Abstract:
A two-line videophone can be used to initiate video communication while maintaining audio communication throughout the initiation period. A user uses a first line to initiate an analog voice call with another user. The videophone then uses a modem to initiate a video (including image and voice) link on a second line. During this initialization period, the first line continues to carry the analog audio communication. After the video link on the second line is established, voice communication can be switched to the second line. The system then uses another modem to initiate a separate video link on the first line. During the setting up of the digital link on the first line, video communication (including voice and images) continues to be carried on the second line. Consequently, there is no gap in audio communication. After the digital link on the first line is established, both the first and the second lines can be used to carry video communication.
Abstract:
A method for connecting a local and a remote device using a plurality of telephone lines is disclosed. The remote device calls the local device on one of the telephone lines to establish a first telephone connection. The local device sends the other telephone numbers to the remote device on the first telephone connection. The remote device can then establish additional telephone connections. Once connections are established, the two devices can divide a data stream into smaller components. These components are sent via these telephone connections. These components are received by the receiving devices and combined to recover the original data stream. One of the application of the present invention is videophone.