AU7882398A - Improvements in payphones - Google Patents

Description

p00011 Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act, 1990

ORIGINAL

COMPLETE

SPECIFICATION

STANDARD

PATENT

TO BE COMPLETED BY THE

APPLICANT

NAME OF APPLICANT: TECHNICALL

INC

A IJOHN PETER OGDEN ACTUAL

INVENTOR:

AD S O VI Peter Maxwell Associates ADDRESS FOR SERVICE: Level 6 Pitt Street SYDNEY NSW 2000 INVENTION TITLE: IMPROVEMENTS IN PAYPHONES SPROVISIONAL APICATION NO(S): PO 8435 6 August 1997 Australia The following statement is a full description of this invention including the best method of performing it known to me:- I 2 I1 H1 The present invention relates to the field of telecommunications and, in particular, to 'smart' payphones having the ability to conduct a wide range of advanced functions outside the normal range of conventional payphone functions and to operate independently of the telephone exchange for all its functions except for the carriage of calls over the telephone line, both in wire or wireless telecommunication environments.

One inventive aspect of the 'smart' payphone of the present invention is that it has a self-metering function.

Conventional payphones, such as those on the TelstraTM public 0 switching telephone network (PSTN), receive 12, 16 or 50 kHz signals from the telephone Exchange to communicate and identify various stages in the operation of the payphone, such as the depositing of the correct call payment, the answering of the call, the requirement for additional payment to prolong the call and the completion of the call. The metering of the cost for the call is carried out by reference to data base tables stored electronically at the Exchange. These tables determine the cost and duration for each type of call, whether it be local, STD or IDD. For instance, a local call for, say, 40 cents, will involve a single pulse and presently allow unlimited time. An STD call from, say, Sydney to Melbourne will involve a pulse every 35 seconds that will signal the need to deposit more money to prolong the call. As such metering is conducted through the Exchange, a new payphone operator utilising conventional payphones would be reliant on the efficiency of the Exchange and the servicing capabilities of the operator of the Exchange.

A self-metering capability in a payphone therefore provides for more autonomous operation.

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3 It is an object of the present invention to provide a payphone with a self-metering function that overcomes the disadvantages of prior art payphones.

The object of providing a payphone having a self-metering function is achieved in the present invention by computerised rate metering means located within the payphone, whereby a fixed rate table determines the cost of the call.

Another inventive aspect of the 'smart' payphone of the present invention is that it has a self-answering function.

Answer recognition for conventional payphones is carried out at the Exchange through the reversal of polarity on the 'local loop' line between the Exchange and payphone when a call is received. The reversal of polarity on the line triggers the metering and deposit payment functions of the payphone. Such payphones are 'conditioned' to receive, interpret and respond to the reversal of polarity, as well as to the metering pulse signals, that emanate from the Exchange. As a result, a new payphone operator utilising conventional payphones becomes even more reliant on the established workings of the Exchange.

Clearly, a self-answering capability in a payphone provides for an even more autonomous operation.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a payphone with a f. elf-answering function that overcomes the disadvantages of prior art payphones.

The object of providing a payphone having a self-answering function is achieved in the present invention by computerised voice or sound recognition means located within the payphone, whereby the 4 characteristics of a human voice or electronically created sound provide the prompt for polarity reversal of the line to the Exchange.

Still another inventive aspect of the 'smart' payphone of the present invention is that it has a voice messaging function whereby the payphone can serve as a message recording and playing machine when t,.ere is no answer by the recipient on the number being called or that number is engaged. The payphone will, when suitable, later call the same number and, if answered, play the recorded message, thereby achieving the same result as an answering machine connected to the recipient's telephone.

Clearly, a voice messaging capability in a payphone provides for greater versatility and benefits over prior art payphones.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a payphone with a voice messaging function that addresses the shortcomings of prior art Ii payphones.

S 15 The object of providing a payphone having a voice messaging function is achieved in the present invention by computerised message recording and playing means located within the payphone, whereby recorded messages are stored in a memory chip and forwarded to S corresponding predialled numbers also stored in a memory chip at predetermined intervals.

Yet another aspect of the 'smart' payphone of the present invention .is that it is able to accept three modes of payment, namely coin, credit card and pre-paid smart card.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a payphone connected to a public switching telephone network, said payphone including keypad means and a programmable processor means which includes rate metering means for determining the cost of a call from the payphone, said rate metering means including a fixed rate table programmed in the processor means.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a payphone connected to a public switching telephone network, said payphone including keypad means and a programmable processor means which includes sound recognition means for recognizing the answering of a call from the payphone.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a payphone connected to a public switching telephone network, said payphone including keypad means and a programmable processor means which includes means for recording and playing a message from a caller when the call is not answered or engaged.

In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings in which:- Fig. 1 A is a flow chart of actions executed by the payphone of the present invention, which particularly illustrate the selfmetering function, Fig. 1B is a flow chart of actions linked and downstream to the actions shown in Fig. 1A which particularly illustrate the self-answering function of the payphone of the present invention, Fig. 1C is a flow chart of actions linked and downstream to the actions shown in Fig. 1B which particularly illustrate the voice messaging function of the payphone of the present invention, Fig. 2A is a flow charge of actions executed when a credit card is 6 used to operate the payphone of the present invention, and where the validation of the credit card is conducted by the same payphone, Fig. 2B is a flow chart of actions executed when a credit card is used to operate the payphone of the present invention, and where the validation of the credit card is conducted through an online link with the credit provider, Fig. 3A is an example of a fist "Look-Up" Table of a Rate Table Database used as a first step in the process for determining the cost of a call by the payphone of the present invention, Fig. 3B is an example of a second "Look-Up" Table of a Rate Table Database used as a second step in the process for determining the cost of a call by the payphone of the present invention, and I 15 Fig. 3C is an example of a third "Look-Up" Table of a Rate Table Database used as a final step in the process for determining the cost of a call by the payphone of the present invention.

S. Referring to the flow charts shown in Figs. 1A, B and 1C, the 'routine operation of the payphone of the present invention when a user is initiating an outgoing call is as follows.

The payphone, being initially in the "ON HOOK" mode (box is taken "off hook" (box 2) by the caller which prompts a payphone generated audible dial tone ("OFF HOOK, DIAL TONE" mode). The dial tone and other operating features of the payphone are powered by a power control unit (box 18).

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91- If the payphone is a cellular unit relying on radio connection, then the dial tone is provided by an internal circuit (box 54) on a voice chip carried within the cellular unit.

A message on LCD is displayed (box 17) requesting the caller to dial a number (for free calls) or insert a deposit. Alternatively or concurrently, the message may be audible. The message is pre-programmed onto a computer chip located on the payphone's circuit board, as are all other variable functions of the payphone, through a remotely located computer management system (in this case referred to as the "Omega" System).

Information and operating parameters are downloaded onto the payphone's chip from the "Omega" System through telephone communication lines to each of the payphones which are connected to the public switching telephone network (PSTN). The input microphone and keypad (box 52) must be in a "ready" condition for the routing to continue.

Also, the message may be in a variety of languages (either displayed or audible) which can be accessed (box 25) by the caller pressing various buttons (boxes 29, 30, 31 and 32) on the payphone to select the required language.

If cash is deposited (box 12) into the payphone, the number may then be dialled (box 11). Once dialled, the number is stored (box 19) in a memory chip (box 28).

If a credit card is engaged (box 39) into the payphone, the number then needs to be dialled (box 41) by the caller. Once dialled, a rate table database (box 42) is accessed within the payphone to determine the cost applicable to the number dialled. The credit card is then subject to a validation process. The validation of the credit card may be by one of two processes depending on the pre-programming of the payphone.

8 The flow chart shown in Fig. 2A represents the validation process if the payphone is pre-programmed for complete "on-site" validation. "Onsite" validation is under the control of information downloaded onto the payphone's computer chip from the "Omega" system as mentioned earlier.

In particular, a bad credit card list (ie. "black list") is downloaded for instant on-site identification of credit cards which are not authorised, that is, they have been cancelled or are in excess of their credit limit and do not have sufficient funds available for the call.

The flow chart shown in Fig. 2B represents the validation process if the payphone is pre-programmed to communicate with the credit provider for authorisation, which, of course, is controlled by more regularly updated information held by the credit provider. In this case, there is retained an on-site validation of some essential credit card variables (such as correct or accepted card type, and valid expiry date) by downloading of information from the "Omega" System.

If a smart card is engaged (box 40) into the payphone, the number then needs to be dialled (box 43) by the caller. Once dialled, the rate table j database (box 44) is similarly accessed within the payphone to determine the cost applicable to the number dialled. The smart card is then subject to a validation process (box 48). The validation of the smart card includes checking that the smart card being engaged is a correct or accepted card o type.

iIf cash is deposited, or cards engaged, but the caller takes too long (box 14) to dial the number, an audible message or visual message on LCD (box 15) is provided informing the caller of same, and the payphone goes back to its "ON HOOK" mode (box 1).

9 Should the caller misdial or, at any time prior to the answering of the call, replace the handset on to the hook or "flash" the hook, then the routine returns to box 1 or box 2, and the cash is returned.

Once the number is dialled in the available time and then stored (box 19), an identification (box 21) is made to determine if and how much cash has been deposited. Once identified, the payphone converts to a "OFF HOOK, NO DIAL TONE" mode (box 22) whereupon the Rate Table Database (box 20) is accessed within the payphone to determine the cost applicable to the number dialled (also refer to Figs 3A, 3B and 3C).

An enquiry (box 24) is made to determine if the cost applicable is covered by the amount of cash deposited (or, if cards are used, by the amount that can be debited from the cards). If not enough cash has been deposited, an LCD message is displayed (box 35) requesting the depositing of additional cash, and additional cash is awaited (box 36). If additional e 15 cash is not deposited within the available time (box 37), the deposit is returned (box 38) to the caller and the payphone reverts to the "OFF HOOK, DIAL TONE" mode (box If additional cash is deposited within o* the available time (box 37), a further enquiry (box 24) is made to determine if the cost applicable is covered by the total amount of cash deposited. If so, a line is opened to the Telephone Exchange and (as now shown in Fig.

1 B) the payphone revers to a "OFF HOOK, DIAL TONE" mode (box 49) generated by the Exchange. If cards are used, the enquiry (box 42) is merely a duplication of a prior validation as represented in Figs. 2A and 2B, that there are sufficient funds to continue the routine.

The stored number is then "dialled" (box 51) to the Exchange by being emitted in either decadic or DTMF mode (box 50), which mode is preprogrammed into the payphone by the "Omega" system. If the payphone is part of a tourist hotel internal telephone system (or private branch exchange box 59), then the emitted number is automatically preceded by a digit for an 'outside' call (box 58) opening up an outside line to the PSTN.

Upon the Telephone Exchange receiving the stored number, it connects the payphone to the telephone being called along its lines.

An LCD message is displayed (box 56) informing the caller that the call is in progress. At this time, the voice microphone is in a muted mode (box 60). The payphone checks (box 62) whether there is a ring tone representative of the ringing of the telephone being called.

If there is no ring tone but a receiver's voice is detected (box 73) (ie as may happen when the receiver picks up the telephone just before the ring tone), the payphone awaits (box 66) a transmission (typically a voice) from the caller before it initiates the 'on' status (box 76) of the microphone ifor communication between the caller and receiver. Communication is thereby initiated by voice or sound recognition conducted by the payphone.

Voice or sound recognition may be by such means as frequency range detection and comparison or ring tone matching.

With the microphone in the 'on' status, thd metering function within the payphone (based on the Rate Table Database) is initiated and the deposited cash is accepted (or the card is debited) by the payphone.

At the "hanging up" of the call, the payphone terminates its line to ,the Telephone Exchange and reverts to "ON HOOK" mode (box 112) and the call details are recorded (box 113) within the payphone. These details may then be transferred to the "Omega" System for card billing purposes and the like.

If, during the above sequence when there is no ring tone, any of the receiver voice recognition, caller transmission, or microphone 'on' status 11 prompts are not effected, and a pre-programmed time period (box 79) for receipt of a ring or voice has elapsed, the deposit is returned (box 84) to the caller, and the payphone terminates its line to the Telephone Exchange and reverts to "ON HOOK" mode (box 78).

If there is a ring tone (box 62), a check (box 75) is made by the payphone to determine if the tone is a special information tone (SIT) (ie such as an old number that is no longer in service) and, if so, the deposit is returned (box 84) to the caller, and the payphone terminates its line to the Telephone Exchange and reverts to "ON HOOK" mode (box 78). If the tone is not a SIT tone, and a receiver's voice is then detected (box 64), the payphone switches (box 83) the microphone to its 'on' status, and the metering function within the payphone is initiated as mentioned above. If a receiver's voice is not detected, but a modem connection tone is detected (box 65), the microphone is switched to its 'on' status (box 83). If no receiver's voice or modem connection tone is detected, the payphone awaits (box 80) a transmission (typically a voice) from the caller. If there is a transmission from the caller, the payphone then again awaits (box 73) the receiver's voice. If both the receiver's voice and a transmission from the caller are not detected within the pre-programmed number of rings (box 69), the payphone initiates its message recording function.

If a busy tone or other tone (box 85) is received, the payphone similarly initiates its message recording function.

If a receiver's voice is detected either with or without a ring tone (boxes 64 and 73) within the available time period, the routine symbolised by boxes 65, 66, 76 is followed to initiate the metering function (box 82) within the payphone as mentioned above.

12 The message recording function of the payphone is prompted by the exceeding of a pre-programmed number of rings or by the receiving of a busy tone or other tones as mentioned above. The payphone checks (box 97) that it has available memory space for the recording of a message. If the memory is full, the payphone returns to the routine symbolised by If the memory is not full, a voice PCB (box 72) is powered up (as shown in Fig. 1C) and the ring tone (box 71) is dropped by a third of its original preset volume but still rings to allow late pickup and cancellation of the message. The payphone provides a pre-recorded message (box 70) to the effect that the receiver is not available and requesting that the caller either leave a message after pressing a message transmitting button on the payphone or try to call again later. This pre-recorded message may be o :audible and/or displayed on an LCD depending on pre-programming of the payphone. In determining whether the caller wants to leave a message, the payphone awaits the pressing (box 87) of the message transmitting button within a preset time period (box 95). If this button is not pressed in the available time, the payphone assumes a 'busy' tone (box 96). If this button is pressed, the deposit is accepted (box 88) and a message (box 89) is presented requesting that the caller record his/her message now.

During the recording of the message (box 91), a timer is monitoring the message duration and at a predetermined time a visual flashing *message will be displayed (box 90) on the LCD warning the caller that only a certain amount of time for the caller's message remains.

At the end of the caller's message, the LCD informs the caller that the message will be forwarded to the dialled number at a predetermined 13 frequency, say, every 15 minutes, for a predetermined number of times if not answered (box 92).

The payphone has the stored dialled number attached to the message (box 98) in its memory (boxes 28, 97 see Fig. 1B) so that when the caller 'hangs up' the payphone, the payphone reverts to "ON HOOK" mode (box 99) and the voice PCB (box 102) is powered down without loss of the recorded message.

When due (box 101), the payphone checks (box 104) to see if it is in "OFF HOOK" mode (ie other call in progress). If so, the payphone will await its return to "ON HOOK" mode, whereupon the voice PCB (box 103) powers up and a line is established with the Telephone Exchange whereby the Exchange generated dial tone (box 106) is accessed. The payphone dials the stored number (box 105), bypassing the Rate Table Database (box i ,107). If the number is answered (box 109), the payphone transmits to the S 15 receiver an audible message informing that the receiver has an electronically recorded message (box 118). The payphone plays the caller's message (box 114) and at its end the payphone assumes an "ON HOOK" mode (box 115) where the line to the Telephone Exchange is terminated.

The message is then erased (box 116).

If the number is not answered, the payphone reverts to "ON HOOK" mode and the voice PCB powers down (box 102). A check (box 111) is kept by the payphone of the number of attempts to recall the receiver, as only a predetermined maximum number or recalls is allowed.

When due for recalling, the routine symbolised by boxes 104, 103, 106, 105, 107 and 109 is repeated. If the predetermined maximum number of recalls has been effected without a successful answer, the payphone will erase (box 116) the message from its memory.

14 Referring to the "Look-Up" Tables of Figs. 3A, 3B and 3C which form the Rate Table Database, the information in these Tables is down loaded as required onto the payphone's computer chip from the "Omega" System.

The first "Look-Up" Table of Fig. 3A is an example of a first step in the process for determining the cost of a call by the present payphone, where a dialled number prefix (see column 1) is assigned a rate code (see column 2).

The second "Look-Up" Table of Fig. 3B is an example of a second step in the process for determining the cost of a call by the present payphone, where information as to the time of day (see columns 1 and 2) and day of week (see column 3) when the call is made are assigned a condition code (see column 4).

The third "Look-Up" Table of Fig. 3C is an example of the final step in the process for determining the cost of a call by the present payphone, where the assigned rate code (from Fig. 3A) and condition code (from Fig.

1I are matched through a cross matrix so as to determine the call cost.

'I t The "Look-Up" Table of Fig. 3C therefore serves as a fixed Rate Table, in which each call can be costed within the present payphone, and so plays an important role in the self-metering function of the payphone of the present invention.

V arious modifications may be made in details of design and construction and mode of operation of the payphone of the present invention without departing from the scope or ambit of the invention.

Claims (2)

1. 2. A payphone connected to a public switching telephone network, said payphone including keypad means and a programmable processor means which includes sound recognition means for recognizing the answering of a call from the payphone.
2. 3. A payphone connected to a public switching telephone network, said payphone including keypad means and a programmable processor means which includes means for recording and playing a message from a caller when the call is not answered or engaged. Dated this 6 day of August, 1998 TECHNICALL INC Patent Attorneys for the Applicant ETER MAXWELL ASSOCIATES