Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of interface between a voice activated dialing system and a user. The present invention solves the problems presented by the prior art by providing a user interface which can add a name and corresponding telephone number to a directory during the process of initiating a telephone call. In addition, the present invention provides the user the opportunity to select which element of a directory listing should be changed, using a single integrated review, erase and change functionality accessible while in a directory mode.

Abstract: An optical bus for distributing a light wave signal to a plurality of receivers. The optical bus (10) includes a generally cylindrical form (12) having a helical groove (14) inscribed on its outer surface. At a plurality of nodes (30), an optical fiber (16) wound about the form within the helical groove is caused to bend through a radius of curvature (22) sufficiently small so that a portion of the light propagating along the fiber is transmitted outside the fiber. A plurality of light detectors (26) are disposed at each of the nodes and are operative to produce an electrical signal corresponding to the portion of the light wave signal that is transmitted outside the fiber. The electrical signals are input to an electronic cross-connect matrix (108) and are selectively connected to a plurality of LEDs (112, 116, 120, 124) which each produce a light wave signal corresponding to the electrical signal for distribution to a receiver through a network of distribution optical fibers (126, 128, 130, 132).