Proximity detector for initiating automatic callback

• US 6,546,096 B1
• Filed: 08/25/1999
• Issued: 04/08/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 08/25/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Unify GmbH & Co. KG (Atos SE)
• Original Assignee: Siemens Information And Communication Networks, Inc. (Siemens AG)
• Inventors: Meiden, David Alan Vander, Kucmerowski, Dennis L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Matar, Ahmad F.
• Assistant Examiner(s): BUI, BING Q
• Application Number:
  US09/383,118
• Time in Patent Office: 1,322 Days
• Field of Search: 379/201.06, 379/201.1, 379/207.02, 379/207.04, 379/207.05, 379/207.06, 379/209.01, 379/913
• US Class Current: 379/209.01
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2203/2094 Proximity
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2242/30 Determination of the location of a subscriber
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/42195 Arrangements for calling back a calling subscriber when the wanted subscriber ceases to be busy H04M3/48
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 379/913 Person locator or person-specific

Abstract

A proximity detector (111) is provided for causing automatic callback. The proximity detector (111) causes the called party'"'"'s telephone (506) to send a signal to the telephone system indicating that the automatic callback may proceed. For example, the detector may cause an off-hook/on-hook event to be sent, or other specific signaling. The telephone system signals the calling party (502), who may then answer the automatic callback and be connected to the called party.

Claims

1. A telecommunications device, comprising:

a controller for establishing communication with another telecommunications device via a network; and

a proximity detector for providing one or more control signals corresponding to automatic callback control signals onto said network indicative of whether a user is present;

said proximity detector responsive to light in a room associated with said another telecommunications device.

2. A telecommunications device in accordance with claim 1, said proximity detector comprising one or more photodetectors.

3. A telecommunications device in accordance with claim 1, said proximity detector comprising a receiver for receiving a signal from a light switch indicative of whether said light switch has been actuated.

4. A telecommunications device in accordance with claim 1, said one or more signals including an off hook and on hook indication.

5. A telecommunications system, comprising:

a first telephony device coupled to a network and configured to activate an automatic callback feature with a second telephony device;

wherein said second telephony device includes a proximity detector for controlling transmission of one or more signals onto said network indicative of a user'"'"'s presence to cause automatic callback with said first telephony device;

said proximity detector responsive to light in a room associated with said second telephony device.

6. A telecommunications system in accordance with claim 5, said proximity detector comprising one or more photodetectors.

7. A telecommunications system in accordance with claim 5, said proximity detector a receiver for receiving a signal from a light switch indicative of whether said light switch has been actuated.

8. A telecommunications system in accordance with claim 5, said one or more signals including an off hook and on hook indication.

9. A method for operating a telecommunications system, comprising:

activating an automatic callback feature at a first telephony device after a ring-no-answer condition with a second telephony device;

providing a signal from a proximity detector associated with said second telephony device indicative of a user presence at a location of said second telephony device; and

establishing automatic callback in response to said signal;

said proximity detector responsive to light in a room associated with said second telephony device.

10. A method according to claim 9, said providing including providing a signal from one or more photodetectors.

11. A method according to claim 9, said providing including providing a signal indicative of whether a light switch has been actuated.

12. A method according to claim 9, said providing including providing one or more signals including an off hook and on hook indication.