Patent ID: 7023987

Claim:
An interface for using a telephone with a computer, comprising: a first switch that selectively couples the telephone to the computer, the first switch being operable in accordance with a control signal; a hook detector that is coupled to the telephone and the first switch and generates the control signal in accordance with a hook state of the telephone; a level shifter that is coupled between the first switch and the telephone and converts first sound signals originating from the computer into second sound signals for generating sound by the telephone when the first switch couples the telephone to the computer; a voice input that is coupled between the first switch and the telephone and converts third sound signals originating from the telephone into fourth sound signals for reception by the computer when the first switch couples the telephone to the computer; and host interface software in the computer, the host interface software receiving data corresponding to the fourth sound signals and being adapted to cause network voice applications to be launched in accordance with predetermined patterns in the fourth sound signals.