunication terminals from or to said line interface means for any of said plurality of types of telecommunication terminals, independent of the type of said any of said plurality of types of telecommunications terminals; and processing only coded control signals from said standard set in said switching system.
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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) | 2000-08-25 | 2001-02-24 | 2001-08-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-08-25 | 2005-02-24 | 2005-08-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-08-25 | 2009-02-24 | 2009-08-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |