Adaptation of computer to communication operation
First Claim
1. A communication adapter for adapting a computer for operation as an intelligent telecommunication transceiver without modification of the hardware or software of the computer, the computer comprising a computer process unit, including a data store, connected to computer accessory units including a keyboard, a monitor, and a printer, the communication adapter comprising:
- computer port means, including a keyboard port, a monitor port, and a printer port, for connecting the adapter to the computer process unit;
accessory port means, including a keyboard port, a monitor port, and a printer port, for connecting the adapter to the computer accessory units;
a communication port for connecting the adapter to a telecommunication circuit;
data storage means for storing data signals and actuation signals received through the accessory keyboard port, the communication port, and one of the computer printer and monitor ports;
transmission logic means for supplying data signals from the data storage means to the communication port;
accessory logic means for supplying data signals from the data storage means to the accessory printer and monitor ports;
program storage means for storing operating programs for the communication adapter; and
microprocessor control means operatively interconnected with all of the port means, both of the logic means, and both of the storage means, for controlling operation of the adapter in two basic modes;
A. a computer mode in which data is interchanged freely between the accessory units and the computer process unit so that the computer process unit and the computer accessory units all function as if the adapter were not present, andB. a communication mode in which data is interchanged freely between the computer accessory units and the communication port so that the adapter and the computer accessory units function as if the computer process unit were not present;
the data storage means and the logic means remaining active to receive and store signals from the communication port and to transmit pre-recorded signals from the data storage means through the communication port when the adapter is in its computer mode of operation; and
the control means being responsive to signals from the keyboard, in both modes, for actuation of the adapter between its computer and communication modes of operation.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A communication adapter for a personal computer or computer terminal is interposed between the computer process unit and its accessory units, such as a keyboard, a printer and a display monitor; the adapter includes a data memory for storing data and actuation signals from the keyboard, from the process unit, and from a communication port on the adapter, together with transmission logic circuits for transmitting data from the memory through the communication port, and accessory logic circuits for supplying data from the memory to the printer and to the monitor. The adapter further includes a microprocessor with a program memory, responsive to signals from the keyboard, that actuates the adapter between a computer mode of operation in which the computer process unit is effectively connected to the accessory units for operation of the computer as if the adapter were not present, and a communication mode in which the adapter and the accessory units function as a telecommunication transceiver independent of the computer process unit. In the computer mode the adapter remains active as an automated telecommunication transceiver, recording incoming data from its communication port in the data memory and transmitting previously recorded data from the memory.
70 Citations
21 Claims
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1. A communication adapter for adapting a computer for operation as an intelligent telecommunication transceiver without modification of the hardware or software of the computer, the computer comprising a computer process unit, including a data store, connected to computer accessory units including a keyboard, a monitor, and a printer, the communication adapter comprising:
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computer port means, including a keyboard port, a monitor port, and a printer port, for connecting the adapter to the computer process unit; accessory port means, including a keyboard port, a monitor port, and a printer port, for connecting the adapter to the computer accessory units; a communication port for connecting the adapter to a telecommunication circuit; data storage means for storing data signals and actuation signals received through the accessory keyboard port, the communication port, and one of the computer printer and monitor ports; transmission logic means for supplying data signals from the data storage means to the communication port; accessory logic means for supplying data signals from the data storage means to the accessory printer and monitor ports; program storage means for storing operating programs for the communication adapter; and microprocessor control means operatively interconnected with all of the port means, both of the logic means, and both of the storage means, for controlling operation of the adapter in two basic modes; A. a computer mode in which data is interchanged freely between the accessory units and the computer process unit so that the computer process unit and the computer accessory units all function as if the adapter were not present, and B. a communication mode in which data is interchanged freely between the computer accessory units and the communication port so that the adapter and the computer accessory units function as if the computer process unit were not present; the data storage means and the logic means remaining active to receive and store signals from the communication port and to transmit pre-recorded signals from the data storage means through the communication port when the adapter is in its computer mode of operation; and the control means being responsive to signals from the keyboard, in both modes, for actuation of the adapter between its computer and communication modes of operation. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification