WO2012167262A1 - Voice-activated, off-hook, actuated auto-answering speakerphone with timed disconnect - Google Patents

Voice-activated, off-hook, actuated auto-answering speakerphone with timed disconnect Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2012167262A1
WO2012167262A1 PCT/US2012/040761 US2012040761W WO2012167262A1 WO 2012167262 A1 WO2012167262 A1 WO 2012167262A1 US 2012040761 W US2012040761 W US 2012040761W WO 2012167262 A1 WO2012167262 A1 WO 2012167262A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
telephone
speakerphone
telephone line
hook
handset
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2012/040761
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Anthony Castellano
Original Assignee
Anthony Castellano
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Anthony Castellano filed Critical Anthony Castellano
Publication of WO2012167262A1 publication Critical patent/WO2012167262A1/en

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/247—Telephone sets including user guidance or feature selection means facilitating their use
    • H04M1/2474—Telephone terminals specially adapted for disabled people
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M11/00—Telephonic communication systems specially adapted for combination with other electrical systems
    • H04M11/04—Telephonic communication systems specially adapted for combination with other electrical systems with alarm systems, e.g. fire, police or burglar alarm systems

Definitions

  • the invention generally relates to telephonic systems, and more particularly to speakerphone devices.
  • a telephone In today's world, the telephone remains a widely used device for engaging in interpersonal communication. Typically, a telephone can be in either an "on-hook” or an "off-hook” state. When a telephone is off-hook, it is assumed to be
  • an "on-hook" state is traditionally established by placing a handset on a cradle, by pressing a button, or by some other manual means of disconnecting a telephone call.
  • a telephone user's attempt to manually place a telephone on- hook is unsuccessful. For example, in cases where a handset is supposed to be placed on a cradle, the handset may accidentally be placed down improperly, resulting in the telephone being unintentionally left off-hook. In other cases, a telephone user may become distracted and simply forget to "hang-up" at the end of a call. In such cases, telephone service is typically suspended until such time as the mistake is discovered. This can lead to inconvenient, unfortunate, and even dangerous consequences if important telephone calls are missed, or if a caregiver is prevented from communicating with an elderly or otherwise vulnerable person.
  • Speakerphones are available that can automatically disconnect from an inactive telephone call, and can automatically answer incoming telephone calls. When used in a hands-free mode, these speakerphones do not require a handset to be placed on-hook when a telephone call is completed, and can therefore provide for emergency communication when a user is not able to physically reach the telephone. However, many persons prefer to use a conventional handset, and may therefore be reluctant to use a hands-free speakerphone. This is especially true of the elderly, who may find a handset easier to use because of diminished hearing ability, and who may feel more familiar and comfortable with a conventional handset telephone.
  • One general aspect of the invention is an off-hook-actuated speakerphone that includes a speakerphone that is able to automatically answer telephone calls and automatically disconnect from inactive telephone calls, a telephone line status detector cooperative with a telephone line, the telephone line status detector being able to monitor the telephone line so as to determine if the telephone line is inactive, and a telephone line switch cooperative with the speakerphone and with the telephone line.
  • the telephone line switch is able to connect the telephone line to a handset telephone port, the handset telephone port being connectable to a handset telephone having a handset, and to automatically hang up the telephone line and switch the telephone line from the handset telephone port to the
  • the handset telephone is an analog telephone, a digital telephone, or a voice-over-IP telephone.
  • the telephone line status detector is able to detect that the telephone line is inactive by detecting a howler signal a lack of sound transmission with loudness above a specified threshold, the lack of sound transmission persisting for a specified amount of time, a lack of speech
  • the transmission persisting for a specified amount of time, the speech transmission being detected using speech recognition software, and/or a signal indicating that a telephone connected to the telephone line has been hung up.
  • the telephone line switch is able to issue a perceptible warning before hanging up the telephone line and switching the telephone line to the speakerphone. And in certain preferred embodiments hanging up the telephone line and switching the telephone line to the
  • speakerphone can be aborted by pressing any key of the handset telephone.
  • the telephone line switch can automatically switch the telephone line back to the handset telephone port when the telephone handset is placed back on-hook. In some preferred embodiments the
  • speakerphone can be activated by voice command to initiate an outgoing telephone call.
  • the speakerphone can be configured to automatically answer an incoming telephone call immediately upon detection of the incoming telephone call.
  • the telephone line switch can be configured to automatically switch the telephone line to the speakerphone when a diverting signal is transmitted over the telephone line.
  • the diverting signal is a code entered on the numeric keypad of a telephone, and/or a verbal command recognized by speech recognition software cooperative with the speakerphone.
  • Another general aspect of the present invention is an off-hook-actuated speakerphone that includes a handset and a speaker-microphone set, the off-hook actuated speakerphone being switchable between a manual mode, in which telephone calls are directed to the handset, and a hands-free mode, in which telephone calls are directed to the speaker-microphone set, the off-hook actuated speakerphone being able to automatically answer telephone calls and automatically disconnect from inactive telephone calls when the off-hook actuated speakerphone is in the hands-free mode.
  • the off-hook-actuated speakerphone further includes a telephone line status detector cooperative with a telephone line, the telephone line status detector being able to monitor the telephone line so as to determine if the telephone line is inactive, and a speakerphone mode switch in communication with the telephone line status detector, the speakerphone mode switch being able to automatically hang up the telephone line and switch the off-hook actuated speakerphone to the hands-free mode if the handset has been left off-hook and the telephone line status detector has determined that the telephone line is inactive.
  • a telephone line status detector cooperative with a telephone line, the telephone line status detector being able to monitor the telephone line so as to determine if the telephone line is inactive
  • a speakerphone mode switch in communication with the telephone line status detector, the speakerphone mode switch being able to automatically hang up the telephone line and switch the off-hook actuated speakerphone to the hands-free mode if the handset has been left off-hook and the telephone line status detector has determined that the telephone line is inactive.
  • the telephone line status detector is able to detect that the telephone line is inactive by detecting at least one of a howler signal, a lack of sound transmission with loudness above a specified threshold, the lack of sound transmission persisting for a specified amount of time, a lack of speech transmission persisting for a specified amount of time, the speech transmission being detected using speech recognition software, and a signal indicating that a telephone connected to the telephone line has been hung up.
  • the speakerphone mode switch is able to issue a perceptible warning of sound or sight before automatically hanging up the telephone line and switching the off-hook actuated speakerphone to the hands-free mode.
  • automatically hanging up the telephone line and switching the off-hook actuated speakerphone to the hands-free mode can be aborted by pressing any key of the off-hook-actuated speakerphone.
  • the speakerphone mode switch can automatically switch the off-hook-actuated speakerphone back to the hands-free mode when the handset is placed back on-hook. And in various preferred embodiments when the off-hook actuated speakerphone is in the hands-free mode it can be activated by voice command to initiate an outgoing telephone call.
  • the off-hook actuated speakerphone can be configured so that when it is in the hands-free mode it will automatically answer an incoming telephone call immediately upon detection of the incoming telephone call.
  • the speakerphone mode switch can be configured to automatically switch the off-hook-actuated speakerphone to the hands-free mode when a diverting signal is transmitted over the telephone line.
  • the diverting signal is a code entered on the numeric keypad of a telephone, and/or a verbal command recognized by speech recognition software cooperative with the off-hook actuated speakerphone.
  • a third general aspect of the present invention is a device for automatically switching a telephone line from a handset telephone to an auto-answering speakerphone.
  • the device includes a telephone line status detector that is able to monitor a telephone line so as to detect an inactive telephone call, and a telephone line switch, at least in communication with the telephone line status detector.
  • the telephone line switch includes a handset telephone port connectable to a handset telephone, the handset telephone having a handset, and a speakerphone port connectable to an auto-answering speakerphone.
  • speakerphone is able to automatically answer telephone calls and automatically disconnect from inactive telephone calls
  • the telephone line switch is able to automatically hang up the telephone line, and to switch the telephone line from the handset telephone port to the speakerphone port, if the telephone line status detector detects that the telephone line is inactive and the handset has been left off-hook.
  • the telephone line status detector is able to detect that the telephone line is inactive by detecting a howler signal, a lack of sound transmission with loudness above a specified threshold, the lack of sound transmission persisting for a specified amount of time, a lack of speech
  • the transmission persisting for a specified amount of time, the speech transmission being detected using speech recognition software, and/or a signal indicating that a telephone connected to the telephone line has been hung up.
  • the telephone line switch is able to issue a perceptible sound or sight warning before automatically hanging up the telephone line and switching the telephone line from the handset telephone port to the speakerphone port. And in other preferred embodiments automatically hanging up the telephone line and switching the telephone line from the handset telephone port to the speakerphone port can be aborted by pressing any key of the handset telephone. In certain preferred embodiments the telephone line switch can automatically switch the telephone line from the speakerphone port back to the handset telephone port when the handset of the handset telephone is placed back on-hook. And in various preferred embodiments the auto-answering speakerphone can be activated by voice command to initiate an outgoing telephone call.
  • a device is claimed that is able to terminate an inactive telephone call when a conventional handset is left off-hook, and automatically switch a telephone line to a speakerphone that can automatically answer subsequent incoming telephone calls.
  • the speakerphone is also able to originate outgoing telephone calls by voice command, without manual operation by a user.
  • the present invention will terminate the call and switch the telephone line to a speakerphone that will automatically answer any new telephone calls that arrive, thereby allowing the person who has fallen to respond to a follow-up call from a caregiver.
  • the present invention will also place outgoing calls by voice command, thereby allowing the person who has fallen to call for help by placing a voice-activated call.
  • the present invention is an off-hook- actuated speakerphone that includes an auto-answering speakerphone, a telephone line status detector, a telephone line switch, and a handset telephone port that can be connected to a separate, conventional handset telephone.
  • the telephone line switch switches the telephone line from the handset telephone to the auto- answering speakerphone.
  • the speakerphone is not included in the invention. Instead, the claimed device is a telephone line switching device that can be connected to both a conventional telephone and to an auto- answering speakerphone.
  • the present invention is a combined telephone mode switching device, auto-answering speakerphone, and handset, the handset being normally used for telephone calls, and the telephone mode switch automatically switching auto-answering speakerphone from a manual mode to a hands-free mode when an inactive call is detected and the handset has been left in an off-hook state.
  • the present invention can be commanded to disconnect a telephone call and activate the speakerphone when a trigger signal such as a numeric keypad code or a verbal command recognized by speech recognition software is transmitted over the telephone line.
  • a trigger signal such as a numeric keypad code or a verbal command recognized by speech recognition software is transmitted over the telephone line.
  • Detection of an inactive telephone line can be due to detection of a howler signal generated by a telephone service provider, detection of a lack of sound transmission, and/or detection of the hanging up of a remote telephone to which the speakerphone was connected.
  • the present invention includes speech recognition software that is used to detect if speech is transmitted during a call.
  • an inactive telephone call can be detected due to a lack of speech transmission over the telephone line.
  • FIG 1A is a block diagram showing the primary elements of the present invention in an embodiment where the telephone line status detector and telephone line switch are integral with an auto-answering speakerphone, and connectable to a separate handset telephone;
  • FIG 1 B is a block diagram showing the primary elements of the present invention in an embodiment where the telephone line status detector and telephone line switch are connectable to a conventional handset telephone and to a separate auto-answering speakerphone;
  • FIG 1 C is a block diagram showing the primary elements of the present invention in an embodiment where the telephone line status detector and telephone line switch are integral with the auto-answering speakerphone that includes a handset;
  • FIG 2 is an illustration showing an injured, elderly person using an embodiment of the present invention to initiate a speakerphone call for help after having fallen with the handset of the speakerphone left hanging off-hook and out of reach; and
  • FIG 3 is a flow diagram detailing the steps followed by an embodiment of the present invention in automatically disconnecting from an inactive telephone call and switching the telephone line to the speakerphone when the handset remains off- hook.
  • one general aspect of the present invention is an off-hook actuated speakerphone that is able to switch a telephone line 100 from a handset telephone 102 to an auto-answering speakerphone 104 when the handset of the handset telephone102 remains off-hook and a call status detector 106 detects that the telephone line 100 has become inactive.
  • the telephone line is switched by a telephone line switch 108 that is able to automatically hang up the telephone call and transfer the telephone line 100 from the handset telephone 102 to the auto-answering speakerphone 104.
  • the auto-answering speakerphone 104 is then able to automatically answer incoming telephone calls, thereby allowing a caregiver or other individual to make a follow-up call to the speakerphone 104 even if the user of the invention is not able to physically interact with the handset telephone 102 or with the auto-answering speakerphone 104.
  • the telephone line status detector 106 is able to detect inactive telephone calls in any of several ways. In some embodiments, it is able to detect a lack of sound transmission through a telephone connection. In other embodiments, the telephone line status detector 106 can electronically detect the hanging up of a remote telephone, and/or it can detect a "howler" signal transmitted by a telephone service provider. In still other embodiments the telephone line status detector 106 includes speech recognition software, and is able to recognize speech as distinct from other sounds. In these embodiments, the telephone line status detector is able to detect an inactive telephone call by detecting a lack of speech being transmitted over the line.
  • FIG 1A the handset telephone is physically distinct from the remainder of the apparatus, and is connected to the telephone line switch by a handset telephone port (not shown).
  • FIG 1 B illustrates another general aspect of the present invention where the auto-answering speakerphone 104 is also physically distinct from the device that contains the telephone line status detector 106 and the telephone line switch 108.
  • FIG 1 C illustrates yet another general aspect of the present invention that incorporates the telephone line status detector 106 and a telephone mode switch 1 10 within an auto-answering speakerphone 1 12 that includes a handset 1 14.
  • the auto-answering speakerphone 1 12 can operate in either a "manual" mode where the handset 1 14 is used for telephone communication, or in a "hands-free” mode where a speaker-microphone set 1 16, 1 18 is used for telephone communication.
  • the telephone mode switch 1 10 automatically switches the auto-answering speakerphone 1 12 into the hands-free mode.
  • FIG 2 shows an off-hook actuated speakerphone 1 12 being used to make an emergency telephone call by an elderly person 200 who has fallen and hurt herself.
  • the off-hook actuated speakerphone 1 12 is able to place telephone calls by voice command without manual manipulation by a user.
  • the elderly person 200 has used this feature to verbally initiate an outgoing call for help, even though the handset 1 14 of the mode-switching speakerphone 1 12 remains off-hook.
  • the telephone line switch 108 or telephone mode switch 1 10 can be commanded by a remote participant in the call to hang up a telephone call and/or to divert a telephone call to the speakerphone 104 or to the speaker-microphone set 1 16, 1 18.
  • the remote participant issues these commands by entry of a designated code on a telephone keypad, or by speaking a verbal command that can be recognized by speech recognition software cooperative with the telephone line switch 108 or telephone mode switch 1 10. This could be desired, for example, if a call is interrupted for unknown reasons, and the remote caller wishes to switch the call to the
  • FIG 3 is a flow diagram illustrating the actions of the embodiment of FIG 1 C when a telephone call ends but the handset 1 14 remains physically off-hook 300. This may be due to a user forgetting to put the handset 1 14 back on-hook, or failing to place the handset 1 14 squarely on-hook, thereby accidentally leaving the handset 1 14 off-hook.
  • the telephone line status detector 106 detects that the handset 1 14 is off-hook and that there is no active call connection 302.
  • a timer is then used 304 to verify that the off-hook condition persists for a specified amount of time.
  • the telephone mode switch 1 10 issues an audible alarm 306 so as to warn anyone nearby that a call is about to be disconnected.
  • the telephone mode switch 1 10 then hangs up the inactive telephone call 308 and switches the off-hook actuated speakerphone 1 12 from the manual mode to the hands-free mode.
  • Embodiments of the general aspects of FIG 1 A and FIG 1 B function in similar ways, except that the telephone line switch 108 issues the audible alarm 306 and then hangs up the telephone call 308 and switches the telephone line to the speakerphone 104.
  • various types of perceptible alarm are issued, such as issuing of a sound and/or actuation of a light.

Abstract

A speakerphone is disclosed that can automatically answer incoming telephone calls and automatically detect and disconnect from inactive telephone calls while remaining physically off-hook. The speakerphone can be connected to a conventional telephone, allowing the conventional telephone to function normally, but taking over control of the telephone line if the conventional telephone is left inadvertently off-hook. In preferred embodiments, the speakerphone can initiate voice activated outgoing calls, thereby enabling completely hands-free call control, for example by injured, elderly, disabled, and/or preoccupied users. A voice command from a user and/or entry of a code or voice command by a caller can be required before an incoming call is automatically answered, and/or can be used to trigger automatic termination of a call or switching to speakerphone. The speakerphone can issue an audible warning before disconnecting a call, and can use a timer to delay automatic actions for a specified amount of time.

Description

VOICE-ACTIVATED, OFF-HOOK, ACTUATED AUTO-ANSWERING
SPEAKERPHONE WITH TIMED DISCONNECT
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention generally relates to telephonic systems, and more particularly to speakerphone devices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In today's world, the telephone remains a widely used device for engaging in interpersonal communication. Typically, a telephone can be in either an "on-hook" or an "off-hook" state. When a telephone is off-hook, it is assumed to be
participating in a telephone call, and when it is on-hook, it is assumed to be ready to receive a new call. For landline telephones, an "on-hook" state is traditionally established by placing a handset on a cradle, by pressing a button, or by some other manual means of disconnecting a telephone call.
Sometimes, a telephone user's attempt to manually place a telephone on- hook is unsuccessful. For example, in cases where a handset is supposed to be placed on a cradle, the handset may accidentally be placed down improperly, resulting in the telephone being unintentionally left off-hook. In other cases, a telephone user may become distracted and simply forget to "hang-up" at the end of a call. In such cases, telephone service is typically suspended until such time as the mistake is discovered. This can lead to inconvenient, unfortunate, and even dangerous consequences if important telephone calls are missed, or if a caregiver is prevented from communicating with an elderly or otherwise vulnerable person.
When a telephone has been left in an off-hook state for a certain period of time with no active connection, local telephone service providers often transmit a "howler signal" to the telephone so as to alert a user of the telephone's "off-hook" status. However, the howler signal is usually only transmitted for a limited time, and may not be heard by the user.
Various devices have been proposed that can automatically place a telephone into an "on-hook" state if it is inadvertently left off-hook. However, all of these devices require some manual contact with the telephone, such as pressing a button, or picking up and holding a handset, so as to enable the telephone to receive new incoming calls and/or to use the telephone to initiate new outgoing calls. These devices can be of little help to an elderly or physically challenged individual who is not able to reach the telephone, after having fallen or for any other reason.
Speakerphones are available that can automatically disconnect from an inactive telephone call, and can automatically answer incoming telephone calls. When used in a hands-free mode, these speakerphones do not require a handset to be placed on-hook when a telephone call is completed, and can therefore provide for emergency communication when a user is not able to physically reach the telephone. However, many persons prefer to use a conventional handset, and may therefore be reluctant to use a hands-free speakerphone. This is especially true of the elderly, who may find a handset easier to use because of diminished hearing ability, and who may feel more familiar and comfortable with a conventional handset telephone.
One general aspect of the invention is an off-hook-actuated speakerphone that includes a speakerphone that is able to automatically answer telephone calls and automatically disconnect from inactive telephone calls, a telephone line status detector cooperative with a telephone line, the telephone line status detector being able to monitor the telephone line so as to determine if the telephone line is inactive, and a telephone line switch cooperative with the speakerphone and with the telephone line. The telephone line switch is able to connect the telephone line to a handset telephone port, the handset telephone port being connectable to a handset telephone having a handset, and to automatically hang up the telephone line and switch the telephone line from the handset telephone port to the
speakerphone if the handset has been left off-hook and the telephone line status detector has determined that the telephone line is inactive.
In preferred embodiments, the handset telephone is an analog telephone, a digital telephone, or a voice-over-IP telephone.
In some preferred embodiments the telephone line status detector is able to detect that the telephone line is inactive by detecting a howler signal a lack of sound transmission with loudness above a specified threshold, the lack of sound transmission persisting for a specified amount of time, a lack of speech
transmission persisting for a specified amount of time, the speech transmission being detected using speech recognition software, and/or a signal indicating that a telephone connected to the telephone line has been hung up.
In various preferred embodiments the telephone line switch is able to issue a perceptible warning before hanging up the telephone line and switching the telephone line to the speakerphone. And in certain preferred embodiments hanging up the telephone line and switching the telephone line to the
speakerphone can be aborted by pressing any key of the handset telephone.
In preferred embodiments, the telephone line switch can automatically switch the telephone line back to the handset telephone port when the telephone handset is placed back on-hook. In some preferred embodiments the
speakerphone can be activated by voice command to initiate an outgoing telephone call. In other preferred embodiments the speakerphone can be configured to automatically answer an incoming telephone call immediately upon detection of the incoming telephone call.
In certain preferred embodiments the telephone line switch can be configured to automatically switch the telephone line to the speakerphone when a diverting signal is transmitted over the telephone line. And in some of these preferred embodiments the diverting signal is a code entered on the numeric keypad of a telephone, and/or a verbal command recognized by speech recognition software cooperative with the speakerphone.
Another general aspect of the present invention is an off-hook-actuated speakerphone that includes a handset and a speaker-microphone set, the off-hook actuated speakerphone being switchable between a manual mode, in which telephone calls are directed to the handset, and a hands-free mode, in which telephone calls are directed to the speaker-microphone set, the off-hook actuated speakerphone being able to automatically answer telephone calls and automatically disconnect from inactive telephone calls when the off-hook actuated speakerphone is in the hands-free mode.
The off-hook-actuated speakerphone further includes a telephone line status detector cooperative with a telephone line, the telephone line status detector being able to monitor the telephone line so as to determine if the telephone line is inactive, and a speakerphone mode switch in communication with the telephone line status detector, the speakerphone mode switch being able to automatically hang up the telephone line and switch the off-hook actuated speakerphone to the hands-free mode if the handset has been left off-hook and the telephone line status detector has determined that the telephone line is inactive.
In preferred embodiments, the telephone line status detector is able to detect that the telephone line is inactive by detecting at least one of a howler signal, a lack of sound transmission with loudness above a specified threshold, the lack of sound transmission persisting for a specified amount of time, a lack of speech transmission persisting for a specified amount of time, the speech transmission being detected using speech recognition software, and a signal indicating that a telephone connected to the telephone line has been hung up.
In some preferred embodiments, the speakerphone mode switch is able to issue a perceptible warning of sound or sight before automatically hanging up the telephone line and switching the off-hook actuated speakerphone to the hands-free mode. In other preferred embodiments, automatically hanging up the telephone line and switching the off-hook actuated speakerphone to the hands-free mode can be aborted by pressing any key of the off-hook-actuated speakerphone.
In certain preferred embodiments, the speakerphone mode switch can automatically switch the off-hook-actuated speakerphone back to the hands-free mode when the handset is placed back on-hook. And in various preferred embodiments when the off-hook actuated speakerphone is in the hands-free mode it can be activated by voice command to initiate an outgoing telephone call.
In some preferred embodiments, the off-hook actuated speakerphone can be configured so that when it is in the hands-free mode it will automatically answer an incoming telephone call immediately upon detection of the incoming telephone call. In other preferred embodiments the speakerphone mode switch can be configured to automatically switch the off-hook-actuated speakerphone to the hands-free mode when a diverting signal is transmitted over the telephone line. And in some of these preferred embodiments the diverting signal is a code entered on the numeric keypad of a telephone, and/or a verbal command recognized by speech recognition software cooperative with the off-hook actuated speakerphone.
A third general aspect of the present invention is a device for automatically switching a telephone line from a handset telephone to an auto-answering speakerphone. The device includes a telephone line status detector that is able to monitor a telephone line so as to detect an inactive telephone call, and a telephone line switch, at least in communication with the telephone line status detector. The telephone line switch includes a handset telephone port connectable to a handset telephone, the handset telephone having a handset, and a speakerphone port connectable to an auto-answering speakerphone. The auto-answering
speakerphone is able to automatically answer telephone calls and automatically disconnect from inactive telephone calls, and the telephone line switch is able to automatically hang up the telephone line, and to switch the telephone line from the handset telephone port to the speakerphone port, if the telephone line status detector detects that the telephone line is inactive and the handset has been left off-hook.
In preferred embodiments the telephone line status detector is able to detect that the telephone line is inactive by detecting a howler signal, a lack of sound transmission with loudness above a specified threshold, the lack of sound transmission persisting for a specified amount of time, a lack of speech
transmission persisting for a specified amount of time, the speech transmission being detected using speech recognition software, and/or a signal indicating that a telephone connected to the telephone line has been hung up.
In some preferred embodiments the telephone line switch is able to issue a perceptible sound or sight warning before automatically hanging up the telephone line and switching the telephone line from the handset telephone port to the speakerphone port. And in other preferred embodiments automatically hanging up the telephone line and switching the telephone line from the handset telephone port to the speakerphone port can be aborted by pressing any key of the handset telephone. In certain preferred embodiments the telephone line switch can automatically switch the telephone line from the speakerphone port back to the handset telephone port when the handset of the handset telephone is placed back on-hook. And in various preferred embodiments the auto-answering speakerphone can be activated by voice command to initiate an outgoing telephone call.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A device is claimed that is able to terminate an inactive telephone call when a conventional handset is left off-hook, and automatically switch a telephone line to a speakerphone that can automatically answer subsequent incoming telephone calls. In preferred embodiments, the speakerphone is also able to originate outgoing telephone calls by voice command, without manual operation by a user.
For example, if an elderly or physically challenged person falls while using a conventional handset, and as a result is unable to hang up the handset or to use the handset to call for help, the present invention will terminate the call and switch the telephone line to a speakerphone that will automatically answer any new telephone calls that arrive, thereby allowing the person who has fallen to respond to a follow-up call from a caregiver. In preferred embodiments, the present invention will also place outgoing calls by voice command, thereby allowing the person who has fallen to call for help by placing a voice-activated call.
In some preferred embodiments, the present invention is an off-hook- actuated speakerphone that includes an auto-answering speakerphone, a telephone line status detector, a telephone line switch, and a handset telephone port that can be connected to a separate, conventional handset telephone. When the handset of the handset telephone has been left off-hook and the telephone line status detector determines that the telephone line is inactive, the telephone line switch switches the telephone line from the handset telephone to the auto- answering speakerphone. In other preferred embodiments, the speakerphone is not included in the invention. Instead, the claimed device is a telephone line switching device that can be connected to both a conventional telephone and to an auto- answering speakerphone.
In still other preferred embodiments, the present invention is a combined telephone mode switching device, auto-answering speakerphone, and handset, the handset being normally used for telephone calls, and the telephone mode switch automatically switching auto-answering speakerphone from a manual mode to a hands-free mode when an inactive call is detected and the handset has been left in an off-hook state.
In various preferred embodiments, the present invention can be commanded to disconnect a telephone call and activate the speakerphone when a trigger signal such as a numeric keypad code or a verbal command recognized by speech recognition software is transmitted over the telephone line.
Detection of an inactive telephone line can be due to detection of a howler signal generated by a telephone service provider, detection of a lack of sound transmission, and/or detection of the hanging up of a remote telephone to which the speakerphone was connected. In some embodiments, the present invention includes speech recognition software that is used to detect if speech is transmitted during a call. In these embodiments, an inactive telephone call can be detected due to a lack of speech transmission over the telephone line.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will be more fully understood by reference to the detailed description, in conjunction with the following figures, wherein:
FIG 1A is a block diagram showing the primary elements of the present invention in an embodiment where the telephone line status detector and telephone line switch are integral with an auto-answering speakerphone, and connectable to a separate handset telephone;
FIG 1 B is a block diagram showing the primary elements of the present invention in an embodiment where the telephone line status detector and telephone line switch are connectable to a conventional handset telephone and to a separate auto-answering speakerphone;
FIG 1 C is a block diagram showing the primary elements of the present invention in an embodiment where the telephone line status detector and telephone line switch are integral with the auto-answering speakerphone that includes a handset;
FIG 2 is an illustration showing an injured, elderly person using an embodiment of the present invention to initiate a speakerphone call for help after having fallen with the handset of the speakerphone left hanging off-hook and out of reach; and FIG 3 is a flow diagram detailing the steps followed by an embodiment of the present invention in automatically disconnecting from an inactive telephone call and switching the telephone line to the speakerphone when the handset remains off- hook.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
With reference to FIG 1A, one general aspect of the present invention is an off-hook actuated speakerphone that is able to switch a telephone line 100 from a handset telephone 102 to an auto-answering speakerphone 104 when the handset of the handset telephone102 remains off-hook and a call status detector 106 detects that the telephone line 100 has become inactive. The telephone line is switched by a telephone line switch 108 that is able to automatically hang up the telephone call and transfer the telephone line 100 from the handset telephone 102 to the auto-answering speakerphone 104. The auto-answering speakerphone 104 is then able to automatically answer incoming telephone calls, thereby allowing a caregiver or other individual to make a follow-up call to the speakerphone 104 even if the user of the invention is not able to physically interact with the handset telephone 102 or with the auto-answering speakerphone 104.
In various embodiments, the telephone line status detector 106 is able to detect inactive telephone calls in any of several ways. In some embodiments, it is able to detect a lack of sound transmission through a telephone connection. In other embodiments, the telephone line status detector 106 can electronically detect the hanging up of a remote telephone, and/or it can detect a "howler" signal transmitted by a telephone service provider. In still other embodiments the telephone line status detector 106 includes speech recognition software, and is able to recognize speech as distinct from other sounds. In these embodiments, the telephone line status detector is able to detect an inactive telephone call by detecting a lack of speech being transmitted over the line.
In the embodiment shown in FIG 1A, the handset telephone is physically distinct from the remainder of the apparatus, and is connected to the telephone line switch by a handset telephone port (not shown). FIG 1 B illustrates another general aspect of the present invention where the auto-answering speakerphone 104 is also physically distinct from the device that contains the telephone line status detector 106 and the telephone line switch 108.
FIG 1 C illustrates yet another general aspect of the present invention that incorporates the telephone line status detector 106 and a telephone mode switch 1 10 within an auto-answering speakerphone 1 12 that includes a handset 1 14. In this embodiment, the auto-answering speakerphone 1 12 can operate in either a "manual" mode where the handset 1 14 is used for telephone communication, or in a "hands-free" mode where a speaker-microphone set 1 16, 1 18 is used for telephone communication. In this general aspect, when the handset 1 14 remains off-hook and the call status detector 106 detects that telephone line 100 is inactive, the telephone mode switch 1 10 automatically switches the auto-answering speakerphone 1 12 into the hands-free mode.
FIG 2 shows an off-hook actuated speakerphone 1 12 being used to make an emergency telephone call by an elderly person 200 who has fallen and hurt herself. In this embodiment, the off-hook actuated speakerphone 1 12 is able to place telephone calls by voice command without manual manipulation by a user. In the figure, the elderly person 200 has used this feature to verbally initiate an outgoing call for help, even though the handset 1 14 of the mode-switching speakerphone 1 12 remains off-hook. In similar embodiments, the telephone line switch 108 or telephone mode switch 1 10 can be commanded by a remote participant in the call to hang up a telephone call and/or to divert a telephone call to the speakerphone 104 or to the speaker-microphone set 1 16, 1 18. In some embodiments, the remote participant issues these commands by entry of a designated code on a telephone keypad, or by speaking a verbal command that can be recognized by speech recognition software cooperative with the telephone line switch 108 or telephone mode switch 1 10. This could be desired, for example, if a call is interrupted for unknown reasons, and the remote caller wishes to switch the call to the
speakerphone so as to call out to the local caller 200 to determine if the local caller 200 has fallen or is suffering any other difficulties.
FIG 3 is a flow diagram illustrating the actions of the embodiment of FIG 1 C when a telephone call ends but the handset 1 14 remains physically off-hook 300. This may be due to a user forgetting to put the handset 1 14 back on-hook, or failing to place the handset 1 14 squarely on-hook, thereby accidentally leaving the handset 1 14 off-hook. In such an instance, the telephone line status detector 106 detects that the handset 1 14 is off-hook and that there is no active call connection 302. In the preferred embodiment of FIG 3, a timer is then used 304 to verify that the off-hook condition persists for a specified amount of time. When the specified time has elapsed, the telephone mode switch 1 10 issues an audible alarm 306 so as to warn anyone nearby that a call is about to be disconnected. Unless a user intervenes, the telephone mode switch 1 10 then hangs up the inactive telephone call 308 and switches the off-hook actuated speakerphone 1 12 from the manual mode to the hands-free mode. Embodiments of the general aspects of FIG 1 A and FIG 1 B function in similar ways, except that the telephone line switch 108 issues the audible alarm 306 and then hangs up the telephone call 308 and switches the telephone line to the speakerphone 104. In some embodiments, various types of perceptible alarm are issued, such as issuing of a sound and/or actuation of a light.
Other modifications and implementations will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention as claimed.
Accordingly, the above description is not intended to limit the invention except as indicated in the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:
1 . An off-hook-actuated speakerphone comprising:
a speakerphone that is able to automatically answer telephone calls and automatically disconnect from inactive telephone calls;
a telephone line status detector cooperative with a telephone line, the telephone line status detector being able to monitor the telephone line so as to determine if the telephone line is inactive; and
a telephone line switch cooperative with the speakerphone and with the telephone line,
the telephone line switch being able to connect the telephone line to a handset telephone port, the handset telephone port being connectable to a handset telephone having a handset, and
the telephone line switch being able to automatically hang up the telephone line and switch the telephone line from the handset telephone port to the
speakerphone if the handset has been left off-hook and the telephone line status detector has determined that the telephone line is inactive.
2. The off-hook-actuated speakerphone of claim 1 , wherein the handset telephone is one of:
an analog telephone;
a digital telephone; and a voice-over-IP telephone.
3. The off-hook-actuated speakerphone of claim 1 , wherein the telephone line status detector is able to detect that the telephone line is inactive by detecting at least one of:
a howler signal;
a lack of sound transmission with loudness above a specified threshold, the lack of sound transmission persisting for a specified amount of time;
a lack of speech transmission persisting for a specified amount of time, the speech transmission being detected using speech recognition software; and
a signal indicating that a telephone connected to the telephone line has been hung up.
4. The off-hook-actuated speakerphone of claim 1 , wherein the telephone line switch is able to issue a perceptible warning before hanging up the telephone line and switching the telephone line to the speakerphone.
5. The off-hook-actuated speakerphone of claim 1 , wherein hanging up the telephone line and switching the telephone line to the speakerphone can be aborted by pressing any key of the handset telephone.
6. The off-hook-actuated speakerphone of claim 1 , wherein the telephone line switch can automatically switch the telephone line back to the handset telephone port when the telephone handset is placed back on-hook.
7. The off-hook-actuated speakerphone of claim 1 , wherein the speakerphone can be activated by voice command to initiate an outgoing telephone call.
8. The off-hook-actuated speakerphone of claim 1 , wherein the speakerphone can be configured to automatically answer an incoming telephone call immediately upon detection of the incoming telephone call.
9. The off-hook-actuated speakerphone of claim 1 , wherein the telephone line switch can be configured to automatically switch the telephone line to the speakerphone when a diverting signal is transmitted over the telephone line.
10. The off-hook-actuated speakerphone of claim 9, wherein the diverting signal is at least one of:
a code entered on the numeric keypad of a telephone; and
a verbal command recognized by speech recognition software cooperative with the speakerphone.
1 1 . An off-hook-actuated speakerphone comprising: a handset and a speaker-microphone set, the off-hook actuated speakerphone being switchable between a manual mode, in which telephone calls are directed to the handset, and a hands-free mode, in which telephone calls are directed to the speaker-microphone set, the off-hook actuated speakerphone being able to automatically answer telephone calls and automatically disconnect from inactive telephone calls when the off-hook actuated speakerphone is in the hands- free mode;
a telephone line status detector cooperative with a telephone line, the telephone line status detector being able to monitor the telephone line so as to determine if the telephone line is inactive; and
a speakerphone mode switch in communication with the telephone line status detector, the speakerphone mode switch being able to automatically hang up the telephone line and switch the off-hook actuated speakerphone to the hands- free mode if the handset has been left off-hook and the telephone line status detector has determined that the telephone line is inactive.
12. The off-hook-actuated speakerphone of claim 1 1 , wherein the telephone line status detector is able to detect that the telephone line is inactive by detecting at least one of:
a howler signal;
a lack of sound transmission with loudness above a specified threshold, the lack of sound transmission persisting for a specified amount of time; a lack of speech transmission persisting for a specified amount of time, the speech transmission being detected using speech recognition software; and
a signal indicating that a telephone connected to the telephone line has been hung up.
13. The off-hook-actuated speakerphone of claim 1 1 , wherein the speakerphone mode switch is able to issue a perceptible warning before automatically hanging up the telephone line and switching the off-hook actuated speakerphone to the hands- free mode.
14. The off-hook-actuated speakerphone of claim 1 1 , wherein automatically hanging up the telephone line and switching the off-hook actuated speakerphone to the hands-free mode can be aborted by pressing any key of the off-hook-actuated speakerphone.
15. The off-hook-actuated speakerphone of claim 1 1 , wherein the speakerphone mode switch can automatically switch the off-hook-actuated speakerphone back to the hands-free mode when the handset is placed back on-hook.
16. The off-hook-actuated speakerphone of claim 1 1 , wherein when the off-hook actuated speakerphone is in the hands-free mode it can be activated by voice command to initiate an outgoing telephone call.
17. The off-hook-actuated speakerphone of claim 1 1 , wherein the off-hook actuated speakerphone can be configured so that when it is in the hands-free mode it will automatically answer an incoming telephone call immediately upon detection of the incoming telephone call.
18. The off-hook-actuated speakerphone of claim 1 1 , wherein the speakerphone mode switch can be configured to automatically switch the off-hook-actuated speakerphone to the hands-free mode when a diverting signal is transmitted over the telephone line.
19. The off-hook-actuated speakerphone of claim 18, wherein the diverting signal is at least one of:
a code entered on the numeric keypad of a telephone; and
a verbal command recognized by speech recognition software cooperative with the off-hook actuated speakerphone.
20. A device for automatically switching a telephone line from a handset telephone to an auto-answering speakerphone, the device comprising:
a telephone line status detector that is able to monitor a telephone line so as to detect an inactive telephone call; and
a telephone line switch, at least in communication with the telephone line status detector, the telephone line switch having: a handset telephone port connectable to a handset telephone, the handset telephone having a handset; and
a speakerphone port connectable to an auto-answering speakerphone, the auto-answering speakerphone being able to automatically answer telephone calls and automatically disconnect from inactive telephone calls,
the telephone line switch being able to automatically hang up the telephone line, and to switch the telephone line from the handset telephone port to the speakerphone port, if the telephone line status detector detects that the telephone line is inactive and the handset has been left off-hook.
21 . The device of claim 20, wherein the telephone line status detector is able to detect that the telephone line is inactive by detecting at least one of:
a howler signal;
a lack of sound transmission with loudness above a specified threshold, the lack of sound transmission persisting for a specified amount of time;
a lack of speech transmission persisting for a specified amount of time, the speech transmission being detected using speech recognition software; and
a signal indicating that a telephone connected to the telephone line has been hung up.
22. The device of claim 20, wherein the telephone line switch is able to issue a perceptible warning before automatically hanging up the telephone line and switching the telephone line from the handset telephone port to the speakerphone port.
23. The device of claim 20, wherein automatically hanging up the telephone line and switching the telephone line from the handset telephone port to the
speakerphone port can be aborted by pressing any key of the handset telephone.
24. The device of claim 20, wherein the telephone line switch can automatically switch the telephone line from the speakerphone port back to the handset telephone port when the handset of the handset telephone is placed back on-hook.
25. The device of claim 20, wherein the auto-answering speakerphone can be activated by voice command to initiate an outgoing telephone call.
PCT/US2012/040761 2011-06-02 2012-06-04 Voice-activated, off-hook, actuated auto-answering speakerphone with timed disconnect WO2012167262A1 (en)

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