Voice over internet protocol (VoIP) ready computer system and method
First Claim
1. VoIP ready general purpose computer system, comprising:
- a housing including an integrated audio communications device holder adapted to receive an audio communications device and the housing including a portion adapted to contain,processing circuitry operable to execute programs in the general purpose computer system, the processing circuitry located within the housing and adapted to operably connect to a computer network;
a storage device coupled to the processing circuitry, the storage device storing a preinstalled VoIP program and configured to receive and store general purpose programs for execution by the processing circuitry of the general purpose computer system wherein the general purpose programs include a web browser and at least one of a word processor and a spread sheet that are distinct from the VoIP program;
whereupon connection to the computer network, the VoIP program is adapted to initiate access through the web browser to a preselected VoIP account on the computer network to facilitate communication with the VoIP program; and
an audio communications device removably positioned in the audio communications device holder and coupled to the processing circuitry, the audio communications device operable to communicate audio signals during execution of the VoIP program.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A VoIP ready computer system includes a housing having an integrated audio communications device holder adapted to receive an audio communications device. The housing includes a portion adapted to contain processing circuitry operable to execute programs and a storage device coupled to the processing circuitry. The storage device stores a VoIP program and other general purpose programs for execution by the processing circuitry. An audio communications device is removably positioned in the audio communications device holder and is coupled to the processing circuitry. The audio communications device is operable to communicate audio signals during execution of the VoIP program.
13 Citations
21 Claims
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1. VoIP ready general purpose computer system, comprising:
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a housing including an integrated audio communications device holder adapted to receive an audio communications device and the housing including a portion adapted to contain, processing circuitry operable to execute programs in the general purpose computer system, the processing circuitry located within the housing and adapted to operably connect to a computer network; a storage device coupled to the processing circuitry, the storage device storing a preinstalled VoIP program and configured to receive and store general purpose programs for execution by the processing circuitry of the general purpose computer system wherein the general purpose programs include a web browser and at least one of a word processor and a spread sheet that are distinct from the VoIP program; whereupon connection to the computer network, the VoIP program is adapted to initiate access through the web browser to a preselected VoIP account on the computer network to facilitate communication with the VoIP program; and an audio communications device removably positioned in the audio communications device holder and coupled to the processing circuitry, the audio communications device operable to communicate audio signals during execution of the VoIP program. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A VoIP ready general purpose computer system, comprising:
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processing circuitry operable to execute a preinstalled VoIP program that has been configured to operate properly on the general purpose computer system wherein the processing circuitry is configured to receive and execute general purpose programs including a word processor and a spread sheet distinct from the VoIP program; wherein the VoIP program is configured to automatically connect to a remote and preselected VoIP account on a computer network upon initial user activation of the processing circuitry; a removable storage-medium reader coupled to the processing circuitry; a chassis including an integrated holder adapted to receive an audio communications device, the processing circuitry being contained within the chassis and the reader mechanically coupled to the chassis; and an audio communications device coupled to the processing circuitry and to the VoIP program, and adapted to be removably positioned in the holder. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A method of communicating audio signals over a digital communications network using a general purpose computer system, the method comprising:
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supplying power to the general purpose computer system configured to include a pre-installed communications program and general purpose programs including a web browser, a word processor, and a spreadsheet; coupling the computer system to the digital communications network; without installing any additional software on the computer system, clicking on an icon displayed on the computer system wherein the communications program initiates access over the digital communications network to a preselected VoIP account; rendering an account activation form on the computer system with the web browser; supplying customer account information in response to the account activation form; and using the computer system to communicate audio signals over the network. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21)
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Specification