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Inside Macintosh: Telephony /


Glossary

active Said of a feature if the feature is currently in use. Compare available, subscribed.

alert To ring a telephone set or alert the user in some other manner (such as flashing a light).

alerting pattern A specific pattern of alerting (usually ringing) defined by a network switch to distinguish between different types of calls.

Auto-answer feature The ability of the Telephone Manager to route incoming calls to a client application that has requested such routing.

auto-answer ring count The number of rings on which a telephone should be answered when the Auto-answer feature is active. This count is always at least two rings more than the call saver ring count. A user sets the auto-answer ring count in the Auto-answer control panel. Compare call saver ring count.

available Said of a feature if the directory number or terminal of interest is in a state in which using the feature is valid. Compare active, subscribed.

blind transfer A type of call transfer in which a called party directs a call to another directory number and drops his or her connection to the calling party without knowing the outcome of the transfer (such as answer, ring/no answer, or busy). Compare supervised transfer.

bundle resource A resource (of type vbndType) in a telephone tool that specifies the name of the tool and information about the other resources that are contained in the tool.

call See call appearance.

call appearance A connection between two or more directory numbers.

call appearance conference message structure A data structure that stores information passed with a call appearance conference message. Defined by the CAConfMsgRec data type.

call appearance conference message parameter block A data structure used by a telephone tool when sending messages that apply to calls being united in a conference. Defined by the TELCAConfMsgPB data type.

call appearance disconnect message parameter block A data structure used by a telephone tool when disconnecting a call appearance. Defined by the TELCADisconMsgPB data type.

call appearance generic message structure A data structure that stores information passed with a generic call appearance message. Defined by the CAGenericMsgRec data type.

call appearance generic message parameter block A data structure used by a telephone tool when responding to a generic call appearance message (such as a message about a conference call or a message about a call disconnect). Defined by the TELCAGenericMsgPB data type.

call appearance incoming or outgoing message parameter block A data structure used by a telephone tool when sending a message about a call appearance that is currently coming in or going out. Defined by the TELCAInOutMsgPB data type.

call appearance message handler A function defined by your application that receives and handles call appearance messages sent by the Telephone Manager. Compare directory number message handler, terminal message handler.

call appearance structure A data structure that stores all available information about a call appearance. Defined by the TELCARecord data type.

call appearance transfer message structure A data structure that stores information passed with a call appearance transfer message. Defined by the CATransfMsgRec data type.

call appearance transfer message parameter block A data structure used by a telephone tool when transferring calls. Defined by the TELCATransfMsgPB data type.

call appearance user-to-user information message structure A data structure that stores information passed with a call appearance user-to-user information message. Defined by the CAUserUserInfoMsgRec data type.

callback A call appearance whose destination is a directory number that had previously unsuccessfully attempted to connect to the directory number placing the call. Do not confuse with callback function.

call back To place a callback.

Callback Clear feature The ability of the Telephone Manager to clear a callback.

Callback feature The ability of the Telephone Manager to place a callback.

callback function An application-defined function that is invoked at a specified time or based on specified criteria.

call forward See forward.

Call Forwarding feature The ability of the Telephone Manager to forward call appearances on one directory number to some other directory number.

call forwarding message parameter block A data structure used by a telephone tool when forwarding calls for a directory number to some other number. Defined by the TELForwardPB data type.

call park See park.

calling party control signal (CPC) A signal caused by reversing the polarity of the tip and ring.

Call Pickup feature The ability of the Telephone Manager to allow an incoming call appearance alerting at one directory number to be answered at another directory number.

call retrieve See retrieve.

Call Saver feature The ability of the Telephone Manager to answer an incoming telephone call after fewer rings than normal if messages are pending.

call saver ring count The number of rings on which a telephone should be answered when call saver mode is active. This count is always at least two rings less than the auto-answer ring count. A user sets the call saver ring count in the Auto-answer control panel. Compare auto-answer ring count.

CCITT See International Telecommunications Union.

Comité Consultatif International Télégraphique et Téléphonique (CCITT) See International Telecommunications Union.

Communications Toolbox The part of the Macintosh system software that manages basic networking and communications services such as file transfer and terminal emulation. The Communications Toolbox consists of five operating-system managers and a set of utilities.

Communications Toolbox Utilities A set of functions provided by the Communications Toolbox that are not specific to any of the managers contained in the Toolbox.

conference A combination of two or more call appearances.

conference drop To remove a call appearance from a conference of which it is part and to drop (that is, disconnect) the call.

conference split To remove a call appearance from a conference of which it is part without dropping (that is, disconnecting) the call.

configuration string A string that encodes configuration information for a telephone tool.

connection A logical line of communication between two entities.

CPC See calling party control signal.

CTB See Communications Toolbox.

deflect To redirect an incoming call appearance to another directory number without first answering the call.

device A physical part of a Macintosh computer, or a piece of external equipment, that can exchange information with applications or with the Macintosh Operating System.

device driver A program that controls devices.

directory number A named reference point used to initiate or receive calls on a telephone terminal. For example, the number (408) 555-1212 is a directory number.

directory number message handler A function defined by your application that receives and handles directory number messages sent by the Telephone Manager. Compare call appearance message handler, terminal message handler.

directory number message parameter block A data structure used by a telephone tool when passing messages about directory numbers. Defined by the TELDNMsgPB data type.

Directory Number Select feature The ability of the Telephone Manager to select a directory number from among those associated with a telephone terminal.

directory number structure A data structure that describes the characteristics and state of a directory number. Defined by the TELDNRecord data type.

display A physical device on which alphanumeric data can be shown.

Do Not Disturb feature (DND) The ability of the Telephone Manager to block call appearances of a specific type from alerting on a directory number.

DND See Do Not Disturb feature.

driver See device driver.

drop To disconnect.

DTMF See dual-tone multifrequency dialing.

dual-tone multifrequency dialing (DTMF) A method of dialing a telephone number in which each number on the keypad is represented by two tones from a set of seven basic frequencies. From top to bottom, the frequencies for the 4 rows in the standard keypad are 697, 770, 852, and 941 Hz. From left to right, the frequencies for the columns are 1209, 1336, and 1477 Hz. (So, for example, the two tones for the number 1 are 697 and 1209 Hz.) Also called tone dialing.

feature key A key or button on a telephone terminal or associated telephone set that performs some special function. For example, the hold key, forward key, and transfer key are all feature keys. Compare keypad.

feature list structure A data structure that contains information about a particular feature of a telephone tool. Defined by the FeatureList data type.

flash (1) To intermittently emit a brief burst of light. (2) See hook flash.

forward To direct an unanswered incoming call appearance for a given directory number to some other directory number.

handler See message handler.

handset The part of a telephone set or other device that contains a speaker and microphone. Also called a receiver.

hold To place a call appearance into an inactive, waiting state.

hook flash To place a telephone on hook and then off hook quickly.

hook state See hookswitch state.

hookswitch Any physical device that switches the hook state of a telephone set.

hookswitch state The current state of a handset or speakerphone (on hook or off hook).

IDN See integrated digital network.

independent handset A handset (for example, a computer's microphone and speaker) that can be used as an independent sound I/O device.

integrated digital network (IDN) A telecommunications network that uses purely digital methods of transmitting voice, fax, and other kinds of data.

integrated services digital network (ISDN) A type of integrated digital network that uses a set of protocols defined by the International Telecommunications Union to allow high-speed transmission of voice, fax, and other kinds of data over standard telephone lines.

Intercom feature The ability of the Telephone Manager to access the intercom operations of a telephone network. A network supports intercom operations if it supports direct connections for which dialing is unnecessary.

intercom ID A number that identifies an intercom feature.

International Telecommunications Union (ITU) An international group that defines telecommunications standards such as ISDN. Formerly called the Comité Consultatif International Télégraphique et Téléphonique (CCITT).

ISDN See integrated services digital network.

ITU See International Telecommunications Union.

keypad The part of a telephone set or other device that consists of the standard 12 buttons ('1' through '9', '0', '*', and '#'). Compare feature key.

localization code resource A resource (of type vlocType) in a telephone tool that handles the localization of configuration strings related to the telephone tool.

MADN See multiple-access directory number.

main code resource A resource (of type vdefType) in a telephone tool that handles messages related to general telephony functions.

master message handler A function defined by the Telephone Manager that receives and handles messages sent by telephone tools. See also message handler.

message A notice that indicates the existence of some activity for a telephone terminal, directory number, or call appearance. Messages can be sent from a telephone tool to the Telephone Manager and from the Telephone Manager to your application.

message handler A function defined by your application that receives and handles messages sent by the Telephone Manager. Compare call appearance message handler, directory number message handler, terminal message handler. See also master message handler.

Message Waiting feature The ability of the Telephone Manager to record a voice message from an incoming call appearance on a directory number when that directory number is already active with an existing call appearance.

multiple-access directory number (MADN) A directory number for which incoming calls ring at several different terminals. Many 800 numbers are implemented as multiple-access directory numbers.

number See directory number.

Paging feature The ability of the Telephone Manager to page a user when there is an incoming call appearance on a directory number.

paging ID A number that identifies a paging feature.

park To make a call appearance available for retrieval at another directory number. Compare retrieve.

partial number Any portion of a complete number, starting with the first digit and keeping any other digits in the partial number in sequence.

PBX See private branch exchange.

PCM See pulse code modulation.

plain old telephone service (POTS) A telecommunications network that uses analog and digital methods of transmitting voice, fax, and other kinds of data over standard telephone lines.

POTS See plain old telephone service.

private branch exchange (PBX) A physical device or set of devices that can be used to connect multiple telephone sets (or other telephony devices) in a nonpublic telephone network.

pulse code modulation (PCM) A method of digitally encoding and compressing sound for storage or transmission across a telephone network.

pulse dialing A method of dialing a telephone number in which each number on the keypad (or dial) is represented by a sequence of pulses in the electric current on a phone line. Also called rotary dialing.

receiver See handset.

reject To refuse to accept a call appearance that is either alerting at or being offered to a terminal.

retrieve To pick up a previously parked call.

ring To alert the user by activating a ringer.

ringer Any physical device that can emit a ring or other sound to alert the user.

rotary dialing See pulse dialing.

SBT See screen-based telephony.

screen-based telephony (SBT) The process of managing telephones using elements of the Macintosh graphical user interface (for example, dialing a number by pressing buttons in a window).

scripting language interface code resource A resource (of type vscrType) in a telephone tool that handles the communication between a scripting language and the telephone tool.

select To make active. Selecting a directory number puts on hold all calls of the previously selected directory number. Deselecting a directory number drops all call appearances associated with that directory number.

setup-definition code resource A resource (of type vsetType) in a telephone tool that supports operations involving a custom dialog box that allows users to configure the telephone tool.

setup-definition structure A data structure passed to a telephone tool in the pSetup parameter of any messages sent to its setup-definition code resource. Defined by the TELSetupStruct data type.

sifter See sound component.

silence detection The ability of the Telephone Manager to detect silence on a telephone line. Compare voice detection.

sound component A component that works with the Sound Manager to manipulate audio data or to communicate with a sound output device.

sound input device Any hardware device (such as a microphone or audio digitizer) that records sound.

sound input device driver A standard Macintosh device driver used by the Sound Manager to manage communication between applications and a sound input device.

sound output component See sound component, sound output device component.

sound output device Any hardware device (such as a speaker or sound synthesizer) that produces sound.

sound output device component A sound component that communicates with a sound output device.

sound stream The combination of a sound input device driver and a sound output device component.

speakerphone (1) A telephone set that contains a microphone and speaker (thus allowing hands-free use); (2) A Macintosh computer that has speakerphone capabilities.

speakerphone capability The ability of a telephone terminal to use the microphone and speakers of the computer to which it is attached as the voice input and output devices.

stream See sound stream.

subscribed Said of a feature if the user's telephone network switch provides the feature and if the terminal supports it. Compare active, available.

supervised transfer A type of call transfer in which a called party (A) directs a call to another directory number and keeps the connection to the calling party (B) while awaiting an outcome (such as answer, ring/no answer, or busy). In some phone systems, both A and B can monitor the outcome. In other phone systems, B is on hold while the transfer is attempted. This gives A an opportunity to consult with the destination party before completing the transfer. For example, the destination party may request that the transfer not be completed, but that a message be taken. Compare blind transfer.

switchhook See hookswitch.

telephone See telephone set, telephone terminal.

telephone call See call appearance.

Telephone Manager The part of the Macintosh system software that you can use to develop applications and other software that provide telephony capabilities.

telephone number See directory number.

telephone receiver See handset.

telephone record A data structure in which the Telephone Manager stores information about a particular telephone terminal and its associated telephone tool. Defined by the TELRecord data type.

telephone set Any hardware device that can be used to manually dial, answer, or otherwise manipulate telephone calls. Compare telephone terminal.

telephone structure See telephone record.

telephone terminal Any hardware device (such as an ISDN card) that provides a physical interface between a Macintosh computer and a telephone network (such as a private branch exchange or central-office switch). Compare telephone set.

telephone terminal record A data structure in which the Telephone Manager stores information about a particular telephone terminal. Defined by the TELTermRecord data type.

telephone tool A software module that manages the connection between a telephone network and applications or other software running on a Macintosh computer. Compare bundle resource, localization code resource, main code resource, scripting language interface code resource, setup-definition code resource, validation code resource.

telephony The process of managing telephones, particularly of establishing and controlling connections between telephones on a telephone network.

terminal See telephone terminal.

terminal message handler A function defined by your application that receives and handles terminal messages sent by the Telephone Manager. Compare call appearance message handler, directory number message handler.

terminal message parameter block A data structure used by a telephone tool when sending messages about a telephone terminal. Defined by the TELTermMsgPB data type.

Toll Saver feature See Call Saver feature.

tone dialing See dual-tone multifrequency dialing.

tool ID A unique identifier that the Telephone Manager assigns to a telephone tool.

transfer To direct an incoming call appearance to some other directory number. Compare blind transfer, supervised transfer.

validation code resource A resource (of type vvalType) in a telephone tool that validates telephone records and fills in configuration record default values.

videodisplay A physical device that can display video images.

videophone (1) A telephone set that contains a videodisplay; (2) A Macintosh computer that has videophone capabilities.

videophone capability The ability of a telephone terminal to use the video input and videodisplay of the computer to which it is attached as the videophone input and output devices.

voice detection The ability of the Telephone Manager to detect voice on a telephone line. Compare silence detection.

voicemail See Message Waiting feature.


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© Apple Computer, Inc.
13 DEC 1996



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