Abstract: Communication systems, terminals and methods are provided which are capable of supporting, and/or being used in conjunction with, communication session scheduling. The communication systems include a plurality of terminals, ones of which are operative to receive and transmit communication signals among a plurality of parties. At least one terminal includes both an interface operative to receive a scheduling signal and a circuit. The circuit is operative in response to the received scheduling signal to modify selectively one of either a first data set or a second data set. The first data set represents the availability of a first party to respond to a received communication signal. The second data set represents the priority associated with a particular communication signal transmitted from the first party to at least a second party.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for serving selected lines and trunks from two or more switches. The selected line and trunks are connected to peripheral units each served by two or more switches. The switches each maintain translation information and the supervisory states of the selected lines and trunks. Advantageously, at low cost, the selected lines and trunks can be provided with service even when one of the switches is out of service.

Abstract: A communication device, such as a telephone or a facsimile device, includes an input device for inputting code information for a call to be transmitted through a communication network, a transmitting device for transmitting dual-tone multiple frequency (DTMF) signals to the communication network according to the code information, and a transmission control device for controlling transmission parameters of a DTMF signal. At least one of a plurality of parameters, including signal transmission time, signal pause time, and signal transmission level, is made different by the transmission control device for a DTMF signal transmitted during the call by the transmitting device after the execution of a dialing input from the communication device to the communication network.

Abstract: A method of operating a network by sharing resources associated with various classes among calls in the various classes according to a state dependent reservation parameter. Nominal amounts of one or more resources are allocated to each call class. When a call of a class of service operating in the network requires resources in excess of those allocated to the class, resources allocated to other classes of service are advantageously shared with the class of service. The sharing is based on a reservation parameter associated with the class of service of the call. The reservation parameter is advantageously a function of the network state. The role of the reservation parameter is to protect underloaded classes (i.e., those classes not using all of their allocated nominal capacity) from excessive borrowing by overloaded classes (i.e., classes using more than their allocated nominal capacity).

Abstract: There is provided a method of adding a new private branch exchange interface (PBX port) to a data communication network having a number of existing PBX ports, each coupled to respective ones of data transport nodes for sending and receiving via high speed data links (e.g., T-1 lines) customer data to each of the other nodes. A network management system computer having a database is coupled to the network.

Abstract: A distributed, predictive, event-driven processing environment is provided for controlling a number of elements characterized by different states and events. Transitions between states are reflected by predictive, event-driven, independent functions provided in the action subroutines and do not require state searches associated with fixed state machines. Action subroutines can be grouped together in various service groups which require similar event processing. Service groups are invoked by an action subroutine manager which can also access a application programming interface set. Processing of different elements can be spread across multiple processors or a single processor with the action subroutines having no knowledge of the number of processors.

Abstract: A user of a telephone terminal with an interactive display is provided complete access to all feature choices in a hierarchical menu through a minimum number of menu keys. These menu keys include a "Next" key, a "Back" key, a "Select" key and a "Home" key. These menu keys occupy minimal space on the housing of the telephone terminal, yet enable the user of the terminal to easily scroll to and select every feature in the interactive display. The user is able to quickly develop a mental model of the feature choices and easily navigate through these menu selections. Context-sensitive functionality also is provided for using the interactive display. As a user completes a command function, the feature choice presented to the user for this function is the one most likely to be accessed by the user, thus advantageously avoiding the necessity of having a dedicated key for allowing the user to select this feature choice.

Abstract: A method for enabling a plurality of Local Service Providers within common Numbering Plan Area (NPA) to serve Subscribers of the plurality Local Service Providers. The method includes the step of assigning to each Subscriber of a Local Service Provider within the common NPA a unique three digit code, hereinafter referred to as a SPA code. The service provider area (SPA) code is used by the telephone system in the same manner presently used for routing calls made when a calling Subscriber dials the NPA code of the called party. Here, however, the SPA code is not dialed by the calling Subscriber. The dialed directory number, NXX-XXXX, of a called Subscriber subscribed to a different Local Service Provider, is sent to a database. The database maintains a record of the relationships between the directory numbers of Subscribers and a the SPA codes of the Subscribers. The database retrieves the SPA code associated with the dialed directory number presently serving the called Subscriber.

Abstract: A remote audio monitor for use with a telephone answering device connected to a common telephone line enables the screening of an incoming telephone call from a remote location with respect to the answering device. The remote audio monitor monitors the changing DC voltage levels of the telephone line following the ring signal and the answering of the incoming call, and activates when the answering device has generated a beep tone on the telephone line to indicate recording of an incoming message. Upon the proper sequence of the desired events, the remote audio monitor activates a loudspeaker and broadcasts the received message in real time at a location remote from the answering device. More than one remote audio monitor can be connected to the telephone line to provide simultaneous independent monitoring from various remote locations with respect to the answering device.

Abstract: A method for creating a virtual public numbering domain, which will coexist with and be parallel and non-intrusive to the existing geographic North American telephone network numbering plan is disclosed. It will have sufficient capacity to provide additional and more flexible numbering resources which will stimulate and enable many new service applications. The existing telephone network infrastructure has digital switching points and a database system. The method includes receiving at one of the digital switching points a called number, and verifying whether the number called is a number of the virtual public dial plan.

Abstract: A programmable timer circuit having ON and OFF volume control states; for controlling the volume of audible signals generated by a signal generator of a communication device at preprogrammed times is disclosed. The programmable timer circuit monitors a communication link for the presence of signals indicative of an incoming communication. When such signals are detected and the volume control state of the timer circuit is ON, the volume of the audible signals generated by the signal generator of the communication device is adjusted so that such audible signals are broadcast with a programmed loudness. Volume control of the audible signals generated by the signal generator does not prevent outgoing communications using the communication device. The fact that the volume of the audible signals generated by the signal generator is controlled, is not apparent to the calling party.

Abstract: Disclosed is a three-way call detection system that uses digital signal processing to identify a third party connection. The disclosed invention operates by establishing a baseline ambient, or background, noise level, and detecting when the signal noise level drops below the ambient noise level. When the current signal noise level drops below the ambient noise level, the system assumes that a three-way conference call has been attempted by the called party.

Abstract: A language translation system for translating phrases from a first language into a second language comprises a store holding a collection of phrases in the second language. Phrases input in the first language are each characterized on the basis of one or more keywords, and the corresponding phrase in the second language is output. Such a phrasebook approach enables what is effectively rapid and accurate translation, even from speech. Since the phrases in the second language are prepared in advance and held in store, there need be no problems of poor translation or ungrammatical construction. The output may be in text, or, using speech synthesis, in voiced form. With appropriate choice of keywords it is possible to characterize a large number of relatively long and complex phrases with just a few keywords.

Abstract: The invention provides a speech therapy system, comprising a first channel including a microphone, and a first analog-to-digital (A/D) transducer for transducing voice signals from the microphone into digital form, a second channel including at least one respiration sensor attachable to a user's body for detecting breathing motion, and a second A/D transducer connected to the sensor for transducing breathing motion signals into digital form. The system further includes a processing, video display and voice output unit, to which the first and second channels are connected, for the simultaneous display of voice and breathing motion patterns while effecting the sounding of the voice signals.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are set forth which enable users of a network which supports the AMIS Analog Protocol to define numbering plans which shorten and simplify addressing an AMIS message to specific AMIS Sites. These user friendly numbering plans are referred to generally herein as "Enhanced Addressing" schemes. The methods and apparatus contemplated by the invention also support the construction and utilization of the "System Number", as defined in the AMIS Analog Protocol, particularly in conjunction with performing Enhanced Addressing.

Abstract: The processing of telephone calls is described herein. A telephone call is initiated over a public telephone line using a carrier direct telephone number having a carrier specific identifier. The carrier specific identifier designates the international carrier that has assigned the carrier direct number (Carrier Direct Service Provider). The telephone call is routed to an international carrier in the country of origin. That international carrier recognizes the carrier specific identifier and routes the call to the Carrier Direct Service Provider. The Carrier Direct Service Provider translates the carrier direct telephone number to a public telephone number. The call is then routed over public telephone lines in accordance with the public telephone number.

Abstract: Telephone calls passed from an operator service exchange (3) on to a local operator position (1) are received at the latter and information is issued to the caller. The principle components of the position (1) are (A) a connection (6) to the position desk controller (4) of the operator service exchange (3), (B) a speech connection from the position desk controller which terminates in a headset, and (C) a local personal computer (5) which, on the one hand, produces a display and controls the speech connection and, on the other hand, provides access to the required information. This position (1) is operated remotely, in that the local personal computer (5) is remote-controlled by a remote personal computer (8) through an ISDN telephone connection and in that, at the same time, the speech connection is extended from the position desk controller (4) through the local personal computer (5) and a telephone network to a remote operator position (2).

Abstract: A peripheral platform, such as an Intelligent Peripheral (IP), is provided in a Common Channel Interoffice Signaling (CCIS) network having a Services Control Point (SCP) and intelligent network capabilities. The IP or similar platform provides alternate service activation (ASA) and obviates the necessity for the SCP to store a large number of subscriber service profiles. The IP has a call channel link to central office switches of the telephone network and has a data link to the SCP. On receiving a request for activation of alternate service the IP communicates with the SCP and the SCP communicates with the switching offices to retrieve a subscriber service profile from one central office switch and downloads and double assigns that profile to a second central office switch which may thereafter implement the features in that downloaded profile.

Abstract: A method of providing communication service to a plurality of subscribers comprised of allocating various services to roles to be filled by the subscribers, receiving a trigger for the service to a subscriber in a particular role, and providing different features to a user associated with the service which are restricted to those services which are allocated to the particular role.

Abstract: A telephone terminal has a plurality of handsets and at least one button to input a demand for starting an outgoing call or receiving an incoming call. The terminal includes a demand recognition unit for recognizing the input demand through the one button. The terminal also includes a search unit for searching for handsets in the idle status when the input demand has been recognized. The terminal further includes a select unit for selecting one of the searched handsets that are in the idle status as a selected handset. The terminal also includes a call connection unit for controlling a call connection of the operation corresponding to the input demand, when a handset in the idle status has been selected. The terminal still further includes a nullification unit for nullifying the input demand when no handset in the idle status has been selected.