Abstract: A packetised data network includes IP telephones (ITs) and a network intelligence (NI). All of the keys of each IT are “soft” keys (i.e., they have no fixed function). The NI associates a configuration data structure with the IT which correlates the keys with functions, and, based on this, may control the display of the IT to indicate the current function of certain of the soft keys. Some of the functions are requests for data services at the telephone (e.g., video or programmed audio over the internet). When a user requests such a service with a key press, the NI sets up the service between the data source and the telephone. This may require associating a new configuration data structure with the keys of the IT. The IT user may activate multiple data services through the NI.

Abstract: A packetised data network includes IP telephones (ITs) and a network intelligence (NI). All of the keys of each IT are “soft” keys (i.e., they have no fixed function). The NI associates a configuration data structure with the IT which correlates the keys with functions, and, based on this, may control the display of the IT to indicate the current function of certain of the soft keys. Some of the functions are requests for data services at the telephone (e.g., video or programmed audio over the Internet). When a user requests such a service with a key press, the NI sets up the service between the data source and the telephone. This may require associating a new configuration data structure with the keys of the IT. The IT user may activate multiple data services through the NI.

Abstract: A network intelligence provides stateless elemental device control to a plurality of network connected components. Selected ones of the network connected components may be associated with one another as an aggregate device and the state of each associated component may be maintained at the network intelligence in a logical model of the aggregate device. Service adapters in the network intelligence may represent this association of components to data network services as a single, multi-function device.

Abstract: A packetised data network includes IP telephones (ITs) and a network intelligence (NI). All of the keys of each IT are “soft” keys (i.e., they have no fixed function). The NI associates a configuration data structure with the IT which correlates the keys with functions, and, based on this, may control the display of the IT to indicate the current function of certain of the soft keys. Some of the functions are requests for data services at the telephone (e.g., video or programmed audio over the internet). When a user requests such a service with a key press, the NI sets up the service between the data source and the telephone. This may require associating a new configuration data structure with the keys of the IT. The IT user may activate multiple data services through the NI.

Abstract: A packetised data network includes IP telephones (ITs) and a network intelligence (NI). All of the keys of each IT are “soft” keys (i.e., they have no fixed function). The NI associates a configuration data structure with the IT which correlates the keys with functions, and, based on this, may control the display of the IT to indicate the current function of certain of the soft keys. Some of the functions are requests for data services at the telephone (e.g., video or programmed audio over the internet). When a user requests such a service with a key press, the NI sets up the service between the data source and the telephone. This may require associating a new configuration data structure with the keys of the IT. The IT user may activate multiple data services through the NI.

Abstract: An electronic system includes at least one element which is operative in response to clock signal pulses, of less than a maximum frequency of occurrence, from a clock signal source. A dither means is connected to the clock signal source for causing the frequency of occurrence to be varied such that electromagnetic radiation which accompanies the normal operation of the system is of a lesser interference effect than if the frequency of occurrence were substantially monotonous.

Abstract: An interface circuit provides for coupling of communications signals between a conductor of a transmission path, and a key telephone system and provides for protection against electrical energies, as may be associated with transient electrical event occurrences along the transmission path. The interface circuit provides for coupling of some of these transient electrical energies from the transmission path conductor to an earth ground. The interface circuit includes a plurality of electrical components and a plurality of electrical conductors being fixed to either of first and second surfaces of a sheet of electrically insulating material. The electrical conductors are spaced apart from each other by at least a predetermined amount. Some of the electrical conductors connect the electrical components of the interface circuit in a workable arrangement whereby the communications signals may be coupled.

Abstract: A key telephone system includes a plurality of ports being linked by port associated bidirectional communication channels which are synchronously switched by transferring bit states between ones of the channels to provide communication paths between the ports as directed by a central processor. The ports are also linkable to and via the central processor by port associated message channels. An interface circuit is responsive to the central processor and message channel signals for regulating flow of messages received by the central processor and for effecting single and plural channel distribution of messages from the central processor. The message channels permit telephony operating features and functions to be provided either within the central processor or by appropriate apparatus means being connected at any of the ports.