Abstract: An audio system includes a general-purpose computer in the audio signal path to provide, or to enhance, pre-amplification functions. In one embodiment, in response to audio signals from a pre-amplifier, a programmable multimedia controller including the general-purpose computer generates control commands and passes these control commands via a signal path back to the pre-amplifier. In a second embodiment, rather than control a separate pre-amplifier, the programmable multimedia controller itself implements the pre-amplification functions. In yet another embodiment, a power amplifier includes the general-purpose computer and pre-amplification functions are implemented there. Also, a display screen shows a virtual control panel that is used to control the pre-amplification of audio signals. The virtual control panel provides a graphical user interface that simulates, replicates, or replaces with an alternate arrangement, the physical controls and readouts found on the control panel of a physical device.

Abstract: A programmable multimedia controller which may be programmed to provide advanced, diverse telephony services including video phone calls, audio and videoconferencing, voicemail, text messaging and answering machine functions among others. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a touchscreen which is interfaced with the multimedia controller may be used as a virtual telephone, intercom or other communication or control device. By displaying a simulated telephone keypad, intercom controls or other appropriate controls on the touchscreen, a user may access both basic and advanced features and functions in a way that is intuitive and familiar. In an alternative embodiment, a simple remote control may be used with a televison to enable user access to the same advanced telephony services as with the touchscreen. The programmable multimedia controller may be directly connected with conventional handsets to provided plain old telephone service (POTS) as well private branch exchange (PBX) service.

Abstract: An open, high speed, high bandwidth digital communication network for connecting multiple programmable telecommunications switches to form a large capacity, non-blocking switching system. Each network switching node includes circuitry for transmitting and receiving variable-length, packetized information over the network, thus enabling each node to receive information from or transmit information to all other nodes. The network may carry any type of information present in the system including voice, data, video, multimedia, control, configuration and maintenance, and the bandwidth of the network may be divided or shared across various information types. Devices such as voice processing resources may also interface with the network, thereby gaining direct access to all information passing through the network. Also provided are methods and packet structures for communicating information over the network.

Abstract: The invention is an interface, and a method for operating the interface, for use in an open, high-speed, high-bandwidth digital communication network that connects multiple programmable telecommunications switches to form a large capacity, non-blocking switching system. The interface resides between the network and one or more processing resources, and operates to provide bi-directional communication between the network and the processing resources. Each interface includes circuitry for transmitting and receiving variable-length, packetized information over the network, and circuitry for transmitting and receiving data between the interface and one or more processing resources. The processing resources associated with one of the interfaces may thus be provided to other telecommunications switches, and ports associated therewith, connected to the high-bandwidth network. The processing resources may also gain direct access to all of the information passing over the network.

Abstract: An open, high speed, high bandwidth digital communication network for connecting multiple programmable telecommunications switches to form a large capacity, non-blocking switching system. Each network switching node includes circuitry for transmitting and receiving variable-length, packetized information over the network, thus enabling each node to receive information from or transmit information to all other nodes. The network may carry any type of information present in the system including voice, data, video, multimedia, control, configuration and maintenance, and the bandwidth of the network may be divided or shared across various information types. Devices such as voice processing resources may also interface with the network, thereby gaining direct access to all information passing through the network. Also provided are methods and packet structures for communicating information over the network.

Abstract: Methods for interconnecting and transferring circuit switched data (CSD) and packet switched data (PSD) in an open, high speed, high bandwidth, expandable telecommunications system having a plurality of switching and non-switching nodes which reside on one or more inter-nodal networks, including a method of operating a programmable bridge for exchanging information bidirectionally between any two such inter-nodal networks.

Abstract: A means for transferring circuit switched data (CSD) and packet switched data (PSD) in an open, high speed, high bandwidth, expandable telecommunications system having a plurality of switching and non-switching nodes. The network may carry any type of information present in the system including voice, data, video, multimedia, control, configuration and maintenance, and the bandwidth of the network may be divided or shared across various information types. The network provides each node with essentially direct access to information (e.g., circuit switched data, packet switched data, etc.) originating from any port associated with any node served by the network. Different packet structures are provided for communicating circuit switched data, packet switched data, maintenance and control information, and the like. In one method, each node transmits one or more packets, each having an "empty" payload, which is received by other nodes that determine the source of the received packet and the packet's status.

Abstract: A user-programmable telephone switch which resides within a commercially available personal computer. The switch is controllable by either the personal computer's microprocessor or a separate, external host connected to an interface provided within the switch. The switch includes a CPU/matrix card that contains a time slot interchange and a CPU running under a real time operating system. The CPU/matrix card controls the overall operation of the switch in accordance with messages received from the operative host. In general, those tasks or functions which must be performed in real time are the responsibility of the switch, as opposed to the internal or external host. Within the switch, certain tasks or functions may be delegated by the CPU/matrix card to intelligent line cards which contain their own microprocessors having substantial call processing capability.

Abstract: A programmable telecommunications switch has automatic backup of line cards to provide complete redundancy. The switch has I/O cards which terminate the external telecommunications spans. Each I/O card passes the data from its spans to a line card. When the line card fails, the I/O card switches the data onto an I/O bus which is connected to a standby I/O card. The standby I/O card switches a standby line card into connection with the I/O bus such that the data stream is then serviced by the standby line card. The failed line card may then be removed and replaced. All I/O cards are attached to the I/O bus such that redundancy for all active line cards using the same signalling protocol is provided with a single standby line card. With multiple I/O busses, standby I/O cards and standby line cards, multiple redundancy is possible. Finally, the failure of a single line module of a line card may be handled by switching only the span serviced by that module to a standby line card.

Abstract: An open, high speed, high bandwidth digital communication network for connecting multiple programmable telecommunications switches to form a large capacity, non-blocking switching system. Each network switching node includes circuitry for transmitting and receiving variable-length, packetized information over the network, thus enabling each node to receive information from or transmit information to all other nodes. The network may carry any type of information present in the system including voice, data, video, multimedia, control, configuration and maintenance, and the bandwidth of the network may be divided or shared across various information types. Devices such as voice processing resources may also interface with the network, thereby gaining direct access to all information passing through the network. Also provided are methods and packet structures for communicating information over the network.

Abstract: A telecommunications switch which may be configured to provide a variety of user-programmable communications or call processing services. Such services may be dynamically provided to any port served by the switch without reducing the number of time slots that would otherwise be available for calls. The switch includes a CPU/matrix card, one or more line cards for terminating analog or digital lines or trunks, and one or more programmable communications services cards, all of which are connected in communicating relationship by a series of buses. Each communications services card is independently programmable and includes a processor for processing messages received from the CPU/matrix card. The communications services card provides a basic platform onto which different types of modules may be mounted to meet the requirements of a particular application.

Abstract: A user-programmable telephone switch which resides within a commercially available personal computer. The switch is controllable by either the personal computer's microprocessor or a separate, external host connected to an interface provided within the switch. The switch includes a CPU/matrix card that contains a time slot interchange and a CPU running under a real time operating system. The CPU/matrix card controls the overall operation of the switch in accordance with messages received from the operative host. In general, those tasks or functions which must be performed in real time are the responsibility of the switch, as opposed to the internal or external host. Within the switch, certain tasks or functions may be delegated by the CPU/matrix card to intelligent line cards which contain their own microprocessors having substantial call processing capability.