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United States Patent5495522
Allen , ; et al.February 27, 1996
Title
Method and apparatus for audio teleconferencing a plurality of phone channels
Abstract
An improved system for connecting and processing a plurality of phone user in a teleconference on a common digital bus. The apparatus includes a plurality of digital processing units (DSPs) associated with selective phone lines and in communication with each other. Each DSP determines an activity status for each associated phone line and transmits that status to the other DSPs, The DSPs create and update respective identical "talk-lists" which reflect the active conferees whose voice data is currently being output on the phone channels. The system thus provides scaleable teleconferencing in a real-time configuration without switching between the various signals on the common bus such that each incoming caller or even a plurality of conferences has equal priority.
Inventors:Allen; Bruce S. (East Kingston, NH), Garrison; Marshall B.  (Derry, NH), Brodsky; Philip S.  (Methuen, MA), LeBlanc; Richard  (Plaistow, NH), Baun, Jr.; Philip J.  (Andover, MA), McCarthy; Gary R.  (Manachester, NH), Leondires; Arthur P.  (Mont Vernon, NH)
Assignee:MultiLink, Inc. (Andover, MA)
Appl. No.:335270
Filed:November 7, 1994
Current U.S. Class:379/202.01 370/261 
Field of Search:379/201,202,203,204,205,206 370/62
U.S. Patent Documents
4295008October 1981Johnson et al.
4303804December 1981Johnson et al.
4305149December 1981Harrison
4317007February 1982Harrison
4317960March 1982Johnson et al.
4317961March 1982Johnson
4475190October 1984Marouf et al.
4796293January 1989Blinken et al.
4862452August 1989Milton et al.
4942570July 1990Kotzin et al.
5020098May 1991Celli
5221250June 1993Cheng
5276678January 1994Hendrickson et al.
Other References
European Search Report issued on Apr. 25, 1994 in connection with related foreign application filed on Jan. 31, 1994, International Application No. PCT/US94/01155..~
Primary Examiner: Matar; Ahmad F.
Assistant Examiner: Hunter; Daniel S.
Attorney, Agent or Firm:Lahive & Cockfield
Parent Case Text


This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/012,028, filed Feb. 1, 1993, now abandoned. The teachings of those applications are incorporated herein by reference.
Claims

We claim:
1. A signal processing apparatus for use in a system for teleconferencing a plurality of phone channels, said system being of the type including common bus means for carrying digital signals representing data incoming from and outgoing to said plurality of phone channels, comprising:
A. at least one digital signal processor (DSP), coupled to said common bus means and associated with at least three of said plurality of phone channels, and including means for:
(i) responding to incoming data on each of said associated phone channels by generating status signals, wherein each of said status signals is representative of a status of one of said associated phone channels;
(ii) transferring said status signals onto said common bus; and
(iii) responding to a control parameter for at least initializing teleconferencing between said plurality of phone channels;
B. host processing means, coupled to said at least one DSP, for generating and storing for access thereby, said control parameters;
C. said at least one DSP further including means for:
(i) responding to said status signals associated with said plurality of phone channels to generate output data signals, wherein one of said output data signals is generated for each of said associated phone channels and wherein each of said output data signals is a function of at least selected ones of said incoming data signals;
(ii) transferring to each of said associated phone channels, one of said output data signals by way of said common bus; and
(iii) maintaining teleconferencing between at least selected ones of said plurality of phone channels in the event of a selected fault by said host processing means.

2. A signal processing apparatus for use in a system for teleconferencing a plurality of phone channels, said system being of the type including common bus means for carrying digital signals representing data incoming from and outgoing to said plurality of phone channels, comprising:
A. a plurality of digital signal processors (DSPs), each of said DSPs being coupled to said common bus means and associated with a different one or more of said plurality of phone channels, and including means for:
(i) responding to incoming data on each of said associated phone channels by generating one or more status signals, wherein each of said status signals is representative of a status of one of said associated phone channels; and
(ii) transferring said status signals to each other ones of said DSPs;
B. each of said DSPs further including means for:
(i) responding to said status signals associated with said plurality of phone channels to generate output data signals, wherein one of said output data signals is generated for each of said associated phone channels and wherein each of said output data signals is a function of at least selected ones of said incoming data signals; and
(ii) transferring to each of said associated phone channels, one of said output data signals by way of said common bus.

3. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein each of said DSPs include energy detection means for generating said status signals, wherein each of said status signals is indicative of a selected activity level of incoming data on one of said associated phone channels.

4. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said energy detection means includes means for generating each of said status signals as a function of an energy level represented by incoming data on one of said associated phone channels.

5. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said energy detection means includes means for generating each of said status signals as indicative of a value representative of a difference between said energy level represented by incoming data on one of said associated phone channels and an average energy level in said output data signal being greater than a threshold energy value.

6. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein each of said DSPs include talk-list means responsive to said status signals for generating said output data signals as a function of incoming data on a selected number of those of said plurality of phone channels that have said selected activity level of incoming data thereon.

7. An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said talk-list means includes means for generating and storing a current talk-list signal representing said selected number of said plurality of phone channels that have said selected activity level of incoming data thereon.

8. An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said talk-list means includes means for generating said current talk-list signal identically and substantially with each other of said talk-list means.

9. An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said talk-list means includes means for selecting for representation in said talk-list signal ones of said plurality of phone channels that have an energy difference between an energy level represented by incoming data on one of said plurality of phone channels and an average energy level in said output data signal that exceeds a designated value.

10. An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said talk-list means includes means for selecting for representation in said talk-list signal ones of said plurality of phone channels having an energy level represented by incoming data on one of said plurality of phone channels that exceeds an average energy level of said current talk list signal.

11. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein
A. each of said plurality of DSPs include means responsive to a control parameter for at least initializing teleconferencing between said plurality of phone channels,
B. said apparatus further comprising host processing means, coupled to said plurality of DSPs, for generating and storing for access thereby, said control parameters,
C. each of said plurality of DSPs further including means for maintaining teleconferencing between at least selected ones of said plurality of phone channels in the event of a selected fault by said host processing means.

12. A method for teleconferencing a plurality of phone channels in a system having a common bus means for carrying digital signals representing data incoming from and outgoing to said plurality of phone channels, comprising the steps of:
A. coupling a plurality of digital signal processors (DSPs) to said common bus means wherein each of said DSPs is associated with a different one or more of said plurality of phone channels, and wherein each of said DSPs receives said incoming data from said associated phone channels;
B. responding to incoming data on each of said associated phone channels by generating status signals, wherein each of said status signals is representative of a status of one of said associated phone channels;
C. each of said DSPs transferring said status signals of each associated phone channels to each other of said DSPs;
D. responding to said status signals associated with said plurality of phone channels to generate output data signals, wherein one of said output data signals is generated for each of said associated phone channels and wherein each of said output data signals is a function of at least selected ones of said incoming data signals; and
E. transferring to each of said associated phone channels, one of said output data signals by way of said common bus.
Description
RESERVATION OF COPYRIGHT

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to improvements in teleconferencing, and in particular, teleconferencing methods and apparatus which improve the resiliency and processing of a multitude of phone signals.

Teleconferencing apparatus and methods are generally known. Telephone operating companies and other private industries have entered this field to address the teleconferencing needs of particular groups or individuals and to improve the management and control of the teleconference meeting.

A typical conference might include a plurality of individuals who are telephonically connected into a discussion by a single operator at a central locality. The teleconference can be managed or unmanaged and can include a record/playback system to record the discussion and make it available over the phone lines for further consideration by the participants.

Typically teleconferencing systems include that described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,303,804, which collects, processes and redistributes information between a plurality incoming telephone lines. Callers connected to these lines can be grouped into selected conferences, or pooled together as subconferences, and are processed to associate members according to voice energy levels.

Difficulties persist with many prior art audio teleconferencing systems. Most particularly, the available systems typically pass data signals in and out of the phone lines via control and switching circuitry whereby a voice is clipped by the network. As more and more users access the teleconferencing system, the switching time increases and listeners can notice missing initial portions of speech. The switching also takes away valuable processing time which is required to significantly improve the quality of the composite signals outgoing to the various persons in the conference.

Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide an audio teleconferencing system which provides for virtual processing of every incoming caller, thereby removing any switching required to access or transmit data to the various callers.

It is another object to provide for improved processing of a plurality of audio phone signals data along a bus, wherein every incoming phone channel is treated with equal priority and the number of users is operationally scaleable (,i.e., without increasing processing overload).

It is also an object of the invention to provide improvements in digital signal processing, the delivery and management of information on a plurality of teleconferencing channels.

These and other objects will become apparent in the description within.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention thus relates to an audio telephone conferencing apparatus and method which features a plurality of digital signal processing units (DSPs) and a common bus for carrying voice digital data along a plurality of phone channels. Each DSP is coupled to the common bus and associated with particular phone channels therein. The DSPs respond to the data on each associated incoming phone channels and generate a status signal representing the particular status of that phone channel. These status signals are transferred along the common bus For access by other DSPs.

In turn, each DSP responds to status signals received from the others to generate an output teleconference signal as a function of all or some of the incoming phone channels. This output signal can represent, for example, a digital mix of the current "talkers" on the incoming phone channels the output signal is transmitted by each DSP along the common bus to the associated listening phone.

In another aspect, the DSPs include an energy detection element for generating the aforementioned status signal to indicate whether there is a selected activity level, e,g., talking, on the associated incoming phone channel. This status signal can be determined, in another aspect, by quantifying the energy level of the data associated in each incoming phone channel. This energy level can also be determined, in yet another aspect, by quantifying a value representative of the difference between the incoming channel data energy level and the average energy level in the output data signal, wherein this difference is greater than a threshold energy value.

In another aspect, the DSP includes a talk-list element which responds to status signals on the bus. The talk-list means, in another aspect, can generate and store a list representing active phone channels whose incoming voice data is selected for output to the conferences. The DSPs are arranged to generate their respective talk-lists identical and substantially simultaneously to one another.

In yet another aspect, the DSP talk-list element selects for representation in the "talk-list" phone channels which have a selected energy level (i.e., an energy level which exceeds the average energy level in the output data signals).

In still another aspect, the DSPs respond the control parameters for at least initializing a teleconference among a plurality of phone channels. A host processor is coupled to the DSPs to generate and store for access those control parameters. By this mechanism, the DSPs can maintain the teleconferencing functionally between at least selected phone channels in the event of a selected fault by the host processor (i.e., the host processor goes "down").

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the invention may be obtained by reference to the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a teleconferencing apparatus according to the invention; and

FIG. 2 depicts a teleconferencing method according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 depicts a signal processing apparatus 10 for use in a system for teleconferencing a plurality of phone channels (e.g.. T1 line 12), where that system includes a common bus 14 for carrying digital signals representing data incoming from and outgoing to those of phone channels. A further appreciation of these structures, their interaction and operation may be attained by reference to sections 1-3 of Appendix A, and Appendix B, filed herewith.

The apparatus 10 includes a plurality of digital signal processing (DSP) elements 16a-16c, each coupled to the common bus 14 and associated with at least one phone channel, for (i) responding to incoming data on each associated phone channel to generate a signal representative or a status of that phone channel, and (ii) transferring the status signal to the common bus. Each of the DSP's 16a-16c further includes functionality for (i) responding to the status signals associated with the plural phone channels to generate for each phone channel associated with each DSP an output data signal as a function of at least selected ones of the incoming data signals, and (ii) transferring the output data signal on the common bus to the associated phone channel. A further appreciation of these structures, their interaction and operation may be attained by reference to Appendices B-D, filed herewith.

Each DSP 16a-16c includes energy detection functionality 18a-18c for generating the status signal to be indicative of a selected activity level on the associated incoming phone channel. That energy detection functionality generates the status signal as a function of an energy level represented by data in the associated incoming phone channel and, more particularly, as indicative of a value representative of the difference between the incoming data energy level and the average energy in the output data signal being greater than a threshold energy value. A further appreciation of these structures, their interaction and operation may be attained by reference to sections 9-16 of Appendix B, filed herewith.

The DSP's 16a-16c include "talk-list" functionality 20a-20c responsive to the status signals to generate the their respective output data signals as a function of incoming data on a selected number of the phone channels at the selected activity level. The talk-list functionality 20a-20c generates and stores a talk-list representing the phone channels that have the selected activity level, e.g., phone channels that have an energy difference between the incoming data energy level and the average energy in the output data signal that exceeds a designated value, or phone channels having an incoming data energy level that exceeds an average incoming data energy level of the channels represented by current talk list. These talk-lists generated by each DSP are generated identically and substantially simultaneously with each other. A further appreciation of these structures, their interaction and operation may be attained by reference to section 9 of Appendix B, filed herewith.

The DSP's are responsive to control parameters for at least initializing teleconferencing between the plurality of phone channels. A host processor, that is coupled to the DSP's, generates and stores such the control parameters for access by the DSP's, which are capable of maintaining teleconferencing between at least selected ones of the channels in the event of fault by the host processor. A further appreciation of these structures, their interaction and operation may be attained by reference to section 4.10 of Appendix A, Appendices B-C, section 3 of Appendix F, and Appendix I, filed herewith.

A method for teleconferencing a plurality of phone channels according to the invention is shown in FIG. 2. The method includes the steps of (i) coupling a plurality of digital signal processing elements (DSP's) to a common bus (step 22), such that each of the DSP's is associated with at least one phone channel, and every DSP receives data from all incoming phone channels; (ii) responding to incoming data on each associated phone channel to generate a signal representative of a status of that phone channel (step 24); (iii) transferring that status signal to each DSP (step 26); (iv) responding to the status signals associated with the plural channels to generate, for each channel, an output data signal as a function of at least selected ones of the incoming data signals (step 28), and (v) transferring those output data signals on the common bus to the associated phone channels (step 30). A further appreciation of these structures, their interaction and operation may be attained by reference to Appendices B-D, filed herewith.

Described above is a preferred system for use in a teleconferencing system meeting the objects hereof. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other systems, incorporations, modifications, deletions or additions hereto may fall within the scope of the invention, in which we claim:

APPPENDIX A

1. Objective

The objective of this Product Specification is to define the external functions, features, interfaces, and displays that the customer sees in the completed first version of the Digital Conferencing Bridge (DCB) product.

2. General Product Goals

The first DCB product release is a replacement of the System 60 (a "digital MOPS"). The MOPS operator interface is very similar to the current System 60 with changes where necessary to accommodate DCB features such as more lines and more conferences. Some of the older, less used features of the current bridge are dropped in the DCB.

The DCB has a flexible digital hardware and software base to allow future development of enhancements such as an unattended conferencing bridge with remote moderator features, advanced reservation capability, voice and data bridging for groupware teleconferencing, video and ISDN.

3. Hardware

The hardware architecture is based on a PC/AT. The DCB supports a maximum of 96 conferencing channels, 8 operator channels, 3 record/playback, 1 music, 2 Link Lines, and 8 annunciators (7 incoming messages, 1 outgoing). The cards needed to conduct a 96 port conference include: 2 Dual T1 Interface Boards or 4 Single T1 Interface Boards, 4 DSP Conferencing Boards, 1 Analog Interface Board, and 1 Multiple Serial Port Board. Future systems may support tape backup, lan interface, EGAVGA video, etc. The DCB can be configured as a 24, 48, 72, or 96 channel conferencing bridge. Each configuration is fully contained in a rack mountable PC chassis or optional tabletop chassis. System maintenance and diagnostics are done via an ASCII terminal. An optional Hewlett Packard DeskJet printer is available for operator or system printing.

3.1 External Interfaces

The external DCB interfaces include T1 interfaces, printer ports, remote maintenance port, analog interface, serial I/O, and alarms. Each of these interfaces is described below.

3.1.1. T1 Interface

All user voice and data enters the system via the T1 channels. The T1 connector is located on the back of the PC and consists of an RJ45 connector for each T1 interface (up to 4). The standard interface is DSX-1. Up to 24 voice channels can be carried on one T1 circuit. The system is designed to allow enhancement to European E1 lines in the future (up to 3 E1 circuits, 30 voice channels each).

Analog Conferencing--The DCB can be used to conference analog lines however external channel banks, not available from MultiLink, are required for this application.

3.1.2. Printer Ports

A Centronics parallel primer port is located on the back of the chassis for use in general system printing of CDRs, Dialing Lists, Logs, Configurations, Network Statistics, Operator Printouts, and Alarm statistics. Operator initiated printouts, such as polling results, may be redirected to this printer.

3.1.3. Remote Maintenance port

An internal modem is provided for remote maintenance access. The modem supports 9600 mnp5 bps async communication. This port can be used for maintenance or remote administrator concurrently with the local console.

3.1.4. Additional Administrator Terminal

An additional ASCII terminal may be connected to the com0 port located on the back of the system. This port can be used for administrator and maintenance use. Operator screens can be displayed from this terminal however no audio commands (Select Conference, Access, etc.) can be performed.

3.1.5. Analog Interface

The DCB utilizes a 24 channel 2 wire analog interface board, contained in the PC chassis, to interface the various analog I/O, such as operators, music, record/playback, and link lines, into the system. The analog board interface is on the back of the chassis and each channel can be separately broken out from the cable harness. The 8 local operators are supported with 16 analog channels (2 per operator). The music input requires 1 analog channel, record/playback requires 3 analog channels and
2 analog channels are used for the 2 Link Lines supported by the DCB.

3.1.6. Serial I/O

Serial I/O to local and remote operator displays is implemented via an 8 port serial I/O card contained in the DCB. ASCII terminals interface via RS232 signaling on RS232 connectors.

3.1.7. Local Operators

There are a maximum of 8 local operator displays supported in the DCB. Local operator displays are connected to ASCII terminals via the 8 port serial I/O card. Each operator ASCII terminal may have an optional serial printer, connected to the printer port on the rear of the terminal, for operator initiated printing of dialing lists and polling results.

The operator audio interface to the DCB is accomplished through the 24 channel 2 wire analog card which is contained in the DCB. RJ11 connectors are used to connect operator audio to the DCB. Headsets, with volume controls, are supplied at the operator stations.

3.1.8. Remote Operators--Leased Line Operation

Leased line operation requires 14-wire leased line for the data connection. The operator audio path is established by calling into the one of the 96 user channel. Operators must be configured as remote and a user channel must be specified as a remote operator channel. The data connection requires 2 leased line external modems (9600 bps. mnp5), 1 local and 1 remote. The local modem is connected to the serial I/O card and leased line at the DCB and the remote modem connects to the operator terminal and leased line at the remote site. Any or all operators stations may be configured for remote leased line operation. Upon configuring an operator as remote, the local operator audio path becomes inactive. No audio commands (Select Conference, Access, etc.) can be performed until the remote audio path has been established. No headset is supplied for remote configurations.

3.1.9. Remote Operators--Dial Up Operation

Remote dial up operation requires 2 external dial up modems (9600 bps. mnp5) for each remote operator dial up station. The selected operator terminal(s) are substituted with modems at the DCB and each remote operator terminal is connected to a modem. The remote operator audio is established by calling into one of the 96 ports on the DCB which is configured as a remote operator audio path. Any or all of the 8 local operators may be configured as remote dial up operators. Upon configuring an operator as remote, the local operator audio path becomes inactive. No audio,commands (Select Conference, Access, etc.) can be performed until the remote audio path has been established. No headset is supplied for remote configurations.

3.1.10. Music Input

The DCB inputs using 1 of the 24 channels of the analog board. An RJ11 connector is used to connect the music into the DCB.

3.1.1.1. Record/Playback

Conference recording/playback is done via the 24 channel analog board. There are 3 record/playback channels available. RJ11 connectors are used to connect the external recorders to the DCB.

3.1.12. Link Lines

The Linking together of DCBs is supported via the 24 channel analog board. The DCB supports 2 4-wire Link Lines. Each Link Line uses 2 channels of the analog board, one pair for transmit and the other pair for receive, for linking. RJ11
connectors are used as the linking interface from DCB to DCB or DCB to analog bridge.

3.1.13. External Alarms

A DB15 connector is used as the external alarm interface from the DCB. It provides 4 contact closures in the event of an alarm condition--major audible, major visual, minor audible, minor visual. The closure or opening of contacts can be monitored by an external device to signal network personnel of major/minor alarms. Alarm conditions include: Software Errors, T1 failures, Dead-man timer, loss of power. The contact ratings for the alarms are 100 v, 1 A. An alarm cutoff switch is available which opens the major and/or minor audible alarms on request. This switch is located on the front of the unit. The CPU may be reset remotely.

3.2 Power

90-230 VAC external switch, user selectable, 47-63 hz power supply or a 48 VDC power supply. Suitable for use in central offices, Europe and Japan.

3.3 Environmental Specifications

The DCB is designed for office or equipment room use. It is not designed to be installed in Central Office locations requiring Bellcore CO certification.

Temperature: 0-40 degree C.

Relative Humidity: 10%-90% non condensing

3.4. Controls

3.4.1. Main Unit

Power on/off--located on front of the unit. Key Required.

Reset--located on front of the unit. Key Required.

Audible Alarm Cutoff--located on front of the unit. Key Required.

3.4.2. Operator Station

Wyse 60 (or similar) controls and setup menus.

A volume control on the headset.

3.5. Displays

3.5.1. Main Unit

Power Supply Status--+5 v, -5 v, +12 v, -12 v green LED for each.

Hard Disk activity--Green LED.

CPU Status--Green LED.

Major Alarm--Yellow LED.

Minor Alarm--Yellow LED.

3.5.2. Operator Station

Wyse 60 display. For the function, refer to MMI under the software description.

3.6. Packaging

The packaging for the DCB main unit is a 19" rack mountable PC chassis. An optional cabinet is available for stand alone systems. Wyse 60 terminals, headsets, and optional HP Deskjet printer are also part of the system. MultiLink logos are used on the terminals, PC chassis, optional cabinet, printers, and headsets.

3.7. Internal Specification Highlights

3.8. Options

Port capacity--up to 96 total conferencing channels configurable in 24 port increments.

Operator stations--2 per 24 ports installed, up to a maximum of 8 total operator stations with each separately configurable as local, remote leased line, or remote dial up.

Administrator Terminal--1 terminal in addition to the 8 operator terminals may be connected to the com0 port located on the back of the system for administrator and maintenance use.

Link lines--1 per 24 ports installed, up to a maximum of 2 link lines are available.

RecordPlayback--1 per 24 ports installed, up to a maximum of 3 record/playback lines are available.

Annunciators--2 per 24 ports installed, up to a maximum of 8 annunciators are available.

4. Software

The multi-user bridge operating system and digital signal processing software crone with the basic system. A relational database is not needed in the basic system because the functionality is basic System 60. All local and remote CRTs are simple async/ASCII terminals or user supplied PCs with ASCII terminal emulation. No windows or mice are used. The Man-Machine Interface software is designed to allow it to operate in the future with X windows and a mouse. It is a goal to maintain as much of the look and feel of System 60 to minimize the learning time of a person familiar with the System 60. The software supports 96 conferencing channels, 8 operator channels (local or remote), 1 music input, which can be placed into any and all conferences simultaneously, 3 record/playback channels, and 2 link lines. Up to 48 simultaneous interactive conferences can be held on the bridge. System configurations, and dialing lists are stored on the hard disk.

4.1. System Features

Digitized Audio Messages

Programmable Operator terminal bit Rate

Port count/2 Simultaneous Conferences

Programmable conference Tones on Entry/Exit

DTMF Dialing-direct, speed dial and blastup

Touch Tone into conference minimized

Call closed transaction log files (CDRs)

Hot reboot--O/S reboot without losing conference

Linking multiple systems ("link lines")

4.1.2 Terminal Accessible Features

There are five types of users:

1. The ordinary conferee (user) using a telephone with touch tone keypad.

2. A moderator using a touch-tone telephone. He has the capabilities of an ordinary user plus some special privileges.

3. An operator using a CRT locally or remotely to run a conference.

4. A system administrator at a local or remote CRT.

5. Maintenance personnel at a local or remote CRT or computer.

4.2. Man-Machine Interfaces

There are two man-machine interfaces:

1) A normal telephone handset with DTMF keyboard is used by the conferee and the moderator. The user responds by typing numbers on his telephone keypad.

2) An ASCII terminal or a PC with ASCII terminal emulation is used by the Operator, the System Administrator and Maintenance personnel.

4.2.1. Conferee MMI

When the bridge answers an incoming call a message is played to the caller. Incoming calls may be set to not hear a message when the bridge answers the call. When the call enters the DCB and has passed through the annunciator state the caller is then placed into the ENTER conference, where music is played, and remains there until an operator accesses the caller.

Each of the 48 conferences may be configured to generate a tone to other conferees when a new caller is added to the conference (Entry Tone). This tone is heard, if enabled, by all channels in the conference.

Each of the 48 conferences may also be configured to generate a tone when a caller disconnects from a conference (Exit Tone). This tone is heard by all remaining conferees.

The system can be configured to generate a 2 beep DTMF acknowledge tone to each caller that enters a valid DTMF digit. Valid DTMF digits include: DTMF `0`--Help Request, DTMF `1`--Add to Q&A question queue, DTMF `#`--remove from Q&A question queue, and DTMF `1`--`9` while in polling.

4.2.2. Moderator-monitoring via telephone MMI

Conference moderator(s) obtain all the conferee MMI described above with some added features. When a conference is lectured only moderators can be heard by other conferees. If Conference Security is enabled the moderator may secure the conference (i.e. lock out the operators) by pressing a DTMF `7`. Upon securing a conference the moderator hears a 2 beep tone informing them the conference is secure. Conferences can be unsecured by pressing a DTMF `7` upon which a 3 beep tone is heard by the moderator and the operators can now move into the conference.

4.2.3. Sign-In MMI

Operator, Administrator, and Maintenance screens are all accessible from any terminal. All terminals have a Sign-In display and the proper sign-in name and password must be entered to gain access to the system. When entering the password `*`s are displayed in place of the characters entered to maintain security. Valid sign-ins can be entered from any terminal. Operator sign-ins have access to only the operator screen. Administrator sign-ins have access to the administrator and operator screens and maintenance sign-ins have access to maintenance, administrator, and operator screens. The default sign-ins are:

Operator Screen: Sign-In Name--oper Password--abc123

Administrator Screen: Sign-In Name--admin Password--abc123

Maintenance Screen: Sign-In Name--maint Password--abc123

The system can save hundreds of different sign-ins to the hard disk and these are created and deleted via the administrator menu. When a terminal is powered on the screen displays the sign-in screen, shown below. The window at the top of the screen displays messages from the system. The last 8 messages received are displayed.

Exiting from either the operator, administrator, or maintenance screens brings up the sign-in screen. If power is turned off when an operator, administrator, or maintenance screen is up, the system automatically exits the current screen and, when power is restored, the sign-in screen is displayed.

4.2.4. Operator MMI

The DCB Operator controls and displays are intended to perform the same functions in a familiar manner to the System 60. Some enhancements are necessary because the DCB has more lines and more conferences. The operator stations each consist of a dedicated terminal and audio path. Operator display #1 is dedicated to operator audio port #1 on the analog interface board and so on.

Logging into the system correctly and entering the proper password clears the screen and screen #6, summary screen, is displayed. When the session is finished the operator may log out of the system by executing the "Exit" command under the "Options" submenu. Powering down the terminal automatically executes the logout procedure as does a modem disconnection in the case of remote operators. Operators logging out of the system return the display to its initial state, i.e. any accessed lines are released, any command lines being built are aborted, and the Main menu is displayed.

4.2.4.1. Screen Displays

The DCB supports a total of 8 operator stations running independent conference screen displays. The screen displays vary the number of channels displayed, the number of lines per display, and whether or not the conferee name is displayed. Each screen display is divided into three sections; 1>. Line Status Area--This displays information about all lines in the bridge. 2>. Conference Status Area--This displays information about all the conferences on the bridge. 3>. Operator Status Area--This displays operator information.

4.2.4.1.1. Line Status

The Line Status area is the same for each screen (line detail, summary, etc.). The summary screen, however, does not display the line name. The display format for each line is:

"*01-C01 LS AG NAME"

*--Talk indicator, displays current talker.

01--Line number.

C01--Conference number.

LS--Line Status. Can be any of the following:

DC--Disconnect. Any line that has disconnected from the DCB is displayed in reverse video with `DC` in the line status field. The conference the line was in before it disconnected is also displayed as is the name of the conferee.

MO--Moderator. Indicates if the line is the moderator of the conference. This is set from the `Access` or `Line` menu.

MU--Mute. Indicates if the line is muted. This is set from the `Access` or `Line` menu.

FL--Fault Line. Indicates if the line is faulted. Faulting a line is done from the `Access` or `Line` menu.

OS--Out of Service. Indicates a line has been taken out of service by he system.

AG--Automatic Gain. Indicates Automatic Gain Control is turned on for the specified line. Gain is set through the `Access` or `Line` menu.

NAME--Displays the name associated with the line. Up to twenty (20) characters.

4.2.4.1.2. Conference Status

The conference status area of the screen displays all pertinent conference information. This includes total participants, conference name, current speaker, etc. The top of the conference status area displays a header and under each header item is the conference information pertaining to that item. The following describes all the conference status information.

"C TP NAME SP MLRPSTL"

C--Conference Number (01-48).

TP--Total Participants in conference.

NAME--Operator assigned conference name. If Display Minutes per conference command is issued the `NAME` header is changed to `MINS` and the minutes are displayed. The minutes are cleared and the names displayed if a refresh command is issued. Up to 12 characters.

SP--Current speaker in conference.

M--Music. An `M` is displayed if music is in the conference. Nothing is displayed if music is not in the conference.

L--Conference Lecture. An `L` is displayed if the conference is lectured else nothing is displayed.

R--Record Conference. The record/playback channel in the conference is displayed (1-3) if the conference is being recorded. If there is no record channel in the conference nothing is displayed.

P--Playback Conference. The record/playback channel in the conference is displayed (1-3) if the conference is being played to. If there is no playback channel in the conference nothing is displayed.

S--Conference Security. If the operator turns on security an `S` is displayed. If a moderator activates the security feature the `S` is reverse video. If the security feature is turned off nothing is displayed.

T--Conference Tone. If the Entry tone is turned on for the conference an `E` is displayed. If the exit tone is turned on an `X` is displayed. If both entry and exit tones are turned on a `B` is displayed. If neither entry or exit tones are turned on nothing is displayed.

L--Link Channel. Displays which link channel (1 or 2) is currently in the conference. If there is no link channel in the conference nothing is displayed.

4.2.4.1.3. Operator Status

The operator status area of the screen displays information concerning available lines, number of disconnects, etc. The definitions of all the operator status items are:

AVL--Number of unused lines available on the system. Not including disconnects.

DC--Number of disconnects on the system.

ENT--Number of lines in the `ENTER` conference.

FLT--Number of lines faulted.

HLP--Number of lines or conferences requesting help.

Q&A--Number of callers in the Q&A queue. Only if running a Q&A session.

PLL--Number of callers that have responded to a poll. Only if running a polling session.

OPR--The conference the operator is currently in.

TLK--Tells the operator whether or not they can be heard by conferees. (on or off).

4.2.4.1.4. Operator Screens

Operators can select 1 of 7 different screen displays. Selecting screens is done by entering the appropriate screen number at any menu.

4.2.4.2. Command Menu

The operator interface software supports up to six simultaneous operators. Each operator has access to all commands. The DCB product supports a softkey operator interface based upon the current System 60 product. Commands may be accessed through the menu structure. The command options are displayed at the bottom of the operator screen. Upon the implementation of a command the Linx prompts the operator for the necessary information (i.e. line numbers, conference numbers, etc.). All commands may be run or submenus displayed by moving the cursor to the desired selection and pressing return or by entering the first letter, or capitalized letter, of the item. If a command (Italics) is selected the operator is prompted for the information necessary to perform the command, or the command is simply run if no information is required. If a submenu (Bold) is selected the options under that submenu are displayed. The `ESC` key aborts any command in progress or moves the operator to the MAIN menu. A line editor is present and allows operators to insert and delete characters on the command line using the left and right arrow keys, the del key, and the backspace key.

SYSTEM 60 COMMAND MENU STRUCTURE

MAIN: Access Conference Display Enter Fastdial Help Line Options Purge Refresh Set Transfer

ACCESS: Dial Fault Gain Hangup Moderator mute Name Release Transfer

CONFERENCE: Clear.sub.-- all Entry.sub.-- tone Hangup Lecture Name Playback polling Q&A Record Security eXit.sub.-- tone

POLLING: Clear Help mUte print.sub.-- All print.sub.-- Summary Release Tag.sub.-- digit

Q&A: Clear Gain redraw Resume

DISPLAY: aNswer Calls Gain Line.sub.-- connect.sub.-- times Minutes.sub.-- per.sub.-- conference Operator.sub.-- status Show.sub.-- conferences Total.sub.-- line.sub.-- times

FASTDIAL: Blastup Create.sub.-- list Dial dUplicate Modify Print Remove.sub.-- list

MODIFY: Add Change Delete

LINE: Fault Gain Hangup Moderator MUte Name

OPTIONS: Annunciator Chat Exit Scan

ANNUNCIATOR: Playback Record

PURGE: Call.sub.-- counts Disconnects Minutes.sub.-- per.sub.-- conference Total.sub.-- times

SET: Nighttime Scan.sub.-- time

TRANSFER: Conferees Link.sub.-- lines

There are default commands which are not displayed in the command menu. These commands are used to turn on operator talk, change operator displays, and select conferences. These commands consist of:

Operator Talk--spacebar or dash (-)

Conference Group Select--F13-F16

F13=Conference Group 01-12

F14=Conference Group 13-24

F15=Conference Group 25-36

F16=Conference Group 37-48

Conference Select 01-12--F1-F12

Conference Select 15-24--F1-F12

Conference Select 25-36--F1-F12

Conference Select 37-48-F1-F12

Screen Displays--0-6

The default commands work from any menu. The Operator Talk command allows the operator to speak to a conference. The Conference Group Select commands select which group of conferences the system displays and which conferences the operator can move to using function keys F1-F12. The Conference Select keys move the operator and the accessed line, if a line is accessed, to the specified conference. The Screen Displays are defined in the next section of this document.

4.2.4.3. Command Definitions

4.2.4.3.1 Main Menu Commands

Access

Access is a dual function command. If an operator is accessed to a line the ACCESS submenu is displayed. If an operator is not accessed to a line the system prompts:

ACCESS <line>

The operator may enter a line number (1-96) and be moved automatically to the access menu. If a remote operator is to be accessed entering a 01-08 accomplishes this. The operator cannot move into the ACCESS submenu without being accessed to a line. If a <return> is entered with no line number at the command prompt the Linx finds a free line, accesses that line to the operator and moves to the ACCESS submenu. If a line is active (i.e. in a conference) the Linx responds with:

Access Line xx Conference #yy

ARE YOU SURE (Y/N):

Entering a `Y` accesses the line. An `N` or `ESC` aborts the command. Any other key has no effect. If a line accessed cannot be viewed by the operator because of the operator screen being displayed the system automatically switches to a similar display which supports the viewing of the line.

Conference

This item displays the CONFERENCE submenu.

Display

This item displays the DISPLAY submenu.

Enter

Enter is a command which automatically accesses the operator that initiated the command to the next line in the `ENT` conference. A line is moved into the `ENT` conference by calling into the bridge. Upon the operator being accessed to a line using the `Enter` command the ACCESS submenu is displayed.

Fastdial

This item displays the FASTDIAL submenu.

Help

Help is a command which either:

a). Moves the operator to the conference that has requested help.

b). Accesses the line that requested help to the operator which initiated the help command and then displays the ACCESS submenu.

The two different modes of help may be set in the configuration menu. The help requests can either be by conference or by individual line. When conference help is requested the appropriate conference number in the conference status area of the display is reverse video. When individual help is requested the appropriate line number in the line status area of the display is reverse video. When conference help is selected and a muted line requests help, the line is placed into the help queue, not the conference.

Line

This item displays the LINE submenu.

Music

This command places music into a conference. Upon initiating this command the Linx prompts:

MUSIC <conf#>-

The operator may then enter the desired conference. If Music is presently in the conference then it is removed. If music is not in the conference then it is added. Upon adding music to a conference the conference status window is updated displaying an `M` in the location corresponding to the appropriate conference and all the lines in the conference are muted.

Options

This item displays the OPTIONS submenu.

Purge

This item displays the PURGE submenu.

Refresh

This command clears the entire screen and rewrites it.

Set

This item displays the SET submenu.

Transfer

This item displays the TRANSFER submenu.

4.2.4.3.2 Access Submenu Definitions

Dial

This command allows the operator to dial a telephone number on the line accessed. A name may also be entered. The system prompts:

DIAL <name><number>-

A telephone number of up to 40 digits in length may be entered along with a name of up to 20 characters. The `#` and `*` digits may be dialed simply by entering them from the keyboard. A dial pause can be issued by entering a `space` between digits.

Fault

This command allows the operator to take a line out of service. Upon faulting a line the Line status area of the display reflects the new status. The fault command under the line submenu is used to unfault faulted lines.

Gain

This command turns on the automatic gain feature for the accessed line. When on, the line is automatically given gain if the input level received from the line is determined to below. The maximum amount of gain which can be given to a line is
10 dB. If the line currently does not have automatic gain then the gain is turned on. If automatic gain is currently on then it is turned off.

Hangup

This command hangs up the accessed line from the system.

Moderator

This command flags the accessed line as a moderator and updates the line status area accordingly. If the line is currently a moderator then the moderator flag is turned off. If the line is not a moderator then the moderator flag is turned on.

mUte

This command allows the operator to mute the accessed line. If the line is currently muted then it is unmuted. If the line is not muted then it is muted.

Name

This command allows the operator to assign a name to the accessed line. The system prompts:

NAME <name>-

The name may be up to twenty (20) characters in length and is displayed in the line status area.

Release

This command releases the accessed line from the operator and places it back into the conference from which it was accessed. If the line was previously inactive or faulted it is disconnected from the system.

Transfer

This command allows the operator to transfer the accessed line to another port. The system prompts:

TRANSFER <number/extension>-

The system then flash hooks the line and dials the specified digits. The line is then disconnected from the operator and the operator is moved back to its previous conference. This feature only works if the system is connected to a switch or PBX which supports call transfers.

4.2.4.3.3 Conference Submenu Definitions

Clear.sub.-- all

This command turns all conference options off and removes any peripheral channels from the conference. Upon initiating the command the Linx prompts:

CLEAR ALL <conf(s)>-

The operator may then enter the desired conference(s). All conference options are turned off and any record/playback or link lines are removed from the conference. Upon clearing a conference, the conference status window is updated to reflect the change.

Entry.sub.-- tone

This command toggles the entry tone heard by conferees as they enter a conference. Upon initiating the command the Linx prompts:

ENTRY TONE <conf(s)>-

The operator may then enter the desired conference(s). If the entry tone is presently turned on for a conference then it is turned off. If the entry tone is presently off then it is turned on. Upon turning on or off the entry tone the conference status window is updated to reflect the change.

Hangup

This command hangs up all conferees in the conference which is specified in the command. Upon initiating the command the system prompts:

HANGUP <conf#>-

After entering a conference number the system prompts:

HANGUP CONFERENCE #XX

ARE YOU SURE (Y/N):

Entering `Y` hangs up the conference. Entering `N` or `ESC` brings the operator back to the Main Menu.

Lecture

This command allows the operator to lecture an entire conference. Only lines flagged as moderators are able to be heard by other conferees. The command prompt is:

LECTURE <conf.>-

The specified conference is then lectured and this is displayed in the conference status window. The lines in the lectured conference display an `MU` in the line status area to show the lines cannot add speech to the conference.

Name

This command allows the operator to assign a name to a particular conference and have the name displayed in the conference status window. The system prompts:

NAME

<conf#><name>-

The entered name may be up to 12 characters in length.

Playback

This command allows the operator to place one of the playback/record channels into a conference and, through the use of an external tape recorder, play a tape or music to the entire conference. Upon inserting a playback channel into a conference the conference is lectured. The system prompts:

PLAYBACK

<conf#/'Remove><ch#>-

If an `R` is input in place of a conference number then the specified channel is removed. Upon removing or inserting a channel into a conference the conference status area of the display is updated to reflect the changes.

Polling

This command allows the operator to poll a conference for DTMF digits. The operator or a moderator may ask a yes/no or a multiple choice question that requires conferees to depress any one key on their keypad. This command is located in the `Conference` submenu. Upon initiating the command the system prompts:

POLL

<conf#>-

After entering a conference number the system then updates the conference status window and displays the polling submenu. Upon callers entering digits the screen is updated to reflect the total numbers of each digit entered and each line displays the digit entered in the conference number field of the line status display. Digits 1-9 are supported.

Entering `ESC` from the polling submenu prompts:

EXIT POLLING

ARE YOU SURE (Y/N):

Entering a `Y` returns to the Main Menu. Entering a `N` or `ESC` displays the polling submenu.

Clear--Polling

The operator is able to clear out all digits to prepare for another poll by pressing a `C`. The system prompts.

CLEAR LINES

<line(s)/'All>-

Lines may be entered an `A` to clear all lines.

Help--Polling

The operator can access a line in the polling conference that has requested help by pressing an `H`.

Mute--Polling

The operator may mute or unmute lines while in polling by entering a `U`. The system prompts.

MUTE

<line(s)>-

then prompts for line to muted or unmuted, depending on their present state.

Printing--Polling

The operator printing of the results is supported by pressing an `A` (print.sub.-- All), to print all line information along with totals and digit information, or an `S` (print.sub.-- Summary), to print only totals and digit information. Upon printing the system prompts:

ENTER TEXT

The operator can now enter any comments that should be printed out with the results (i.e. the question asked). The printing can be done via the operator terminal, the system printer, or it can be saved to the hard disk. See System Administrator Operator Station Configuration for details.

Release--Polling

Pressing an `R` releases the accessed line and the operator back into the conference.

Tag.sub.-- digit--Polling

The tagging of digits is supported by pressing a `T`. This prompts the operator with:

TAG DIGIT

<digit><tag>-

The operator can enter a digit and the tag, up to 18 characters, which is then displayed in the conference status area of the screen. Default Commands--Polling

The operator talk command and the switching of screen displays is supported while in polling. Question & Answer

The Q&A command performs as follows: The operator selects Q&A mode from the operator display. The Linx prompts the operator for the conference and upon entering this information all lines in the conference, except for the moderator(s), are muted.

Q&A

<conf#>-

The screen display changes to display the moderator(s) and the lines which have pressed the "question" key (DTMF `1`). Upon pressing the question key the Linx displays the lines according to their queue position not according to line number.

Help requests are displayed on the screen with the line number in reverse video. The operator may service a help request while in Q&A by moving the cursor to the line requesting help and pressing <RETURN>. This accesses the line to the operator. Pressing <return> again places the line back into the conference.

Operators may access the moderator(s) by moving the cursor to the moderator line and pressing <RETURN>. This access the moderator to the operator. Pressing <RETURN> again places the moderator back into the conference.

The first caller in the queue is displayed on the top left corner of the screen, after the moderator(s) in reverse video. Callers may remove themselves from the Q&A queue by entering a DTMF `#`. No lines except the moderators and the lines wishing to ask a question are displayed on the screen. The operator can use the arrow keys to move from caller to caller. By pressing <RETURN> the highlighted line is unmuted, begins blinking and can be heard by other conferees. When the operator presses <RETURN> again, the line is removed from the screen and the next person in the queue is now highlighted.

Entering `ESC` from the Q&A submenu prompts:

EXIT Q&A

ARE YOU SURE (Y/N):

Entering a `Y` returns to the Main Menu. Entering a `N` or ESC` displays the polling submenu.

Pressing an `ESC` terminates the Q&A feature however the status of all lines are saved and is displayed when Q&A is entered again.

Clear--Q&A

The queue can be cleared out by issuing the `Clear` command. Entering this command clears all lines in the Q&A queue and updates the screen accordingly.

Gain--Q&A

While a line is highlighted the operator may turn gain, for that line, on or off by pressing a "G". If gain is presently on for the line it is turned off. If gain is presently off for that line it is turned on. This command turns on the automatic gain feature for the accessed line. When on, the line is automatically given gain if the input level received from the line is determined to be low. The maximum amount of gain which can be given to a line is ??? dB.

Redraw--Q&A

This is similar to the refresh command. It clears and redraws the entire Q&A screen.

Resume--Q&A

After the operator unmutes a line by pressing <RETURN> the line can then be muted again and either removed from the Q&A queue by pressing <RETURN> again or it can be left in the Q&A queue by entering an `R`.

Default Commands--Q&A

The operator talk command and the switching of screen displays is supported while in Q&A.

Record

This command allows the operator to place one of the record/playback channels into a conference and, through the use of an external tape recorder, record a conference. The system prompts:

RECORD

<conf#/`R`emove><ch#>-

If an `R` is input in place of a conference number then the specified channel is removed. Upon removing or inserting a channel into a conference the conference status area of the display is updated to reflect the changes.

Security

This command allows the operator to setup a conference for security. Upon turning on security for a conference the moderator in that conference may then activate the security feature by pressing a `7` on their DTMF telephone. Operators are then denied access to that conference unless a request for assistance is made. The system prompts:

SECURITY

<conf#(s)>-

Upon turning security on or off the conference status area is updated. A secured conference can no longer request operator help. The conference security must be turned off in order to request operator help.

eXit.sub.-- tone

This command toggles the exit tone heard by conferees as other conferees exit a conference. It works the same as the Entry.sub.-- tone command.

4.2.4.3.4 Display Submenu Definitions

aNswer

The display answer command allows the operator to view the answer status (whether or not a line answers a call) of each line on the system.

Calls

The display calls command allows the operator to view the number of calls per line and the total number of calls per system. Calls are incremented when a conferee disconnects.

Gain

The display gain command allows the operator to view the status of the automatic gain feature of each line on the system.

Line.sub.-- connect.sub.-- times

The display line connect times command allows the operator to view the current connect time for each active line on the system (from system answer to current time).

Minutes.sub.-- per.sub.-- conference

The display minutes per conference command allows the operator to view the number of minutes accumulated for the 12 conferences being displayed.

Operator.sub.-- status

This command allows each operator to view the status of all operators on the system. The conference status Window is updated to display (1) type of operator card (local or remote), (2) the line accessed by the operator, (3) if the operator is remote and the operator is accessed by another operator, which operator is accessing it, (4) automatic gain, on or off, for remote operators, (5) which conference the operator is currently in, (6) operator talk, on or off, (7) operator name up to 8
characters (this is not labeled). This screen is displayed and updated until either a refresh command or a screen change command is issued. Note: Leased Line operators are displayed as LOCAL.

Show Conferences

This command toggles the operator between viewing all lines in all conferences or only the lines which are presently in the same conference as the operator. Default is all lines in all conferences. The message "One Conf." is displayed on the top of the screen when the system is displaying only active conferences. When the system is displaying all conferences the message "All Confs." is displayed.

Total.sub.-- line.sub.-- times

This command allows the operator to view the total number of minutes accumulated on all lines and the total amount of system time.

4.2.4.3.5. Fastdial Submenu Definitions

The Fastdial submenu allows operators to create dialing lists for use in blast up dialing or speed dialing. There can be up to 25 dialing lists with each list containing up to 96 telephone numbers and names. Upon creating a list it is automatically saved to disk. The lists may be accessed by any operator or all operators simultaneously. Along with creating lists, operators may remove entire lists, print, duplicate, or modify these lists. Upon accessing a dialing list the operator may scroll through the list using the arrow, keys. Entering an item number and pressing <RETURN> moves the operator immediately to the specified item. Dialing lists may accessed from any of the 6 operator displays and the differences between the
25 line and 43 line displays is shown below.

Blastup Dialing

This command allows the operator to blastup an entire dialing list. This command is located in the `Fastdial` submenu. Upon initiating the command the system prompts:

BLAST

<conf#>-

A conference may be entered or, if only a <return> is pressed the system selects an empty conference. The system then prompts with:

BLAST

<Starting Line>-

A line number may be entered or, if only a <return> is pressed line #1 is used.

The system then displays all the dialing lists available. The operator must choose the list they wish to blastup. Choosing a list may be done by using the arrow keys to highlight the desired list and then pressing <return>.

After a list has been selected, the items in that list are displayed on the screen. Items in the list can be flagged not to dial by using the up and down arrow keys to move through the list and pressing <return> when the item in question is highlighted. Upon doing this the item is flagged and is not dialed during the blastup procedure.

When the operator is ready to begin, pressing a `B`, initiates the blastup procedure. Lines are dialed and placed into the "CLPG" conference where they hear a repeating message (this message is recorded on annunciator #5). The callers can then press a DTMF `1` on their telephone and are moved into the conference. An `N` may be pressed to automatically access the next caller in the call progress queue. Pressing an `N` again places the line into the selected conference. Pressing an `H` hangs up the accessed line.

Create.sub.-- list

This command allows the operator to create a dialing list and enter a series of telephone numbers and names to that list. Upon initiating the command the systems prompts:

CREATE LIST

<name>-

Upon entering a name (xyz for this example) the system prompts:

CREATE LIST--xyz

<name><number>-

The telephone number may be up to 40 digits in length and the name up to twenty (20) characters. The <name><number> prompt continues to appear until either the list is full (i.e. 96 items have been entered), or an `ESC` is pressed. If an `ESC` is pressed the operator is returned to the FASTDIAL menu and not the MAIN menu.

Dial

This command allows the operator to fastdial a specific dialing list. Upon initiating the command the system prompts:

DIAL

<conf#>-

A conference may be entered or, if only a <return> is pressed the system selects an empty conference.

The system then displays all the dialing lists available. The operator must choose the list they wish to dial. Choosing a list may be done by using the arrow keys to highlight the desired list and then pressing <return>.

After a list has been selected, the items in that list are displayed on the terminal. The operator may then, using the arrow keys, move down, or up, through the list until the desired item is highlighted.

When the operator presses <return> the system finds a free line, accesses that line to the operator, opens the operator talk path, updates the screen, and dials the number. If a connection is made the operator may place the line into the selected conference by pressing <return>.

If no connection is made (busy, ring no answer) the operator may hangup the line by pressing an `H`.

The operator talk key command works while in the fastdial mode.

Duplicate List

Upon pressing a `U` (dUplicate) the system displays all the available dialing lists. The operator may choose the list to reproduce by using the arrow keys to highlight the desired list and pressing <return>. After selecting a list the system prompts with:

DUPLICATE

<NAME>-

The operator enters the name and a new list is created.

Modify List

The Modify list command allows the operator to add, change, or delete items to/from a dialing list. Upon selecting the modify list option a submenu appears prompting the operator with ADD, CHANGE, and DELETE.

After selecting either ADD, CHANGE, or DELETE all the dialing lists are displayed on the screen. The operator may then choose a list by using the arrow keys to highlight the desired list and pressing <return>.

If ADD is selected the system prompts:

Add item to list--xyz

<name><number>-

The operator may now enter new items to the selected dialing list until either, the list is full, or an `ESC` is entered.

If CHANGE is selected the system displays the items in the selected dialing list. The operator can select an item to change by using the up and down arrow keys. The left and right arrow keys may then be used to move the cursor through the field and make the necessary changes to the telephone number and/or name. The `DEL`, `BACKSPACE`, `HOME`, and arrow keys are used for editing. Insert mode is always enabled and any character entered updates the screen. When updating the telephone number use only `0`-`9`, `*`, `#` or a space. Once editing an item is complete, pressing <RETURN> modifies the dialing list and updates the other operator screens. To abort an edit use the up or down arrow keys.

If DELETE is selected the system displays the items in the selected dialing list. The operator may delete an item by using the arrow keys to select the desired item and press <return>.

Printing Dialing Lists

This command allows the printing of dialing lists. Upon pressing a `P` the system displays all the available dialing lists. The operator may choose the list to print by using the arrow keys to highlight the desired list and pressing <return>. The printing can be done via the operator terminal, the system printer, or it can be saved to the hard disk. See System Administrator Operator Station Configuration for details.

Remove List

This command allows the operator to remove a list from the system. Upon initiating this command, all the dialing lists in the system are displayed. The operator may then, using the arrow keys, select the list to be deleted. Pressing <return> initiates the prompt:

Delete list-xyz

(Y/N)p

Entering a `Y` deletes the dialing list. Entering an `N` or `ESC` aborts the deletion. Deletion may only be performed if no other operators are in the fastdial submenu.

4.2.4.3.6. Line Submenu Definitions

Fault

This command allows the operator to take a line out of service. Upon initiating the command the Linx prompts:

FAULT

<line(s)>-

The operator may then enter the desired line(s). If a line is presently faulted then it is unfaulted. If a line is unfaulted then it is faulted.

Gain

This command turns on or off the automatic gain feature for the specified line(s). When on, the line is automatically given gain if the input level received from the line is determined to be low. The maximum amount of gain which can be given to a line is 10 dB. Upon initiating the command the Linx prompts:

GAIN

<line(s)>-

The operator may then enter the desired line(s). Upon turning gain on or off the screen is updated to reflect the change.

Hangup

This command allows the operator to hangup a line or group of lines from the system. Upon initiating the command the Linx prompts:

HANGUP

<line(s)>-

The operator may then enter the desired line(s). If a line entered by the operator is presently active or it is in the `DC` state it is disconnected from the system. Upon hanging up lines from the system the screen is updated to reflect the change.

Moderator

This command allows the operator to flag a line or lines as moderators. Upon initiating this command the system prompts:

MODERATOR

<line(s)>-

The operator may then enter the desired line(s). If a line entered by the operator is not presently active it is not affected by this command. Upon making a line a moderator the screen is updated to reflect the changes.

Mute

This command allows the operator to mute a line (no audio from the line enters the conference) or group of lines. Upon initiating the command the Linx prompts:

MUTE

<line(s)>-

The operator may then enter the desired line(s). If a line entered by the operator is not presently active it is not affected by this command. If a line is presently muted when the command is issued the line is then allowed to talk to the conference. If the line was presently allowed to talk to the conference and the command was issued the line is muted. Upon muting or unmuting lines the screen is updated to reflect the changes.

Name

This command allows the operator to name a line. Upon initiating the command the Linx prompts:

NAME

<line><name>-

The operator may then enter the desired line followed by a maximum 20 character name. If a line entered by the operator is not presently active it is not affected by this command. Upon naming a line the screen is updated to reflect the changes. Operator lines may be named by entering o1-o8 for the line number. The operator name may only be 8 characters in length. The operator names are displayed when the display operator status command is executed.

4.2.4.3.7. Options Submenu Definitions

Annunciator

The annunciator command displays another submenu with the options PLAYBACK and RECORD. Upon selecting the PLAYBACK command the Linx prompts:

PLAY MESSAGE

<annunciator (1-8)>-

The operator may then enter an annunciator channel to playback. The annunciator plays and the operator may listen from the audio console. After recording or playing back an annunciator the operator is returned to the annunciator submenu.

Upon selecting the RECORD command the Linx prompts:

RECORD MESSAGE

<annunciator (1-8)>-

The operator may then enter an annunciator channel to record. The recording is done via the operator headset.

Chat

This command allows any operator to send a message to any other operator. A character string of up to 60 characters may be sent. Upon initiating this command the system prompts:

CHAT

<operator><text>-

Any operator (1-8) may be entered and the text string. Upon pressing <RETURN> the string is displayed on the top of the specified operator display (see below). The operator which sent the string is also displayed. If the operator has a name assigned to it then the name is displayed in place of the operator number. Messages from the system display "System" in place of the operator name.

Exit

The operator may log out of the system by entering this command. Upon entering this command any accessed line is released, the operator station is returned to the main menu, the screen is cleared and the sign-in prompt displayed.

Scan

This command automatically moves the operator from conference to conference. If a conference is empty it is skipped. Scanning continues until any key is pressed.

4.2.4.3.8. Purge Submenu Definitions

Call.sub.-- counts

This command zeros the accumulated calls on each line.

Disconnects

This command purges the disconnects for a desired conference or all the disconnects on the system. The system prompts:

PURGE DISCONNECTS

<conf#/`A`11>-

The operator may then enter either a conference number to purge or an `A` to purge all disconnects present on the system. Purging disconnects clears the name and telephone number and turns off the gain associated with the line being purged.

Minutes.sub.-- per.sub.-- conference

This command allows the operator to zero the conference minutes for a specific conference and set the start time for all lines in that conference to the present time. The system prompts:

PURGE MINUTES PER CONFERENCE

<conf#>-

The operator may then enter the conference number to purge.

Total.sub.-- times

This command zeros all the accumulated line times for each line in the system.

4.2.4.3.9. Set Submenu Definitions

Nighttime

This command tells the system to ignore all incoming calls. Once the operator initiates the command the message "Nighttime Mode Set. Press any key to stop" appears on all operator screens. This message stays on each screen until a key is pressed from any operator station. After a key is pressed the Nighttime mode is disabled and all operators go back to the Main menu.

Scan

This command allows the operator its own independent scanning time for the conference scan feature. The system prompts:

SET SCAN TIME

<time(1-59)>-

4.2.4.3.10. Transfer Submenu Definitions

Conferees

This command allows the operator to transfer groups of conferees to different conferences. The system prompts:

TRANSFER CONFEREES TO

<conf#><line(s)>-

The operator may then enter a conference number and all the lines to be transferred to that conference.

Link.sub.-- lines

This command allows the operator to transfer the link channels from conference to conference. The system prompts:

TRANSFER LINK LINES TO

<conf#/`R`emove><link line>-

The operator may enter a conference number or an `R`, along with a link line, to either transfer the link line to a conference or remove the link line from all conferences.

4.3 Annunciators

The DCB supports 8 annunciator channels and 8 messages. The messages are digitized, when recorded by an operator, and saved on the hard disk. Each of the 8 annunciator channels can play any of the 8 messages. Upon channels calling into the system an annunciator is played to them. This annunciator can be any of the 8 annunciator channels however the actual message is the one assigned via the administrator console. This configuration allows any message to be played to any annunciator.

4.4. CDRs

A feature is provided for storing/printing line information upon the disconnection of a line from the DCB. The CDR (Call Detail Record) for each line, CDRs are generated when lines disconnect from the bridge, is saved to disk. CDR's can be printed via the printer port on the back of the bridge (see system administrator printer options for details). CDR printing is not supported through operator terminals. The CDR format is as follows:

LINE# CONF# START END CONNECT NAME MODERATOR PHONE# CONF NAME

Line #--The line that disconnected.

Conf #--The conference from which the line disconnected.

Start Time--The time the line either called into the Linx or was dialed out by the operator.

End Time--The time the line disconnected from the Linx.

Connect Time--The amount of time (in minutes) the line was on the Linx.

Name--The name assigned to the line.

Moderator--If the line was a moderator this field contains a `Y`. If the line wasn't a moderator this field contains an `n`.

Phone #--The telephone number if the line was dialed out.

Conference Name--The name assigned to the conference.

4.5. Music

The DCB can supply music to any and all conferences simultaneously using a single music source. The INPUT and ENTER conferences are also supplied from the same music source. Inserting and removing music from a conference is done via the operator terminal. The insertion of music to the INPUT and ENTER conferences is done during system initialization and cannot be removed from these conferences.

4.6. Record/Playback

The DCB has the capability of recording from, or playing to, up to 3 conferences simultaneously. Each channel may be configured via the operator terminal for either recording a conference or playing to a conference. Record and playback cannot be done simultaneously on the same channel. There can be a maximum of 3 record/playback channels installed into DCB.

4.7. Configuration Menu

The DCB product allows the system administrator to configure system parameters pertaining to lines, conferences, operators, and the entire system.

4.8. Operator Printing

By connecting a serial printer to the back of an operator station ASCII terminal, operators can initiate the printing of dialing lists and polling results.

System administrators may redirect printer output from the operators to a printer connected to the back of an operator terminal, to the system printer, or to a file saved on the hard disk.

4.9. Administrator MMI

The Digital System 60 (DCB/60) Administrator Console allows conferencing operations supervisors to configure the DCB/60 to meet their conferencing needs. Channel, operator, and system parameters, may be configured through the administrator console. Backups of these configurations, the printing of system reports, setting system date and time, and password/sign-in management are also done through the administrator console. Upon starting the administrator process, the screen is cleared and the administrator main menu is displayed. The entire process is menu driven.

Pressing the `ESC` key returns you to either the previous menu or to the Main Menu, depending on what command you are executing. If the terminal loses power or becomes disconnected from the system the administrator process aborts and the sign-in process is started. Upon reception of a shutdown command the administrator process is killed.

4.9.1. Main Menu

The Main Menu is displayed upon startup of the administrator process. It consists of the following items.

System Date/Time--Sets the system date and time.

System Configuration--System Configuration Menu.

Channel Configuration--Channel Configuration Menu.

Operator Configuration--Operator Configuration Menu.

Disk Utilities--Format and view removable media.

File Management--View, print, and export files.

Backup/Restore--Backup and restore directories.

Sign-In Management--Sign-In Management.

Operator Display--Allows the administrator start the operator console process.

Exit--Exits administrator screen.

4.9.2. System Date and Time

The system date and time are changed using this menu option. The administrator can move between the date and time fields on the screen using the arrow keys and input the proper values.

Only numeric characters are allowed to be entered into the fields. Pressing `ESC` prompts with "Save Changes (Y/N)?". Entering an `N` or `ESC` does not change the date and time. Entering a `Y` changes the date and time.

4.9.3. System Configuration

The system configuration menu gives the administrator the ability to name the system, set the number of simultaneous talkers, configure dialout supervision, set annunciator and dial delays, set wink, flash hook and guard times, and enable/disable DTMF acknowledge, Disconnect Mode, Help Mode, and 1 or 2 digit mode. The administrator can move between these fields by using the arrow keys.

Alphanumeric characters are allowed in the name field and numeric characters only are allowed in the Simultaneous Talkers, Annunciator Delay, Dial Delay, Wink Time, Flash Hook Time, and Guard Time fields. The remaining options may be changed by selecting the desired option, using the arrow keys, and pressing the space bar, which toggles through all available options for the specific field. Pressing `ESC` prompts with "Save Changes (Y/N)?". Entering an `N` or `ESC` does not implement the changes. Entering a `Y` changes the parameters in memory and on disk.

Dial Out Supervision Options--Delay or Wink Default--Delay

Description--After seizing out on a line either, 1> delay for the duration entered in Dial Delay or 2> execute a wink of the duration entered in Wink Time, before dialing digits.

Simultaneous Talkers Options--1-3 talkers Default--3

Description--Number of simultaneous talkers per conference.

Annunciator Delay Options--0-5 seconds Default--0

Description--Amount of delay before annunciator message is played after a call is answered.

Dial Delay Options--1-5 seconds Default--1

Description--Amount of delay before dialing digits. See Dial Out Supervision.

Wink Time Options--300-800 ms. Default--300

Description--Duration of wink signal. See Dial Out Supervision.

Flash Hook Time Options--300-800 ms. Default--300

Description--Duration of flash hook, used for call transfers.

Guard Time Options--300-800 ms. Default--300

Description--Duration of time from when a line disconnects in both directions until that line may be used again for either outgoing or incoming calls. Prevents glare condition which occurs when both ends seize the line simultaneously.

DTMF Acknowledge Options--Yes or No Default--No

Description--Send the caller 2 beeps informing them of the reception of a valid DTMF digit.

Disconnect Mode Options--Yes or No Default--No

Description--Upon a line disconnecting from the system either, 1> keep the line seized out and display `DC` state on the operator screen or 2> disconnect the line immediately and clear line from the operator screen.

Conference Help Options--Yes or No Default--No

Description--Respond to help by either 1> conference, operator moves to conference requesting help or 2> individual, operator accesses caller that requested help.

Two Digit Mode Options--Yes or No Default--No

Description--Requires an `*` be pressed preceding any DTMF option. Callers must press `*`, `0` for operator help.

4.9.4. Channel Configuration

The channel configuration menu gives the administrator the ability to assign a specific annunciator message to a channel, set the answer status of a channel, set the timeout time of a channel, or restore all channels to their defaults. The administrator selects a configuration option by using the arrow keys to move between menu items and pressing return. Selecting defaults prompts with an "ARE YOU SURE? (Y/N):" message and sets all channels to their default configurations if a `Y` is entered. Selecting `Main Menu` returns the administrator to the main menu. The channel configuration menu window is shown below.

The window relating to 1 of the 3 channel menu items (annunciator, answer, timeout) is displayed upon choosing an item. Each window displays 24 channels and the remaining channels can be viewed/modified by using the page-up/page-down keys.

The announcement message (1-7, message #8 is reserved for blast out dialing) can be entered via the keyboard and each channel has a default of message #1. Channels do not hear a message if a 0 is entered in the annunciator field. The answer configuration can be a `Y`es or `N`o and these are toggled by pressing the space bar. Answer defaults are `Y` for all channels. Channel timeout can range from 0-60 minutes and these can be entered via the keyboard. Timeout defaults for all channels is
0 seconds, i.e. no timeout. Pressing `ESC` prompts with "Save Changes (Y/N)?". Entering an `N` or `ESC` does not make the changes. Entering a `Y` changes the parameters in memory and on disk.

4.9.5. Operator Configuration

The operator configuration menu gives the administrator the ability to independently configure each of the 8 operator stations and the administrator station. Terminal bit rate, printer options, terminal beeps, operator talk character, and local/remote operator setups for each operator can be configured from this menu. The administrator terminal can only be configured for baud rate, printer options, and terminal beeps. The operator configuration menu lists all 8 operator stations plus the administrator station.

Upon selecting an operator station to configure, the operator configuration window for the operator selected is displayed.

The Baud Rate selections include 9600 and 19200, selectable by pressing the spacebar. The default baud rate is 19200.

The Printing selections include local, system, file, none or any combination of local/system/file. The print options are selectable by pressing the spacebar and the default for each operator is local.

The Beep Mode selections include single beep, continuous beep or no beep. The beep time option is the interval between beeps, 1-5 seconds, when the continuous beep option has been selected. The Beep Mode options are selectable by pressing the spacebar. The default for Beep Mode is single beep and the default Beep Time is 1 second.

The Talk Key selections include the spacebar and the dash key, selectable by pressing the spacebar. The default is `spacebar` controls operator talk.

The Remote selections include `Y`es or `N`o, selectable by pressing the spacebar. The default is No, i.e. local operator.

The Channel selection gives the administrator the ability to assign a remote operator a channel number. These channel numbers can be any of the user channels currently in service on the system however the channel must be inactive to be assigned remote operator capabilities. Only remote operators can be assigned channel numbers, local operators use the channel assignments given by the system and these cannot be modified.

Pressing `ESC` prompts with "Save Changes (Y/N)?". Entering an `N` or `ESC` does not make the changes. Entering a `Y` changes the parameters in memory and on disk.

4.9.6 Disk Utilities

The Disk Utilities menu allows the administrator to format or list the files on a floppy disk.

Selecting Format or Directory Listing prompts with the drive select menu, shown below. The administrator must select the disk drive to use and press return, or press `ESC` to exit.

After selecting a drive the screen is cleared and the following messages are displayed.

"Format of A:" or "Directory Listing of A:"

"Please insert disk into drive A:"

"Press `ESC` to abort, any other key to continue."

Pressing `ESC` aborts the procedure, otherwise the command is executed, and when finished, a "Press any key" message is displayed on the screen. If either of these commands are executed without a floppy disk inserted into the appropriate drive the screen hangs until a disk is inserted. Disks are formatted with the DOS format command.

4.9.7. File Management

The file management menu gives the administrator the ability to delete, export, print, and view files on the system which include Alarm Statistics, CDRs, dialing lists, logs, network statistics, and operator printouts. Alarm statistics are written to a file and displayed when this item is selected. CDR, and Log, files are assigned names corresponding to the date they were created (i.e. Sep06) and the system maintains a maximum of a months worth of each type of file and deletes the oldest file as necessary. Network Statistics files are assigned names corresponding to the date created and T1 trunk (i.e. Sep06.0 for trunk 1) and are updated every 15 minutes. The system maintains network statistics files using the same method for maintaining CDR and Log files. Dialing list files are named by their creator and the number of these files is limited only by disk space. Operator printouts are named by the system as oper1.prn, oper2.prn, etc.

Alarm Report file contains a snapshot of the alarms currently active on the system.

CDR files contain Call Detail Records for each line that entered the system.

Dialing List files contain system dialing lists created by operators for use in blastup and fastdial.

Log files contain messages from all software processes used by the DCB/60. These include information messages, software errors, T1 alarms, etc. for use in system maintenance and performance evaluation.

Network Statistics files contain counts of Various T1 events (i.e. alarms, T1 errors, etc.) If this file contains all zero's no T1 problems have occurred.

Operator Printout files contain all operator printouts that have been redirected to a file.

4.9.8. Backup/Restore

The Backup/ReStore menu gives the administrator the ability to backup and restore system configurations, CDRs, Dial Lists, Logs, and Sign-Ins. The administrator selects an option by using the arrow keys to move between menu items and pressing return.

4.9.9. Sign-In Management

The Sign-In Management menu gives the administrator the ability to create and delete operator, administrator, and maintenance sign-ins. Maintenance sign-ins can only be created/deleted if the administrator process was started via the maintenance process. The administrator selects an option by using the arrow keys to move between menu items and pressing return.

4.9.10. Operator Display Monitor

This menu item clears the screen and starts the operator console process. If the operator console was started from the administrator process then, upon exiting the operator console the administrator process is started.

4.9.11. Exit

This menu item exits the administrator process and starts either the sign-in or maintenance depending upon which process started the administrator.

4.10. Maintenance MMI

The Digital System 60 (DCB/60) Maintenance Console allows maintenance personnel to configure and maintain T1 links, perform a system shutdown or re-initialization, access the administrator or operator console processes, and clear network statistics. Upon starting the maintenance process, the screen is cleared and the maintenance main menu is displayed. The entire process is menu driven. The copyright window (shown below) is displayed for each menu selected.

Pressing the `ESC` key returns you to either the previous menu or to the Main Menu, depending on what command you are executing. If the terminal loses power or becomes disconnected from the system the maintenance process aborts and the sign-in process is started. Upon reception or issuance of a shutdown command the maintenance process is killed.

4.10.1. Main Menu

The Main Menu is displayed upon startup of the maintenance process. It consists of the following items.

T1 Configuration--Configure the T1 trunks.

T1 Status--Display T1 status for all trunks.

T1 Enable/Disable--Enable/Disable T1 trunks.

Clear Network Statistics--Clear the days Network Statistics file.

Administrator Menu--Start the administrator process.

Operator Display--Start an operator console process.

Re-Initialization--Re-boot the system while retaining current conferences.

System Shutdown--Shutdown the system.

Exit--Exits administrator screen.

T1 terminology used in this section is defined as follows.

B8ZS (Binary 8-Zero Suppression)--Ensures a minimum 1 in 8, ones density by replacing any group of 8 consecutive zeros with a known bipolar violation sequence.

Blue Alarm--All 1's intentionally sent if normal data is unavailable.

CRC--Cyclic Redundancy Check--Determines how many frames have errors.

D3/D4--12 bit T1 framing format.

Err.Secs.--Number of seconds that have at least 1 CRC error.

ESF--Extended Super Frame--24 bit T1 framing format which contains CRC and Err.Secs.

Jammed Bit--The system changes bit 7 to a `1` if 8 bits of a word are zero.

OOF--Out of frame, i.e. no recognizable received signal, red alarm.

RED Alarm--Occurs when the near end of a T1 line detects loss of frame. A Yellow alarm is sent to the far end of the T1 line upon detection of a Red alarm.

Slip--An unequal number of frames received from 2 T1 lines.

Sync Source--The source of clock which synchronizes the T1 links.

Yellow Alarm--Occurs when the far end of a T1 line detects a loss of frame.

Zero Code Suppression--Ensures the data output stream never has more than 15 consecutive zeros. This is a T1 line clock recovery requirement. Either B8ZS or Jammed Bit.

4.10.2. T1 Configuration

The T1 configuration is set/modified through this menu item. Moving through the configuration fields is done using the arrow keys.

The spacebar is used to toggle between options in the Sync. Source, Primary, Secondary, Framing, and Zero Code Suppression fields. The remaining fields, Error Thresholds, Slip, BPV, CRC, Err. Secs., and Detect and Clear timers are modified by entering the appropriate value.

The T1 Synchronization source can be internal or external and the primary and secondary source can be configured to any of the installed trunks. A public telephone network is the preferred source.

Minor alarms are generated when Out of Frames, Slips, Bpv, CRC, and Err. Secs reach their specified limits. The default limits are 0 which indicates the alarm is never generated. If a minor alarm is generated by one of these conditions it is cleared after a 15 minute interval passes without reaching the specified alarm limit.

Major alarms occur upon indication of a Red or Yellow alarm condition. The Red or yellow alarm condition must occur for a minimum of "Detect" seconds. Detect and clear are entered in tenths of seconds. The alarm is cleared if there is no occurrence for a duration of "Clear" Seconds.

Framing can be set individually on each trunk as can zero code suppression. Setting framing to `None` disables the T1 trunk.

Pressing `ESC` prompts with "Save Changes (Y/N)?". Entering an `N` or `ESC` does not make the changes. Entering a `Y` makes the changes active and saves the T1 configurations to disk.

4.10.3. T1 Status

T1 status is displayed by selecting this menu item. The T1 status screen, shown below, is updated every 2 seconds and is exited by pressing `ESC`. The status screen size varies depending on the number of T1 trunks installed.

Alarm status displays any pending alarm either Red, Yellow, Blue, or None.

Framing, Zero Code, and Sync display the current T1 configuration.

The ABIn and ABOut displays which of the 24 channels are seized in and/or seized out.

Alarm counts displays the total number of Red, Yellow, and Blue alarms.

The remaining fields display the number of Out of Frames, Slips, BPVs, CRCs, and Err Secs.

4.10.4. T1 Enable/Disable

The T1 Enable/Disable option allows for the disabling or enabling of all installed T1 trunks. The T1 Enable/Disable menu, shown below, displays the current trunk status. The options are configured by using the arrow keys to move between menu items and pressing the spacebar. Pressing `ESC` prompts with an "ARE YOU SURE? (Y/N):" message and enable or disables T1 trunks as defined if a `Y` is entered. Entering an `N` or `ESC` aborts all changes.

4.10.5. Clear Network Statistics

The Clear Network Statistics option allows maintenance personnel to clear the days Network Statistics file. The Network statistics file is available for exporting, printing, and viewing through the administrator file management menu.

4.10.6. Administrator Menu

This menu item clears the screen and starts the administrator process. Upon exiting the administrator console the maintenance process is started.

4.10.7. Operator Display Monitor

This menu item clears the screen and starts the operator console process. Upon exiting the operator console the maintenance process is started.

4.10.8. Re-Initialization

This option allows the system to be rebooted while maintaining conferencing. The reboot of the system brings down all software processes and finally shuts Unix down. Conferencing is still active as all DSP cards continue to run. Unix is then rebooted which starts up all DCB/60 processes and the conferencing information is uploaded from the DSP Dual Port Ram to the system for initialization purposes.

Upon selecting this item an "ARE YOU SURE? (Y/N):" message is displayed. Entering `Y` reinitializes the system. Entering a `N` or `ESC` aborts the re-initialization.

4.10.9. System Shutdown

Upon selecting this item an "ARE YOU SURE? (Y/N):" message is displayed. If conferences are active on the system this information is also displayed. Entering `Y` executes a system shutdown. Entering a `N` or `ESC` aborts the shutdown.

4.10.10. Exit

This menu item exits the administrator process and starts either the sign-in or maintenance depending upon which process started the administrator.

4.11. User Program Interfaces

There is no user programming on the system.

5. Service and Maintainability Specifications

5.1 MTBF

20,000 to 50,000 hours for 96 to 24 port system.

5.2 MTTR

15 minutes

5.3 Diagnostics

A full suite of power-up, off-line and on-line diagnostics are provided for the use of customers and customer service.

5.3.1 Power-up diagnostics

Power-up test and diagnostics include:

Full memory tests of DSP cards including dual port, quad port, and static

RAM.

DSP Load Code

DSP interrupt

DSP semaphore

DSP card connectivity

Reference memory

Analog card xmit & rcv.

MVIP interface

5.3.2 Off-line diagnostics

Off-Line system testing includes:

CPU

Interrupt Controller

DMA Controller

Interval Timer

CMOS Clock

System memory including base, extended and expanded RAM.

Floppy Drive

Serial Port

Parallel Port

Printer

Speaker

5.3.3 On-line diagnostics

The system continually checks all software processes to ensure their sanity. If an error is detected a message is logged and an alarm is initiated.

5.4 Remote Access

A built-in modem allows remote dial-in at speeds up to 9600 bps. The maintenance features available remotely include:

Remote operator

Remote administrator

Remote maintenance:

Remote reboot

File transfer and software update

Remote dump analysis

Viewing of network management statistics and logs

5.5 Software maintenance

Customer service software maintenance tools which may be run locally or remotely include:

Dump analysis

Network management--T1 network interface monitoring

Resources monitoring--E.G.: memory, buffers; disk, processes, etc.

Program Debug and memory inspect and change

File transfer and software update

5.6 Field Replaceable Units

The field replaceable units include each circuit board and the power supply as well as each external assembly.

Power supply

Backplane

CPU board

System enclosure

T1 Interface PCB

DSP PCB

Diskette drive

Hard disk drive

Analog board

Serial port board

Terminals

Internal modem board

Note that the DCB is intended to be small and easily maintained by technicians familiar with PCs. It is easy to replace a board by opening the case or an entire box. No boards may be replaced with the power on.

6. Performance Specifications

Speed of Blast Up, 96 channels, less than 30 seconds.

DTMF Digit processing--96 simultaneous DTMF inputs, no missed digits.

Ring Detection--Detect Ringing and answer line within the first 2 rings.

7. Compatibility Specifications

7.1 Existing MultiLink Products

The DCB is compatible in function, user operation and operator operation with the System 60. The Conferee and Moderator touch-tone controls and audible responses are identical with the System 60. The Operator displays, while necessarily different to address the additional capacity of the DCB are functionally very similar. Only the "Config" menus of the System 60 are appreciably different. An operator trained on the System 60 should be able to use the DCB to run conferences with a minimum of training time.

The DCB may be linked to existing MultiLink bridges with 4 wire Link Lines or through the direct T1 connection to the DCB.

7.2 Customer Equipment

The customer may use any IBM compatible PC with a modem and off-the-shelf or MultiLink supplied terminal emulation software to access the DCB.

The DCB may be connected behind the customer's switch or PBX using T1 or 4 wire connections as long as this equipment provides the proper wink disconnect signaling.

7.3 Standard Equipment

The DCB conforms to a variety of standards for Telecomm, Datacomm and PC/AT.

Telecomm-T1

DSX-1 interface to local equipment or internal CSU

Accunet T1.5 compatible (TR62411) with ESF (TR54016) support

Datacomm-Modem V.32?

PC/AT-IEEE 896

8 Agency Approvals

Safety-UL/CSA approvals are provided for rack mountable units. Designed to meet TUV/VDE. EMI--FCC Part 15 class A for rack mountable units.

Telecomm-

T1 connection--(AT&T?), DOC?, JATE?

FCC part 68--(only for analog voice connections. Excludes 4 wire E&M as these are all local to customer and MultiLink equipment.)

Canadian DOC--(only for analog voice connections. Excludes 4 wire E&M as these are all local to customer and MultiLink equipment.)

JATE--(only for analog voice connections. Excludes 4 wire E&M as these are all local to customer and MultiLink equipment.)

9 Deliverable Configurations

10 Customer Documentation

10.1 Site Prep Guide

10.2 Installation Manual

1.0.3 Operation/Maintenance Manual

11 Future Product Migration Specifications

11.1. Networked Operator Attended Conferencing System

The LAN/operator attended software option allows:

Operator terminals can be PCs on a LAN with terminal emulation software.

Up to 5(?) simultaneous remote operators can have sessions to the bridge in addition to the local operator.

The local operator station can access as many as 8(?) remote bridges at one time

High resolution displays with X Windows or Windows 3.0 allow multiple operator screens to be displayed simultaneously.

In the future the customer may access the bridge with his own workstation using MultiLink supplied software.

11.2. Reservation and Database System

A relational database can be added to support the advanced reservation of bridge resources for conferences. Conference, user, client and billing databases can be provided. The reservation system can support attended operator usage and later unattended client reservations and inquiries. The client may make a reservation using his DTMF handset and the InteraCtive Voice Response (IVR) capability of the DCB or by dialing in with an ASCII terminal.

11.3.3 Personal Teleconferencing

The Digital Conferencing Bridge can be enhanced to incorporate the functions of a data bridge. The data bridge functionality allows personal computers at multiple conferee's desks to be bridged into a combined voice/data conference. This functionality requires the bridge to support a large number of data connections. The data connections may be from users modems that enter the bridge as analog or T1 connections or from data networks such as LANs or X.25.

11.4. Additional Future Product Extensions

The DCB is designed with an integrated digital voice and processor architecture that allows a wide variety of future products and options to be added to the base product. The following are additional capabilities that might be needed:

Fax--Notification of a conference via automatic sending of fax. Storage of fax to be used in personal teleconferences. Faxmail.

Email/media mail--storage of Email(including files, images and faxes) on the bridge. Email X.400 gateway to corporate or public Email systems.

Voice mail--to support the conferencing

ISDN

CEPT (2 mbps, 30 channel) capability

APPENDIX B

1.0 Introduction

Digital signal processing involves the conversion of signals to sequences of numbers and the subsequent processing of these sequences. The principle governing conversion of continuous-time signals to discrete-time signals is expressed in the Sampling Theorem.

Sampling Theorem: A continuous-time signal can be completely recovered from its samples if, and only if, the sampling rate is greater than twice the signal bandwidth.

For telephone voice data this rate is 8000 samples/sec. The discrete-time signal can be operated upon by a software process, which is faithful to the invertibility, causality, stability, time invariance and linearity properties of the corresponding continuous-time system. Digital signal processing specific microprocessor architectures and instruction sets have made real-time execution of software algorithms possible. Now processing, which was previously accomplished in hardware, can be done in software. The Digital Conferencing Bridge will be realized using digital signal processing hardware and algorithms.

2.0 DSP Hardware Overview

The Digital Conferencing Bridge will consist of up to four DSP boards, connected by an MVIP bus. Each DSP board contains four Texas Instruments TMS320C31 digital signal processors. The TMS320C31 is a high performance CMOS 32-bit floating-point device. The processors are employed in the Microcomputer/Boot Loader Mode. In this mode a bootloader is mapped into locations 0000h through 0FFFh. Each processor communicates with the PC Host via a 4 k.times.16 dual port ram, featuring arbitration control, 8 semaphore registers and interrupt generating mail-box registers. At the MVIP interface two DSP processors each share 2 k.times.8 quad port rams. Passage of data between the quad port rams and the MVI.P bus is facilitated by serial to parallel and parallel to serial conversion PLDs. The output serial line destination of quad port ram buffered data is controlled by time slot specific bytes, written by the host to the 1 k.times.8 dual port control ram.

3.0 TMS320C31 Memory Map

Note: This memory map must also be incorporated into the linker command file. The Linker defines module addresses using the memory map as a reference.

______________________________________ 0000000H - 0000FFFH reserved for Boot Loader (see TMS320C3X User's Guide section 3.4) 0808000H - 08097FFH Peripheral Bus Memory-Mapped Registers (6K internal) 0809800H - 0809BFFH Ram Block 0 (1K internal) 0809C00H - 0809FC0H Ram Block 1 (1K internal) 0809FC1H - 0809FFFH Interrupt and Trap Branches (64 internal) 0A00000H - 0A007FFH Quad Port Ram (2kx8) external MVIP input and output Buffers 0B00000H - 0BFFFFFH Semaphore Registers
0EC0000H - 0ECFFFFH Code Ram (SIMM, 64kx32) 0FC0000H - 0FC0FFFH Dual Port Ram (4kx16 external) Host-Dsp Communication Interrupt Generating Mail Boxes Boot 3 - Loader Input File Area MVIP Bus Reference Memory Window ______________________________________

4.0 Dual Port Memory Data Structures

The TMS320C31 Processors communicate with the host via data structures defined within the dual port memory. The intent is to define structures which enable the logical association of an MVIP time slot with an information port managed primarily by the Host. The association of a time slot and a port defines a channel. Secondly, lists and queues are maintained as means of communicating global information.

4.1 Data Transfer Buffers

Two buffers are provided for record and playback of voice data. The buffers are each 2 Kbytes and are located at DPM addresses Seg.:0 and Seg.:800. A semaphore is allocated to each of the buffers for access control.

4.2 Channel Data Structure Array

An array of eight Channel Data Structures is located at DPM address Seg.:0.times.1000. The structure is composed of the following items.

______________________________________ Dual Port Memory Port (0-191) (node<<3+sequence number) (initialized to assigned port) Command (initialized to 0) Error (initialized to 0) Conference (initialized to 0) Mute (0-1) (initialized to
0