| 摘要 |
APPLICATIONS PROCESSOR FOR A CRAFT ACCESS SYSTEM The present invention relates to a technique for interfacing a plurality of remote terminals, as, for example, Craft Access Terminals (CATs), directly to a central database in a system, such as, for example, a Craft Access System, without interfacing with an intermediate center such as, for example, a centralized Repair Service Bureau and its personnel. An Applications Processor Microcomputer (APM) module in accordance with the present invention includes a General Data Transport (GDT) to provide a powerful microprocessing environment and multiple data communication interfaces, and an Applications Interface Module (AIM) to provide the appropriate signal interface with the database system, the GDT, and the remote terminals. The APM is arranged for connection on one side to both (1) the database system via a trunk; and (2) one or more remote terminals via separate lines to process their calls and permit direct interaction with the database system; and on a second side a via the GDT to a standard IEEE 488 General Purpose Interface Bus (GPIB) for permitting high-speed communication between up to K of such APMs. The APM module is designed to advantageously provide both high-speed data and control message transmissions over the GPIB between itself and other corresponding APM modules forming part of a network, which other APMs may not be directly connected to a trunk to the central database system. Additionally, the APM module can have the ability to, inter alia, (1) determine when a high-speed dataor control message has been sent over the GPIB to an APM which is not available; (2) restore a disconnected call; and (3) provide appropriate maintenance and other messages to the various network components during the progress of a call. |
