Abstract: A preprocessing script-based data communications system and method that embeds information regarding the previous state of the system within script data. This effectively imposes a state memory upon what would otherwise be a stateless system. Typically, the scripts processed by this system are similar in structure and format to ordinary HTML scripts, with the addition of several commands that facilitate programming embedded state information. Within systems employing the invention a client is afforded the capability of having one script influence another by exploiting the preprocessor imposed state memory. In addition, the invention provides these advantages to a client without the need for storing state information on a data system server, thereby providing increased system security.

Abstract: A data transmission system and method employing either a renegotiated variable bit-rate ("RVBR") network or a renegotiated constant bit-rate ("RCBR") network. Within these networks, data transmission rates between a sender and a recipient are rapidly renegotiated as a function of previously stored data transmission rate information and system buffer levels. Such a system and method can be readily implemented within existing CBR and/or VBR network architectures. The RCBR and RVBR networks allow for the implementation of an intelligent data traffic management systems that are responsive to the rate at which new calls or requests for connections enter and leave the network, the frequency and duration of extended peak rate data bursts, as well as the occurrence of short duration data transmission peaks.

Abstract: The invention conveys network related information utilizing a single bit within a data cell. This is facilitated through a statistical analysis of a plurality of such single bits collected over a period of time from multiple data cells, and provides a level of intelligence beyond a simple indication of whether or not a particular parameter has exceeded a preset threshold. Thus a switch compiling such information can convey more accurate statistical information with respect to a varying parameter related to data cells (such as queue size, current transmission rate or link utilization) being sent to the various receivers within the network. Each receiver can then apply a suitable filter to the stream of received bits to extract the appropriate information, and send that information back to the source. In response, the source adapts the transmission rate or amount of data cells being sent to the switch accordingly.

Abstract: A communication method wherein rate of information transfer with a given signal transmitted or received at a transceiver node is dynamically varied as a function of the relative quality of the transmission environment. The method employs a responsive buffering process at each communication node that permits this rate to be varied somewhat independently of the rate at which information is transferred to or from the transceiver node. In a particular application, the invention permits information to be exchanged between a wireless signal having a variable error correction bandwidth and a fixed bandwidth data stream.

Abstract: A system and method for the segmentation of data exhibiting an intrinsic long-term average data rate, punctuated with periods of peak rate data bursts. This segmentation conditions the data for efficient transmission via either a renegotiated constant bit-rate ("RCBR") network or a renegotiated variable bit-rate network ("RVBR") network. Within these networks, data transmission rates between a sender and a recipient are rapidly renegotiated as a function of previously stored data transmission demand information and system buffer levels. Such a system is responsive to the rate at which new calls or requests for connections enter and leave the network, the frequency and duration of extended peak rate data bursts, as well as the occurrence of short duration data transmission peaks.

Abstract: A system and method for the storage of digital information wherein data that would normally be represented by multiple bits of information is effectively stored at single memory site within a ROM. This is accomplished by employing a multiple bit-line memory architecture, in conjunction with a data decoder. With this arrangement it is possible to store, at a single memory site, information that would have required up to log.sub.2 (n(n-1)/2)+1) individual memory sites in a conventional ROM (where n is the number independent of bit-lines connected to an individual memory element in the invention). The invention is particularly well-suited to what would be considered relatively low-speed data retrieval systems, such as those adapted to provide audio and/or video to a user on a real time basis.

Abstract: The invention provides a telephone caller with ready access, regardless of his or her location, to an array of calling features and services through an automated interface. The invention provides a caller with these features and services by accessing a central database via a regional processing node. In this manner, a caller may access the same personalized telephone services from anywhere in the world without having to be aware of, or conform to, particular protocols or access procedures required within any given local telephone network. The invention also serves to prompt the caller in the caller's language-of-choice, and accepts commands via standard dual-tone multi-frequency ("DTMF") signals and/or verbally in the caller's language-of-choice.

Abstract: An upgrade arrangement wherein the switching functions of an in-service switch or cross-connect system are transferred or "re-homed" onto a new, larger capacity switch via the existing input and output ports of the original system. The re-homing can be performed without loss of service, even if the original system is operating at full-capacity. By exploiting the protection redundancy engineered into existing telecommunication switching systems, all of the signals being routed through the original switch are temporarily consolidated onto only one-half of the switching fabric normally required to accommodate such connectivity. This signal consolidation allows half of the original switch ports to be brought off-line (without a service disruption), and linked to the new, higher capacity switching fabric.

Abstract: A method for fabricating read-only memory ("ROM") devices utilizing junction field-effect transistors ("JFETs") having a conductive channel orthogonally oriented with respect to the surface of the semiconductor material composing the JFET. A fixed-position ion beam is employed to create this narrow gate channel, which extends between the JFET's source and drain contact. Employing such JFETs as basic memory sites within a semiconductor ROM circuit allows for an architecture that conforms to a minimum lattice structure layout. In addition, the resulting ROM offers high speed access of data. Although JFETs have not been utilized as the transistor of choice within ROMs because of their seemingly inferior performance when compared to MOSFETs, the invention provides a novel architecture which significantly enhances the practicality of the JFET as a memory device.

Abstract: An improved system for effecting broadband/multimedia calls and connections within an intelligent switched telecommunication network. This system, which employs object-oriented commands, is capable of establishing complex call and connection configurations between multiple network subscribers participating in a broadband/multimedia call. These object-oriented commands, which are stored in and initiated from network adjuncts or service control points, eliminate the need for long series of individual low-level commands to be transmitted to the network switching system. Furthermore, the system provides for a finite set of object-oriented commands which are capable of implementing the many complex and diverse interconnections which may be required in effecting multi-party broadband/multimedia calls. This is accomplished by selectively combining various object-oriented commands to produce the connectivity which will support the desired broadband/multimedia call.

Abstract: A technique employing a depolarized optical source to reduce the polarization dependent gain associated with the optical pump signal used to excite doped fiber amplifiers within an optical transmission system. Pumping the doped fiber amplifiers with a signal that has no single predominant linear SOP, equalizes the gain of the amplifiers. A particular embodiment of the invention includes a pump comprised of a passive polarization scrambler coupled to the output of a multifrequency optical laser. The simple, passive arrangement keeps overall system costs to a minimum and increases reliability.

Abstract: A method for effecting bandwidth-on-demand, multiple digital channel connections between network subscribers, wherein each of a series of call requests from a given network subscriber to a given recipient establishes a connection via a restricted tandem switching arrangement. The switches within the network facilitating this method are each programmed to utilize inter-switch paths having essentially equivalent electrical delays when effecting connections for calls dialed by network subscribers designated as bandwidth-on-demand users, resulting the virtual elimination of inter-channel differential path delays.

Abstract: A status indicator for monitoring a fuse or a circuit breaker, including optically isolated triggering and alarm circuits which can be integrated into a fuse holder or circuit breaker housing. More particularly, a status indicator having an LED connected in series with a fuse or circuit breaker across a power source, and a phototransistor arrangement, connected across the power source, in series with an alarm circuit. The arrangement is configured so that as long as current flows through the fuse or circuit breaker, the LED produces light which causes the phototransistor to be maintained in a non-conducting state, and the status indicator to remain in a non-alarm state. Upon failure of the fuse or circuit breaker, current flow to the LED is interrupted, resulting in the phototransistor being biased into a conductive state, and the alarm circuit being activated.

Abstract: A multiple node telecommunication system path identification technique enabling expedited path testing and/or monitoring, and providing rapid confirmation upon completion of a successful testing and/or monitoring function. The technique eliminates erroneous system alarms arising from a properly transmitted PID arriving at a given node prior to the receipt at that node of the correct PID from a system controller. This is accomplished by employing a memory at each system node capable of storing the most recent PID sent to the node by the system controller, the previous PID sent to the node by the system controller, and the PID received from another system node, or from a transmitter linked to a system transmission path. Each of the nodes within the telecommunication system facilitating the technique is further adapted to accept a PID received via a transmission path without triggering an alarm, if that received PID matches either the most recent or previous PIDs received from the system controller.

Abstract: A technique for reducing the power threshold at which stimulated brillouin scattering ("SBS") occurs within an optical fiber by directly modulating a conventional laser generating an optical signal propagated along that fiber. The modulation is accomplished by employing an alternating waveform to induce a dither upon the laser output. The specific frequency of the alternating waveform is chosen to be very much lower than the low frequency cut-off of any receiver coupled to the optical fiber, but sufficiently high enough to efficiently suppress the Brillouin gain. This dithering causes the laser to be frequency modulated, thereby broadening the effective linewidth of the laser output and increasing the SBS power threshold.

Abstract: An on-line technique which allows the monitoring and adjustment of switching node control parameters within an optical network. More specifically, a technique wherein a low-frequency modulation is induced upon an optical signal as it passes through a node within a switch or sub-system by varying the control voltage applied to that node about what is assumed to be the optimum control voltage level, the optical signal at position downstream from the node is analyzed to ascertain the amplitude, frequency, and phase characteristics of the induced low-frequency modulation, and a determination is made, on the basis of the amplitude, frequency, and phase information, as to the whether the control voltage which was assumed to be optimal is indeed at the correct level to insure proper operation of the node. The amplitude of the induced low-frequency modulation may be maintained at low level so as not to interfere with the transmission of the primary information and data carried by the optical signal.

Abstract: A multiple-master, digital communication technique is provided which employs standard universal asynchronous receivers and transmitters ("UARTs") linked to a common data transmission bus, and a hardware-based inter-station contention scheme utilizing a bus separate from that employed for data transmission. This communication technique effectively eliminates any window of collision for data transmitted on the bus, and greatly reduces the amount of software processing required to resolve contention between stations. In addition, the hardware required to support the dedicated contention bus scheme is comprised of inexpensive, commercially available logic gates.