Abstract: A software distribution service provides time-based licensing of software. Third-party software is augmented with functionality to enable tracking based on usage, and is downloaded through a network to a user's workstation. A user logs into an account over the network to verify account details and a sufficient balance with an authentication server. If verified, the augmented software is activated, and the time of usage is tracked. During use, the augmented software periodically communicates with the authentication server to deduct a metered-usage fee from the user's pre-paid account balance.

Abstract: The PBX system includes an analog to digital, and digital to analog, (A/D) conversion where the sample size and the sample rate are selectively adjustable. The A/D structure includes registers which hold values indicating the sample size and the sample rate for the conversion. When the A/D structure is configured, the A/D structure reads the values in the register and configures itself to the sample rate and sample size indicated by the registers. When the sample size and sample rate is to be changed, the values in the registers are changed and the A/D structure is reconfigured.

Abstract: A bridge board connects a TMS470 processor evaluation module and a TMS320C54XX processor evaluation module. The bridge board performs translation of signal formats on both of the boards and also synchronizes the signal formats on both boards so that both boards are able to operate together. With this bridge board, and its specific connections to both of the evaluation modules, a single workstation, preferably connected to the TMS470 module is able to not only control the TMS470 module but also the TMS320 module. Software for the TMS320 can be loaded from the workstation through the TMS470 module, through the bridge board and into the TMS320 module. The software in both of the evaluation modules can then operate and interact with each other through the bridge board.

Abstract: A card, particularly a digital line card is provided for use with a chassis having a slot for receiving the digital line card. The chassis has an Ethernet bus for receiving packets from the line card and has a power supply and power strip for supplying power to the line card. The line card includes a public switched telephone network (PSTN) digital line input/output interface for sending digital signals over the PSTN and for receiving digital signals from PSTN. A line card control processor is connected to the digital line input/output interface. An Ethernet input/output is provided for sending packets over a local network corresponding to signals received from the telephone line and for receiving packets from the local network and forwarding received signals to the digital line input/output interface.

Abstract: A programmable telephone system including system software and system hardware. The system software includes instructions for operating the telephone system, and requires license information to operate. The system hardware includes a system specific memory and a system board. The system board executes the instructions of the system software. The system specific memory store is the license information and is separately replaceable from the system board in the system hardware.

Abstract: A telephone set of a telephone system is provided with an infrared interface. This infrared interface is able to communicate with an infrared port on a local computer. The computer is configured to send data to the infrared port, and receive data from the infrared port, in the same manner as if the computer was sending and receiving data over a telephone system. The telephone circuitry in the telephone system receives the infrared data and converts the infrared data into a format for transmitting across the telephone system.

Abstract: According to the invention, an Ethernet system and method of using an Ethernet system is provided including a network side device (a hub/switch/concentrator), and a plurality of end devices (either a standard end device powered locally or a system powered device), connected to the hub/switch. The system powered devices have circuitry for indicating the system power need to the hub, which has a power source for selectively supplying system power over the Ethernet. A stimulus device associated with the network device sends a stimulus signal over the network connection lines during a detection phase. The need for power is signaled by an indication device associated with the system powered end devices, providing an indication signal in response to the stimulus signal.

Abstract: A plurality of audio sources are provided in a Private Branch Exchange (PBX) and monitored to determine if audio is available from any of the sources. Once an audio source with an audio presence has been found, that audio source is connected to the PBX and the PBX uses the audio from that source to provide audio-on-hold to the telephone users at that PBX. The audio coming from that audio source is substantially continuously monitored. When it is determined that this particular audio source is no longer providing audio, this particular audio source is disconnected from the PBX network and another audio source having an audio presence, is connected instead.

Abstract: A transformer unit includes a first isolation transformer, a second isolation transformer and a power transformer. A single package incorporates the first isolation transformer, the second isolation transformer and the power transformer. A plurality of connection pins provide connections to the first isolation transformer, to the second isolation transformer and to the power transformer. A process is also provided for connecting transmission lines to a network device including providing transmission lines carrying an electrical supply current, sufficient to power the network device, concurrently with a network data signal. The single unit has the first integrated isolation transformer the second integrated isolation transformer and the power transformer. Some of the transmission lines are connected to the first isolation transformer to isolate transmission signals on the sending transmission lines from a transmitter of the network device.

Abstract: A card, particularly a digital line card is provided for use with a chassis having a slot for receiving the digital line card. The chassis has an Ethernet bus for receiving packets from the line card and has a power supply and power strip for supplying power to the line card. The line card includes a public switched telephone network (PSTN) digital line input/output interface for sending digital signals over the PSTN and for receiving digital signals from PSTN. A line card control processor is connected to the digital line input/output interface. An Ethernet input/output is provided for sending packets over a local network corresponding to signals received from the telephone line and for receiving packets from the local network and forwarding received signals to the digital line input/output interface.