Patent ID: 6011836
Filing Date: 2000-01-04
Classification: H04M

Abstract:
A system including a telephony device, an additional device, and a controlling device, said controlling device including a processor and a memory, wherein said system receives externally generated telephony signals from a phone service provider via a first signal path, said system comprising:means for receiving, by said telephony device, a control tone initiated by said controlling device via a second signal path;means, within said telephony device, for recognizing said control tone;means, within said telephony device, for responding to said control tonesmeans, within said additional device, for receiving a digital command signal from said controlling device, wherein said digital command signal contains control information for controlling said telephony device; andmeans, within said additional device, for generating said control tone in response to said digital command signal and for sending said control tone to said telephony device.