Time shared multiple unit operation in a communication system

A method of limiting usage of telecommunication subscriber equipment based on time, comprising the steps of:

• programming a central control to define a window of time in which the telecommunication subscriber equipment can be utilized;
• receiving a time parameter by said telecommunication subscriber equipment over a telephone communication facility from said central control;
• comparing an actual time of attempted use of the telecommunication subscriber equipment with said window of time to determine whether utilization of the telecommunication subscriber equipment is allowed at the actual time;
• and
• if the comparison of the actual time with the window of time indicates no match therebetween, preventing all outgoing communications by the telecommunication subscriber equipment.

In a telecommunication equipment, a usage circuit for controlling use of the equipment, comprising in combination:

• a timer for keeping time;
• a preprogrammed time interval defining a window of usage of the telecommunication equipment;
• a comparator for comparing the time of the timer with the window to provide at least two different outputs;
• a control circuit for denying use of the telecommunication equipment if the comparator output is of a first type, and allowing use of the telecommunication equipment if the comparator output is of a second type;
• and
• a subscriber instrument having a processor programmed to function as said timer and as said comparator.

In a telecommunication equipment, a usage circuit for controlling use of the equipment, comprising in combination:

• a timer for keeping time;
• a preprogrammed time interval defining a window of usage of the telecommunication equipment;
• a comparator for comparing the time of the timer with the window to provide at least two different outputs;
• a control circuit for denying use of the telecommunication equipment if the comparator output is of a first type, and allowing use of the telecommunication equipment if the comparator output is of a second type;
• and
• a central controller for dispatching telecommunication information to said telecommunication equipment, said central controller having a processor programmed to function as said timer and as said comparator, and wherein said processor is programmed to encode a time parameter into a message transmitted to at least one subscriber instrument.

A method of limiting usage of telecommunication equipment based on time, comprising the steps of:

• programming the telecommunication equipment to define a window of time in which the telecommunication equipment can be utilized;
• receiving an external time parameter defining an actual time by said telecommunication equipment over a telephone communication facility from a central control;
• comparing the actual time of attempted use of the telephone equipment with said window of time to determine whether utilization of the telecommunication equipment is allowed at the actual time;
• and
• if the comparison of the actual time with the window of time indicates no match therebetween, preventing utilization of the telecommunication equipment.

In telecommunication subscriber equipment for making outgoing communications, a usage circuit for controlling use thereof, comprising:

• a timer for keeping time, said timer being controlled by receipt of a time parameter transmitted to the telecommunication subscriber equipment;
• a preprogrammed time interval defining a window of usage of the telecommunication subscriber equipment;
• a comparator for comparing the time of the timer with the window to provide at least two different outputs;
• and
• a control circuit for preventing all said outgoing communications of the telecommunication subscriber equipment if the comparator output is of a first type, and allowing use of the telecommunication subscriber equipment if the comparator output is of a second type.