Method and apparatus for communicating an information signal having dynamically varying quality
First Claim
Patent Images
1. In a communication system comprising at least two subscriber units, a method for communicating an information signal between the subscriber units, comprising the step of:
- (a) allowing unimpeded communication for a time interval between the subscriber units; and
(b) gradually reducing intelligibility or quality of the information signal communicated between the subscriber units during communication and after the time interval.
0 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Subscribers participating in a call may communicate information un-impeded until the occurrence of an event (such as the expiration of a time interval). After detecting this event, the quality or intelligibility of the communicated information is repeatedly reduced to encourage the subscribers to voluntarily conclude the call.
24 Citations
23 Claims
-
1. In a communication system comprising at least two subscriber units, a method for communicating an information signal between the subscriber units, comprising the step of:
-
(a) allowing unimpeded communication for a time interval between the subscriber units; and (b) gradually reducing intelligibility or quality of the information signal communicated between the subscriber units during communication and after the time interval. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
-
-
9. A method for communicating an information signal between at least two subscriber units, comprising the steps of:
-
(a) transmitting the information signal with a first subscriber unit; (b) receiving the information signal in a substantially unimpeded manner for a time interval, with a second subscriber unit;
at either of the subscriber units;(c) detecting expiration of a time interval; (d) gradually reducing intelligibility of transmitted information signals in response to step (c). - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13)
-
-
14. A method for communicating an information signal between at least two subscriber units, comprising the steps at either of the subscribers of:
-
(a) receiving the information signal in a substantially unimpeded manner; (b) detecting occurrence of an event; (c) gradually reducing intelligibility or quality of received information signals during communication in response to step (b).
-
-
15. In a time division multiplex communication system having at least one communication channel apportioned into a plurality of time intervals, a method for communicating an information signal between at least two subscriber units, comprising the steps of:
-
(a) transmitting the information signal during at least one time interval in a substantially unimpeded manner; (b) detecting occurrence of an event; (c) gradually reducing intelligibility or quality of the transmitted information signal during communication in response to step (b) to provide a reduced intelligibility or quality signal; (d) transmitting said reduced intelligibility or quality signal in a portion of said at least one time interval. - View Dependent Claims (16)
-
-
17. In a time division multiplex communication system having at least one communication channel apportioned into a plurality of time intervals, a method for communicating an information signal between at least two subscriber units, comprising the steps of:
-
(a) processing the information signal in a coding means at a coding rate to provide a coded signal; (b) transmitting said coded signal during at least one time interval in a substantially unimpeded manner; (c) detecting occurrence of an event; (d) gradually reducing intelligibility or quality of the coded signal during communication in response to step (c) to provide a reduced intelligibility or quality coded signal; (e) transmitting said reduced intelligibility or quality coded signal in a portion of said at least one time interval. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
-
-
21. In a communication system having a plurality of subscriber units constructed and arranged to communicate via at least one repeater, a method for communicating an information signal between at least two subscriber units, comprising the steps of:
at a subscriber unit; (a) transmitting an information signal to a repeater unit;
at said repeater unit;(b) receiving said information signal from said subscriber unit; (c) transmitting said information in a substantially unimpeded manner to another subscriber unit; (d) determining occurrence of an event; (e) gradually reducing intelligibility or quality of said information signal to provide a reduced intelligibility or quality signal during communication; and (f) transmitting said reduced intelligibility or quality signal to said other subscriber unit.
-
22. An apparatus having a transmitter and receiver for communicating an information signal, comprising:
-
detecting means for detecting occurrence of an event; and means responsive to said detecting means for gradually reducing intelligibility or quality of the information signal during communication after detection of said event.
-
-
23. An apparatus for communicating an information signal, comprising:
-
an information signal source for providing an information signal; processing means for processing said information signal to provide a processed signal; detecting means for detecting occurrence of an event; means for adapting said processing means so as to gradually reduce intelligibility or quality of said processed signal during communication; and means for transmitting said processed signal.
-
Specification