3. PBX Integration Overview
This processor handles real-time events, manages data flow to the host PC to
provide fast system response time, enables reduced PC host processing demands,
processes DTMF and PBX signaling before passing them to the application, and
frees the DSP to perform signal processing. Communication between this
processor and the host PC is via the shared buffer memory that acts as an
input/output buffer and thus can increase the efficiency of disk file transfers. This
shared buffer memory interfaces to the host PC via the PCI bus.
3.2. PBX Integration Features Supported
Dialogic® PBX Integration Boards incorporate both circuitry and firmware to
integrate applications with specific PBXs. The Dialogic® Unified API, used with
the PBX Integration Board, enables programmers to more easily develop a single
application capable of supporting multiple manufacturers’ PBXs. The Unified
API also enables applications to access the important digital information sent
between a PBX and its station sets. This information can be useful in a variety of
applications, including Voice Mail and Call Center.
3.2.1. Dialogic® Unified API
The Dialogic® Unified API (Application Programming Interface) allows a single
application to function on a variety of manufacturers’ switches. Functioning as an
extension to the standard Dialogic® Voice API, the Unified API offers a single
design model that allows developers to utilize advanced PBX features (such as
called/calling number ID and ASCII display information).
• Called/Calling number ID - usually two sets of digits representing either a
trunk line or an extension. This is not to be confused with caller ID received
from a CO, which provides the telephone number of an outside caller. It is
important for an application to know where a call originated and to what
extension it is intended. If a call is transferred (or “bounced”) through a
PBX, this information may be needed by an application at the final
destination. If it is needed and not present, the originator (if they are still
connected) will have to re-enter the information.
• Retrieve LCD/LED prompts and indicators - Different PBXs have
different types of prompts and indicators that relay status information of the
station set. By capturing and processing this data, an application can “see”
what prompts or indicators have been set.
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