Abstract: An improved technique for connecting calls through a telephone network is disclosed wherein a data signal transmitted from a computer over- a separate network is used to instruct the telephone switch to make the desired connection.

Abstract: An improved conferencing protocol is disclosed wherein users telephone a predetermined number and enter any conference identifier arranged among themselves. Users entering a common conference identifier are connected with one another.

Abstract: In a voice processing system, a voice detection algorithm is disclosed wherein the sensitivity is adjusted based upon whether or not tones (e.g.; DTMF) are presently being received. In an additional embodiment, the adjustment is made only when the voice processing system is in a predetermined mode.

Abstract: A technique for improved DTMF detection utilizes a speech detector, either alone or in combination with other information from a voice processing arrangement, to adjust the sensitivity of the DTMF detector. The DTMF detector is turned completely off when the voice processing application is in the record mode, and when speech is detected.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for recovering in-bound calls to a call center, which in-bound calls were directed to overflow. An embodiment of the inventive method includes the steps of: logging telephone numbers of in-bound calls that overflow the handling capacity of the call center, which telephone numbers are provided by the signaling capacity of the network to the call center; determining when call center agents become available; automatically initiating calls back to the logged telephone numbers; detecting when calls are answered; and causing call center agents to be connected thereto.

Abstract: ANI Blocking System (ABS) logically interfaces between a calling party and a called party in a telephone network which provides CallerID and CallerID blocking. The ABS automatically: (1) accepts a call from the calling party; (2) places a call to the called party; and (3) connects the called party with the calling party.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for measuring the transmission quality of a telephone line, for example, a telephone line connected between two voice processing systems. The apparatus includes means for generating a predetermined sequence of DTMF pulses having predetermined amplitude values and for transmitting them over a telephone line; means for receiving DTMF pulses from a telephone line and determining the value of each pulse; means for counting the number of received DTMF pulses; and means for comparing the number with a predetermined threshold value, whereby the telephone line is determined to have acceptable transmission quality if the number exceeds the predetermined threshold value. Further, in a preferred embodiment, the predetermined sequence of DTMF pulses comprises four groups of ten (10) DTMF pulses, each of which groups has succeedingly lower amplitude.

Abstract: A Call Filter System (CFS): (1) logically interfaces between a public telephone network and business customer premises equipment; (2) automatically processes incoming and outgoing calls which are amenable to such intervention; and (3) enlists the aid of human intervention on calls requiring such intervention.

Abstract: Circuitry which permits a plurality of peripherals to share a single interrupt signal line in computer systems and thereby increase the number of peripherals which can be supported.