Abstract: A coding/decoding apparatus performs predictive coding/decoding with motion compensation. A plurality of motion vectors are unified corresponding to motion of portions of a picture to obtain a motion vector group arranged in two-dimensional block. Motion vectors in the group are converted into one-dimension to obtain another motion vector group arranged in one-dimension. A motion vector value in the other group is predicted from another motion vector in the same group to obtain a motion vector predictive residue. The motion vector predictive residue is then coded with variable-length codes including zero run length codes to obtain a bitstream per motion vector group. The bitstream of motion vector groups composed of variable-length codes including zero run length codes are decoded to obtain a fixed-length motion vector predictive residue.

Abstract: To perform a motion picture format conversion at high speed in a motion picture converting apparatus, the apparatus comprises: input device 101 for inputting a digital image signal constituted of blocks, each block being orthogonally transformed; a frame memory 102 for storing the digital image signal; block reading device 103 for reading the blocks or a macro block from the frame memory in response to a request; region dividing section controlling device 109 for sending a read request to the block reading device; component extracting device 104 for extracting a low-frequency component alone of the captured image signal; two low-resolution frame memories 105 for storing extracted information; motion detecting device 106 for detecting a motion in accordance with the information in the low-resolution frame memories; a region dividing section 113 including macro block classifying device 107 for labeling the macro block in response to a motion detection result by the motion detecting device and label storing devi

Abstract: Synthesizing of video frames that have been dropped by a video encoder is achieved by interpolating between decoded frames at a decoder. The method consists of successive refinement stages that increase in computational complexity. Starting with a spatio-temporal median filtering approach, each stage uses information that improves the quality of the interpolated frames, such as bit stream motion information, decoder-based motion estimation and motion-based state segmentation of regions. By using more computational resources, each of these stages results in an improved quality of interpolated video. The motion compensation techniques are based on block-based motion estimation of the kind used by block-transform based video encoders. More accurate motion estimates are obtained by using a combination of forward and backward block motion estimation.

Abstract: A method determines true motion vectors associated with a sequence of images. The images include fields made up of blocks of pixels. The method selects candidate feature blocks from the blocks of pixels. The candidate feature blocks have intensity variances above a threshold indicative of texture features. Candidate feature blocks in similarly numbered adjacent field intervals are compared to determine sets of displaced frame differences parameters for each candidate feature block. The true motion vectors for each candidate feature block are determined from a minimum weighted score derived from the difference parameters.

Abstract: An apparatus and concomitant method for selecting a macroblock coding mode based upon the quantization scale selected for the macroblock. The total number of bits needed to code each macroblock consists of two parts, bits needed for coding motion vectors and bits for coding the predictive residual. The number of bits for coding the motion vectors is generally obtained from a look-up table. The number of bits for coding the predictive residual is obtained by an estimation which assumes that the number of bits for encoding the predictive residuals is directly proportional to the value of its variance and inversely proportional to the value of quantizer steps (quantizer scale). Using this estimation, the total number of bits necessary to code a macroblock is calculated and compared for each coding mode. By selecting the coding mode with the least number of bits, a near-optimal solution of low complexity for practical implementation is acquired.

Abstract: A digital television (DTV) data format converter of a system automatically detects whether a serial data stream includes parity data and converts the serial DTV data stream to a parallel DTV data stream. The DTV data format converter transmits the parallel DTV data stream converted from the serial DTV data stream in accordance with a first conversion protocol if the serial DTV data stream includes parity data. If the serial DTV data stream does not include parity data, the converter transmits the parallel DTV data stream converted from the serial DTV data stream in accordance with a second conversion protocol. In this way, the converter accommodates a serial DTV data stream with or without parity data. The DTV data format converter may be implemented in the form of a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) card, permitting compatibility with computer systems and other PCI-based systems. The DTV data format converter may include a receiver block, a transmitter block, and a buffer.

Abstract: A statistical multiplexing apparatus and method for generating and combining a plurality of encoded video bit streams. A storage device contains pre-stored a priori statistics indicative of the encoding complexity of the video signals from which the encoded video bit streams will be generated. The pre-stored a priori statistics may include inter-pixel differences in the same picture or between multiple pictures or pre-encoding a priori statistics generated during a preliminary encoding of the video signals. Examples of pre-encoding a priori statistics include the number of bits per picture at a given quantization level, an average quantization level, picture types, scene change locations and repeat field for one or more of the video bit streams. The video signals are applied to encoders which compress the signals in accordance with bit allocation decisions generated by a statistics computer.

Abstract: A soft output decoding method and apparatus are provided for provided convolutional codes. After computing the number of states times I&bgr; (&bgr;t˜&bgr;t−D+1) for a truncated length, the soft output outside the truncated length is sequentially computed, as next following I&bgr; (&bgr;t−D˜&bgr;t−2D+1) outside the next following truncated length is computed, at the same time as I&bgr; of the next truncated length is sequentially computed. In this manner, a decoder performs computation of I&bgr; within the truncated length and computation of I&bgr; retrogressive by not less than the truncated length, in parallel processing, as a result of which the computation of I&bgr; per clock is the number of states x2. This apparatus and method thereby reduces the volume of computation and expedites the decoding.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement with a data sequence generator for the generation of an oscillator signal as a sequence of digital data, and having the following circuit parts: a first multiplication unit driven by a first auxiliary signal and a first control signal, where the first control signal corresponds to the sine of a manipulated variable that determines the frequency of the oscillator signal; a second multiplication unit driven by a second auxiliary signal, where the second control signal corresponds to the cosine of the manipulated variable; a third multiplication unit driven by a third auxiliary signal and a third control signal, where the third control signal corresponds to the sum of the first and second control signal; a first adding unit driven by the first multiplication unit and third multiplication unit; a second adding unit driven by the first multiplication unit and the second multiplication unit; a first time-delay unit driven by the first adding unit, where the oscillator signal is provided as a t

Abstract: A BTSC-compatible encoder that is integrated onto an application specific integrated circuit includes a low pass filter that is responsive to a digital representation of an audio signal that has a sample rate of FS. The low pass filter generates a corresponding second digital signal having an pseudo-interpolated sampling rate of 4FS. A digital infinite impulse response pre-emphasis filter generates a pre-emphasized output signal corresponding to the second digital signal. A digital signal compressor that is responsive to the pre-emphasized output signal, generates a compressed digital signal corresponding to the pre-emphasized output signal. A digital phase locked loop that is responsive to a video sync pulse having a sync pulse frequency, generates a third digital signal corresponding to a sinusoid having a frequency equal to twice the sync pulse frequency and a having a sampling frequency equal to 4FS.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing spectral shaping transmitted samples with a set of predetermined frequency characteristics and a predetermined set of allowable transmitted signal levels are disclosed. The method first calculates, for each of the transmitted samples, a running measure of unwanted components upto the current sample. It then computes, for each block of the transmitted samples, an objective function based on the running measure previously calculated. It then selects, for each block of the transmitted samples, at least one redundant sample to be added or at least one transmitted sample to be modified, at structured or randomized location within the block to optimize the objective function. The location of the dependent sample can further be fixed, scrambled (pseudo random) or randomized. The method of computing can be any one of the following: a Running Filter Sum, a Running Fourier Transform (“RFT”) or Fast FT (“RFFT”), or an RDS, for each transmitted sample.

Abstract: A digital carrier recovery system includes at least two modes of operation, namely, an acquisition mode and a tracking mode. The bandwidth of the carrier recovery loop filter is different for the acquisition mode and the tracking mode. In the acquisition mode, the digital phase-locked loop seeks and locks to the long term frequency offset of the received carrier signal. In the tracking mode, the digital phase-locked loop tracks the instantaneous variations in the carrier phase. Switching between the acquisition mode and the tracking mode is realized digitally, and includes programmable hysteresis, resulting in optimal performance in the presence of signals having high levels of phase noise (jitter). More specifically, the carrier recovery loop filter “locks” to the pilot signal of an incoming signal, e.g., a vestigial side band (VSB) video signal, by employing a so-called digital vector tracking phase-locked loop that demodulates the VSB signal.

Abstract: An automatic frequency control circuit (84) and a method for automatic frequency control in a digital receiver includes a CORDIC vector rotation processor (88), an FM demodulator (100) and an integrator (72). The circuit and method utilize the CORDIC computing technique to simplify required circuitry and to reduce required software processing power over conventional automatic frequency control techniques.

Abstract: A circuit and method for adaptively calculating a decision error of a digital signal in a digital modulation system.

Abstract: In a clock reproducing circuit for use in a multilevel QAM demodulation circuit and including a clock phase error detecting circuit receiving a digital in-phase signal to generate a phase error signal, and a voltage controlled oscillator receiving the phase error signal through a loop filter, for generating a reproduced clock, the clock phase error detecting circuit comprises first and second delay circuits receiving the digital in-phase signal, the first delay circuit generating a ½-data period delayed signal, and the second delay circuit generating a one-data period delayed signal; an offset value generating circuit receiving the in-phase signal and the one-data period delayed signal for generating an offset value; a first subtracting circuit for subtracting the offset value from the ½-data period delayed signal to generate a first phase error signal; a second subtracting circuit for subtracting the one-data period delayed signal from the in-phase signal to generate a subtraction result signal

Abstract: A method and apparatus to compensate for skew in a processor clock signal. A first clock signal at a first location in the processor is compared with a reference clock signal. The first clock signal is corrected based on the results of this comparison with the reference clock signal. The clock signal may be corrected by using a programmable delay compensator. A second clock signal at a second location in the processor may be compared with the corrected first clock signal and the second clock signal may be corrected based on the results of the comparison. The compensators may be permanently programmed as required using fuses associated with compensator control bits.

Abstract: A method and system for receiving CIMT encoded data transmitted in simplex mode. The receiver (12) is adapted to receive a stream of digital data and analyze successive portions thereof to identify a predetermined pattern of data. The receiver (12) outputs the received digital data in response to a detection of the predetermined pattern of data and, in the alternative, outputs other data in response to a failure to detect the predetermined pattern of data. In the illustrative embodiment, the stream of digital data is transmitted as conditional invert master transition encoded simplex data. The receiver (12) includes a CIMT decoder (16) which analyzes the input data to identify a master transition therein. The receiver (12) uses a local clock to analyze successive portions of the received data stream and word alignment logic to identify a master transition therein.

Abstract: In a digital phase-frequency detector with anti-backlash pulses, which prevent the mapping of very short correction pulses occurring on the basis of small phase differences by use of an AND logic circuit controlling the RESET of two flip flop circuits, a waste time is shortened by reducing a duration of the RESET pulse. The integrable phase-frequency detector according to the invention can be used in fast digital phase-locked control loops, for example for tuners, frequency synthesizers in the field of mobile radio.

Abstract: Radioactive stents used in angioplasty on sclerotic coronary arteries without the risk of restenosis can be produced by ion injecting 133Xe into the surfaces of stents as a nuclide that has a shorter half-life and emits a smaller maximum energy of &bgr;-rays than 32p Uniform ion injection is accomplished using an apparatus capable of uniform irradiation of the stents with 133Xe ion beams. The source of 133Xe is a nuclear fission product generated from 235U in the fuel rods in nuclear reactor.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive wire control rod position detector assembly which will allow nuclear reactor output to be increased, control performance to be improved, and peripheral equipment to be rationalized by continuously and accurately detecting the position of a control rod in a reactor core is provided. A magnetostrictive wire control rod position detector assembly (20) comprises: a magnet or magnets (21) mounted on a non-magnetic portion of a movable member (3) which is free to move in the longitudinal direction on the inside of a cylindrical member (1) and is partly composed of a non-magnetic material; a magnetostrictive wire detector (22) longitudinally mounted on the outer circumference of said cylindrical member, which is provided with a receiver (26); and a pulsed current generator circuit (37) which supplies a pulsed current from the receiver end to the magnetostrictive wire of the magnetostrictive wire detector.

Abstract: A retaining device has a multi-layer protective cladding for protecting the bearing and containment structure of a spreading chamber for the controlled spread and cooling of a melt from a nuclear reactor pressure vessel. The spreading chamber is configured under the spreading concept, i.e. the melt spreads and cools therein. The protective cladding has at least two layers: an outer sacrificial layer acts as a thermal shock barrier and melting substance; a protective and insulating layer, disposed inside the sacrificial layer and protecting the underlying bearing and containment structure, acts as thermal protection layer and retaining layer for the hot melt. The protective and insulating layer includes a first partial layer of fireproof concrete adjacent the bearing and containment structure, and a second partial layer of temperature-resistant ceramic blocks, in particular ZrO2 adjacent the sacrificial layer.

Abstract: A corrosion and hydride resistant nuclear fuel rod having a highly corrosion resistant outer portion in which hydride precipitation is inhibited and an inner portion in which hydride precipitation is promoted.

Abstract: A lap counting mechanism is described for a race-track for toy cars of the type in which the cars are guided in slots. The guide member of the car, which in use is received within the slots, is provided with a left-right asymmetry and the lap counting mechanism is able to detect this asymmetry. This allows at least two cars to be clearly distinguished by the lap counting mechanism and so the number of laps that an individual car has done may be totaled accurately even though the cars may swap tracks and slots. The sensing means and the associated asymmetry may be electrical, optical or magnetic. Means are also provided for detecting the speed of the cars and for generating sound and light effects.

Abstract: In the invention a pellicle mounting structural principle is provided whereby a membrane for protection of an X-ray mask is interchangeably positioned with proper spacing between the X-ray mask and the resist on the wafer in which the pattern produced by the X-ray exposure is to be formed. The mounting principle employs a combined assembly of, a membrane and spacer member subassembly together with a means for seectably separable retention to the supporting structural portion of the mask The principle accommodates membrane materials that may not be flexible and provides an ability to remove the membrane for cleaning or replacement and to removal and reassembly with ease in reestablishing the spacing with respect to the mask. The means for the selectably separable retention to the supporting structural portion of the mask involves the use of springs and elastomers, securing to the sides of the supporting structural mask ring and the bonding of the spacer member directly to the mask.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring, in a non-invasive manner, the individual mass of objects in containers by means of x-ray transmission radiography in which a beam of penetrating radiation is sent through the container and the transmitted intensity for those photons that interact dominantly via the Compton effect are measured. The masses of the objects in the container are measured with respect to the mass of known objects determined in independent or concurrent measurements.

Abstract: A method for forming radiographic image is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of (1) capturing a radiographic image by a flat-panel detector, (2) reading out the radiographic image from the flat-panel detector as image signal, (3) modulating intensity of a laser light beam by the image signals, (4) exposing a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material to the modulated laser light beam by scanning, and (5) processing the silver halide photographic light-sensitive material having a silver halide emulsion layer by a roller transportation automatic processor, in which a photographic characteristic curve of said silver halide photographic light-sensitive material processed by said processor has a gamma value of a straight line connecting a density point of fog+0.5 and a density point of fog+2.5 of from 2.7 to 3.5 and a gamma value of a straight line connecting a density point of fog+0.05 and a density point of fog+0.5 of from 0.8 to 1.3.

Abstract: Evolutionary algorithms are used to find a global solution to the fitting of experimental X-ray scattering data to simulated models. A recombination operator combines two or more parameter vectors from one iteration of simulated scattering data to form a new parameter vector for the next iteration, in a manner such that there is a high probability that the new parameter will better fit the experimental data than any of the parent parameters. A mutation operator perturbs the value of a parent vector, to permit new regions of the error function to be examined, and thereby avoid settling on local minima. The natural selection guarantees that the parameter vectors with the best fitness will be propagated into future iterations.

Abstract: A system and method for inspecting an object, where both a fan beam and a pencil beam of penetrating radiation are used to illuminating the object concurrently. Both beams may be derived from a single source of penetrating radiation. The pencil beam is noncoplanar with the fan beam and may be scanned with respect to the object. Radiation scattered from the pencil beam within the object is detected, and the scatter signal thus generated is used in conjunction with a transmission signal which characterizes attenuation of the fan beam by the object.

Abstract: A method and device to calibrate an automatic exposure control (AEC) device in an x-ray imaging system is disclosed. An x-ray imaging system has an x-ray generator and tube to generate x-rays, an AEC device to control exposure of the x-rays, and an image sensing system, such as a film/screen combination or a digital recording system, which convert the x-rays into a converted medium, such as light, which can be easily sensed by a sensing medium. To calibrate the AEC device, a detector is placed in the position of the sensing medium to detect the converted medium. The detector detects signals indicative of the x-rays on a sensing medium. Simultaneously, a signal is obtained from the AEC. When the signal from the detector corresponds to a predetermined desired detector output, the output signal from the AEC is stored. The stored AEC output value corresponds to the target AEC output which will produce a proper exposure in the future for the same set of predetermined conditions of the imaging system.

Abstract: An evacuated tube (24) includes an envelope (50) and an electrode (78) in the tube envelope (50). The electrode (78) is electrically connected to conductors (74a, 74b) that extend through the tube envelope (50). A getter (72) is included in the tube envelope (50) and is electrically connected to the conductors (74a, 74b) extending through the tube envelope (50). Diodes (82a, 82b) are connected to the electrode (78) and the getter (72) for selectively providing electrical energy through the conductors (74a, 74b) extending through the tube envelope (50) to one of the electrode (78) and the getter (72).

Abstract: A system and method are proposed for cooling the anode of an X-ray tube. A bearing shaft associated with the anode has an associated single rotating seal there around, and contains a liquid metal. A primary liquid metal flow path is used to transfer heat from the anode, and a secondary liquid metal flow path is provided to seal the single rotating seal. Accordingly, the present invention provides an effective means for containing liquid metal in the bearing shaft of an anode assembly, and using the liquid metal to cool the anode of the X-ray tube.

Abstract: The present invention performs automated testing on service applications using automatically generated logs, so that new testing applications do not need to be created for each new release of a service application. The invention further provides for testing of all aspects of the service application by accounting for all data and processes performed, and does so without interfering with the processing of the service application. An Automated Regression Tester (ART) captures and records data generated by the execution of an initial version of a service application. This data is recorded to a first test log. When a new or ported version of that service application is developed, the first test log is used by the ART to generated output that emulates the operating environment, including caller and user input, of the service application. The processing of the new/ported version of the service application is captured and recorded to a second test log.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to an xDSL modem that is capable of transmitting at multiple data rates. Specifically, the xDSL modem is configured to generally transmit at a high data rate (typically the highest data rate supported by the line), but will reduce its data transmission rate in response to one or more sensed conditions. In this regard, it has been found that transmitting at a data rate that is low enough to avoid significant corruption, and thus retransmission, achieves a higher overall data transmission rate than that which is achieved if re-transmissions are required. Further, various conditions may be sensed that will prompt the xDSL modem to alter its transmission rate, including detecting an unfiltered POTS device going Off-Hook. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, at modem startup, the Off-Hook condition and other line problems are detected by direct measurement of the line impedance.

Abstract: A spoken dialog system is constructed to sufficiently understand a user's response to the open-ended prompt ‘How may I help you?’ in order to route a caller to an appropriate destination, with subsequent processing for information retrieval or call/task completion. In this invention the relationships among the call types are structured into an inheritance hierarchy. Then a dialog manager exploits this hierarchy and the output of a spoken language understanding module to generate a set of semantically consistent task objectives.

Abstract: The present multi-media message storage system functions to provide the user with a playback that represents a capsulization of the content of the stored message to thereby enable the user to determine whether the stored message contains sufficient information that warrants the user playing back the entirety of the message. The summary consists of content descriptive information that is excerpted from the body of the message and played back to the user in a form that differs from that used to store the received message. This feature enables a multi-media message storage system to store and retrieve text messages for a user in an efficient manner, thereby enabling the multi-media message storage system to function as a multi-media mail system.

Abstract: A system for providing medical information to a patient is provided. The system includes a medical information server, including a software engine, coupled to a memory location. The memory location stores a plurality of voice mailboxes. A voice mailbox includes at least two segments. A first segment for test results, or an upload-source note, and a second segment for account owner information, or a chart note. An upload-source, such as a testing facility or laboratory, is coupled to the server and provides test results to the mailbox. An interactive voice response (IVR) software interface is also coupled to the engine. The IVR provides the medical information in the mailbox responsive to a user input. The system may also include a patient database. Further, the engine generates alerts to the account owner based upon particular events. The system is also configured to prevent conflicting accesses by users.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for phone card billing wherein phone cards comprising PINs associated with a specific account credited with a predetermined number of units are sold to phone card clients without any prepayment for the value of the phone card units. The phone card client is not required to pay for the phone card units unless and until a corresponding phone card PIN is activated for a first time by an end user, thereby reducing the phone card client's initial financial burden of prepaying for phone card units, and eliminating payment by the phone card client for phone card units that are never used by an end user. When an end user uses a phone card by dialing a special number and entering a PIN, a call processing computer connected to a special exchange verifies the entered PIN prior to connecting the end user's call.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining whether a party sending an email communication is on a list of parties authorized by the intended receiving party. If the sending party is not on the list of authorized parties, a fee is charged to the sending party in return for the message being provided to the intended receiving party, or if the sending party has not authorized such fees to be charged, the message is simply discarded. Preferably, the present invention is implemented with Internet communications. However, the present invention can be used in private networks as well, such as local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs). Preferably, the present invention is implemented at the intended receiving party's ISP. In accordance with the well known Transmission Control Protocol/internet Protocol (TCP/IP), the destination address of the intended receiving party and the source address the sending party are contained in the IP message, commonly referred to as a datagram.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for providing a caller with information about a called party. In one preferred embodiment, the information includes information concerning the charges to be incurred in making a call to the called party. Advantageously, in an environment wherein number portability allows a call which previously was a local call, to become a toll call because the called party has made a geographic move, without changing the called party's telephone number. For wireless service, in those cases in which the caller pays at least a part of the charges, and the charges for a call to a roamer are different if the roamer is locally found than if the roamer is remotely located, this service allows a caller to decide on whether to complete a call, and if the decision is made to complete a call, on what length call to aim for.

Abstract: A system and method for generating caller ID or caller ID-call waiting (CID or CIDCW) information with a user inputted message. In the present system and method, a central office receives a user inputted message and a destination number from a caller's phone, attaches the user inputted message to either the CID or CIDCW information of the caller to produce a destination message, and transmits the destination message to a display of a phone corresponding to the destination number. In this way, the caller's specially inputted message is displayed with the CID/CIDCW information on a display of the call receiving party.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for implementing a business card having a calling card feature are provided. In conjunction with a long distance switch and a suitable toll measuring computer equipped with an appropriate memory, a number of cards can be given out by a publisher of business cards to a variety of recipients. Each recipient is typically provided with a unique PIN which can be used for calling a toll free number. This number is called, the PIN number is loaded, and then a long distance call is placed at no charge to the recipient. By use of appropriate individual PIN associated data and appropriate seasonal reloads of the time available and still to be used with each PIN, the recipient is encouraged to call time and time again so that the recipient builds into his own memory and retains in that memory the name of the person or business or service provider who has given him this gratuity.

Abstract: A telecommunications system (10) is provided that provides for telephone functions to be accessed through client computer system (14). A server computer system (16) provides telephony services, database services and access to E-mail, voice mail, video conferencing and facsimile systems. A graphical user interface 116 is presented to a user to allow the user to perform a large number of functions and to access databases of information associated with calling and called parties.

Abstract: A telephone conferencing system includes a voice services equipment (VSE) allowing a number of telephone calls to be connected together to form a conferencing function. The initiator of the telephone conference calls in on an incoming line and is asked by the VSE to give the telephone numbers of the desired other participants to the conference. These numbers are then stored in a participant number store and the system dials out to these telephone numbers with an invitation to join the conference by ringing a certain number. When the participants call back on the incoming/outgoing lines, their identity is checked, preferably automatically by means of calling line identity signals, with the numbers in the store, and only in the event of a match is each participant allowed to join the conference. For additional security, the participants may also need to enter a specific PIN, which may have been read out by the stem during the invitation to join the conference.

Abstract: The utility of a call waiting service is enhanced. When telephone A is engaged in voice communication with telephone B, if there is a call from telephone C, the telephone number of the telephones B and C are temporarily stored in a CCB. If the telephone C goes on-hook before the telephone B does, the telephone number of the telephone C is transferred from the CCB to subscriber data and stored as a recall number. Thereafter, when a switchhook operation is performed on the telephone A during communication with the telephone B, an automatic call is made to the telephone C by using the stored telephone number. If the telephone B goes on-hook before the telephone C does, the telephone number of the telephone B is transferred from the CCB to the subscriber data and stored as a recall number. Thereafter, when a switchhook operation is performed on the telephone A during communication with the telephone C, an automatic call is made to the telephone B by using the stored telephone number.

Abstract: An application program interface (API) provides an interface for application programs to communicate with a telephony server. The telephony server generates events regarding calling activity within a call center. The API receives these events and forwards them to the application programs. The API may be run on an agent workstation along with application programs. The applications register with the API to identify what types of events are of interest to the application program. The API receives the events from the telephony server and distributes the events according to the registrations.

Abstract: Selection of a suitable call-center agent (106-108) to handle a call is based on which available suitable agent's handling of the call will tend to optimize call wait times. When a call needing a particular skill becomes available (200), all skills of agents in the agent queue (131-139) corresponding to the particular skill are determined (202, 204). The agent queues corresponding to the determined skills are checked (206) to determine which ones identify only one agent. For each available agent having the particular skill, the number of agent queues which identify this agent as their only agent is computed (208). The available agent having the lowest computed number is selected (210) to handle the call. This minimizes the number of skills that will be left without an available agent to handle subsequent calls, and thus tends to maximize the probability that a next call will also have a suitable agent already available and not have to wait for one to become available, thereby optimizing call wait times.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention a process for initiating a telephone call, comprises the steps, performed by a processor, of: receiving a network request identifying a telephone number and an account number; retrieving from the database a telephone number associated with the account number; and signaling a telephone switch to place a call connecting instruments corresponding to the telephone number from the request and the telephone number retrieved from the database.

Abstract: A method for dialing a country code and area code of a telephone number in a telephone having a memory for storing country codes, area codes and various indication data, a key input part having a common number selecting key and a selection key for the various indication data, and a display, the method comprising the steps of: displaying first indication data on the display when data of the common number selecting key is input through the key input part while the telephone is in a hook-on state; and finding a desired country code or area code by using the selection key and the indication data, and displaying the desired country code or the desired area code on the display. Once the desired country code or area code is found, the user may then enter a telephone number and the telephone call will be made using the desired country code or area code together with the telephone number entered by the user.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system and method of providing electrical isolation between a telephone line and a connected device, such as a computer. In one embodiment the telephone line is 2-wire and the connected device is 4-wire and includes a feedback elimination circuit. A pair of controlled CTR opto diodes are used in the communication path to effect electrical isolation. The opto diodes are used in conjunction with an electronic inductor constructed using a pair of cascoded darlington transistors to control the telephone line voltage and current and the circuit is designed to maintain the optocouplers within their linear operating range.

Abstract: A double talk detector for detecting double talk situations in a device capable of two-way voice communication. The double talk detector comprises means (2, I) for receiving a speech signal (3, 5; 30, 50), and means (82, 83) for dividing the speech signal (30, 50) into subsignals representing specific frequency bands. A detection is performed (84, 85, 86) for each subsignal, and subdecision signals are calculated (87) on the basis of the detection. The subdecision signals indicate existence of double talk in the respective subsignals. A final decision signal is calculated (89, 90, 91) as a double talk decision signal DTD for the speech signal on the basis of the subdecision signals.