Communication system and methods for enhanced information transfer
First Claim
1. Apparatus for integrating communication functions, information storage and processing functions, and control functions, comprising:
- a plurality of electrical circuits for communicating information, including a processor and an associated memory for executing communication, control, and information programs and applications with the electrical circuits;
a microphone for entering information into the apparatus;
a speaker for receiving information from the apparatus;
an interactive visual display for providing an interface between the apparatus and a user of the apparatus;
a receptacle for installing at least one of a plurality of interchangeable application modules into the apparatus;
each application module having an electrical circuit for executing communication programs and applications in cooperation with the electrical circuits of the apparatus; and
voice recognition means for activating selected communication programs and applications.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A communication system (20) is provided with multiple purpose personal communication devices (50 and 150). Each communication device (50 and 150) includes a touch-sensitive visual display (60 and 160) to communicate text and graphic information to and from the user and for operating the communication device (50 and 150). Voice activation (78) and voice control capabilities (76) are included within communication devices (50 and 150) to perform the same functions as the touch-sensitive visual display (60 and 160). The communication device includes a built-in modem (82), audio input and output (52 and 53), telephone jacks (86), and wireless communication (90). A plurality of application modules (100) are used with personal communication devices (50 and 150) to perform a wide variety of communication functions such as information retrievable, on-line data base services, electronic and voice mail. Communication devices (50 and 150) and application modules (100) cooperate to allow integrating multiple functions such as real time communication, information storage and processing, specialized information services, and remote control of other equipment into an intuitively user friendly apparatus. The system (20) includes both desktop (150) and hand-held communication devices (50) with the same full range of communication capabilities provided in each type of communication device (50 and 150).
317 Citations
24 Claims
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1. Apparatus for integrating communication functions, information storage and processing functions, and control functions, comprising:
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a plurality of electrical circuits for communicating information, including a processor and an associated memory for executing communication, control, and information programs and applications with the electrical circuits;
a microphone for entering information into the apparatus;
a speaker for receiving information from the apparatus;
an interactive visual display for providing an interface between the apparatus and a user of the apparatus;
a receptacle for installing at least one of a plurality of interchangeable application modules into the apparatus;
each application module having an electrical circuit for executing communication programs and applications in cooperation with the electrical circuits of the apparatus; and
voice recognition means for activating selected communication programs and applications. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A communication device for transmitting and receiving information in a communication system having a plurality of communication networks comprising:
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a plurality of electrical circuits for communication and storing information including a processor and an associated memory for executing communication programs and applications with the electrical circuits;
a microphone for entering information into the communication device;
a speaker for receiving information from the communication device;
an interactive visual display for displaying selected information associated with each communication program and application;
a receptacle for installing at least one of a plurality of interchangeable application modules into the communication device; and
each application module having an electrical circuit for executing communication programs and application in cooperation with the electrical circuits of the communication device. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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Specification