Television – Two-way video and voice communication – User positioning
Patent
1994-05-16
1998-09-01
Kuntz, Curtis A.
Television
Two-way video and voice communication
User positioning
379 9308, 345331, H04N 714
Patent
active
058017577
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
This application claims priority under 35 USC Section 365(c) from application no. PCT/GB92/01730, filed on Sept. 18, 1992, which, in turn, claims priority under 35 USC 365(c) from United Kingdom application 9120032.9 filed Sep. 19, 1991.
The public switched telephone network (hereafter referred to as "PSTN") provides a means of direct and immediate communication of an audio signal between two points. This is typically used to allow two or more people in different places to hold a conversation.
Aside from the transference of sound, there are currently devices which utilize the PSTN to transfer information and images, such well known devices include computer modems and facsimile (fax) machines. These devices make full use of the telephone line to transfer documents or information other than voice.
As an alternative to the analog PSTN, the Integrated Services Digital Network (or "ISDN") enables computers and other digital equipment to communicate and transfer digital information between different places. The information capacity of this network is sufficiently high that simultaneous voice communication and computer communication is possible. Currently devices utilize the information capacity provided by an ISDN connection to allow such cooperative working tools as video conferencing.
However, the cost to the subscriber of ISDN services is relatively expensive. In addition, the availability of ISDN connections is not as wide spread as the older analog PSTN.
There is a need for people in different places to be able to discuss and visually manipulate documents and other information using a cheap readily available communication connection such as that provided by the PSTN.
The invention enables people in two different places to use a single analog signal path such as a PSTN telephone line connection for the purpose of simultaneously: full view of the other parties, and
Other single analogue signal paths, including lines of private telephone networks, may be used. The bandwidth of such paths may differ from that of the PSTN (about 3 KHz), e.g. may be greater.
An embodiment of a device according to the invention comprises a means of digitizing voice or sound from a user, compressing and merging that sonic information with other information and actions digitizing from the user, and sending the combination of information, through the use of a modem circuit, down a single analog PSTN telephone line. While sending as just described, the device may also receive similar combination information from the same telephone line, split it, decompress and replay the sound information to the user(s), and also pass on the other digitised information in an appropriate manner. Thus there is provided a means of transferring and remotely manipulating documents, diagrams, and other information over a single analog telephone line which may also simultaneously be used to hold a conversation.
Put simply, any document (containing text, numbers, equations, graphical information, or mathematical equations), can be transferred, discussed, edited and manipulated by two (or more) parties as a collaborative effort, while always maintaining a voice conversation. Each user effectively hears the other and sees the actions of the other(s) as they occur, almost as if the users were working over the same desktop.
No special service need be required from the telephone service provider other than, a normal single analog connection to the PSTN to which a device according to the invention may be attached.
Documents and material transferred, discussed and manipulated may be in full colour as well as monochrome.
The invention may provide a complete electronic device or system which provides the facilities described, or a device (or devices) for adapting an existing computer, facsimile or other visual display system to provide the facilities described.
The invention provides an interactive communication device comprising transceiver means, said transceiver means including: determining signal and for combining them to produce a composite analogue output signa
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Kuntz Curtis A.
Palan Stephen W.
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