Abstract: For broadcasting purposes a multi-channel audio encoder board has been designed. Input time stamps are generated which become linked at least in one input processing stage with frames of said audio data to be encoded, wherein the input time stamps or time stamps derived from the input time stamps remain linked with the correspondingly processed frame data in the different processing stages in the processing, but are at least in the last processing stage replaced by output time stamps. In each of theses stages the corresponding time stamp information linked with current frame data to be processed is regarded in order to control the overall delay of the processing.

Abstract: The receiver of a PCM modem utilizes the V.90 TRN1d training signal for detecting whether any of the six slots of the received signal may be subject to alternating robbed bit signaling (ARBS), and what the alternating robbed bit signaling pattern may be. This is accomplished by accumulating the received level over a plurality of frames for each slot and by comparing the received levels for each slot to an average level for that slot. If the difference between the received levels and the average levels exceeds a threshold, the slot is determined to be subject to ARBS. Where a slot is subject to ARBS, DIL sequence signals for frames of the alternating robbed bit signaling slot having LSB=0 and LSB=1 are accumulated separately (if available) in order to generate two translation tables (TRT0, TRT1) for that slot. Where the DIL sequence is found only in the frames having the alternating robbed bit signaling slot having LSB=0 or having LSB=1, only one translation table can be generated.

Abstract: A data transmitter according to the present invention includes driver, transmission line and receiver. The receiver includes a transition pulse generator for generating a transition pulse simultaneously with the transition of a data signal output from the driver. If an edge of an internal clock signal overlaps with the transition pulse being applied, then the receiver does not latch the data signal in synchronism with the edge of the internal clock signal. Instead, the receiver obtains and retains a data value opposite to the previous cycle one. On the other hand, while no transition pulses are being applied, the receiver latches the data signal normally responsive to the internal clock signal. Accordingly, the receiver can always accurately retain the very data transmitted through the transmission line, thus improving the reliability of the data received and realizing high-speed data transmission even if the internal clock signal has lagged with respect to the data signal.

Abstract: A transmission device has labeling means adapted to map each symbol of a first alphabet to secondary digital data belonging to a second alphabet having Q symbols, Q being strictly greater than P, wherein P symbols of the second alphabet each exclusively represent one and only one symbol of the first alphabet. A coder determines redundant data belonging to the second alphabet, using coding rules that take into account the secondary digital data. A transmitter modulates a physical quantity into a series of signals each capable of taking a number P of different values, and according to transmission rules successively representing the digital data to be transmitted and the redundant data.

Abstract: A multiple description TCQ arrangement employs a trellis graph that is the tensor product of two trellis graphs. The codevectors of the tensor-product trellis, ci, are incorporated within trellis graph T1 and also within trellis graph T2. The incorporation within trellis graph T1 is effected by assigning the ci codevectors to sets, and by deriving therefrom codevectors for trellis graphs T1 and T2. The actual values that these codevectors take on are arranged to insure certain distortion results. Consequently, an improved arrangement is realized in which, two encoders are cooperatively generating separate trellis-coded descriptions of the input sequence. Three different fidelity levels can thus be achieved, which allows for use of receivers that are responsive to different rates, or the use of receivers that have adaptable rates.

Abstract: An equalizer provided in a digital transmitter compensates for attenuation in a signal channel to a digital receiver. The equalizer generates signal levels as a logical function of bit history to emphasize transition signal levels relative to repeated signal levels. The preferred equalizer includes an FIR transition filter using a look-up table. Parallel circuits including FIR filters and digital-to-analog converters provide a high speed equalizer with lower speed circuitry. The equalizer is particularly suited to in-cabinet and local area network transmissions where feedback circuitry facilitates adaptive training of the equalizer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for space-time coding signals for transmission on multiple antennas. A received input symbol stream is transformed using a predefined transform and transmitted on a first set of N antennas. The same input symbol stream is then offset by M symbol periods to generate an offset input symbol stream. The offset input symbol stream is then transformed using the predefined transform and transmitted on a second set of N antennas. A third through Xth set of N antennas may be utilized for transmission by successively offsetting the offset input symbol stream by an additional M symbol periods for each additional set of N antennas used, before performing the transform and transmitting on the additional set of N antennas.

Abstract: Briefly, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a method of performing high speed signaling includes the following. A preamble signal and an end of packet (EOP) signal are transmitted at a low frequency using rail-to-rail voltage signal levels. Later, high frequency signaling is transmitted using a voltage signal level swing that is less than rail-to-rail.

Abstract: Use of a more accurate, constant or quasi-constant reference signal-to-noise ratio value to support the process of decoding information sequences that have been encoded using turbo coding techniques, particularly in UMTS WCDMA receivers, enhances the accuracy of the decoding process and, in turn, link quality and overall system performance. This may be accomplished by exploiting the reference SNR, which is generated, for example, by the power control loop in the receiver. More specifically, the present invention modifies this reference SNR value based on various factors including, but not limited to, the scaling factor that is applied to the decoder input metrics, power settings, processing gains, coding rates and/or the modulation scheme.

Abstract: A decoding method and apparatus include providing capability for decoding data symbols that were encoded in a transmitter by either a serial-concatenated code or turbo code in a parallel processing fashion. The receiver upon knowing the encoding method may reconfigure the selection of data symbols from a table (600) to accommodate the appropriate decoding process. Initially a data symbol estimate for a number of data symbols of a plurality of data symbols Xi, Yi, and Wi are determined. The estimates of data symbols Xi, Yi, and Wi passing to a first and second decision nodes (610, 620) include estimates for the variables in one or more encoding equations. A new estimate for the data symbol Xi is determined based on the estimate determined at the initial step and the new estimate for each occurrence of the data symbol Xi at the first and second decision nodes (610, 620).

Abstract: The method of channel estimation determines linear regression coefficients for N blocks of a first signal component in a received signal on a block-by-block basis, and determines a channel estimate based on the linear regression coefficients for the N blocks. Using the channel estimate, channel distortion in a second signal component of the received signal can be significantly eliminated.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a device and method for eliminating an interfering wave and determining the best orientation for an antenna. A SAW (surface acoustic wave) filter employed in the invention eliminates an interfering wave (a ground analog broadcasting wave) and extracts a video-signal element of a specified channel (a bandwidth of 6 MHz) from an input intermediate-frequency signal so as to output to an A/D converter. The arrangement of the filter, which is a band pass filter having a comb-shaped attenuation characteristic, is such that the first peak of attenuation is made to coincide with the peak of an interfering signal; the A/D converter produces an AGC feedback signal to output to a high-frequency amplifier, an intermediate-frequency amplifier, and an operation unit, respectively; a waveform equalization unit eliminates a ghost image generated due to multi-path interference from the input signal by using an equalizing method such as a learning equalization, a blind equalization, etc.

Abstract: Channel estimation is performed in a mobile communications system. In order to reduce the computational load, and thereby decrease power consumption, a polynomial expression is used to approximate a Minimum Mean Squared Error (MMSE) based channel estimator with respect to Doppler and SIR variations. A lookup table may be used to supply coefficients for the polynomial expression. In another aspect of the invention, coefficients for the polynomial expression may, themselves, be approximated by a second polynomial expression.

Abstract: In order to obtain a digital radio communication receiver having a preferable frame-structure decision probability, a frame synchronization state is decided in accordance with separately detected frame-synchronization synchronous words and a frame-structure is decided in accordance with a frame-structure synchronous word and to output the frame synchronization state and the frame structure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for compensating audio signals to be recorded on an optical disc to optimize usage of memory in an audio decoding circuit, and to neutralize invalid audio data to produce good audio quality. A determination is made with regard to whether audio data signals contain normal data or invalid data. Invalid data is adjusted into normal audio data, and stored in the memory. The volume of the data stored in the memory is monitored to detect overflow and underflow conditions of the memory, a data transmitting stopping signal being sent during an overflow condition of the memory, a data transmitting requesting signal being sent during an underflow condition. The audio data reproduced from the memory is decoded, and the decoded audio data is output. Undesired errors are prevented by monitoring the reproduced audio data for invalid data and by adjusting invalid data into normal data when detected.

Abstract: A solid state semiconductor neutron detector that automatically varies its sensitivity to provide a pulsed output over the entire range of operation of a nuclear reactor. The sensitivity is varied by changing the thickness or makeup of a converter layer that emits charged particles to the active region of the semiconductor surface.

Abstract: An improved fuel element for use in a nuclear reactor comprised of a central core of nuclear material, which is surrounded by a composite cladding. The cladding has an outer metallic tubular portion comprised of well-known cladding alloys used for such purposes. Metallurgically bonded to the outer metallic tubular portion is a commercially pure zirconium microalloyed with a controlled quantity of iron. The zirconium microalloyed with iron produced an inner metallic barrier having a beneficial balance between stress corrosion crack resistance and corrosion resistance while retaining other beneficial properties of pure zirconium, such as ductility.

Abstract: At regular intervals, the grid strap has formed therein notches for assembly with transverse straps. Between at least some pairs of notches, it has a rod-holding spring comprising two resilient strips cut out from the plane wall of the strap and integral therewith. Each strip extends transversely relative to its strap and is connected to the common portion of the strap at its two ends. In the free state, the strips project towards the inside of the cell concerned and they are interconnected in the middle by a transverse bridge which projects relative to the two strips.

Abstract: A system for rewarding and encouraging compliance with a predetermined personal hygiene standard in a hygiene compliance program. The system comprises a fluid dispenser. The fluid dispenser includes an actuator. A sensor is connected to the actuator. A processor in electrical communication with the sensor. The processor is configured to increment a count when the sensor is actuated, relate the count to the identification code, and compare the count to a predetermined number.

Abstract: A command buffer for use in packetized DRAM includes a four stage shift register for shifting for sequentially storing four 10-bit command words. The shift register combines the four 10-bit command words into a single 40-bit command word and transfer the 40-bit command word to a storage register for processing by the DRAM. The shift register may then continue to receive and store subsequent 10-bit command words. The command buffer also includes circuitry for determining whether a command packet is intended for the memory device containing the command buffer or whether it is intended for another memory device. Specifically, a portion of the 40-bit command word from the storage register is compared to identifying data stored in an identifying latch. In the event of a match, a chip select signal is generated to cause the memory device to perform the function corresponding to other portions of the 40-bit command word.

Abstract: A method and system for reconstructing an x-ray image from a partial orbit through the use of a “virtual” fan angle. The virtual fan angle is determined based upon the range of angular positions spanned by a source in a CT instrument or a selected smaller angle. Exposure data is obtained and he virtual fan angle is used to weight the exposure data. Image reconstruction can then proceed using the weighted exposure data. The described methods and system also function for data collected over a complete orbit.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of reducing artifacts in object images acquired by means of measurement signals sent by a source through the object onto a detector, which method comprises the steps of: a) adaptively filtering the data signals received by the detector in dependence of the data value; b) processing the data signals to indicate the attenuation of the measurement signals passing through the object; and c) reconstructing an image of the object based on the filtered and processed data signals. The method according to the invention is characterized in that step b) is performed on the adaptively filtered data signals resulting from step a).

Abstract: The invention relates to a computed tomography method in which the summing operation required for filtered backprojection is performed in two steps, filtering being performed only after the first summing step. This method is preferably performed for the points on a surface, which is defined by parallel rays, which are situated in parallel planes and link oppositely situated segments of the helix.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of reconstructing three-dimensional images from cone beam projection data of an object to be examined which is arranged in an examination zone. In practice cone beam projections are usually cut off, because the object to be examined usually cannot be imaged completely in all imaging positions. An image which is reconstructed exclusively from the acquired projection data, therefore, does not have the highest possible image quality. In order to continue the projection data beyond the sensitive detector surface and hence obtain images of higher image quality, therefore, the invention proposes a method which includes the following steps: (a) acquiring the cone beam projection data, (b) determining the contour of the sensitive detector surface, (c) determining pseudo-projection data in an overall outer zone from the projection data acquired, and (d) reconstructing a three-dimensional image from the projection data and the pseudo-projection data.

Abstract: A system for inspecting the contents of a container is provided. The system includes a first source for emitting sequential beams of penetrating electromagnetic radiation from a target in a first set of substantially parallel directions, a conveyor for moving the container relative to the first source, a first detector for detecting the penetrating radiation after interaction with the contents of the container and generating a first set of signals corresponding to each of the substantially parallel directions and a controller for characterizing the contents of the container based at least on the first set of signals. The first detector may be a scatter detector. Similarly, the first detector may be a transmission detector.

Abstract: In recent years, x-ray imaging, which has been used to diagnose millions of illnesses and injuries, has evolved to use digital imaging instead of photographic film as a recording medium. Digital x-ray systems typically include an x-ray source, an x-ray focusing grid, and an array of light or x-ray detectors. Because of detector imperfections and other system factors, such as x-ray field non-uniformity and grid artifacts, digital x-ray images are often corrected, or compensated, before use. To this end, many digital x-ray systems include numerous application-specific correction maps, which unfortunately require regular maintenance that is not only time-consuming but expensive in terms of system downtime. Accordingly, the inventors devised new methods and systems for correcting application images that require maintenance of fewer correction maps. One exemplary implementation determines grid-only and non-grid correction maps and corrects application images based on a combination of these correction maps.

Abstract: An x-ray tube assembly (16) includes a vacuum envelope (52) and an x-ray permeable exit window (58). An anode (50) is positioned within the vacuum envelope (52) such that a near side is adjacent to the exit window (58) and a far side is opposite thereof. A cathode assembly (66) is also mounted within the vacuum envelope (52) which directs an electron beam (72) toward a focal spot or point (62) on the far side of the anode (50). The anode further includes a central cavity or indentation (70) which provides a location for mounting a set of radiation attenuating vanes (64) in addition to a shaped x-ray filter or compensator (68). Close placement of the vanes (64) and the filter (68) relative to the focal spot of the anode desirably reduce off focal radiation and allow beam shaping. An externally located collimator (18) further shapes the output x-ray beam.

Abstract: A connection device (70) provides electrical connection between a stator motor (50) of an x-ray tube and a stator cord (56). The connection device is connected with the x-ray tube housing (30) by threading a threaded portion (80) into a corresponding threaded aperture (82) in the housing to create a leak-tight seal. The threaded portion is rigidly connected with a connecting portion (100), such as a bayonet socket, which receives a corresponding fitting (102) of the stator cord. An electrical conduction path (125), hermetically sealed in the connecting device, provides electrical connection between the socket and the interior of the housing. The connection device allows the stator cord to be quickly connected or disconnected from the housing yet provides a seal which resists leakage of cooling oil from the housing.

Abstract: A diffraction apparatus (10) for determining crystalline and polycrystalline materials of an item in objects, preferably in luggage, having a collimation/detector arrangement (11) and an X-ray source (12) and which is mounted to be adjustable in an X-ray testing machine (13). The collimation/detector arrangement (13) is adjustable in height relative to the X-ray source (12), and the two are also laterally and synchronously adjustable via respective adjustment elements (5,6). The collimator (13) has a conically-expanding round slot (15), which simulates a predetermined angle (&THgr;M) of a scatter-beam path.

Abstract: This invention provides an X-ray photo-taking system, X-ray photo-taken image display method, and storage medium by which an operator can readily understand the position (right, left, or center) of a photo-taking region of an object to be examined, the X-ray irradiation direction, and the photo-taking attitude only by monitoring an X-ray image, and by which text information is narrowed down to patient information and photo-taking information to make these pieces of information easy to see.

Abstract: A readily relocatable X-ray imaging system for inspecting the contents of vehicles and containers, and a method for using the same. In a preferred embodiment, the system is relatively small in size, and is used for inspecting containers and passenger vehicles, such as cars, SUVs, and small trucks, at a variety of sites. The X-ray inspection system includes a substantially rectangular frame having an X-ray imaging system disposed thereon. The frame is detachably connected to a conveyor mechanism having a minimal height, which allows drivers and passengers of vehicles to readily step off of and onto the conveyor mechanism without the aid of steps, railings, and the like. In a preferred configuration, the conveyor mechanism includes two detachable sections comprising a plurality of rollers, or other transport mechanism, having a radio-transparent plate or belt resting thereon for transporting a vehicle or container through the inspection area under the X-ray frame.

Abstract: The method is for controlling the transmission power for a session in a system when transmitting data via a telephone line by using a digital subscriber line between a user terminal and a central unit. The transmission power is increased or decreased between given limit values so that the transmission power is kept as low as possible while still providing a sufficient transmission quality. The transmission quality, and therefore the transmission power, is controlled by the value of the signal-to-noise ratio and the number of bit errors BER within a given time interval.

Abstract: A method for providing telephone services for the hearing-impaired includes establishing a conference call between a hearing-impaired party, a hearing party and a communication assistant. The hearing party sends a voice message to the communication assistant. The communication assistant converts the voice message into a corresponding text message and transmits the text message to the hearing-impaired party. The text message is displayed to the hearing-impaired party using a device that includes a modem. The modem outputs a synchronization tone in response to receiving the text message. The synchronization tone and other tones may then be filtered to ensure that they do not reach the communication assistant and the hearing party.

Abstract: A process, apparatus and system are disclosed for verifying the authenticity of a user before providing the user with a desired service. The process involves first receiving a request from the user. Next, a question set is fetched corresponding to the user. The question set concerns information of a private nature that someone with rightful access to the desired services should know. The question set has at least one question and a possible answer or list of possible answers corresponding to the question. The question is then transmitted to the user along with the possible answer(s). After receiving a response from the user, a record is made whether the response correctly identified the possible answer as being correct or not. Finally, after the number of questions transmitted to the user reaches a predetermined number, a determination is made whether the number of incorrect responses exceeds a certain limit.

Abstract: A telephone system including a process for redirection of voice mail messages to another voice mail box after a predetermined time or after a predetermined number of attempts at notification by radio pager of the owner of voice mail box in which a new voice mail message has been left have failed to cause the voice mail message to be picked up.

Abstract: A system that provides video signal communication between a source of the video signal and a plurality of units that include destinations of the video signal includes an interface coupled to the source and to telephone lines, each of which serves at least one of the units and carries voice signals to and from one or more telephones coupled to the telephone line at said unit. The interface receives the video signal from the source, and transmits the received video signal onto at least one of the telephone lines in a selected frequency range that is different from frequencies at which the voice signals are carried on that telephone line. This causes the video signal to be coupled to a receiver which is connected to the telephone line at the unit served by that line and is adapted to recover the video signal from the telephone line and apply it to one or more of the destinations at the unit. The source is a cable (e.g.

Abstract: A telephony system allows a calling party to provide Call Context Identification (CCID) in conjunction with a voice telephone call. When a called party's telephone device is in its ringing state or in a call waiting alerting state, the CCID is displayed to the called party to aid the called party in determining whether to answer the call. The system allows a calling party to embed actions in text messages. Such actions are displayed on the called party's telephone device as action keys. Selection of these action keys results in performing an action defined by the calling party.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for preliminary communication identification is disclosed. An apparatus for preliminary communication identification includes a receiver for receiving a signal from a remote source and a communicator for communicating the received signal. The communicator is suitable for communicating the received signal without indicating reception of the received signal to the remote source. The signal may include an image of a second user utilizing the remote source so as to enable a first user utilizing the apparatus to view the remote second user. A method for preliminary communication identification is also disclosed, including receiving a signal by a host system from a remote source and communicating the signal by the host. The signal is suitable for being communicated without indicating reception of the signal by the host to the remote source.

Abstract: A system and method for flexibly routing communications transmissions in an efficient manner is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, service providers submit information to a centralized server node which comprises cost and service parameter data for routing a communication from a first location to a second location. The server node receives all of the submitted rate information, evaluates it, and generates from the information a rate-table database comprising efficient routing paths for connecting transmissions between any two locations in a communications switching network. The server may be programmed to substantially optimize its rate-table database with respect to one or more parameters, such as price, network utilization, return traffic volumes, and others. Service requesters submit service requests to the centralized server node.

Abstract: A method of telephone access to internet secretarial services. A client makes a telephonic information request to the internet secretary, who is in contact with the internet via high-speed internet connection. The internet secretary sends an internet search query, and forwards the resultant search results to the client. In one embodiment of the instant invention, the client uses toll telephone lines (such as a “900”) number. A telephone company receives call rate and time information, and forwards secretarial services charges to the internet secretary. The client pays the telephone company for secretarial services charges and telephone service costs. In an alternate embodiment of the instant method the client calls the internet secretary via toll-free lines, and supplies the internet secretary credit card information and/or debit card information to pay the secretarial services charges. The internet secretary pays the telephone communications costs.

Abstract: Businesses with a number of clients have a need to allocate communication costs to the client on whose behalf the costs were incurred. This invention provides a means whereby the telecommunication carrier can charge call costs originating from a single line 2 to one of a plurality of accounts 8 selected by the user of the phone 1. At the exchange 3, a flag 5 associated with line 2 notifies the processor 6 that an account A/C No must be selected before a call can be made via line 2. A Recorded Voice Message (RVM) or specific dial tone is sent to the user of the phone 1 to notify him of the need to select an account (optionally after entering a PIN). When the user selects the account, the line 2 is enabled to initiate a call through the network via switch 4. The processor 6 charges the cost for the call to the selected account.

Abstract: A caller identification callback list method and system. The system displays a callback list informing a user of a missed call received from a terminal on a central office telephone line from within an organization. The callback list includes the names and extension or branch telephone numbers for persons the user has defined exist within the organization. Once an indication that the user has missed a telephone call from within the organization appears on the user's terminal, the user may choose from a list of names and extension or branch telephone numbers and return the call without having to search outside sources for the correct number. The return call may be accomplished by either an automatic callback feature or manually using the terminal. Additionally, the caller identification callback lists allow a user to select the people and associated extension or branch telephone numbers in advance without the prospective caller first calling the user.

Abstract: A system and method of telephony security for controlling and logging access between an enterprise's end-user stations and their respective circuits into the public switched telephone network (PSTN). A security policy, i.e., a set of security rules, are defined for each of the extensions, the rules specifying actions to be taken based upon at least one attribute of the call on the extension. Calls are detected and sensed on the extensions to determine attributes associated with each call. Actions are then performed on selected calls based upon their attributes in accordance with the security rules defined for those extensions.

Abstract: According to a broad aspect of a preferred embodiment of the invention, telephone calls, data and other multimedia information is routed through a hybrid network which includes transfer of information across the internet utilizing telephony routing information and internet protocol address information. The hybrid network includes an rules database which determines subscriber profile information. The information includes routing references based on priority, cost and termination location. In addition, content separation is provided, including instructing an intelligent peripheral and protocol converter to separate the audio stream from the data and video stream.

Abstract: A method for the management of an automatic branch exchange of the type interacting with a plurality of users by means of a plurality of user terminals comprises the following steps: the identification of each of said users by at least one user identifier; and the creation of a table of users (1), associating a user profile with said at least one user identifier of each user, each user profile comprising at least one attribute assigned to said user and especially a set of user terminals that is possibly vacant. The interaction between said automatic branch exchange and each user takes place as a function of the user profile associated with said user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the creation of validation rules with which a validation module can validate configuration data which can be used as operating parameters for telecommunications systems, and to a generating module, server, control module and storage means therefor. In the process, firstly a first validation rule set (BVR1, BVR2) comprising at least one validation rule written in a first, user-friendly language is acquired by a generating module (TL). Then the generating module checks whether the validation rules contained in the validation rule set comply with predefined, syntactic and semantic rules and translates the validation rules of the validation rule set from the first language into a second language, which can be evaluated by the validation module, if the validation rules in the first language have withstood the syntactic and semantic check.

Abstract: An advanced intelligent network telephone system for terminating calls to subscribers to a privacy screening service, when the calling party has a private telephone number. Privacy screening services allow a subscriber to manage and monitor incoming telephone calls, such that unwanted calls are not terminated to the subscriber. When a calling party dials the telephone number of a subscriber to a privacy screening service, the system manages the call according to whether the calling party number is known and public, known and private, or unknown. If the calling party number is known and public, the call is routed to the subscriber. If the calling party is known and private, the call is routed to a service node, which plays an announcement to the calling party, asking the calling party for permission to override his or her privacy.

Abstract: A call forwarding system is provided wherein a subscriber may forward calls from a first telephone to a desired destination, for example, a mobile telephone. A “Call Unforward Once” function is provided wherein a subscriber or other user may bypass the call forwarding for an individual call, but maintain the call forwarding function for other calls. In operation, the subscriber may place a call from the forwarded-to number to the forwarded-from number and dial a predetermined function code. The function code allows the user to connect to the forwarded-from number.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for routing a telephone call according to the geographic location of the originating party. A subscriber with multiple network locations within a service territory-may have all of their offices accessible to customers through a single publicized telephone number. The single telephone number may trigger advanced intelligent network technology. The network may ascertain the geographic location from which the call originates and accordingly, route the originating call to a subscriber's office which is located closest to the originating caller. Further, exception periods may be provided to enable subscribers to individualize their service by only routing to the closest satellite office at specified days, times, etc. The exception periods may also be employed to reroute calls intended for the closest satellite office to a predetermined location.

Abstract: A subscriber system transmission apparatus has a line concentrating capability which is performed a relatively simple efficient redundant structure for increased overall system reliability. A remote terminal has a mode selector for switching between modes of operation such that when a remote terminal line concentrating and connecting unit suffers a fault, no line concentrating process is effected on a call from a subscriber's terminal, and the call is connected directly to a trunk transmission line by a bypassing unit. When the remote terminal line concentrating and connecting unit suffers a fault, since the call is not subjected to a line concentrating process in the remote terminal, the call from the remote terminal is subjected to a line concentrating process by a central terminal line concentrating and connecting unit in a central terminal.