摘要 |
An interface apparatus (12) and method for transmitting data between a host computer (16) and a telecommunication network (11) without requiring special host-based computer programs to communicate with the interface apparatus (12). The invention uses existing ports of the host computer (16), utilized in their standard method of operations, such as driving a printer (18) or communicating with a workstation. This reduces cost, simplifies use, and permits the use of the telecommunication interface apparatus (12) with any computer utilizing its existing programs. The interface apparatus (12) scans the beginning of a message for a command code comprising a string of special characters and the adressee number and/or code. If such a code is detected, the message is transmitted over the telecommunication network (11). Otherwise, the message is passed through the interface apparatus (12) unchanged to be printed or otherwise output. |