Abstract: Audible calling line identification. Network resources are used to provide text-to-speech translation based audio “caller-ID” services to a telephone subscriber. In a plain old telephone system (POTS), audio calling line identification is played to the subscriber after the subscriber answers the phone in response to a ringing signal. The subscriber is then given the opportunity to supply a response, directing the disposition of the call. In a telephone system which supports on-hook signaling between the switch and the customer premises equipment (CPE), a setup message is sent to the CPE to go off-hook and play the audible calling line identification through a built-in speaker. An intelligent peripheral (IP) or service node within the network provides the required text-to-speech translation services.

Abstract: Apparatus (1) for use as an endoscope or borescope comprising an outer tube (2) having a distal end (3) which is insertable into an inaccessible location to be inspected and a proximal end (4) which is accessible to the user. A zoom lens is provided within the outer tube adjacent the distal end and is operable to focus an image with variable magnification at a focal plane within the outer tube. The zoom lens comprises an objective lens (7) which is fixed relative to the outer tube and two independently movable lenses (8,13). An elongate viewing means (43) is provided for viewing the image and extends through the outer tube from a location at the focal plane to a location proximal of the proximal end. A cam operated actuating means (29,21) is operable to move the movable lenses to change magnification and to synchronously move the viewing means relative to the objective lens to compensate for movement of the focal plane.