Apparatus for voice communications over wired and wireless networks

Abstract

Disclosed is a computer telephony device with a telephone line distribution system. The invention enables simultaneous operations of computer telephony and connected equipment. The connected equipment can be modems, telephones, fax machines, answering machines or any other device that needs access to a telephone line. Priorities for telephone line usage by the equipment or the routing of incoming calls to the equipment can be set by the user via software selection. The invention can work in digital and analog environments, and if necessary, perform digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital conversions.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application is based on, claims priority to and incorporates by reference a U.S. Provisional Application dated Apr. 22, 1999, entitled “Point Card”, Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 130,545 to Delaine.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The invention herein is related to computers, and particularly to computer telephony.[0004]2. Description of Related Art[0005]Companies usually have several pieces of office equipment that are critical to their operations. This equipment includes telephones, fax machines, answering machines and computers with modems. A common requirement of this equipment is telephone lines. Companies usually connect each piece of equipment to a dedicated telephone line so that the equipment can operate independently and simultaneously. This configuration results in maximum flexibility and efficiency of company operations.[0006]Many large companies have sophisticated telephone networks to support such off...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, in the Small Office Home Office (SOHO) environment where the financial resources and the number of telephone lines are limited, connection of the equipment has often meant compromises in flexibility, utility and efficiency.

The problem with this configuration is that when one piece of equipment is in use, the remaining equipment cannot be used.

This lack of flexibility is often frustrating to many small businesses, especially when a business opportunity requires simultaneous operations.

However, this process is cumbersome and often comes at the expense of other equipment operation.

However, the computer modem has disadvantages similar to the fax switch.

The modem usually operates on one telephone line and is thus limited in the functions that it can perform simultaneously.

This restriction could be resolved by the use of multiple modems, however, this solution has a redundancy and complexity of operation that is not practical for most small businesses.

In addition, the computer modem offers little or no connectivity to other pieces of office equipment.

The computer modem does provide some level of integration of equipment functions onto a telephone line, however its inability to perform the required office operations simultaneously indicates that it is not the optimum solution.

With no practical alternatives, many small companies continue to use telephones for voice communications and fax switches for their office equipment.

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