The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 18, 2003
Filed:
May. 27, 1999
Robin Tidwell, Phoenix, AZ (US);
Donna Beson, Phoenix, AZ (US);
Douglas J. Ertz, Boulder, CO (US);
Carrie Rudman, Boulder, CO (US);
Michelle A. Vincow, Boulder, CO (US);
Troy C. Beecroft, Westminster, CO (US);
Justine Vigil-Tapia, Louisville, CO (US);
Pennie Magee, Boulder, CO (US);
Qwest Communicationss International, Inc., Denver, CO (US);
Abstract
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.