Patent ID: 7734034
Filing Date: 2010-06-08
Classification: H04M

Abstract:
1. A method of detecting use of a speakerphone by a party engaging in a voice communication over a communication system, said method comprising the steps of: providing the communication system including a voice network, and at least two voice terminals connected to the voice network enabling voice communications to be conducted between users of the voice terminals; providing an echo detector in one of said voice network and said voice terminals for detecting hybrid and acoustic echoes generated in the communications system when voice communications are conducted; providing an echo discriminator in communication with said echo detector, said echo discriminator distinguishing between hybrid and acoustic echo present in the voice communications; conducting voice communications between the users of the voice terminals; detecting the presence of acoustic echo in the voice communications by said echo discriminator; and generating a warning signal to a far end user indicating that a near end user employs the use of a speakerphone.