AU607417B2 - Telephone exchange with calling telephone identification - Google Patents

Description

AL LOWED..... 6-T. IA AU-AI-73005/87 PCT WORLD [NTELLECTU RO TY AN IO INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PUBLISHED UNDER THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY (PCT) (51) International Patent Classification 4 (11) International Publication Number: WO 87/ 06421 H04Q 3/72, H04M 3/42 Al (43) International Publication Date: 22 October 1987 (22.10.87) S (21) International Application Number: PCT/AU87/00095 (74) Agents: LESLIE, Keith et al.; Davies Collison, 1 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000 (AU).

(22) International Filing Date: 8 April 1987 (08.04.87) (81) Designated States: AT (European patent), AU, BE (Eu- (31) Priority Application Number: PH 5375 ropean patent), CH (European patent), DE (European patent), FR (European patent), GB (European (32) Priority Date: 8 April 1986 (08.04.86) patent), IT (European patent), JP, LU (European patent), NL (European patent), SE (European patent), (33) Priority Country: AU US.

(71) Applicant (for all designated States except US): AUS- Published TRALIAN TELECOMMUNICATIONS G MMS- With international search report. S4iN[AU/AU]; 199 William Street, Melbourne, VIC C.or r--e r 3000 (AU).

Applicants-and.Inventors: COLES, John [AU/AU]; Y 12 Corinthian Road, Rossmoyne, W.A. 6155 (AU).

NICHOLLS, Ross, Edward [AU/AU]; 13 Palm Road, J. i r Roleystone, W.A. 6111 KEITH, John, McNair 'U o [AU/AU]; 20 Birtwistle Place, Roleystone, W.A. 6111 AUSTRAUAN NOV IAN This document contains NOV 1987 amendments made un-br PATENr O Section 49 and is correct for 1C printing.

(54) Title: TELEPHONE EXCHANGE WITH CALLING TELEPHONE IDENTIFICATION t (57) Abstract A telephone exchange (10) having a signal processor (20) which enables the identification code for respective telephones connected to the exchange (10) to be determined. The processor (20) is arranged so that it can be accessed by addressing an access code thereto from a telephone serviced by the exchange. The processor (20) is effective to automatically determine the identification code for calling a respective telephone when a particular call is made from that telephone. The processor (20) also transmits, back to the calling telephone, information as to the identification code.

1\ ~6 L t I tl WO 87/06421 PCT/AU87/00095 1TELEPHONE EXCHANGE WITH CALLING TELEPHONE IDENTIFICATION TELEPHONE EXCHANGE WITH CALLING TELEPHONE IDENTIFICATION .This invention relates to identification of subscriber numbers of telephones or like apparatus in a telephone network be it connected by cable or other means.

Generally, telephone exchanges employ a main distributing frame to which, on the output side, all of the telephones serviced by the exchange are connected via cable pairs or "lines". Each terminal of the main distributing frame to which a cable pair is attached is connected to a respective one of a number of further terminals at the other side. The latter terminals are arranged in a serial order whereby each is associated with a particular subscriber's number. At this side of the main distributing frame, the numbers can be readily identified in their sequence. However, at the side to which the cables are connected, connections are made in a random fashion as dictated by the needs of the exchange and will, of course, vary over time, depending on disconnections and reconnections of telephones.

It is important that a record be kept of which number of the telephone exchange, i.e. which terminal on b-

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_1 -~II~-YYIIYWI~Zi_-;L: t- 1': WO 87/06421 PCT/AU87/00095 2 the serially arranged side of the main distributing frame, is coupled to which telephone serviced by the exchange. Previously when records have been found incorrect it has been the custom to perform a checking operation. Normally, this involves accessing from, for example, the individual telephones of subscribers by a technician telephoning the exchange on some particular number and seeking manual verification within the telephone exchange as to which number at the main distributing frame is being employed. In such a case, the exchange may be arranged for manual calling back to the subscriber number. to convey to the technician the number required. This operation is tedious and time consuming. An object of the invention is to provide means useful in automatic .verification of subscriber numbers.

In one aspect, the invention provides a telephone exchange provided with signal processor, said processor being arranged whereby, on accessing of the processor by addressing an access code thereto from a telephone serviced by the exchange, the processor is effective to automatically determine an identification code for calling said telephone when a particular call is made from that telephone and to transmit, back to the calling telephone, information as to that identification code.

In another aspect, the invention provides a unit connectable to a telephone line of the above mentioned I telephone exchange to receive information from the f I~-rr r I WO 87/06421 PCT/AU87/00095 3 aforementioned processor and tc display the identification code.

The invention is further described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a telephone exchange and associated subscriber telephones and lines, and illustrating the manner of operation of the invention; Figure 2 is a block diagram of a signal processor incorporated into the exchange shown in Figure 1; Figures 3 to 7 are timing diagrams illustrating line interconnections made- during transmission of data from the processor of Figure 2 to subscriber telephones, in accordance with the invention; Figure 8 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a unit connectable to a subscribers telephone line or circuit to receive and display information as to the subscribers number, when transmitted thereto from the processor of Figure 2; Figure 9 is a block diagram of the circuitry of the unit of Figure 8; and a' ~L Il~brLL~L-- lilL~ a r I WO 87/06421 PCT/AU87/00095 4 Figures 10 and 11 join on the line X-X shown therein to form a circuit diagram for the electrical circuitry of the unit of Figure 8.

Figure 1 shows a telephone exchange 10 which, aside from the facility provided by the apparatus of this invention, may be of conventional form, however having the facility for identifying a calling line. Such exchanges are, for example, manufactured by L. M.

Ericsson and a description of an exchange of this kind is contained in The Telecommunications Journal of Australia Vol. 27, No. 1 1977, pages 3 to 13.

For present purposes, it is sufficient to note that the exchange 10 includes a main distributing frame 12 to which subscriber lines serviced by the exchange 10 are connected, a subscribers line stage 14 connected to the main distributing framb, a signal transfer unit 16 connected to the subscribers line stage 14 and a 2D switching network 18 connected to the signal transfer unit 16.

The cable pairs of each of the subscribers lines serviced by the exchange 10 are connected to the main distributing frame 12, and the main distributing frame 12 is used as a cross-connection means whereby, from the one side where the cable pairs are terminated, connections are made to the other side of the main distributing frame, at which the cable pairs are connected to terminals arranged in predetermined order and identified with the switch numbers "telephone numbers"). The subscriber's line stage 14 is L j(

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NO 87/06421 PCT/AU87/00095 controlled whereby, on initiation of a call from a telephone serviced by the exchange 10, the subscribers telephone number, called an number is identified and then transferred to the signal transfer unit 16. Signal transfer unit 16 is effective to store the telephone numbers as transferred thereto from the subscribers line stage 14, and also to store telephone numbers signaled from subscribers serviced by the exchange 10 as identifying other telephones to which it is desired to establish a call. The switching network 18 is effective to effect connections necessary to establish a call from a subscriber serviced by the exchange 10 to another telephone. The switching network thus has numerous outputs to enable switching to the various destinations as necessary.

If, for example, the number which is called is that of a telephone serviced by the particular exchange in question, the call is established by transfer back frQm the switching network 18 and thence out through the subscribers line stage 14, and main distribution frame 12. If the call is to go exteriorly of the exchange, it will be so directed from the switching network 18. The signal transfer unit 16 is in either case usually decoupled from the signal path once the call is established.

In this example, it will be noted that the signal transfer unit 16 is that part of the exchange 10 in which the number, which is the subscriber telephone identification number, is stored during signalling.

1 WO 87/06421 PCT/AU87/00095 This unit also stores the number which has been called, referred to as a number.

The exchange 10 includes, in accordance with this invention, a telephone number identifier processor In particular, when a particular number is addressed to the exchange 10 on one of the cable pairs serviced by the exchange, the switching network 18 is effective to provide a connection to the processor 20 whereby the "A" number, identifying the subscriber number from which the call originated, is transferred to the processor 20. As described later, this operation is effected when one of a number of different numbers are so addressed, the addressing of different ones of the numbers being used to condition the processor 20 in'different ways. In each instance, however, conditioning is effective to cause the processor to transfer data identifying the "A" number to one of a number of data retrieval devices.

In the present example, there are five different possible modes of operation of the processor 20, these being illustrated diagrammatically in Figure 1, as follows: Mode 1 In this mode, the processor 20 is effective to return a voice announcement identifying the number, through the switching network 18 and subscribers line stage 14 to the main distributing frame 12 and thence back to the originating telephone, as illustrated by reference numeral 22.

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Is I- I &0 87/06421 PCT/AU87/00095 7 Mode 2 In this mode, data is transferred from the processor 20 as last described through the main distributing frame 12 to a switch number identifier (SNI) unit 24 being located at the telephone 22 to enable visual identification of the telephone number of telephone 22. Unit 24 has a suitable visual display apparatus, such as a liquid crystal display capable of displaying the subscriber telephone number on operation of the processor 20 in this mode.

Mode 3 In this mode the processor 20 is effective to cause a main distributor frame display device 28 to display the number.

Mode 4 In this mode data identifying the "A" number is transferred to a recording device positioned at the main distributing frame 30. This recording device may for example be a microprocessor or computer. In this mode, too, provision may be made, alternatively, for transfer of the data relating to the subscriber's number to a dial-up modem 32 which may be addressed exteriorly of the exchange such as by use of a recording device 26 which device is able to address the telephone exchange 10 via a dial-up modem 38 to the modem 32.

Mode 5 In this mode, data is returned from the signal processor 20 as before described to the telephone 22 in such a fashion that the unit 24 can transfer data to a recording device 26, in a fashion recognized by the recording device, to enable it to record information as ;i r i I "I PCT/AU87/00095 WO 87/06421 8 to the number. The recording device 26 may comprise a computer and may be designed to permit data so entered into the recording device to be transferred back to a central recording station, such as via another line back to the main distributing frame 12.

Generally, it will be found convenient to arrange that the codes for initiating operation of the processor in each of the above described modes are similar. It has been found convenient, for example, to arrange that access to the processor 20 be achieved by dial up of a number comprised of four digits with the last digit differing for each of the desired modes of operation.

is The processor 20 is shown in more detail in Figure 2. This includes a central processor unit (CPU) 42 which is made up of a microprocessor 44, a peripheral interface adaptor 54, a programmable timer module 56, an asynchronous communications interface adaptor 58 and an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) 60. The microprocessor 44, memory 60, timer module 56 and interface adaptor 58 are interconnected, via an address bus 62, a control bus 61 and a data bus 66, with the peripheral interface adaptor 54. The peripheral interface adaptor may suitably comprise a commercial device such as Motorola 6821 and provides 8-bit bi-directional ports to provide an interface between the microprocessor bus and other parts of the circuit shown in Figure 2. The timer module 56 has as its principal function to provide a signal of frequency suitable for operating the adaptor 58. Line 48 consists of three i, i ii j S: WO 87/06421 PCT/AU87/00095 wires from the switching network, of which in use one of which in use a signal indicative of a call from the switching network and the other two being used for information transfer. To allow the access code and the number to be transferred to CPU 42, a series of compelled sequence signals are required between processor 20 and Signal Transfer Unit (STU) 16. A multi frequency code signal transmitted by the signal transfer unit 16 is received, decoded by the Multi Frequency Code Receiver (MFCR) 50, and transferred to the CPU 42. The CPU 42 operates in accordance with its programme to carry out certain functions after which the CPU directs the Code Sender 70 to return multi frequency code signal to the signal transfer unit 16 via receiver 50 and line 48. This signalling interchange continues until the "A" number is retrieved from the signal transfer unit 16 and placed in the microprocessor 44.

The access code determines in which mode the CPU will handle the call. In Mode 1 the information signals generated by the processor 42 are transferred to a modem/voice synthesizer circuit 72 including a control circuit 81 coupled to the adaptor 54 for effecting control of the circuit 72 as directed by the CPU 42.

The information signals are contained in an annunciation program which is located in the EPROM 60 and is i i activated depending on that part of the number being returned.

These signals are passed via an amplifier 76 from the circuit 72 and applied, via the line interface unit 46 i WO 87/06421 PCT/AU87/00095 to the line 48. In similar fashions, when the- pzc essor is addressed with the code corresponding to operation thereof in each of the modes 2, 3, 4 and 5 respectively, the microprocessor 44 is effective to control the circuit 72 as follows: Mode 2 The required data signal as stored in the microprocessor 44 is transferred via the adaptor 58 and, a modem 78, forming part of circuit 72, and is thence applied via the amplifier 76 through the unit 46 to the line 48. The data in this case is in the form of serial data which may be capable of being received by the SNI unit 24 to provide a visual display of the number from which the original call originated.

Mode 3 In this case the microprocessor unit 44 is effective, via the peripheral interfabe adaptor 54 to condition a lamp display driver-circuit 80 in driving the display 28 whereby the display 28 displays the number of the calling telephone.

Mode 4 Here, the microprocessor 44 is effective to output the information as to the identity of the "A" number via the interface adaptor 58 to a communications port 82 such as type RS 232 included within modem/voice synthesizer circuit 72.

Mode 5 Here, information as to the number is again transmitted via the adaptor 58 to the modem 78 for transmission via amplifier 76 and unit 46. In this case, however, the information is outputed in a manner i i WO 87/06421 PCT/A\U87/00095 11 suitable for external recordal at the point from which the enquiring call was made.

The signalling sequences adopted in each of the above modes 1 to 5 are illustrated respectively in Figures 3 to 7. For the sake of this description, it is assumed that the access codes required for accessing the processor 20 in each of its different modes of operation 1 to 5 comprise the numbers 1116, 1114, 1115, 1112 and 1113 respectively, and that the subscriber telephone number is 5513216. In each of Figures 3 to 7 there is shown, across the upper part thereof, and the main distributing frame 12, subscribers line stage 14, signal transfer unit 16 and switching network 18 of the exchange 10, together with the processor 20. These are shown connected in the last mentioned order across each figure. Therebelow, in each case are'shown a number of lines extending transversely across the figure and positioned one below the other. These illustrate the time sequence of signals from the first occurring signal at the top of the figure progressively through the intervening signals as they are generated to the last signal generated which is at the foot of the figure.

The lines extend across the figures from locations below and in alignment with the one of the components 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 and 22 from which the signal originates to locations below and in alignment with the ones of the components at which the signals terminate, arrows on each of these lines indicating the direction of signal transfer between components. Where a line passes through a location below and in alignment with a r'

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coupled to said terminals and effective to identify that of said telephones from which said particular call is being directed, a signal transfer unit, and a switching network, the signal transfer unit being effective to establish a signal path from the calling telephone to a desired destina, Jon', said signal transfer unit also being effective to at f -/2 PCT/AL'87/00095 WO 87/ 06421 particular one of the components but does not terminate at that component it is to be taken that the signal is -passed through or bypasses that component.

Figure 3 shows in detail signalling in mode 1.

Here, if the telephone line associated with a telephone ,22 is free, a dial tone is heard on lifting of the handpiece thereof. At the subscribers line stage 14, the subscribers number, in this case 5513216, being the number as aforedescribed, is detected and a signal transmited to the signal transfer unit 16. The "A" number is stored in the signal t~ansfer unit 16. on dialling at the telephone 22 of the number 1116, signal corresponding to this is passed through the main distributing frame 12 and the subscribers line stage 14 to the signal transfer unit 16. The unit 16 is then effective to pass signal indicating number 1116 to the* switching network 18 and the switching network 18 is responsive to transfer the signal indicative of the last digit to the processor 20. The processor recognizes the code signal 6 as a request for voice annunciation of the telephone number and then is effective to retrieve the number from the signal transfer unit 16 by signailing through the switching network 18. Responsive to this signalling, the unit 16 transfers a code signal corresponding to the number, 5513216 in the case, through the switching network 18 to this processor 20. Then, the processor 20 is effective to generate a signal in which, as aforedescribed, is ef~fective to cause speech synthesizer 74 to generate a speech signal which is in the form of a voice L_

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O 87/06421 -1 Vo 87/6421 PCT/AUL87/00095 announcement of the number corresponding to telephone 22. This signal is then passed from the processor 20 through the switching network 18, bypassing signal transfer unit 16, through subscribers line stage 14 and main distributing frame 12 back to the telephone 22. At the end of transmission the telephone hand set is replaced and the exchange line from telephone 22 is released In Figure 4, (Mode 2) the telephone 22 is replaced by the unit 24 as aforedescribed, being of a kind having a liquid crystal display 32. To initiate an enquiry, in this instance, the unit 24 is operated by pressing a start button which loops the line to the exchange 10 to provide dial tone from the signal transfer unit to the unit 24 if the line is free. At this time, the establishment of the connection from the unit 24 is noted by the subscriber line stage 14 which transmits the corresponding number 5513216 to the signal transfer unit 16 for storage therein. Subsequently, the unit is operated to signal the code 1.114 which is passed from the main distributing frame 12 through the subscribers line stace 14 to the signal transfer unit 16 and thence to the switching network 18 the last digit is then transferred in appropriately encoded signal form to the processor 20. As before, the processor thence directs a signal to the signal transfer unit 16 requesting the number and the unit 16 responds by sending the number to the processor 20. Thence, the processor 20 is effective to generate a signal via the interface adaptor 58 and modem 78 to transmit a i; it -t

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(57) Abstract A telephone exchange (10)having a signal processor (20) which enables the identification code for respective telephones connected to the exchange (10) to be determined. The processor (20) is arranged so that it can be accessed bY addressing an access code thereto from a telephone serviced by the exchange. The processor (20) is effective to automatically determine the identification code for calling a respective telephone when a particular call is made from that telephone. The processor (20) also transmits, back to the calling telephone, information as to the identification code. A: isi WO 87/06421 PCT/AU87/00095 14 configuring sequence back through the switching network 18, bypassing signal transfer unit 16, through subscribers line stage 14 and main distributing frame 12 to the unit 24. Further signals are received by the unit 24, the display 32 such that display of it progressively shows the corresponding numbers until, on completion of the transmission of the seven digits comprising the number in question, the whole of the number 5513216 is displayed. Then, the processor transmits a release signal which is received by the unit 24 and the line from the unit 24 is then released.

In Figure 5, (Mode 3) the telephone 22 is again illustrated as being used to establish access to the processor 20 in the same fashion as described in relation to Figure 3 up to the point where the "A" number is transmitted from the signal transfer unit to the processor 20. In this case the identifying number being the last digit of the access number 1115, is however transmitted on to the processor 20 and, in this case again, where the number is sent from the signal transfer unit, the processor 20 is effective to operate the display device 28 to display the number 5513216 in accordance with signals directed thereto via the peripheral interface adaptor 54 and the lamp display driver circuit 80. Once this operation of the processor is set up, the subscriber line is released on replacing the handset of the telephone 22.

Figure 6 (Mode 4) illustrates, the operation of the processor 20 to operate the recording device 30 located

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i i I 1 0 87/0642 PCT/AU87/00095 for example, adjacent the main distributing frame 12 in the exchange 10. Here, a suitable dialler 34 is employed to loop the subscribers line at the input side of the main distributing frame 12 so that dial tone appears at the line. During this operation, the "A" number corresponding to the looped line is identified at the subscriber line stage and a signal identifying the number is transferred to the signal transfer unit 16 for storage. Then, the dialler is employed to dial the digits 1112, signals representating this passing through the main frame 12 and subscriber line stage 14 to the signal transfer unit 16. As before, the dialled signal is then passed from the signal transfer unit 16 to the switching network 18 and the last digiti 2 in this case, is transferred to the processor 20. The processor then responds by requesting the number from the signal transfer unit 16 and by transmitting to the recording device 30 a carriage return signal to ready the device for data receipt. Then, signals representing digits of the number are read from the signal transfer unit 16 by the signal processor 20 and transmitted to the recording device 30 via the communications port 82. At the end of transmission of digit signals, the processor 20 sends carriage return and line feed signals to the device 30, followed by a release signal which is addressed to the signal transfer unit 16 to effect release of the line to which the device 30 is coupled.

In Figure 7 (Mode 5) the unit 24 is to the subscriber line and the recording again connected device 26

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q i WO 87/06421 PCT/AU87/00095 16 coupled to the unit 24. Establishment of connection to the processor 20 is effected in the same way as described in relation to Figure 4, save than the dialled number is 1113 instead of 1114 with the result that signal representing thes last digit is that which is carried forward to the processor 20. On receipt of this digit signal, the processor 20 is effective to retrieve the number from the signal transfer unit 16, to transmit a carriage return signal to the unit 24 and to then successively transmit signals representing digits of the number via the modem 78. At the end of transmission of digit signals, a release signal is transmitted to the unit 24 and line release is then effected.

A flow chart describing the operation of processor forms Annex I hereto.

A portable unit 24 is shown in Figure 8 as having a casing 86 within which the electric circuit shown in Figure 9 is housed. This circuit includes a line testing and digit sending section 88, a line supervisory circiit 90, a modem/UART/LCM section 92, and a port 94.

Generally, the line supervisory circuit 90 is connected to the cable pair of the line which is to be tested, via terminals 98 on the exterior of the casing 86. The line testing and digit sending section 88 is effective, on initiation of operation by pressing a start button 100 on casing 86, to test the line and, if available for information transfer, to initiate a call to the processor 20. Returned information from the line is r:: j:i

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4 i- vo 87/06421 PCT/AU87/00095 passed via the circuit 90 to the section 92 which is effective to display, on a liquid crystal display 102 on casing 86, the telephone number as identified by information from the processor 20 passed on the line to the circuit 90. This data is also passed to the port 94 so that the data may be transferred, via an output jack 104 ;n casing 86 to suitable apparatus such as a computer.

In addition to the components aforementioned as being positioned on the casing 86, the casing also has an on/off switch 106 thereon and a lamp 108 to enable determination of a low voltage condition of the electric supply for the unit 24, as well as a lamp 110 which is illuminated to indicate when a line to which the unit is attached is free for dialling. The unit 24 may be of relatively small size to enable it to be transported readily from site to site. The unit 24 may also be small enough to fit in the casing of another unit.

The circuit for the unit 24 is shown in more detail in Figures 10 and 11.

The line supervisory circuit 90 shown in Figure is shown as including a full wave rectifier 114 coupled to terminals 98 whereby to be positioned across the cable pair of a telephone line 96 when the unit 24 is in use. Output from the rectifier 114 is passed to an optical coupler 116, and in the event that the line 30 should be free, this output is effective to switch a Schmitt trigger NAND gate 118 to illuminate lamp 110.

In this case, the unit 24 presents a greater than 68000 ;i e i 1 ii:- 7 i. k l;.i 11.

PCT/AU87/00095 WO 87/06421 18 ohm impedance across the line, this being constituted, essentially, by a correspondingly valued resistor 120 connected via a Zener diode 122 across the output of the rectifier 114.

The optical coupler 116 may be of conventional form comprising, as shown, a light emitting diode 124 connected across a Zener diode 122 and a phototransistor 126. The transistor has its collector connected to positive supply via a resistor 128 and to the input of NAND gate 118. The emitter of the transistor 126 is connected to ground.

The lamp 110 is in this instance in the form of a light emitting diode connected to ground, at the cathode thereof, and having the anode thereof connected to-the output of the NAND gate 118 via a resistor 130." The line testing and digit sending section 88 of the circuit includes the start button 100 which when pressed resets the whole of the circuit of Figures and 11. The switch has one side connected to ground and the other connected to positive supply via a resistor 132. The last mentioned side of start button 100 is connected to a flip-flop 134 which, on release of the start button 100, is conditioned so that the Q output goes low in the event that the unit is connected to a free line. On resetting, the counter 136 begins counting and, in the event that the line remains free for 2 seconds, a second flip-flop 138 is operated. The Q output of flip-flop 138 goes low on such operation 'r 1.: A/O 87/06421 PCT/AU87/00095 19 and is effective to maintain the counter 136 in an active condition and to place the CRQ terminal of a pulser 140 low whereby to cause the pulser 140 to loop the line 96 by causing the OPL output of the pulser 140 to go high. This output is applied via an AND gate 142 to an optical coupler 144 whereby to turn on a transistor 146 connected across the output of the coupler 144, the transistor having its emitter connected to the negative output of rectifier 114 and its collector connected to a positive output. Transistor 146 has its base coupled to the emitter of a phototransistor 148 included in optical coupler 144 and its collector coupled to the collector of transistor 148. The emitter and base of the transistor 146 are interconnected by a resistor 150. A Zener diode 152 is connected across the emitter and collector of transistor 146.

Counter 164 is shown as comprising a commercial device type 14017 and pulser 140 a commercial device cs 14409. Flip-flops 134 and 138 are shown comprising commercial devices type 14013 and counter. 136 a 11 commercial device type 14521.

The optical coupler 144 includes a light emitting diode 154 which is connected to the output of AND gate 142 and to ground via resistor 156.

The outputs QO to Q9 of counter 164 are coupled via diodes 166 to the terminals DO..D3 of pulser 140 so as i to comprise a dialling field generally designated by reference numeral 168. Switching of the states of the -19 -1 i. LC

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WO 87/06421 PCT/AU87/00095 DO..D3 terminals of pulser 140 is effected between high and low conditions by virtue of resistors 170 connected thereto.

The dialling field 168 as constituted by the diodes 166 is effective to condition the DO..D3 inputs of pulser 140 to dial particular predetermined digits by successively enabling the outputs QO..Q3 of the counter 146. In that regard, for each of the outputs QO to Q3, there is a set of diodes 166 coupling from that output to selected ones of the DO..D3 terminals for representing a respective one of the successive digits of the number to be dialled. Thus, if, in accordance with the binary coding for the first digit, any particular one of the inputs DO..D3 of pulsar 140 is required to be high, in accordance with the binary coding, there will be a respective diode 166 coupled thereto. If, in accordance with desired coding, the digit as represented in binary form requires one of the terminals DO..D3 to be in a low condition there will be no corresponding diode 166 coupled thereto.

After the aforementioned 2 second interval determined by counter 136, the pulser 140 receives a pulse from counter 136 via AND gate 158, NOR GATE 160 and NOT gate 162. This is effective to strobe the first digit to be dialled at the inputs DO....D3 to the pulser 140. That is to say, at this time these inputs are conditioned to represent in binary coding the first digit to be dialled. This operation causes the OPL output of the pulser 140 to be pulsed, so that, by a Bi 1 Vi

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1 87/06421 PCT/AU87/00095 signal applied via gate 142 and optical coupler 144, the transistor 146 is switched on and off to transmit dial pulses to the line. Immediately before dialling is commenced, however, the DRO terminal of pulser 140 is conditioned to a high level to step a counter 164.

Subsequently, the QO output of counter 164 is brought to a low condition, and the Q1 thereof output goes to a high condition after stepping of the counter 164. The QO output of counter 164, in going low, effectively blocks off the parts of the circuit which effect strobing, to prevent the counter 136 from interfering with subsequent strobing. At the completion of the first digit train, the DRO output of counter 140 goes low to strobe in the next digit applied by the Q1 output of counter 164. The next digit is thus transmitted to the line in the same fashion as the first digit and further interaction between the pulser and counter 164 continues until a stop condition is reached, the latter condition being established by switching of output Q4 of the counter 164 to gate 160. The enabling of the Q4 output of counter 164 prevents further strobing of the pulser 140 by holding the ST terminal thereof low via the aforementioned gates 160 and 162. The enabling of the Q4 output is also effective to operate the transistor 146 to release the original loop line provided by the connection between gate 142 and coupling 144. At the same time, a transformer 172 has its primary winding 174 connected across the line 96. A NOT gate 176 is connected through a Schmitt inverter gate 178 to the Q4 output of counter 164. Gate 178 also a V1 i 1 LI I 1 l_-l-L WO 87/06421 PCT/A87/00095 receives, via a NOT gate 180, ou-put from the DRO terminal of counter 140.

The NOT gate 176 is effective to connect the transformer 172 across the loop line via an optical coupler 184 and transistor 186. The output from the gate 176 is coupled to a light emitting diode 188 which is connected to ground supply via a resistor 190.

Coupler 184 also includes a transistor 192 having its emitter connected to the base of transistor 186 and, its collector connected to the collector of transistor 186.

Transistor 186 has its base and emitter interconnected via resistor 194.

Data connection between the RD terminal of modem 196 and the terminal RI on UART 202 is established by a carrier signal received on line 96 enabling the Schmitt AND gate 207 connected to the CD terminal on modem 196 by NOT gate 209.

Data signals received on the incoming line 96, and containing information as well as the identified "A" number are received by the transformer 172. The secondary of the transformer is connected, preferably via a capacitor 198, to the RC input of a modem 196 (in this case shown as a commercial type S3530). The output from the transformer is also connected to ground via a resistor 199 and to parallel, relatively reversely oriented, diodes 200, 201. The signals received by the modem are directed to a universal asynchronous receiver transmitter (UART) 202, shown as comprising a commercial ~I2

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WO 87/06421 PCT/AU87/00095 23 device type AY-3-1015D GI. This signal is received at the RI terminal of the UART 202 and is converted by the UART to appear at the parallel outputs RRO...RR7 thereof.

The output from the UART 202 is applied by a data bus to a liquid crystal module (LCM) 214 for display the received number. The LCM 214 is shown as comprising a commercial device type DMC-16106B-A optrex. When a code is received by UART 202 the DR (data received) terminal thereof goes high. This causes the E terminal of the LCM 214 to transfer the data on the data bus into the LCM whereby to update the display. Each applied code signal at the UART is checked for parity error, framing error and over-run error and, on detection of an error, the flip-flop 138 is reset, via OR gates 204, 206 and 208 to release the line connection. The DR terminal of UART 202 is also connected, Yia an inverter 212 to the terminal of the UART to reset the UART in readiness for the next code. The first sequence of data configuring the LCM in readiness to display data on its LCD. As each code representing a digit of the "A" number is received on the line 96 from the SNI processor it is stored in the LCM 214 to be displayed on its LCD and the UART 202 reset ready to receive the next WO 87/06qc2 of code. On receipt of the last code, a release signalqtheflip-flop 138 is reset a- RR6 and RR7 of UART 202 going V A16 b &iTTC 2t(ard OR es 206 a nrd 2.0o8 tn order high, and GATE 211, and OR gatcs 206, 208'to release the line connection.

5

VI

$i WO 87/06421 PCT/AU87/00095 24 The data sent by the SNI processor comprises configurin data followed by the identified number.

The configuring data clears the liquid crystal display 102 and positions a cursor in readiness for the reception of the identified switch number.

Generally, the sequencing and timing of operations within the circuitry for the unit 24 is performed under control of the counter 136. In that regard, the counter 136 has a resistor-capacitor network comprised of resistors 218, 220 and a capacitor 222, coupled to the pins 4, 6, 7 and 9 shown, and these are arranged to provide that the counter steps internally at a rate of one second. This is effected, within the timer to provide three timing periods, a two second period to supervise the aforementioned free test where testing to determine whether the line is free is effected, the two second period before commencing of dialling and an overall time period of 16 seconds for completion of all functions. The unit 24, once looped, cannot loop the line 96 for longer than the overall timing period. Once the counter 136 has counted up to 16 seconds, the flip-flop 138 is reset and the whole of the circuitry is reset to normal.

Where it is desired to record from the unit 24 by use of an external recording device, this is plugged into the jack 104 as previously described. The jack 104 is coupled to the output of a level converting integrated circuit 222 (in this case a commercial type I-LI: -ry rc~r ri r~ t B; i 41 i- WO 87/06421 PCT/AU'87/00095 1488). The jack is also coupled to the dialling field 168.

When a recording device is plugged into the jack, contacts 224 associated with the jack are operated in a fashion so as to modify the dialling field 168 so that on sending out of a dialled number by the unit 24, as previously described, different access code is directed to the processor 20 than is otherwise the case. In this instance, a different programme is called up in the processor 20. However, the manner of outputting of data to the unit 24 is in' this case generally similar to that described above, with the exception that the data input to the UART 202 is taken to the integrated circuit 222 and thence fed to the recording jack in a form suitable for actuation of the recording device. Also, no initialising data need be sent in this case.

By way of summary, the unit 24 may be used in either of two modes: 1.

102 Identification of a switch number on the display 2. Recording of identified numbers by connecting the recording equipment to the unit 24.

To identify a switch number by use of the unit 24 and display on the LCD 102 the following steps are performed:

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i:, i i, 1 WO 87/06421 PCT/AU87/00095 26 i. The unit 24 is turned on by the ON/OFF switch 106 2. The line 96 is connected to the rectifier 114 whereupon, if the line is free, the LED 110 is illuminated.

3. The start button 100 is actuated whereupon the LED 110 is extinguished, save for flickering on and off to indicate that dialling is in progress.

4. After a few seconds, following transmission of the outgoing access signal to the processor 20 and return of the required information from the [.rocessor, the switch number will be displayed on the LCD 102 and will remain there until overwritten by a further identification on another number or the power is turned off.

If faulty transmission of the identified number occurs, the unit will be disconnected automatically from the line 96 and only those digits received will be displayed on the LCD 102. This disconnection is effected by operation of the UART 202 as previously described.

6. When the start button 100 is actuated, the unit is reset, any digits or previously displayed on the LCD will remain. If the circuit is free then the line will be seized to commence identification once more.

To record a number on a recording device the following steps are performed: j 2. The line terminals of the unit are connected to the line 96.

3. The start switch 100 is actuated whereupon operation is similar to that described above.

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.1 WO 87/06421 P CT/A L87/00095 -I 21 I I I4

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I6 1. START [RESET].

2. INITIALISE PIA.

3INITIALISE PTM.

4. INITIALISE ACIA.

CLEAR SCRPTCHPAD.

6. LOAD TEMPORARY DATA.

7. WAIT.

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I W~O 87/ 06421 P CT/A U87/00095 I N P3 I IT 4 P3 3 /1N1/14

IN

IIT

I 2 P3 S. INTERRUPT REQUEST.

RESPONSE TO ACCESS CODE.

9. RECEIVED MFC CODE TESTED FOR VALIDITY.

TEST FOR END OF SIGNAlLLING 11. HAS ACCESS CODE B~EEN RECEIVED 12. TEST FOR VALID ACCESS CODE 13. STORE ACCESS CODE IN SCRATCHPAD.

14. IS ACCESS CODE 2

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STORE NUMBER DIGITS IN SCRATCHPAD.

9 WO 87/06421 WO 87/06421PCT/AUi87/00095

KD

-I 1 I /18\ 17. RETURN MFC CODE VIA CODE SENDER TO REQUEST FURTHER INFORMATION.

18. IS RECEIVED CODE STILL BEING RECEIVED I N VlP

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19. RETRUN MFC CODE TO CO)NCL-UDE INFORMATION INTERCHAlNGE WITH STU 116j.

20. IS RECEIVED CODE STILL BEING RECEIVED I -Y I 21 I 21. RESET CPU.

1-22-- 22. OPERATE RELAY [681 IN LINE INTERFACE C463 BRANCH DEPENDING ON ACCESS CODE.

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ODEODOE

f 1 ~PfTEr.. ivrr7 -f WO 87/06421 WO 87/06421 PCT/ALU87/00095 -31 ODE 1 I 23__ I

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I24

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1 I 25 I 126__ I

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23. ACCESS ANNUNCIATOR PROGRAHME AND TRANSFER TO SPEECH SYNTHESISER, VIA PIA, THE WORDS "YOUR NUMBER IS".

24. RETRIEVE THE FIRST DIGIT, THEN +1 OF NUMBER STORED IN THE SCRATCHPAD.

25. CALCULATE START ADDRESS OF ANNUNCIATOR PROGRAM FOR INDICATED DIGIT.

26. TRANSFER TO SEECH SYNTHESISER VIA PIA. THE DATA ASSOCIATED WITH THE INDICATED DIGIT.

27. IS THIS THE LAST DIGIT TO BE SENT I 1 Y I 2• I 30 28. HAS MESSAGE BEEN SENT TWICE.

29. RELEASE RELAY C66] IN LINE INTERFACE UNIT L6].

30. RELEASE AND RESET CPU ON DISCONNECTION INDICATED BY CALLING LINE OR SUPERVISION PERIOD C90 SECONDS] WHICH EVER IS FIRST.

WO 87/0642 1 PCT/ A 87/00095 32 ->ODE 2 I 31 31. CONFIGURE MODEM/VOICE UNIT 172] TO I CONNECT MODEM TO AMPLIFIER [7G3 THENCE I TO LINE E48J VIA RELAY [463.

1 32 1 32. TRANSFER VIA ACIA [58J MODEM C78J ETC.

I. DATA TO CONFIGURE LCM TO RECEIVE SERIAL INFORMATION IN ASCII CODE.

133 33. RETRIEVE FIRST DIGIT, THEN +1 OF I I NUMBER FROM SCRPTCHPAD.

1 134 34. TRANSFER TO MODEM ASCII VALLUE OF I I TRANSMITTED DIGIT.

I 35. LP.ST DIGIT SENT ly I 36 i 36. TRANSFER RELEASE SIGNAL TO SNI.

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P4.

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WO 87/06421 PCT/AU187/00095 ->MODE 3 1 37 1 I 3 37. RETRIEVE FIRST DIGIT THEN 4-1 OF THE NUMBER STORED IN THE SCRATCHPPAD.

38. TRANSFER TO LAMP, DISPL'Y STORE AND MULTIP-LEX LAMP DISPLPY UNIT C283 WITH NUMBER INFORMATION.

39. COMPLETE NUMBER TRANSFERRED I0 I 40. TIME DISPLAY FOR PERIOD OF SECONDS.

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ly )P4 41. TIME EXPIRED

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2 ~1 WO 87/0642 1 PCT/A L87/00095 ->MODE 4 1 42 1 6 P2 42. TRANSFER SIGNAL RELATING TO RECEIVED ::;ITT TO RS232 OUTPUT VIA ACIR RS22... £82) AND ASSOCIATED JACK.

MODE 143 I43. CONFIGURE MODEM/VOICE UNIT C72] TO I CONNECT MODEM TO AMPLIFIER £76) THEN'f TO LINE C48] VIA RELAY C463.

1 44 1 1 45 1 -N-/46\ 44. RETRIEVE FIRST DIGIT THEN +41 OF NUMBER FROM SCRATCHPAD.

45. TRANSFER DATA IN ASCII CODE VIA PCIP AND MODEM TO LINE.

46. LAST DIGIT SENT 1~47-- I

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47, TRANSFER RELEASE SIGNAL.

WO 87/06421 PCT/AU87/00095 The described construction has been advanced merely by way of explanation and many modifications may be made thereto without departing 'from the spirit and scope of the invention which includes every novel feature and combination of novel features herein disclosed.

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Claims (4)

1. A telephone exchange wherein a number of telephones are connected thereto by terminating telephone lines at a main distribution frame of the exchange, and interconnections from the terminations of the lines at the main distribution frame are made within the main distribution frame to terminals of the main distribution frame, the exchange being provided with a signal processor, said processor being arranged whereby, on accessing of the processor by addressing an access code thereto from a telephone comected to the exchange, the processor is effective to automatically determine an identification code for calling said telephone when a particular call is made from that telephone and to transmit, back to the calling telephone, information as to the identification code, said exchange further including a subscribers line stage coupled to said terminals and effective to identify that of said telephones from which said particular call is being directed, a signal transfer unit, and a switching network, the signal transfer unit being effective to establish a signal path from the calling telephone to a desired destination, said signal transfer unit also being effective to at least temporarily store the identification code of said calling telephone, said processor being coupled to said signal transfer unit and operative to effect said transmission of said identification code back through said switching network on receipt by the exchange of said particular call from the calling telephone.

2. A telephone exchange as claimed in claim 1 wherein said signal processor is responsive to receipt of said particular call by said signal transfer unit to effect said transmission back through the switching network of said identification code as then stored in the signal transfer unit. 4A,. 901114,kx1spc.012I1clccm,36 -37-

3. A telephone exchange as claimed in claim 2 wherein said processor includes a central processor unit and means coupling the central processor unit to said switching network for transfer of said identification code from said signal transfer unit to a microprocessor incorporated in said central processor unit, and means for directing said identification code from said microprocessor back to said switching network for return to the calling telephone.

4. A telephone exchange as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said processor is responsive to a plurality of different said access codes to cause said identification code to be outputted from the processor in different modes in accordance with the particular access code directed thereto. A telephone exchange substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. DATED this 16th day of November, 1990 THE AUSTRALIAN TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION By its Patent Attorneys DAVIES COLLISON ?,A 901114,kx1sM012,tdccom,37