US6473498B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and system for maximizing use of a communication line
Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc
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Filing: 1999-12-21
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Granted: 2002-10-29
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Expires: 2019-12-21
Abstract
Abstract According to the present invention, a single incoming/outgoing line, such as a telephone line, is enabled to transmit and receive information through a variety of information routing systems. The present invention employs a facsimile machine having a monitor/switching device that enables or disables a variety of communication devices based upon signal traffic detected by the monitor in combination with a set of predetermined user priority parameters. Predetermined user priority parameters may include factors such as the time of transmission, the user identity, a user priority override designation and/or the type of information being transferred.
Inventors
- 👤 Thomas J. Foth
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 18:19
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04N; H04N1/00; H04N1/32; H04N1/327; H04N1/32704; H04N1/32706; H04N1/32708; H04M; H04M1/00; H04M1/71; H04M1/715; H04M1/82; H04N1/32713; H04N1/32747; H04N1/3275; H04N1/32756; H04N2201/00; H04N2201/0077; H04N2201/0093
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 28
Claim 1
Independent Claim
152 words
A method for utilizing a communication line comprising: monitoring a single transmission line to determine whether there is an outgoing transmission; determining a type of outgoing transmission via the single line; determining a device associated with the outgoing transmission via the single line; assigning a first classification to the outgoing transmission based on the type of outgoing transmission and the device associated with the outgoing transmission; monitoring the single transmission line to determine whether there is an incoming transmission signal; assigning a second classification to the incoming transmission based on the type of incoming transmission and an intended destination of the incoming transmission; comparing the first classification and the second classification as a function of a pre-defined criteria; terminating the outgoing transmission and permitting the incoming transmission when the second classification takes precedence over the first classification; and prohibiting the incoming transmission when the first classification takes precedence over the second classification.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
152 words
A method for utilizing a communication line comprising: monitoring a single transmission line to determine whether there is an outgoing transmission; determining a type of outgoing transmission via the single line; determining a device associated with the outgoing transmission via the single line; assigning a first classification to the outgoing transmission based on the type of outgoing transmission and the device associated with the outgoing transmission; monitoring the single transmission line to determine whether there is an incoming transmission signal; assigning a second classification to the incoming transmission based on the type of incoming transmission and an intended destination of the incoming transmission; comparing the first classification and the second classification as a function of a pre-defined criteria; terminating the outgoing transmission and permitting the incoming transmission when the second classification takes precedence over the first classification; and prohibiting the incoming transmission when the first classification takes precedence over the second classification.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising the step of transmitting a report to a user if the incoming transmission is enabled.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the incoming transmission is a facsimile signal.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the incoming transmission is a voice signal.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the incoming transmission is derived from a personal computer.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the outgoing transmission is a facsimile signal.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the outgoing transmission is a voice signal.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the outgoing transmission is a signal derived by a personal computer.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
142 words
A method for utilizing a communication line comprising: monitoring a single communication line from an information routing device to determine whether there is an outgoing transmission; assigning a first priority signal to the outgoing transmission from the information routing device based on a predetermined criteria; wherein the predetermined criteria includes use data and content data; detecting whether an incoming transmission is being transmitted to the information routing device, via the single communication line; assigning a second priority signal to the incoming transmission based on the predetermined criteria; comparing the first priority signal to the second priority signal; determining signal precedence based upon said comparison; terminating the outgoing transmission and permitting the incoming transmission when the incoming transmission has a higher priority than the outgoing transmission; and continuing the outgoing transmission when the outgoing transmission has a higher priority than the incoming transmission.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
142 words
A method for utilizing a communication line comprising: monitoring a single communication line from an information routing device to determine whether there is an outgoing transmission; assigning a first priority signal to the outgoing transmission from the information routing device based on a predetermined criteria; wherein the predetermined criteria includes use data and content data; detecting whether an incoming transmission is being transmitted to the information routing device, via the single communication line; assigning a second priority signal to the incoming transmission based on the predetermined criteria; comparing the first priority signal to the second priority signal; determining signal precedence based upon said comparison; terminating the outgoing transmission and permitting the incoming transmission when the incoming transmission has a higher priority than the outgoing transmission; and continuing the outgoing transmission when the outgoing transmission has a higher priority than the incoming transmission.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
153 words
An apparatus for utilizing a communication line comprising: means for monitoring a single communication line from an information routing device to determine whether there is an outgoing transmission; means for assigning a first priority signal to the outgoing transmission from the information routing device based on a predetermined criteria, wherein the predetermined criteria includes use data and content data; means for detecting whether an incoming transmission is being transmitted to the information routing device, via the single communication line; means for assigning a second priority signal to the incoming transmission based on the predetermined criteria; means for comparing the first priority signal to the second priority signal; means for determining signal precedence based upon said comparison; means for permitting the incoming transmission when the incoming transmission has a higher priority than the outgoing transmission; and means for continuing the outgoing transmission when the outgoing transmission has a higher priority than the incoming transmission.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
153 words
An apparatus for utilizing a communication line comprising: means for monitoring a single communication line from an information routing device to determine whether there is an outgoing transmission; means for assigning a first priority signal to the outgoing transmission from the information routing device based on a predetermined criteria, wherein the predetermined criteria includes use data and content data; means for detecting whether an incoming transmission is being transmitted to the information routing device, via the single communication line; means for assigning a second priority signal to the incoming transmission based on the predetermined criteria; means for comparing the first priority signal to the second priority signal; means for determining signal precedence based upon said comparison; means for permitting the incoming transmission when the incoming transmission has a higher priority than the outgoing transmission; and means for continuing the outgoing transmission when the outgoing transmission has a higher priority than the incoming transmission.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
171 words
An apparatus for utilizing a communication line comprising: a routing device adapted to determine priority of transmissions via a single line, wherein the device is adapted to: monitor a single transmission line to determine whether there is an outgoing transmission; determine a type of outgoing transmission via the single line; determine a device associated with the outgoing transmission via the single line; assign a first classification to the outgoing transmission based on the type of outgoing transmission and the device associated with the outgoing transmission; monitor the single transmission line to determine whether there is an incoming transmission signal; assign a second classification to the incoming transmission signal based on the type of incoming transmission and intended destination of the incoming transmission; compare the first classification and the second classification as a function of a pre-defined criteria; terminate the outgoing transmission and receive the incoming transmission when the second classification takes precedence over the first classification; and prohibit the incoming transmission when the first classification takes precedence over the second classification.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
171 words
An apparatus for utilizing a communication line comprising: a routing device adapted to determine priority of transmissions via a single line, wherein the device is adapted to: monitor a single transmission line to determine whether there is an outgoing transmission; determine a type of outgoing transmission via the single line; determine a device associated with the outgoing transmission via the single line; assign a first classification to the outgoing transmission based on the type of outgoing transmission and the device associated with the outgoing transmission; monitor the single transmission line to determine whether there is an incoming transmission signal; assign a second classification to the incoming transmission signal based on the type of incoming transmission and intended destination of the incoming transmission; compare the first classification and the second classification as a function of a pre-defined criteria; terminate the outgoing transmission and receive the incoming transmission when the second classification takes precedence over the first classification; and prohibit the incoming transmission when the first classification takes precedence over the second classification.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 11 , wherein the routing device is adapted to transmit a report to a user if the incoming transmission is enabled.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 11 , wherein the incoming transmission is a facsimile signal.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 11 , wherein the incoming transmission is a voice signal.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 11 , wherein the incoming transmission is derived from a personal computer.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 11 , wherein the outgoing transmission is a facsimile signal.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 11 , wherein the outgoing transmission is a voice signal.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 11 , wherein the outgoing transmission is a signal derived by a personal computer.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
140 words
A method adapted to be stored on a computer-readable medium comprising: monitoring a single communication line from an information routing device to determine whether there is an outgoing transmission; assigning a first priority signal to the outgoing transmission from the information routing device based on a pre-determined criteria; wherein the predetermined criteria includes use data and content data; detecting whether an incoming transmission is being transmitted to the information routing device, via the single communication line; assigning a second priority signal to the incoming transmission based on the predetermined criteria; comparing the first priority signal to the second priority signal; determining signal precedence based upon said comparison; permitting the incoming transmission when the incoming transmission has a higher priority than the outgoing transmission; and continuing the outgoing transmission when the outgoing transmission has a higher priority than the incoming transmission.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
140 words
A method adapted to be stored on a computer-readable medium comprising: monitoring a single communication line from an information routing device to determine whether there is an outgoing transmission; assigning a first priority signal to the outgoing transmission from the information routing device based on a pre-determined criteria; wherein the predetermined criteria includes use data and content data; detecting whether an incoming transmission is being transmitted to the information routing device, via the single communication line; assigning a second priority signal to the incoming transmission based on the predetermined criteria; comparing the first priority signal to the second priority signal; determining signal precedence based upon said comparison; permitting the incoming transmission when the incoming transmission has a higher priority than the outgoing transmission; and continuing the outgoing transmission when the outgoing transmission has a higher priority than the incoming transmission.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
162 words
A method for utilizing a communication line comprising: monitoring a single transmission line to determine whether there is a first outgoing transmission; determining a type of the first outgoing transmission via the single line; determining a device associated with the first outgoing transmission via the single line; assigning a first classification to the first outgoing transmission based on the type of transmission and the device associated with the first outgoing transmission; monitoring the single transmission line to determine whether there is a second outgoing transmission signal; assigning a second classification to the second outgoing transmission based on the type of transmission and a device associated with the second outgoing transmission; comparing the first classification and the second classification as a function of a pre-defined criteria; terminating the first outgoing transmission and permitting the second outgoing transmission when the second classification takes precedence over the first classification; and prohibiting the second outgoing transmission when the first classification takes precedence over the second classification.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
162 words
A method for utilizing a communication line comprising: monitoring a single transmission line to determine whether there is a first outgoing transmission; determining a type of the first outgoing transmission via the single line; determining a device associated with the first outgoing transmission via the single line; assigning a first classification to the first outgoing transmission based on the type of transmission and the device associated with the first outgoing transmission; monitoring the single transmission line to determine whether there is a second outgoing transmission signal; assigning a second classification to the second outgoing transmission based on the type of transmission and a device associated with the second outgoing transmission; comparing the first classification and the second classification as a function of a pre-defined criteria; terminating the first outgoing transmission and permitting the second outgoing transmission when the second classification takes precedence over the first classification; and prohibiting the second outgoing transmission when the first classification takes precedence over the second classification.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
182 words
An apparatus for utilizing a communication line comprising: a routing device adapted to determine priority of transmissions via a single line, wherein the device is adapted to: monitor a single transmission line to determine whether there is a first outgoing transmission; determine a type of first outgoing transmission via the single line; determine a device associated with the first outgoing transmission via the single line; assign a first classification to the first outgoing transmission based on the type of outgoing transmission and the device associated with the first outgoing transmission; monitor the single transmission line to determine whether there is a second outgoing transmission signal; assign a second classification to the second outgoing transmission signal based on the type of transmission and a device associated with the second outgoing transmission; compare the first classification and the second classification as a function of a pre-defined criteria; terminate the first outgoing transmission and permit the second outgoing transmission when the second classification takes precedence over the first classification; and prohibit the second outgoing transmission when the first classification takes precedence over the second classification.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
182 words
An apparatus for utilizing a communication line comprising: a routing device adapted to determine priority of transmissions via a single line, wherein the device is adapted to: monitor a single transmission line to determine whether there is a first outgoing transmission; determine a type of first outgoing transmission via the single line; determine a device associated with the first outgoing transmission via the single line; assign a first classification to the first outgoing transmission based on the type of outgoing transmission and the device associated with the first outgoing transmission; monitor the single transmission line to determine whether there is a second outgoing transmission signal; assign a second classification to the second outgoing transmission signal based on the type of transmission and a device associated with the second outgoing transmission; compare the first classification and the second classification as a function of a pre-defined criteria; terminate the first outgoing transmission and permit the second outgoing transmission when the second classification takes precedence over the first classification; and prohibit the second outgoing transmission when the first classification takes precedence over the second classification.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2005-10-28 | 2006-04-29 | 2006-10-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2009-10-28 | 2010-04-29 | 2010-10-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2013-10-28 | 2014-04-29 | 2014-10-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |