The analog display services interface

The trial implementation of Bellcore´s advanced call management services (ACMSs) is reviewed. The ACMS used an experimental screen-based telephone with a context-sensitive visual display and context-sensitive soft keys. ACMS was based on a Bellcore research prototype, the customer premises equipment (CPE) network integrator (CNI), which consists of inband signal (tone) detection circuitry, software to interpret the detected signals and drive the screen, pulse (switch-hook flash) and tone generation capability, and software to translate user key activations to sequences of pulses and dual tone multifrequency (DTMF) tones. The narrowband information networking vision, the required changes in current practice and technology, the revenue potentials for telephone companies, and the risks associated with getting new customer premises equipment (CPE) are discussed. The author concludes that context sensitivity for displays and soft keys is critical to a successful user interface for complex services.<>