Abstract: An automatic call distributor system and an automatic call dialer system that are integrated so that each system has its own set of dedicated agents and the combined integrated system has a set of universal agents that can be switched between systems.

Abstract: Briefly, this invention contemplates the provision of a call pacing method in which the number of calls to dial is periodically (e.g. every two seconds) determined on the basis of anticipated operator availability. The determined number of calls are dialed, subject to a limiting function. Calls in progress are interrupted in a short time slot just prior to first ring if the number of operators available to respond to an answered call falls below a predetermined percentage of the total number of system operators.

Abstract: An adaptive pacing algorithm based on a statistical analysis of the times of calls is used to determine when and how many calls to dial in a call origination management system. This pacing algorithm determines the number of calls to dial as an inverse function of the mean time of all calls and the standard deviation multiplied by a first constant. This first constant is a function of the ratio of nuisance calls to the number of call attempts and is not defined as a mathematical function but is, instead, determined experimentally to be .+-.0.25 of the standard deviation and varies depending on how far the ratio of nuisance calls deviates from a set level. The number of calls to dial is also an inverse function of a second constant times the ratio of the answered calls to the call attempts per session minus the maximum allowable nuisance calls.

Abstract: This invention provides an improved means for communicating between a central communications or computer processor and a plurality of peripheral devices via a serial interface such as a pulse coded modulation (PCM) bus. The processor sends data via one of two redundant communications channels, such as a PCM bus, to the peripheral devices, each of which is equipped with a data receiving means such as a shift register. These data receiving means check a specific character position of the input data for a pattern which is unlikely to occur at random, such as hexadecimal `7E`. (X `7E` has a bit pattern of 0111 1110.) Whenever the specified pattern is detected, a return pattern is generated in a specified character position of the data stream which is periodically sent back to the processor. As long as these return characters are received, the processor continues to send data via the first communications channel, and the receiving peripheral devices continue to read their data from that channel.

Abstract: An apparatus for alternate memory addressing of a random access memory (RAM) allows a first processor to write into the memory on a row-by-row basis and a second processor to read out of the memory on a column-by-column basis. The memory is typically divided into a pluralilty of channels into which the first processor writes data for respective channels asynchronously by the use of twin RAMs. While one RAM is written to by the first processor, the second RAM is read from synchronously with automatic address translation.

Abstract: A digital voice recording and reproducing device, preferably connected to a telephone network uses a storage RAM to store voice messages and digital signals. An internal processor connected to the storage RAM processes digital signals to and from the storage RAM. A high speed RAM connected to the internal processor receives and transmits digital signals to and from the internal processor. Encoders and decoders encode voice signals into pulse code modulated (PCM) signals to be delivered into the high speed RAM, and decode digital PCM signals from the high speed RAM. A high speed processor (HSP) connected to the high speed RAM delivers signals from a switch to the high speed RAM.

Abstract: A call management system takes records from a mainframe computer. A protocol converter converts the synchronous data output from the mainframe computer for use on asynchronous terminals. Parallel port controllers are connected to the protocol converter, and asynchronous terminals are connected to the port controllers. A local processor controls the connection of the terminals to the local procesor or to the mainframe system by sending special function codes during transmissions from the local processor. Each terminal has a special function key downloaded from the local processor which enables the terminal to switch the connection back from the host mainframe to the local processor. The protocol converter converts asynchronous signals to synchronous signals to address and update records in the mainframe computer storage.

Abstract: Pseudorandom numbers are generated for telephone dialing in telephone call management systems by selecting a range of numbers to be dialed, successively randomly generating numbers within that range, comparing each randomly generated number as it is generated with numbers previously generated and recorded or called. When a new randomly generated number matches a previously generated number, a further number is generated and the compared. When no match is encountered, the new number is recorded or called. After recording or calling a predetermined amount of numbers within the range, remaining numbers to complete the range of numbers are selected sequentialy from an array of numbers. The final numbers are recorded or called in sequence, but the steps between the final numbers vary randomly according to the random generation of the numbers in the first part.

Abstract: A call management system takes records from a mainframe computer. A protocol converter converts the synchronous data output from the mainframe computer for use on asynchronous terminals. Parallel port controllers are connected to the protocol converter, and asynchronous terminals are connected to the port controllers. A local processor controls the connection of the terminals to the local procesor or to the mainframe system by sending special function codes during transmissions from the local processor. Each terminal has a special function key downloaded from the local processor which enables the terminal to switch the connection back from the host mainframe to the local processor. The protocol converter converts asynchronous signals to synchronous signals to address and update records in the main frame computer storage.