Abstract: An intercom system utilizing peer-to-peer computer network hardware that shares bandwidth between digital audio transport and inter-processor data communications on a common time-division-multiplexed (TDM) parallel bus. The system hardware automates symmetric, simultaneous, variable-length data block transfers among all of the microprocessor-controlled cards in the system. These cards communicate without intervention by or assistance from a central controller or intermediary communications processor, thereby improving system throughput and reliability and decreasing system complexity. An additional benefit of the communication scheme employed herein is that all system cards automatically track changes in the population of other cards in the system. The intercom system described employs a Configuration Card connected to a configuration computer to provides the system supervisor with the ability to quickly configure the system for a particular use without altering the system's hardware configuration.

Abstract: An intercom system utilizing peer-to-peer computer network hardware that shares bandwidth between digital audio transport and inter-processor data communications on a common time-division-multiplexed (TDM) parallel bus. The system hardware automates symmetric, simultaneous, variable-length data block transfers among all of the microprocessor- controlled cards in the system. These cards communicate without intervention by or assistance from a central controller or intermediary communications processor, thereby improving system throughput and reliability and decreasing system complexity. An additional benefit of the communication scheme employed herein is that all system cards automatically track changes in the population of other cards in the system. The intercom system described employs a Configuration Card connected to a configuration computer to provides the system supervisor with the ability to quickly configure the system for a particular use without altering the system's hardware configuration.