FR2582889A1 - Apparatus for monitoring telephone dialling - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for monitoring telephone dialling characterised in that it consists of a multistage adaptor 1 inserted between the telephone set 2, 2' and the latter's wall socket, of a decimal entry module 3 for dialling with the dial or decimal keypad 2, connected to the adaptor 1, or of a multifrequency entry module 4 for dialling on the multifrequency keypad 2', connected to the adaptor 1, of a decimal metering module 5 for decimal dialling connected to the output of the decimal entry module 3, or of a decoding module 6 for multifrequency dialling, connected to the output of the multifrequency entry module 4, of an access and logic matching module 7 connected to the metering module 5 or decoding module 6 and to which are connected a voice synthesis module 8 and/or a display module 9 and of a supply module 10.

Description

 The present invention relates to the field of telephony, in particular telephone apparatus, and relates to an apparatus for controlling telephone numbering.

 The incessant increase in telecommunication networks and the increase in the number and duration of long distance and international calls are leading to a new numbering plan requiring the dialing of high-digit numbers, that is, to twist eight, ten or even sixteen digits.

 The method of dialing telephone numbers by dial or keypad with decimal numbers or by multi-frequency keypad has the disadvantage of not allowing any a priori control of the number dialed, a dialing error being detected only after establishment of the telephone connection and being automatically billed.

 The present invention aims to overcome these drawbacks.

 Its purpose is in fact a telephone number control device, characterized in that it essentially consists of a pull-out adapter inserted between the telephone set and the latter's wall socket, this adapter forming an electronic input module. electrical signals defining each of the digits of the number dialed, by a decimal input module for dialing on the dial or decimal keyboard, connected to the adapter, or by a multifrequency input module for dialing with the multifrequency keyboard, connected to the adapter, by a decimal counting module for decimal numbering connected to the output of the decimal input module ~~~, or by a decoding module for multifrequency numbering connected to the output of the multifrequency input module, by a module logical and access adaptation connected to the counting or decoding module, and to which a speech synthesis module and / or a display module are connected, and by a m food odule.

 The invention will be better understood thanks to the description below, which relates to a preferred embodiment, given by way of nonlimiting example, and explained with reference to the appended schematic drawing, the single figure of which is a diagram by block of an apparatus according to the invention.

 The telephone number control device according to the invention consists of a pull-out adapter 1 which is inserted between the telephone set with decimal number 2 or multi-frequency number 2 and the wall outlet of this set 2 or 2 ', this adapter 1 forming an electronic module for entering the electrical signals which define each of the digits of the number dialed.

 To the adapter 1 are connected either a decimal input module 3 for dialing by dial or decimal keyboard 2, or a multi-frequency input module 4 for dialing with the multi-frequency keyboard 2 ', a decimal counting module 5 for numbering decimal or a decoding module 6 for multifrequency numbering being connected respectively to the output of the decimal input module 3 or to the output of the multifrequency input module 4.

 The output of these modules 5 and 6 is connected to the input of a module 7 for logical adaptation and access, to the outputs of which are connected a voice synthesis module 8 and / or a display module 9, the whole of the apparatus being supplied via a supply device 10.

 The decimal input module 3 is an interface constituted by an optocoupler diode inserted into one of the line wires of the decimal numbering station 2 by means of the pull-out adapter 1, this diode being shunted by a resistor of 50l1 and by a 2 pu capacitor.

 The multi-frequency input module 4 is an interface constituted by a transformer, the primary of which is inserted into one of the line wires of the multi-frequency keyboard station 2V by means of the pull-out adapter 1, the impedance of this primary winding being less than 5 thread.

 These modules 3 and 4 constitute perfect interfaces on the electrical level, between, on the one hand, the installation and a telephone line, and, on the other hand, the control device, so that an anomaly possibly affecting the latter does not cause any disturbance in the operation of the telephone system, and that there is no attenuation in the communication, whatever the input module inserted, no influence occurring on the electrical behavior of the installation.

 The counting module 5 comprises a pulse counter triggered by each pulse train generated by the dial or the decimal keyboard 2 and reset to zero after each pulse train, and a binary code generator transforming the counting signal d pulses in binary code. Thus, when the dial of a telephone set 2 is armed, no electrical phenomenon appears, the return to rest of the dial causing a series of pulses.

If, for example, the digit 6 is dialed, module 5 counts six logical state changes of the line by performing the reception and counting of these state changes and then translating the pulses into binary code elements. Each pulse train is separated from the next by a dead time which corresponds to the reset time of the dial, this dead time allowing the counter to be reset to zero and its preparation for reception of the next pulse train.

 The decoding module 6 consists of a set of seven frequency detectors each calibrated on one of the seven normalized fundamental frequencies, and by a logic analysis circuit transforming the information received by the detectors into binary code elements.

 When dialing using a 2 'multi-frequency keyboard, the secondary winding of the module 4 interface raises the signal voltage to a level sufficient to activate the module 6. Then, each digit sent by the 2' keyboard is electrically defined by two frequencies chosen from among seven normalized fundamental frequencies, and each frequency is detected by the detector assigned to it and then changes its logic state. Thus, when a number is typed, the dual-frequency signal generated causes the change of state of two detectors among the seven of module 6, and the discriminated information is translated by the analysis logic into one of ten items of information then in elements binary code.

 The logic adaptation and access module 7 is, on the one hand, an adaptation interface between signals expressed in the form of binary code elements originating from the counting 5 or decoding modules 6 and the control logic of the voice synthesis module 8 and / or of the display module 9, and, on the other hand, includes the elements necessary for signal conditioning, namely elements of polarity, fitness, calibration and validation, as well as memory elements. The memory elements are particularly suitable for producing number statements by pair of digits, or the like.

 The voice synthesis module 8 is essentially constituted by an interchangeable memory formed by integrated circuits of ROM or EPROM read-only memories, by a low frequency amplifier, and by a speaker 11, a management circuit defining a mode of utterance digits or pairs of digits. This module therefore makes it possible to state each of the ten digits according to the numbering order individually or in pairs, namely, for example, two, four or twenty-four.

 The use of integrated ROM or EPROM memory circuits will depend on the size of the manufacturing, and the interchangeability of the memory allows adaptation to all languages, as well as restitution of the statement of figures in two languages pre-established.

 The display module 9 is a single display or multi-display module, the control of which is carried out respectively, directly by the output in binary code of the adaptation and access module 7, or with the interposition of a multiplexer. In the case of a single display, each dialed digit is displayed individually and is deleted when the next digit is dialed, while in the case of multi-display, the digits are displayed and shifted to the left as and when measurement of number dialing.

The power supply module 10 supplies a normalized voltage by means of batteries or an AC adapter, and is integrated into the device or independent of it, its power-up being effected by means of a switch, or automatically by lifting the telephone handset, a time delay automatically bringing the power back to the rest position. By this embodiment, the consumption of the device can be kept very low. In fact, the timer automatically cuts off the power after a time corresponding to that of desired dimer composition.
Thanks to the invention, it is possible to control the dialing of a telephone number digit by digit by voice synthesis and / or by light display and to cancel an erroneous dialing, immediately noted, by hanging up, so that a untimely taxation, possibly storytelling, is avoided.

 The device according to the invention is advantageously autonomous, adapts to all types of telephone sets, and is in the form of a box placed near or under the telephone set.

 This device is of particularly advantageous use as a device for assisting the visually impaired and digital motor skills.

 In addition, the device captures and checks the electrical value of the signal concerned and not a value due to a mechanical action of moving a key or rotating a dial, so that a double check is carried out, namely selecting a digit and sending that digit online, the chosen digit not being spoken or displayed in the event the keyboard or dial malfunctions.

 Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiment described and shown in the accompanying drawing.

Modifications remain possible, in particular from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements, or by substitution of technical equivalents, without thereby departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims (9)

- CLAIMS  1. Telephone number control apparatus, characterized in that it essentially consists of a pull-out adapter (1) inserted between the telephone set (2, 2 ') and the wall socket of the latter, this adapter (1) forming an electronic module for inputting the electrical signals defining each of the digits of the number dialed, by a decimal input module (3) for dialing on the dial or decimal keyboard (2), connected to the adapter (1), or by a multi-frequency input module (4) for numbering using the multi-frequency keyboard (2 '), connected to the adapter (1), by a decimal counting module (5) for decimal numbering connected to the output of the decimal input module ( 3), or by a decoding module (6) for multifrequency dialing connected to the output of the multifrequency input module (4), by a logic and access adaptation module (7) connected to the counting module (5 ) or decoding (6), and to which a speech synthesis module (8 ) and / or a display module (9), and by a power supply module (10).  2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the decimal input module (3) is an interface constituted by a diode of an optocoupler, inserted into one of the line wires of the decimal numbering station (2) by means of the pull-out adapter (1), this diode being shunted by a resistor of 5O and by a capacitor of 2 AF.  3. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the multi-frequency input module (4) is an interface constituted by a transformer, the primary of which is inserted into one of the line wires of the multi-frequency keyboard station 2l by means of the pull-out adapter (1), the impedance of this primary winding being less than 5 wire.  4. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the decimal counting module (5) comprises a pulse counter triggered by each pulse train generated by the dial or the decimal keyboard (2) and reset to zero after each pulse train, and a binary code generator transforming the pulse count signal into binary code.  5. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the decoding module (6) consists of a set of seven frequency detectors each calibrated on one of the seven standardized fundamental frequencies, and by a logic analysis circuit transforming the information received by the detectors into binary code elements.  6. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1, 4 and 5, characterized in that the logic adaptation and access module (7) is, on the one hand, an adaptation interface between expressed signals in the form of binary code elements from the counting (5) or decoding (6) modules and the control logic of the voice synthesis module (8) and / or the display module (9), and, on the other hand, contains the elements necessary for signal conditioning, namely elements of polarity, fitness, calibration and validation, as well as memory elements.  7. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the voice synthesis module (8) consists essentially of an interchangeable memory formed by integrated ROM or EPROM read-only circuits, by a low frequency amplifier, and by a high -speaker 11, a management circuit defining a mode for stating digits or pairs of digits.  8. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 and 6, characterized in that the display module (9) is a single-display or multi-display module whose control is carried out respectively, directly by the output in binary code of the adaptation and access module (7), or with the interposition of a multiplexer.  9. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the power supply module (10) supplies a normalized voltage by means of batteries or an AC adapter, and is integrated into the apparatus or independent of it, its power up being effected by means of a switch, or automatically by lifting the telephone handset, a time delay automatically bringing the power supply back to the rest position.