Bruce R Allen

US Patent:

54955220, Feb 27, 1996

Filed:

Nov 7, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/335270

Inventors:

Bruce S. Allen - East Kingston NH
Marshall B. Garrison - Derry NH
Philip S. Brodsky - Methuen MA
Richard LeBlanc - Plaistow NH
Philip J. Baun - Andover MA
Gary R. McCarthy - Manachester NH
Arthur P. Leondires - Mont Vernon NH

Assignee:

MultiLink, Inc. - Andover MA

International Classification:

H04M 356

US Classification:

379202

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.

US Patent:

45702179, Feb 11, 1986

Filed:

Mar 28, 1983

Appl. No.:

6/479191

Inventors:

Bruce S. Allen - East Kingston NH
Michael R. Dunalvey - Needham MA
Bruce A. King - Bolton MA
Harold J. DuPrie - Andover MA
Richard E. Hudnall - Nashua NH
Stanely N. Lapidus - Bedford NH
Daniel R. Gilbert - Dracut MA
Anne M. Carlson - Wakefield MA
Kiran Thakrar - Salem NH
Robert C. Doig - Salem NH
Brian S. Kimerer - Reading MA
Andrew F. Sirois - Lawrence MA
Bruce A. Poirer - Bradford MA
Philip G. Hunt - Derry NH
Joseph J. Dziezanowski - Brighton MA
Michael A. Bromberg - Nashua NH
Michael Brown - Salem NH
Seymour A. Friedel - Merrimack NH

International Classification:

G06F 1546
G06F 3153

US Classification:

364188

Abstract:

A man-machine interface for use with industrial processes is disclosed having the capability of design and configuration of the interrelationship of components forming an overall industrial process. The man-machine interface further provides operator use, including process monitoring and control, as well as alarm annunciation. Most user interaction with the man-machine interface is performed through a color CRT monitor having a touch panel on the surface of the CRT screen. Operator use may be limited to touch panel interaction while configurer and designer use normally further includes use of a keyboard. The man-machine interface utilizes distributed processing and incorporates a high level graphic language. The graphic language facilitates real time graphic display implementation through use of dynamic and static variables. Variable types are dynamically associated with variable values so that variables can undergo type changes without detrimental effect.