Abstract: This invention relates to an arrangement for efficiently transmitting facsimile signals from a facsimile source to a facsimile destination using a standard facsimile user interface. The connected switched communications network recognizes that the call is from a facsimile source or to a facsimile destination and causes the facsimile signals to be transmitted at the transmission speed of the source to storage in a network. Subsequently, the signals are transmitted from storage to a facsimile destination at the transmission speed of the destination when the destination becomes available. Advantageously, the source need not wait for the destination to become available before transmitting, and the transmission can take place at a bit rate that matches the source and the destination even when these bit rates are different. Retransmission because of errors in one link is only required for that link, i.e., from the source to the storage or from the storage to the destination.

Abstract: A personal computer connected to a display and touch screen panel is provided with a form entry system integrated therewith. The form entry system is adapted to display a predefined form and to automatically display a predefined tool, such as a keyboard, menu, calculator, etc., to facilitate inputting information in a respective field of the form or chart. Specifically, the user is prompted as to which field is to be filled in by highlighting the field and concurrently displaying as an overlay (window) the tool that the user will use to input the information called for by the highlighted field. In the case where a field calls for illustratively the insertion of a name, the system may be adapted to display a menu of names as the tool for filling in that field. The user selects the name that he or she desired to be inserted in the field by touching that name. The system responsive thereto inserts the name in that field, highlights the next field to be filled in and displays the tool for filling that field.