Abstract

A video conversational data communication network (30) in which subscribers (34, 36) may conduct conversational video textual data communications with one or more keystations (70, 602,98) in the network (30). Each keystation (70, 602, 98) is associated with a keystation terminal controller interface (68, 96, 600) which is in turn connected to a message switching node (32) for routing calls throughout the network (30). The controller (68, 96, 600) locally stores (304, 306) video conversational textual data for its associated keystations (70, 82, 84, 98, 100, 602) and enables two different designated keystations to conduct two different video conversations with a common keystation in a split screen display (76). The split screen display (76) may also be used to display retrievable data from a data base (50, 52) for simultaneous display (76) along with a video conversation. The data is transmitted between connected controllers (96, 602) in packets which contain less than the total displayable data content of the video message input via the keyboard (72 ). Each keystation may create a unique CONTACT LIST as well as a unique INHIBIT LIST to accelerate and screen contacts to be made throughout the network (30). The CONTACT LIST may be used to place two calls from one subscriber at the same time to set up two conversations. In addition a DEAL KEY function may be employed to immediately confirm receipt of a sent message on the screen of the sender. These functions may be performed by the controller (68, 96, 600) without access to the host computer (38).