Abstract: A feature telephone having an internal mechanism for providing access to its features from a remote location. Without third party intervention or the aid of special features on a PBX or public network, a remote user can set up his office phone to transfer telephony features to another phone, such as his home phone. For example, a user can gain access to his company's tie lines and private network from his home telephone. A user can also bill data calls to his office phone or receive office calls at his home phone without the use of a PBX or public network call forwarding feature. According to another aspect of the mechanism, a user can also set up a password to restrict access to his telephone's features and set up a time of day clock to activate call forwarding and feature access between predetermined hours of the day.

Abstract: A distributed, server-based communications network architecture delivers broadband and narrowband communications services. In the architecture, various traditional call processing functions, such as switching fabric or channel control, call control, and connection control are separated into distinct application processes with clearly defined interfaces for communications between these application processes. Those distinct application processes may be implemented in separate physical or logically partitioned nodes. The well-defined interfaces allow communications among: a) physical or logically partitioned nodes within a network and b) physical or logically partitioned nodes of other networks.

Abstract: A system for supervising a telephone connection using over a pulse code modulated carrier network between a first customer's equipment and a second customer's equipment. A first channel unit is located in a channel bank serving the first customer's telephone equipment. A second channel unit is located in a channel bank at a remote central office that is geographically remote from the first customer's equipment. The second channel unit is coupled to the second customer's equipment through a switch at the remote Central Office. The second channel unit includes a means for detecting a reverse battery signal generated by the Central Office when the second customer's telephone goes off-hook, and a means for converting the reverse battery signal into a digital supervisory signal. The second channel unit transmits the digital supervisory signal, preferably using the A and B signalling bits on a pulse code modulated carrier system.

Abstract: A feature interaction manager (FIM) is interposed between a telecommunications switching platform within a network and the feature logic providing call features to subscribers using the platform. Control is interposed within the interface between the detection of events within the switching system and the implementation of the telecommunications services by the feature logic in order to manage the interaction of various ones of a plurality of features provided to a subscriber. The system evaluates events within the network in order to isolate each feature from the other features and associates them only through the feature interaction manager.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for configuring a telephone (10). A connection (20) is formed between the telephone (10) and a telephone environment (60). A list of services offerable through the telephone environment is generated (100). A list of candidate procedures for establishing each listed service through the telephone environment is generated (102). At least one of the listed procedures is executed (104) for each listed service to determine whether the listed service is supported by the connection (20).

Abstract: A telephone line selection and accounting system is provided. The system an electronically programmable read only memory (EPROM) database of rate information for each carrier. Upon initiation of a user call, the database is first updated using automatic rate update tones (if available) from each carrier. The database rate information is then used to select the lowest cost carrier. The system provides the capability to connect to a carrier using either distinct lines or local access numbers over a common line. During the call, total elapsed time and cost is displayed at the user phone. Once the call is complete, call accounting information is stored for later retrieval and analysis. In addition to the automatic rate update tones, the rate information database may be updated either by changing EPROMs or by manually entering new rate information from a user phone.

Abstract: A communication system detects special service information (e.g., calling party identification) during a silent interval between ringing signals on an incoming call and stores the information in a call record created for the call. In response to predetermined call conditions, this information is included as part of a control signal sent over an extension loop to a station terminal. Call features such as delayed ringing, hold, call transfers, line preselect and switch hook status are utilized to control where, when and if this information should be displayed at various station terminals.

Abstract: A parallel phone detection circuit is described, the function of which is to enable a phone call to be transferred from a first telephone set to a second telephone set. The detection circuit maintains the first telephone set connected to the telephone line until the handset of the second telephone set has been taken off-hook, and then disconnects the first telephone set. The circuit operates by detecting the line current from the telephone line and produces the reference value for comparison purposes related to that line current.

Abstract: A key telephone system has a main service unit including at least a main controller, a terminal interface and an office line interface, and a telephone terminal which is connected to the terminal interface. The telephone terminal includes a handset for transmitting and receiving a voice or a speech signal between a user and the other user, and a speech circuit for regulating a volume of the handset.

Abstract: TDMA timing is maintained by the use of visibility information transmitted among the stations in a conference. Each station monitors the identity of stations from which bursts are received. A station also receives visibility information from other stations. The station combines the information to maintain a two-dimensional Visibility Designator Byte matrix or array. A station participates in the process by periodically transmitting its own VDB array to other stations. The stations then, independently, identify a prime station by using the collected and processed information. Using the same information, a station also identifies the manner in which it will lock to the timing of the prime station.

Abstract: A graphical user interface workstation for use with a manager controller to control and implement changes to telephone sets of customer key telephone systems served by a telephone switching system. The workstation records high resolution graphical representations of each telephone set of a customer key telephone system and enables a customer user to select and display a recorded high resolution graphical representation of each telephone set of the customer user key telephone system. The workstation is interactive with the customer user and enables the customer user to selectively enter telephone lines, features and directory numbers changes into key button locations of a displayed telephone set graphical representation.

Abstract: A digital telephone for use as a PBX station includes a display for displaying information such as called number and call duration as well as messages from other stations or from a message center associated with a PBX system. The station includes a printer mechanism having the capability to print information corresponding to what is currently displayed on the display as well as messages from other stations or from the message center. Provision of the printer enables a hard copy printout of messages and calling information to be obtained.

Abstract: A system for external control of call processing including a network controller that is connected to receive a third party control message regarding a call operation to be executed by one or more line controllers and is programmed to determine what first party steps need to be taken by the line controller or controllers to execute the call operation, to generate first party control messages to carry out the steps, and to send the first party control messages over a network via a message transfer interface to one or more line controllers, the line controllers being connected to the network via message transfer interfaces to receive the first party control messages and being programmed to execute the first party messages on the network.

Abstract: A communication system includes a number of terminals which communicate through a centralized switch of the system and a lesser number of speech processing circuits which are located remotely from the terminals and which allow full-duplex speakerphone capability to be available to each of the terminals of the system on a shared basis.

Abstract: There is provided a key telephone system which can use data registered in a memory card. The system comprises: a main apparatus which has a memory and operates in accordance with the data stored in the memory; and an extension telephone having a receiving circuit to receive data from a memory card, wherein the main apparatus stores the data which was received by the extension telephone from the memory card into the memory. With this system, data such as names, denominations, telephone numbers, and the like of the partners can be registered into a portable device such as a memory card by the keyboard of the extension telephone or by the keyboard of the portable device at a remote location at an arbitrary time.

Abstract: A communicating system has a control unit to perform a switching control of lines, a communicating apparatus which is connected to the control unit and operates in accordance with the control by the control unit and another terminal such as a facsimile apparatus connected to the communicating apparatus, wherein the communicating apparatus has connecting apparatus to connect this terminal with the control unit independently of the control by the control unit. The communicating apparatus consists of a button telephone set connected to the control unit by a communicating line and a control line. With this system, the switching operation can be performed without needing a complicated control and the connecting lines such as speech lines and control lines can be efficiently used. The user can arbitrarily switch the line of the communicating apparatus to which the facsimile apparatus is connected.

Abstract: A virtual private line key telephone system is provided. The system includes a console including a plurality of line keys each associated with a party that can be reached via a switched trunk line. A look-up table means associates the line keys with the telephone numbers of the associated parties. A communication path is established from the console to one of the trunk lines. Signals are sent to the central office via the selected trunk line corresponding to the telephone number in the look-up table means associated with a line key that is actuated to place a calls. The telephone number of incoming calls are determined and compared with telephone numbers in the look-up table. Thereafter the line keys which are associated with the incoming calls are determined. The incoming call is coupled to the console when a line key associated with the incoming caller is actuated.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for private telephone automatic locating and answering. By installing at a receiver's location, an apparatus for automatic telephone locating and answering, the receiver not only can talk to the caller using a telephone set provided by the apparatus, but the apparatus can also automatically dial up a paging center to locate the receiver. Then the receiver may dial up his own automatic locating apparatus, to hold conversation.

Abstract: A switching system for application services is provided with a terminal. At least one application processor stores a plurality of application programs for providing a plurality of the application services. Switching equipment couples the terminal to the application processor. The terminal has a specifying means for specifying one arbitrary application service out of the plurality of application services. When a user specifies the one arbitrary application service using the specifying means of the terminal, this information is transmitted to a common control unit of the switching equipment. The common control unit receives the application service specifying information from the terminal, and transfers this application specifying information to the application processor. The application processor selects the one arbitrary application service based on the application service specifying information which is transferred from the switching equipment.

Abstract: A system and method of answering incoming calls are disclosed in which, if the resource (18)(19) desired by the caller is not then available, a robot controller (14) will inform the caller when a call back to the caller can be made. The callback time can be suggested by the robot controller (14) or the caller can request a specific callback time. The robot controller (14) ascertains and verifies the caller's call back identity and stores the number of the identity in a callback queue (11) along with such other pertinent information as the callback time, the caller's name and the required resource. At the appropriate time, the robot controller (14) removes the information from the callback queue (11), places the call and connects the desired resource (18)(19).

Abstract: The type of an outside line acquired at the time of placing an outside-line call is identified, and an idle outside line of this same type is acquired when a call is placed to a party in an auto-repeat mode, thereby establishing the call to the party. Further, types of outside lines acquired preferentially at the time of originating an outside-line call are registered in advance, and idle outside lines are selected and acquired in accordance with the order of preference.

Abstract: A telephone apparatus includes an extension telephone for receiving data from a card, a timepiece unit, and a control unit for alarming a coincidence between time data included in the data received from the extension telephone and time data of the timepiece unit. The control unit performs a display on the basis of display data included in the data received by the extension telephone.

Abstract: An electronic exchange system comprising a telephone exchange for connecting at least extension lines and office lines, and at least an extension terminal which can be connected to the exchange, which has keys and can function as a communication device is disclosed. The terminal has a first memory device for storing key-assign data consisting of the codes of the keys, a data-receiving device for receiving the key-assign data, a memory control device for writing into the first memory device the key-assign data received from the telephone exchange, and a first control device for retrieving a key code from the first memory device and supplying the key code to the telephone exchange when the key identified by the key code is operated.

Abstract: There is provided a key telephone system which can use data registered in a memory card. The system comprises: a main apparatus which has a memory and operates in accordance with the data stored in the memory; and an extension telephone having a receiving circuit to receive data from a memory card, wherein the main apparatus stores the data which was received by the extension telephone from the memory card into the memory. With this system, data such as names, denominations, telephone numbers, and the like of the partners can be registered into a portable device such as a memory card by the keyboard of the extension telephone or by the keyboard of the portable device at a remote location at an arbitrary time.

Abstract: Two telephone numbers, one for an outside call and one for an extension call, are registered for each of a plurality of one-touch buttons through a procedure the same as that used in placing a call conventionally and without providing new buttons. When an input designating an outside call is made before pressing a one-touch button, the party corresponding to the outside telephone number is called. When an input designating an outside call is not made before pressing a one-touch button, an extension telephone corresponding to the extension call telephone number is called. Since the same one-touch call designating button can thus be used for both an extension call and an outside call, many telephone numbers can be registered with a small number of buttons.

Abstract: A key telephone system comprising a terminal device and a main apparatus which exchanges speech signals with the terminal device, the terminal device having a loudspeaking circuit for providing a predetermined amount of loss to either one of first speech signals selected to be transmitted to the main apparatus and second speech signals received from the main apparatus to prevent howling in a loudspeaking conversation mode, said system comprising: a first communication unit provided in the terminal device, for sending the first speech signals to the main apparatus through a first channel and receiving the second speech signals from the main apparatus through a second channel separated from the first channel; second communication unit provided in the main apparatus and connected to the first communication unit, for receiving the first speech signals from the first communication unit through the first channel and sending the second speech signals to the first communication unit through the second channel; in the

Abstract: A call management system connected locally between a central office telephone company switching station (CO) and a conventional single telephone line having multiple extensions provides call paging and intercom capabilities between the multiple telephone extensions. An integrated voltage generator supplies a high voltage, local ringing voltage for ringing the local extensions independent from the CO and a low voltage talk or "battery" feed to the local telephone when they are operated independently from the CO. Line splitting apparatus temporarily separates the CO from the local extensions when the local ringing voltage is generated by the integrated voltage generator and injected into the local telephone extensions. A hold device mimics an active local telephone off the hook, thereby keeping a call from the CO holding when the local telephones are being used in the paging or intercom modes.

Abstract: A modular switching system for terminating and originating calls between central office subscriber lines and local stations provides the appearance of a business environment to an establishment served by one or more central office lines and as few as one local station. Central office lines may comprise standard subscriber lines or PBX trunks. The switching system includes one or more master switching units (102, 112) equal in number to the central office lines which are seved by the system; and a plurality of station switching subsystems (120, 130) corresponding in number to the local stations served by the switching system. Each master switching unit includes a main port for connection to a telephone answering device (TAD). A TAD comprises a manual attendant's module and/or an automatic telephone answering set to provide a recorded audio announcement (OGM) which advises a calling party how to proceed to complete a call to a particular local station served by the called central office number.

Abstract: 8kHz ASK signals are produced by an electronic business set instrument to function as control or feature signals. To avoid the problems of transmiting the 8 kHz ASK signals over voiceband telephone lines over long distance, the least significant bit (LSB) of each 8 bit word representative of voice signals is cuased to be at a predetermined level (e.g., low) when an ASK signal is present and at the other level (e.g., high) when there is no ASK signal. A coder-decoder (CODEC) receives a composite signal in one transmission direction, the composite signal including voice signals and 8 kHz function code signals, and produces a sequence of digital words representing the voice signals for telephone path transmission. The presence of an ASK signal is detected and represented in a digital format which is inserted into the digital words. The CODEC receives digital words from the other end of the path, converts them back into annalog signals and generates ASK signals when the presence of such signals is indicated.

Abstract: A system is provided to automatically reconfigure resource modules (302) to perform selected functions. Incoming telephone calls are allocated by a resource manager (304) to appropriate resource modules (302). Based upon logic programmed into a computer (309) coupled to the resource manager (304), the system can predict how many resource modules (302) providing each function are required to handle the incoming calls. The computer (309) directs the resource manager (304) to reconfigure certain of the resource modules (302) to provide the necessary functions. This reconfiguration can occur dynamically during any particular call.

Abstract: A control system for a plurality of telephone sets connected as branched to a central office line allows extension calling, privacy function setting and hold releasing operations between the telephone sets. Each of the telephone sets in the branched connection comprises keys through which a control data corresponding to a desired control operation is inputted, a transmission circuit for sending to the central office line a control signal corresponding to the control data inputted by the keys, a reception circuit for receiving the control signal from the line, and a control circuit for performing a predetermined control operation on the basis of the control signal received by the reception circuit, whereby the respective operations of the telephone sets are mutually controlled on the basis of the control signal.

Abstract: In response to a calling-out command from an extension telephone set connected to an extension line from the main equipment of a key telephone system, an ISDN line and a PSTN line which are accommodated as external lines are searched for a free external line, until a free external line is acquired. A determination is made as to which type is the acquired external line, whether it is the ISDN line or the PSTN line. On the basis of the result of this determination, different kinds of audible sound are sent to the extension telephone set, thereby informing the type of the acquired external line.

Abstract: A key telephone system including a key service unit, a plurality of key telephone station sets which are connected via speech lines for transmission of speech signals and via data lines for transmission of data, and a device provided at the key service unit for sending a predetermined discrimination signal to a selected key telephone station set via an associated speech line, whereby the key service unit sends key telephone station set information to the plurality of key telephone station set via the data lines, and each of the plurality of key telephone station sets derives its own key telephone station set information from the key telephone station set information sent via the data lines, on the basis of the discrimination signal sent via the speech line.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method capable of indicating a communicating duration on a displaying means (LCD) of a key-phone upon a communication via the public telephone office line in a key-phone system. The method includes the steps of: a first process for driving a communicating duration starting timer and informing that communication is started; second process for initializing a buffer storing a communicating duration and driving the communicating duration increasing timer; third proces for driving said communicating duration increasing timer and then checking if it is in a state of a public telephone office line reserving, and terminating in a state of accumuating the communicating duration to a buffer; fourth process for producing present communicating duration data and transmitting the data to a key-phone; and fifth process for increasing a count value of communicating duration storing buffer, driving the communication increasing timer, and advancing to said third process.

Abstract: A call processor (32) for intercepting incoming calls to a key telephone system (10) and returning a message to a calling party. A digital message storage unit (48) stores messages associating called parties with respective pseudo-telephone numbers so the calling party can input information identifying a desired called party. A CPU (50) of the call processor (32) references a look-up table (52) with the pseudo-telephone number input by the calling party to select and transmit a message via an intercom line (36) to the key telephone system (10). The message carried by the intercom line (36) broadcasts a message relating to the identity of the called party as well as the line to utilize.

Abstract: A key telephone apparatus includes a main device which is connected to a telephone network line and a plurality of extension telephones connected to the main device. When the line dialed from the extension telephone is busy, the busy tone signal transmitted to the extension telephone is detected by a tone detection circuit provided in the extension telephone. In response to the detection of the busy tone signal, a controller provided in the extension telephone produces a redial command which is applied to a controller provided in the main device. Thus, a controller redials for the same line after a predetermined time interval. If the line is still busy as detected by the tone detection circuit in the extension telephone, the controller provided in the extension telephone sends the redial command to the controller provided in the main device which repeats the redialing after the predetermined interval.

Abstract: A key telephone management controller system enabling telephone customers to control and implement changes to customer key telephone systems served by a telephone switching system. Apparatus and a method interactive with telephone customers records customer-selected key telephone button and line features and controls the telephone switching system to assign the customer-selected button and line features to telephone sets of the customer key telephone system.

Abstract: 8 kHz ASK signals are produced by an electronic business set instrument to function as control or feature signals. To avoid the problems of transmitting the 8 kHz ASK over voiceband telephone lines over long distance, the least significant bit (LSB) of each 8 bit word representative of voice signals is caused to be at a predetermined level (e.g., low) when an ASK signal is present and at the other level (e.g., high) when there is no ASK. At the receiving end, the state of the bit is used to regenerate the 8 kHz. Detection of the ASK is performed by a high-pass filter.

Abstract: An intercom system for use with a plurality of telephones on a single extension includes a single master station and a plurality of slave stations. The master station is connected so as to interrupt the telephone line pair to and from a central exchange. Each slave station is preferably associated with a handset that is on the extension. When the extension is not being used for intercom service or for an outside call, any telephone handset on the extension that has a keypad can initiate a signal that is received and decoded in the master unit. When the master station receives such a signal, it disconnects the line to the telephone exchange from the extension and connects the telephone exchange to a circuit that detects incoming calls so that they can be signaled to users. The master station also sends a signal to each slave station that enables the intercom function.

Abstract: A call coverage arrangement in which coverage personnel are informed of the switch-hook status of covered terminals by way of a single two-part indicator on the coverage terminal. The two-part indicator indicates switch-hook status for any one of a number of covered terminals. The first part of the indicator identifies the covered terminal and the second part defines the switch-hook status of the identified terminal. The arrangement is flexible in providing coverage for additional terminals and in providing coverage via forwarding from any termianl, since there is no need to assign and dedicate status indicators to particular terminals.

Abstract: A key telephone system which provides both key and private branch exchange (PBX) operational modes utilizes a plurality of digital telephone station sets which communicate with line circuits connected to a time division multiplex (TDM) telephone switching system. A single pair of leads (tip and ring) connect each station set to the line circuits. The TDM switching system has a processor with an operating system which carries out the processes which provide for the selection of key and PBX features. The TDM switching system also provides access to trunk lines which connect the telephone station sets via the TDM switching system to other switching systems, such as the central office of the public utility telephone company. In the station sets and in the line circuits, there are provided channels for signalling data and for PCM data. The PCM data may be voice, codes, or digital data.

Abstract: A call processor (32) for intercepting incoming calls to a key telephone system (10) and returning a message to a calling party. A digital message storage unit (48) stores messages associating called parties with respective pseudo-telephone numbers so the calling party can input information identifying a desired called party. A CPU (50) of the call processor (32) references a look-up table (52) with hte pseudo-telephone number input by the calling party to select and transmit a message via an intercom line (36) to the key telephone system (10). The message carried by the intercom line (36) broadcasts a message relating to the identity of the called party as well as the line to utilize.

Abstract: A gating circuit for operation in conjunction with a manual cord telephone switchboard to service multiple operational modes of a subscriber telephone connected for telephone communication to a central office. In one mode, an internal intercom connection is established between the subscriber telephone and the switchboard. In a second mode a secretarial service connection is established allowing direct communication between the switchboard and the central office. A ring detection circuit detects when the subscriber telephone has been rung from the central office.

Abstract: A key telephone system provided with a power supply for supplying power to a specified key telephone set at all times and a controlled power supply capable of turning ON and OFF the power supply to controlled key telephone sets other than the specified key telephone set. The controlled power supply has provision for being automatically turned ON and OFF in accordance with a predetermined schedule or turned ON and OFF under control of the specified set. The power supply is turned ON upon receiving an incoming call or turned OFF upon ON - hooking of the key telephone set after a talking operation with a calling party or automatically turned ON and OFF in response to a specified dial signal incoming after automatically answering the incoming call. The key telephone system can have provision for individually controlling the power supply to each controlled key telephone set.

Abstract: An adjunct call manager unit connects to a station set port of a telephone communication system and receives button identification and status signals to determine line, agent, and feature activation status of the system. In response to one or more of the received status signals, commands are sent to the system using button depression commands and switchhook commands to effectuate call processing control over the system. In one embodiment, the adjunct unit functions as an automated call distributor for managing incoming calls to the system.

Abstract: A key telephone system includes a plurality of key telephone sets having speakers and tone signal generators and communicating with each other through extension links. The key telephone system further includes a first memory, a second memory, a main CPU, a sub CPU, an MF signal generator, and a speech path switch. The first memory stores availability of the extension links. The main CPU discriminates whether all extension links are available according to the storage contents of the first memory in an extension call mode. The MF signal generator signals to a calling key telephone set that all the extension links are busy when the main CPU discriminates that all the extension links are busy. A second memory stores information on each calling and called key telephone set if the extension call is in a state where the MF signal generator signals that all the extension links are busy.

Abstract: In a communication system, a modular expansion subsystem comprised of a plurality of general purpose slots disposed in the system cabinet, for receiving one or more co-operatively shaped interface modules connected to associated peripheral units, such as RS232C computer ports, answering machine interface circuits, local area network interface circuits, modems, etc. Additional slots are disposed in the cabinet for receiving one or more co-operatively shaped line or trunk interface modules connected to associated subscriber sets and outside telephone lines. A further slot is disposed in the cabinet for receiving a co-operatively shaped memory module in which an operating system program is stored. The various modules communicate with a central microprocessor of the communication system, which executes the stored operating system program, for identifying the various types of modules and the particular slots in which they are disposed.

Abstract: A communication system controller is operable under program calls from two memories which are independently changeable. A first memory includes a group of hardware-dependent programs and a second memory includes a group of hardware-independent programs. Calls are initiated by programs resident on the first memory to an interface program resident on the second memory at an address known to programs of the first memory. This interface program call includes an argument indentifyng the function program to be called. The interface program uses the argument to determine the location of the function program from a program table and then transfers control to the function program.

Abstract: A communication system includes station sets having one or more function enable buttons and a plurality of line access buttons. The function enable buttons include the extension, transfer and send message buttons. Each line select button is associated with a communication line and with the station set associated with that line. Operation of a function enable button initiates the feature associated with that button and also changes the function of a line select button from a line access button to an auto-dial select button for dialing the station associated with the line select button.

Abstract: A multi-line, multi-instrument telephone system having no key service unit and wherein decentralized or local indicator lamp and paging circuit management functions are provided which are operative independently in each station set to operate and control the indicator lamps and paging circuits through selective local generation and alteration of control signals and comparison of the control signals with locally generated reference voltage signals to provide basis for decisions on required visual and audible indicator status. The system is connected in loop fashion with each instrument being connected across a common, multiconductor buss wherein a single conductor supports lamp supervision signaling for the multiple lines and another single conductor supports intercom status signaling, intercom audio, paging audio, and the ring signal.