Qwest Communications International Inc.

U S West, Inc.

Qwest Communications Int'l., Inc.

Troy C Beecroft

Arnold M Lund

Douglas John Ertz

Erica L Cornett

Michelle A Vincow

Pennie Magee

Robin Tidwell

Carrie Rudman

Donna Beson

Justine Vigil-Tapia

In an information system, caller identification information for incoming telephone calls can be selectively displayed on displays at any of the set top box, television, remote or keyboard. Further, microphones and speakers on each of the remote control and keyboard can be used for communication on a telephone call, at the user's option, in place of a microphone on the main unit and a television speaker.

Sharing functions between a television-based information appliance and remote control devices

A voice telephony system integrates voice telephony technology with television programming via a visual interface for a telephony device operating in a speakerphone mode. The visual interface indicates a status of the telephony device to a user, and is displayed by a video processing device connected to the television.

Voice telephony system

A telephony system and method provide for the establishment of telephonic communications through use of a television and a set top box. The set top box is connected both to the television and a telephone network. Incorporated into a set top box is a microphone and a command signal input device. A viewer of the television may, through use of a user interface device such as a hand-held remote control or a keyboard, enter command signals which when processed within the set top box provide for the display of a number of interactive display graphics. Through interaction with these display graphics, the viewer may go off hook and dial phone numbers in order to establish a telephonic connection. Through use of a microphone and speakers incorporated into the television, a speaker phone is provided which allows for two-way audio conversations.

Telephony system

Television set top box

Handheld remote control

Wireless keyboard

Growing community of inventors

Westminster, CO, United States of America

Troy C Beecroft