Telephonic communications – Reception of calling information at substation in wireline...
Reexamination Certificate
1998-04-27
2001-11-13
Nguyen, Duc (Department: 2643)
Telephonic communications
Reception of calling information at substation in wireline...
C379S142170, C379S142050, C455S415000, C455S566000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06317491
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to a mobile personal information unit and a base unit for storing and synchronizing data between the two units, and, in particular, to a mobile personal information unit and a base unit where the base unit receives incoming phone calls, logs caller identification information in a confidential manner, and passes the caller identification information to the mobile information unit.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A modern day caller identification device typically is a unit with a LCD display disposed between the incoming phone line and the telephone device. While this is a simple and workable configuration and serves as a basic caller identification device, it has limited capabilities and it does not maintain confidentiality of the caller. Additionally, this type of device does not offer any additional features beyond simple caller identification function. In the traditional mobile information unit such as a personal digital assistant (PDA), information is entered via an input device such as a keyboard or a touch screen. However, this type of mobile information unit typically does not have the capability to back-up its data or, even if there is a method for backing up the data, the back-up method would be tedious and/or expensive. For example, currently there is a mobile information unit that is insertable into a cradle where the cradle is connected to a personal computer. The data in the mobile information unit can be readily stored in the personal computer via the cradle. However, this is an expensive arrangement considering the fact that the mobile information unit and the cradle is designed to communicate with a personal computer. A user of this mobile information unit would need a personal computer and the necessary expertise in backing up the data stored in the mobile information unit. Thus, there has to be a substantial hardware investment and the necessary software expertise before this arrangement is feasible.
Therefore, it would be desirable to have an inexpensive device that can readily back-up the data contained in a mobile information unit and maintain confidentially of the data stored in the mobile information unit or in the base unit. Additionally it will be desirable to have a device for receiving phone calls, logging caller identification information and messages, and offers the ability to readily uploaded the information and messages into the mobile information unit.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for a telecommunication base unit for receiving telephone calls and logging caller identification information and messages.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for a telecommunication base unit and a mobile information unit that can maintain information in a confidential manner.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for a base unit that can readily connect to a mobile information unit and backup information stored in the mobile information unit.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for readily uploading received caller identification information and messages into the mobile information unit.
Briefly the present invention provides for a telecommunication base unit and a mobile information unit combination. The base unit includes circuitry for receiving an incoming telephone call, a caller identification circuit, an on-line/off-line control circuit, a dial circuit, an optional LCD display, and an optional keypad on the base unit. It further includes a storage area for storing a copy of the information in the mobile information unit and for logging caller identification information and messages. The base unit provides a connector cradle designed to receive and communicate with the mobile information unit. Additionally, the base unit can be connected to a keyboard for carrying out entering and editing functions. Other external connectors are provided for optionally connecting to other devices, including a personal computer and printer. The mobile information unit stores a variety of information and it has the ability to upload information and/or synchronize information with the base unit. A security feature is provided for the mobile information unit and the base unit so that information is maintained in a confidential manner.
An advantage of the present invention is that it provides a method and apparatus for a telecommunication base unit for receiving telephone calls and logging caller identification information and messages.
Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a method and apparatus for a telecommunication base unit and a mobile information unit that can maintain information in a confidential manner.
Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a method and apparatus for a base unit that can readily connect to a mobile information unit and backup information stored in the mobile information unit.
Still another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a method and apparatus for readily uploading caller identification information and messages into a mobile information unit.
These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become well understood upon examining the figures and reading the following detailed description of the invention.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5572576 (1996-11-01), Klausner et al.
patent: 5581599 (1996-12-01), Tsuji et al.
patent: 5940485 (1999-08-01), Sapra et al.
Chang Jackson C. S.
Zhang Feng
Chou Chien-Wei
Inventec C'orporation
Nguyen Duc
Oppenheimer Wolff & Donnelly LLP
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