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Multi StudioSet Controller MSSC

Remote Control and Configuration Tool for the StudioSet

General

The Multi StudioSet Controller MSSC is an optional remote control software and configuration tool for the You/Com StudioSet. It can be installed on a PC and runs under Windows 95/98/ME, Windows NT/2000/XP.

Up to eight StudioSets (with sixteen lines) can be connected to the serial port of the PC through a so-called port sharing device. The MSSC polls all connected StudioSets. In this way information can be loaded from the StudioSets onto the PC or vice versa.

When the programme is started, configuration data and the short dial list of all connected StudioSets is loaded. This information is stored in the PC and the relevant information is shown in a window on the screen.

Basic functions

The MSSC has four basic functions:

• control of incoming and outgoing calls as well as presentation of the status of the (up to eight) connected StudioSets
• simplified configuration of the StudioSets, including copying the configuration from one StudioSet into another StudioSet
• presentation and storage of the so-called Call Detail Records (CDR) and other information from the D-channels of the ISDN lines (in combination with the optional D-Channel Monitor Module in the StudioSets)
• the MSSC can be extended to a comfortable Screening Info System in combination with the Line Handling System.

How it works

Part of the MSSC software is a database containing the "Alias List" with names and numbers of destinations. When the programme is started, the short dial list of all connected StudioSets is loaded onto the PC. The telephone numbers are compared with the destinations in the Alias List. As far as they are available in this list, names are added to the telephone numbers. This allows presentation or dialling of a destination by name, instead of by telephone number. Furthermore, in the MSSC database each of the StudioSets has its own list with configuration details. These can be edited on the PC and then copied back into the StudioSet.

Modes of operation

The MSSC has two modes of operation: "Normal" and "Configuration".

In Normal Mode outgoing calls can be dialled manually or from the Alias List. This is the purpose of the "Dial", "Manual" and "Hang-up" keys.

With these keys it is also possible to answer an incoming call or to terminate a connection.

In Configuration Mode the stored short dial lists and configuration details can be edited. Telephone numbers or settings can be added or removed.

These lists then can be copied again onto the StudioSet

User Interface in Normal Mode

In "Normal Mode" the user interface consists of different parts. On the left side of the screen there is a "Port Key" for each port (i.e. sixteen Port Keys if the maximum of eight StudioSets is connected). On starting up the MSSC, the connected StudioSets are polled and only the active ports are indicated in the screen. These keys are marked with the names that have been given by the user. In addition to the Port Key, the status of the port is indicated with an icon. When the port is idle, there is no icon. Incoming calls are indicated with a red icon whereas a busy port is indicated with a green icon.

For outgoing calls the dialled ISDN number is shown; however, when this destination is entered in the Alias List, the associated name is shown instead of the telephone number. If the CDR option is available in the StudioSets, the telephone number is also presented on incoming calls. This number is compared with the Alias List and if the destination is available, the associated name is presented instead of the telephone number.

Furthermore, the duration of each call is shown if the optional D-Channel Monitor Module is present. If the local telecom operator provides charge information on the ISDN lines, this information can also be shown per active call on the screen.

On the right side of the screen the "Dial", "Hang-up" and "Manual" keys are located. Next to those keys is the Alias List, from which numbers or names can be selected and then dialled. Below the Alias List is an "Information Field". In this field, for each destination some additional information can be stored such as address, postal code, fax number and e-mail address. There is also a 3-line memo field that can be used for additional information.

Interworking with the Line Handling System

In the near future the MSSC will be extended with functions for interworking with the Line Handling System. The functionality of the Line Handling Keypads of the Line Handling System will be integrated in the MSSC by adding on the screen the LINE, DROP, HOLD and ON AIR keys with their optical indications. The MSSC information- and memo fields will be extended in order to realize a comfortable Screening Information System. Finally, datacommunication functions in the MSSC will be extended for optimal interworking with the Line Handling System.