Abstract: A system and method for supporting an interactive decision tree with placeholder capability include an interactive decision tree-based expert unit with an input enabled to receive user data that includes a user identification and with an output enabled to transmit system data. A memory is connected to the expert unit for storing the system data. Optionally, the user memory stores the identification and an associated decision tree node identifier representing a node in the decision tree visited by a user prior to termination of a communications link between the expert unit and the user. A device is provided for accessing the decision tree node identifier from the memory utilizing the associated user identification, so that a connecting device can automatically connect the user to a node within the decision tree based solely upon the user identification. Alternatively, the decision tree node identifier is transmitted to the user.

Abstract: A user interface is organized using different personae. When in a master persona mode, a user is provided access to a full list of contacts and to a full set of data files. When in a first alternate persona mode, user access is provided to only a first subset of the full list of contacts and to only a first subset of the full set of data files.

Abstract: A user interface is organized using different personae. When in a master persona mode, a user is provided access to a full list of contacts and to a full set of data files. When in a first alternate persona mode, user access is provided to only a first subset of the full list of contacts and to only a first subset of the full set of data files.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for remotely updating a portable calendar includes a receiver for receiving a first wireless data transmission which includes a proposed scheduling update to the calendar. A memory provides storage for data comprising the calendar. A display which is responsive to the receiver displays a graphical representation of the calendar and the proposed scheduling update. A user interface, such as a set of keys of a keypad or an alternative input device, is configured to transmit control signals to a processor in response to manipulation of the interface by the user. The processor is connected to the memory to execute a calendar control program and is configured to effect a scheduling update in response to a control signal received from the user interface.

Abstract: A private branch exchange is provided having the capability of receiving external alarms via the standard telephony line or trunk interfaces. According to one embodiment, a PBX 200 includes a switching control circuit 202 having line monitor 212 and DTMF 210 capabilities. The switching control circuit 202 is coupled to a central processing unit 204 which in turn is coupled to a memory 206. The memory 206 stores a database 208 identifying a predetermined number of telephony trunk 214 and/or line input/output circuits 218 over which external alarms are to be reported. The CPU 204 identifies an external alarm contact closure as a fault on the telephone line or trunk, thereby insuring proper identification of the location of the alarm.

Abstract: A switching system for automatically transferring a call is provided. A detecting unit (80) is used to detect an event. First and second outputs (10, 20) are provided for receiving an incoming call. A switch (12) automatically switches from the first output (10) to the second output (20) when the event occurs. Thus, the incoming call is received by the first output (10) before the event occurs, and by the second output (20) after the event occurs. In another embodiment of the invention, a switching system for automatic user access is provided. In this embodiment, a detecting unit (80) is again used to detect an event. An output device (106, 107) is also provided. Both the detecting unit and the output device (106, 107) are coupled to a processor (100). Access to the output device (106, 107) is automatically granted by the processor (100) after the event occurs.

Abstract: A calendar system within a telephone system includes an interface for obtaining information from a calling party, calendar data which includes a calendar for a called party, and an agent. The agent, in response to a request to schedule a telephone call with the called party, searches the calendar of the called party to determine an available slot for the telephone call. After confirming that the available slot for the telephone call is acceptable to the calling party, the agent schedules the telephone call in the available slot of the calendar for the called party.

Abstract: A method and connectivity evaluation system for testing trunk lines dedicated by a centralized telecommunications system to a customer switching system, such as a PBX, includes allowing the trunk-seizing capability of the telecommunications system to be remotely accessed from the premises of the customer switching system. The dedicated trunk lines can be sequentially isolated in response to the remote access of the trunk-seizing capability. Isolated trunk lines can be used to transmit test signals to opposite end equipment for evaluating characteristics of the signal. The test signals can be generated from either or both of the central office of the telecommunications system and the premises of the customer switching system, but in the preferred embodiment, all such transmissions are controlled from the customer switching system. In another embodiment, the transmissions are controlled from the central office.