Telephonic communications – Special services – Locating using diverse technology
Reexamination Certificate
1997-12-31
2001-07-24
Hong, Harry S. (Department: 2742)
Telephonic communications
Special services
Locating using diverse technology
C379S093170, C379S093290, C379S157000, C379S207030, C379S246000, C379S915000, C379S916000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06266404
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to telephone networks, and more specifically, to controlling characteristics of individual distributed telephone sets in a telephone network from a central telephone switch.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the prior art, it is common for telephone sets to be individually configurable. These sets allow users to change, for example, ring volume, ring tone, type of ring, etc. that a particular telephone set uses. Such systems allow users a measure of customization to personalize their telephone set to their personal tastes.
Configurable telephone sets of the prior art have static characteristics that are controlled locally by the telephone set. Thus, prior art telephone sets must be replaced or have hardware replaced in order to provide additional features not originally offered. Thus, upgrading such telephone sets requires location and replacement or physical modification of each phone set to be upgraded. In a large complex or corporation, this could be a time consuming and difficult task.
Therefore, a need exists for a phone set having characteristics that are controllable from a central phone switch. The present invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling phone set characteristics from a central phone switch.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A method and apparatus for controlling characteristics of distributed telephone sets from a central telephone switch is described. Multiple phone sets having characteristics configurable by a user thereof are coupled to a phone switch that controls characteristics of phone sets connected thereto. In one embodiment, configuration options available are dynamically controlled based on characteristics supported by the particular phone set.
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Chon Bae-Sik
Ngo Trang
Blakely & Sokoloff, Taylor & Zafman
Hong Harry S.
Nortel Networks Limited
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