Remote terminal for use with central dictation apparatus

Abstract

A remote terminal for connection to telephone lines to enable an operator thereat to communicate with dictation apparatus. The remote terminal includes a power supply which receives the DC power normally applied to the telephone line to derive energizing power therefrom for powering the terminal. An audio coupling circuit couples audio frequency signals to and from the telephone lines and is selectively connected to a handset by which the operator may transmit and receive speech signals over the telephone lines, or to a headset by which the operator may receive dictated information from the dictation apparatus. Function control switches, such as foot-pedal switches, are selectively operable to control the dictation apparatus, and a mode selector serves to select either a telephone operating mode for the remote terminal, whereby the function control switches are rendered inoperative, or a dictate/transcribe operating mode for the remote terminal, whereby the function control switches are rendered operative. A processor, such as a microprocessor, powered by the power supply, is responsive to the mode selector and to the function control switches for controlling the operating mode of the remote terminal and for enabling the remote terminal to communicate with the dictation apparatus.