Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc.

John W Seazholtz

Robert D Farris

Kamran Sistanizadeh

Wendell N Sims

Alex McAllister

Brian L Carrier

William F Lawrence

A public switched telephone network (PSTN) provides communication of digital data from a data provider or LAN to one or more of a plurality of subscriber premises. Asymmetrical digital subscriber line interface units operating at variable rates and in variable modes (ADSL/AVRs) over a local loop offer one-way video-on-demand and other services and carry the necessary signalling between the subscribers and information providers. In an asymmetric mode, the interface units frequency multiplex digital information with voice information to the subscriber and support transmission of a reverse control channel from the subscriber to the central office for transmission back to the information provider. Other modes are supported which permit selective bi-directional and reversible communications as well.

Variable rate and variable mode transmission system

An analog cellular voice telephone system and subscriber stations associated therewith are controlled to conserve power and to provide alternate service carriers. Acquisition of all of the service carriers is facilitated through the use of system identification numbers (SIDS) associated with each service carrier. A roaming subscriber will tune to a cellular digital packet data (CDPD) frequency to obtain a list of service carriers operating within that geographical area. Based upon a comparison with a preferred SID list stored in the subscriber station, an available service carrier will be selected by the subscriber station, and registration with the selected service carrier will take place. Usually, analog voice communication is suspended until the selection process takes place.

Use of cellular digital packet data (CDPD) communications to convey system identification list data to roaming cellular subscriber stations

An analog cellular voice telephone system and subscriber stations associated therewith are controlled to conserve power and to provide alternate service carriers. Acquisition of all of the service carriers is facilitated through the use of system identification numbers (SIDs) associated with each service carrier. A roaming subscriber will tune to a cellular digital packet data (CDPD) frequency to obtain a list of service carriers operating within that geographical area. Based upon a comparison with a preferred SID list stored in the subscriber station, an available service carrier will be selected by the subscriber station, and registration with the selected service carrier will take place. Usually, analog voice communication is suspended until the selection process takes place.

Use of cellular digital packet data (CDPD) communications to convey

A cellular telephone system is upgraded by modifying subscriber units for selective service provider acquisition during roaming. Priority of acquisition is given to those service providers associated with the home service provider. These preferred service providers are identified by system identification (SIDs) numbers. A roaming subscriber unit will tune to a single beacon frequency identifying cellular digital packet data (CDPD) frequencies from which the subscriber unit will select one CDPD frequency corresponding to a service provider operating in the geographic area to which the subscriber has roamed.

Beacon system using cellular digital packet data (CDPD) communication

A broadcast system supplies multiplexed channels to a plurality of receiving systems. The broadcast system preferably comprises a wireless digital simulcasting network. Each multiplexed channel carries multiplexed digital information signals relating to a group of programs. At least one of the receiving systems serves a plurality of living units. The multi-unit receiving system includes common equipment to perform as much of the processing of the digital information signals as is practical for the particular installation. The common equipment includes a digital receiver processing each multiplexed channel to capture a digital transport stream therefrom and a demultiplexer for separating out the digital information signals for each program from each digital transport stream. A switch routes selected information signals to individual drops or loops going to the living units. In one implementation, each digital information signal is modulated, and selected modulated signals are routed and transported over telephone wiring to terminals in the living units. The terminals demodulate and decode selected program signals for presentation on a television. In a second implementation, a decoder in the common equipment decodes each digital information signal, and the common equipment transmits an analog television channel carrying decoded signals for selected programs over coaxial cables to the living units. In this implementation, the added equipment required in a living unit includes only a remote control, an infrared receiver and a data device to transmit program request messages over coaxial cable to the common equipment.

Shared use video processing systems for distributing program signals

A portable radio telephone handset includes the capability of operating as a data transfer terminal as well as an analog cellular telephone subscriber station. Two modes of operation are available in the handset, and a analog cellular communication mode and a Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD) mode. A controlled processor in the handset is used to program the power supply to follow a prioritized, high efficiency operating cycle, preferably tracking CDPD active/sleep mode duty cycle. The power supply has the capability of providing 120 volts AC output for other communication systems. The availability of 120 volts output is programmed to track the functions of the CDPD operation and Advanced Mobile Phone Service (AMPS) operation.

Power system supporting CDPD operation

Disclosed is a system and method of implementing purchasing and other transactions in an integrated multimedia communication system by utilizing an intelligent peripheral of an advanced intelligent telephone network which peripheral includes a voice recognition module for providing control capability based on received voice signals, and a voice verification module which includes a storage database for individualized voice authentication templates. The processor also includes a transaction manager module for controlling interaction with external money management devices such as automated teller machines (ATM's). The service control point of the network maintains a separate database for identifying a specific voice identification template on the basis of recognition and identification of an incoming signal as associated with a specific subscriber for a terminal and/or a telephone station. The peripheral also includes an internal data communications system carrying information between the processor, the voice verification module, the transaction monitor and the signaling communications interface.

Transaction implementation in video dial tone network

A method and apparatus for utilizing a public switched telephone network which includes a voice messaging system (VMS) for providing to subscribers a checkup call service to initiate at times determined by the subscriber checkup calls to a premise designated by the subscriber. If a particular person at the premise does not respond appropriately to the personal checkup call or the telephone goes unanswered or is off-hook for a specified period of time a list of persons designated by the subscriber is notified of such failure to respond. The service is based upon utilization of the existing VMS equipment. The subscriber has the option to specify an activation schedule which specifies the days of the week on which the service is to be active. An activation schedule disable and enable control is provided. In a second mode the checkup is effected via a customer premise equipment (CPE) device which may be wall-mountable or stand alone and connected to the telephone network. The person under surveillance is instructed to press a response button on the CPE device during a predesignated response period. Upon the button not being depressed during the response period the CPE device automatically out-dials to the VMS and the VMS initiates the notification process.

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Great Falls, VA, United States of America

John W Seazholtz