Japan tests its model communications system: Digital transmission, communications processing, and an innovative bit-based tariff will be studied in the nation´s milestone Mitaka plant

An overview is presented of the Model System, which is an all-digital blend of computer and telecommunications technologies. The nontelephonic units, including facsimile, digital interactive, videotex, and broadband terminals, will play the most important role in the Model System. Users of the Model System will be able to send and receive improved visual information. Sketchphone, a novel device, will permit the transmission of handwritten line drawings of characters or figures simultaneously with voice. Another newly developed system, an integrated centralized extension system installed in central telephone offices, will allow subscribers to tie together their telephones and also such devices as facsimiles, word processors, and computers.