Abstract: A group of rules is stored in memory of a computer system wherein each rule defines an allowable combination of configurable parameters that are controllable by command message. Inputs are received from the user indicating the specific ones of the configurable parameters to be controlled. The selected parameters are compared to the rules to determine sets of configurable parameter communications which are allowed; a first list of such parameters is generated. One of the sets of parameters from the first list is entered on a second list. The first list is modified to exclude sets of configurable parameters which include a control parameter included in the set entered on the second list. This process is repeated until all selected parameters by the user are contained on the second list. The second list of parameters each have a corresponding command message and thus, a group of command messages are automatically generated to control the selected parameters.

Abstract: This invention is generally directed to minimizing the disruption of subscriber selectable features during the transfer of subscriber lines from a first line unit equipment to a second line unit equipment associated with a telecommunications switch. A second data assignment table which is based on a first data assignment table is utilized in conjunction with a digital telecommunications switch to facilitate an improved service transition when subscriber lines are to be transferred from a first type of line unit equipment to a second type of line unit equipment. The data assignment tables contain for each telephone number an identification of a line unit address utilized to support that telephone number and corresponding parameters which identify which customer selectable features are active.

Abstract: In a switchboard terminal apparatus, a plurality of loop circuits are simultaneously handled by a switchboard operator. The number of loop circuits in the apparatus exceeds the capacities of screen displays and keys/lamps. A normal loop circuit controller controls loop circuits up to the capacities as normal loop circuits. A virtual loop circuit controller controls loop circuits exceeding the capacities as virtual loop circuits. A first switching circuit for switching control of the loop circuit, which processes a given call, from the normal loop circuit controller to the virtual loop circuit controller in accordance with a call release request operation of the given call by the switchboard operator. A second switching circuit switches a call being controlled by the virtual loop circuit controller to a call under the normal loop circuit controller when a reentering operation of the switchboard operator occurs by regarding the call as a virtual incoming call to the normal loop circuit.

Abstract: An information reproducing apparatus includes reproduction device for reproducing information recorded on a medium, and a controller for starting the reproduction of information by the reproduction device from a position indicated by data showing a predetermined position on the medium and stopping the reproduction of information by the reproduction device when predetermined information is reproduced by the reproduction device.

Abstract: An automatic port capability assignment system for assigning port capabilities to communication ports (20) of a telephonic switching system (10) with a switch (12) controlled by a central processing unit (14) having a memory (15) to interconnect an external network (16) of external telephonic units with interior telephonic units (18) respectively connected with communication ports (20) of the switch (12) and having various communications capabilities. The physical capabilities of an interior telephonic unit (18) connected to a port (20) are determined by a system administration unit (13) assigning a logical device type and a predetermined set of personal capabilities for the individual user. In response to receipt of a sign-in code of an individual user on an interior telephonic unit (18), the automatic port capability assignment system ascertains the personal capabilities permitted for the individual user.

Abstract: A telephone system which offers a voice message service and which enables visual indication of waiting messages at subscriber locations using suppressed ringing connections through the switching network of the system.

Abstract: This invention relates to arrangements for simplifying the transfer of a source of telecommunications signals, such as a telecommunications customer line or telecommunications trunk, from a first port of a switching system to a second port of that same switching system. Such a transfer requires a transfer of a connection in the outside plant, usually in a manhole, and establishment of a connection from the outside plant to the second port, usually in a distributing frame of the switching system. Translation data is stored for the second port to indicate availability of the second port for assignment to a customer, and, in one embodiment of the invention, to identify the customer to be connected to that second port. In accordance with that embodiment of the invention, the customer line to the first port is tested in the manhole to verify the identity of that customer; the line to the second port is tested to see if the translation data for that second port comprises the same customer identification.

Abstract: A method for use by a switching system in controlling the downloading of parameters to customer stations. The notification of stations due to a change in a configuration group is performed at a controlled rate and accordingly any reduction in call processing due to the parameter downloading of customer stations is limited. The controlled rate notification is performed in accordance with two lists that are maintained by the switching system and used to track the active/inactive status of customer stations and to order the notification of active stations and the status checking of inactive stations.

Abstract: A bell signal generating circuit for a key telephone set. A dc component of a pulse signal is removed by a photo-coupler to generate a first signal. A high frequency component of the first signal is removed by a filter to generate a second signal. A differential amplifier amplifies the second signal to generate a bell signal. To the differential amplifier, a dc supply voltage based on the dc signal in synchronism when the pulse signal is applied.

Abstract: An inexpensive software copy protection arrangement prevents the unauthorized use of customized software for a private branch exchange switch. The arrangement employs a process which recognizes the signature of typical unauthorized activities and freezes the administration capability of the private branch exchange switch when such signature is detected. By freezing the administrative capabilities, the addition, removal or change of an administrative port, extension or routing pattern on the private branch exchange switch is prevented.

Abstract: A facility is provided for allowing a caller to place a telephone call by merely uttering a label identifying a desired called destination and to charge the telephone call to a particular billing account by merely uttering a label identifying that account. Alternatively, the caller may place the call by dialing or uttering the telephone number of the called destination or by entering a speed dial code associated with that telephone number.