At+t Corp.

Thomson Licensing

Interdigital Ce Patent Holdings

Stephen Dale Hoskins

Ronald Lynn Blair

Burt Joseph Bossi

William Alan Hewitt

The present invention is directed towards a method and system for remote diagnostics in a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) set-top box network having a head-end unit and a set-top box having diagnostics software. The diagnostics software stored in the set-top box enables the head-end unit to remotely query the set-top box about the current condition of the set-top box and, as a result, reduces the necessity of service calls and/or shipping charges that would otherwise be required. The diagnostics software generates data is response to a set-top box identification request, a software version request, a check television connections request, a check I/O ports request, a check HPNA networking request, a check USB request, a check system ICs request, a check DSL connection request, a check error codes request, a read warranty clock request, a read hours of operation request, and a perform default test request received from the head-end. Execution of the diagnostics software may be initiated as part of a periodical diagnostic test of the set-top box, at the request of a customer having difficulties with the set-top box, or in response to an alarm or alert message generated by the set-top box.

Method and system for remote diagnostics

A method of operating a telecommunications network to provide network-based messaging services includes utilizing a communication link between the network and a telephone adjunct interface. The adjunct interface detects and alerts the subscriber to the existence of waiting messages. In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention, a combination of AC ring detection and outcall polling of the network is employed to determine whether any messages have been received by the network service platform. Specifically, if the subscriber phone is not answered after a predetermined number of rings, the interface polls the network after a suitable delay to determine if any messages were left. If so, the network transmits a code or other signal that is recognized by the interface device, and a visual and/or audible indication is then provided to the subscriber. If the subscriber line is busy or on call-forward while a calling party is seeking to leave a message, the network service platform stores the message and waits a selected interval before seeking to alert the subscriber.

Method of providing telecommunications network-based message services

A telephone adjunct interface for use with a network-based voice and/or data message storage and delivery service detects and alerts the subscriber to the existence of waiting messages. The interface device utilizes a combination of AC ring detection and outcall polling of the network to determine whether a visual and/or audible notification should be provided to the subscriber. That is, if the subscriber phone is not answered after a selected number of rings, the interface polls the network after a suitable delay to determine if any messages were left. If the subscriber line is busy or on call-forward while a calling party is seeking to leave a message, the network service platform stores the message and waits a selected interval before seeking to alert the subscriber. Advantageously, the device is configured as a small, portable and inexpensive consumer premise unit which connects easily to all standard analog telephone systems that use modular connectors.

Growing community of inventors

Indianapolis, IN, United States of America

Stephen Dale Hoskins