Donna L Beson

US Patent:

20010043687, Nov 22, 2001

Filed:

May 27, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/318549

Inventors:

ROBIN TIDWELL - PHOENIX AZ, US
CARRIE RUDMAN - BOULDER CO, US
TROY C. BEECROFT - WESTMINSTER CO, US
DONNA BESON - PHOENIX AZ, US
JUSTINE VIGIL-TAPIA - LOUISVILLE CO, US
PENNIE MAGEE - BOULDER CO, US
DOUGLAS J. ERTZ - BOULDER CO, US
MICHELLE A. VINCOW - BOULDER CO, US

International Classification:

H04N007/14
H04B001/00
H04M011/00

US Classification:

379/110010, 379/093170, 348/014160

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.