BE1005335A0 - DEVICE FOR REFERRING TELEPHONE CALLS TO A FACSIMILE OR TO A TELEPHONE SET. - Google Patents

Abstract

A modem (5) takes on the line (1) signals representative of the signals carried by this line (1), without disturbing them. A microcontroller (6) controls a switch (2) in response to the signals picked up so that, in the absence of a call, the line (1) is connected to the fax machine (4). If a call is followed by protocol signals from a remote fax machine, the microcontroller leaves the line (1) connected to the fax machine (4). Otherwise, it controls a generator (7) for ringing the telephone set (3) and leui connects the line (1) in the event of an off-hook. The invention allows a subscriber to use the same telephone line for facsimile and facsimile communications and conversations, without having to make switches.

Description

•• Device for directing telephone calls to a fax machine or to a telephone set ".

The present invention relates to a device for switching calls on a telephone line comprising connection means for connecting said line either to at least one first device designed to receive calls from a person, or to at least a second apparatus intended to receive calls from a facsimile type apparatus, and means for controlling said connection means, sensitive to the nature of the calls on said line.

Such a device makes it possible to use a single telephone line to receive conventional telephone communications, that is to say in which the exchange is done by voice, and telephone communications relating to the transmission of documents or faxes, without having to manually connect the line to one or other of the devices, depending on the nature of the call received.

Devices of the type defined above are already known, based on the fact that certain fax machines are designed to transmit, before any exchange during a call in which they are calling, bursts of a signal at 1100 Hz. Thus , when a call from such a fax machine ends up on a conventional telephone, the person who picks up knows that he is dealing with a fax machine and not with another person.

Existing routing devices use this signal at 1100 Hz to recognize the nature of the communication and route it accordingly to the right device.

Thus, these known devices, on ringing coming from the line, take the call and try to recognize for a few seconds a burst of 1100 Hz emitted by the possible calling fax machine. Then they generate a ringtone towards the receiving fax machine and pass the line to it as soon as it picks up. If no 1100 Hz is recognized, they generate a ringtone towards the telephone set and pass the line to it as soon as it picks up.

Signal detection at 1100 Hz is usually done using a filter.

However, these known devices are not very reliable because the signal at 1100 Hz is not emitted by all calling fax machines, and because a calling human can emit a sound comprising energy at around 1100 Hz.

The present invention aims to overcome these drawbacks.

To this end, it relates to a device of the type defined above, characterized in that it comprises non-disturbing sampling means for picking from said line signals representative of the signals transported by said line, recognition means to recognize, among the signals picked up, signals representative of the protocol signals emitted by a possible remote device, of the facsimile type, in response to protocol signals emitted by said second device as soon as it receives a call, and quests means of control control, in the absence of a call and in the presence of a call followed by recognition of said signals representative of the protocol signals, the connection of said line to said second device, and in the presence of a call not followed by recognition of said signals representative of the signals protocol, the connection of said line to said first device.

In the device of the invention, all incoming calls are terminated on the fax machine, since, in the absence of a call, the line is systematically connected to it. If an incoming call comes from a remote fax machine, the exchange protocol between the remote fax machine and the local fax machine is immediately started, as it would be if the line were dedicated exclusively to the local fax machine. Then, by means of 11 spying on the signals on the line effected by the pick-up means and the recognition means, the protocol signals characteristic of the calling remote fax machine can be detected, which is formal proof that the caller is a fax machine . In this case, the control means leave the line connected to the fax machine so that the fax-type exchange continues. If, on the other hand, the incoming call comes from a person, the fax protocol cannot be initiated, despite the protocol signals, in this case an identification signal, sent several times by the local fax machine. In this case, the line will be connected to the conventional telephone set.

The device of the invention is therefore particularly reliable, and moreover, it is completely transparent for facsimile type exchanges, since the line is normally connected to the facsimile machine "

In the preferred embodiment, there are provided ringing means for ringing said first device, and stall detection means for detecting the stall of said first device, and, in the presence of a call not followed by recognition of said representative signals protocol signals, said control means ring said first device, and connect said line to said first device in response to a detection of the stall of said first device.

In this case, the fax machine does not have to have its own scmre alert to warn the subscriber of an incoming call, since, if this call is intended for him, the telephone set starts to ring. , and most importantly, the subscriber does not have to monitor the fax machine to see for whom this incoming call is in fact intended, which is the case if the line is immediately connected to the conventional telephone set when the protocol signals are not recognized ·

Advantageously, said control means stop said ringing means and release said line after a determined duration of ringing not followed by detection of the stalling of said first device.

Thus, the calling correspondent does not risk too long a wait in ignorance of what happens to his call ·

Advantageously also, means are provided for transmitting on said line signals to inform a possible correspondent that said first device is ringing.

These signals are for example known ringing return signals, or synthetic voice signals giving information in clear.

In order to make the device transparent for outgoing calls, that is to say calls made by the subscriber in which the switching device is installed, there are means for picking up the stall to detect the stall of said first apparatus, ~ means are provided for recognizing an exchange between two apparatuses of the facsimile type, and said control means connect said line to said first apparatus in response to a pickup detection, unless an exchange between two apparatuses of facsimile type takes place .

Advantageously always · means are provided for sending a ring signal to said second device · and said control means · in response to an order from the user of said first device, control the sending of a ring signal to said second device , as well as the connection of said line to said second device in order to allow, after a voice exchange, a fax-type exchange during the same telephone call *

In one embodiment, several first devices are provided, and said control means, in response to orders from users, control the connection of said line to one or the other of said first devices.

The present invention will be better understood from the following description of the preferred embodiment, and one of its variants, of the switching device of the invention, made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which s - Figure 1 shows a block diagram of the switching device of the invention, and, - Figure 2 shows a variant of the device of Figure 1.

As shown in Figure 1, the switching device of the invention is intended to be inserted between a telephone line 1 and here two devices 3 and 4, to route calls on line 1 to one or the other devices 3 and 4, depending on the nature of these calls.

The device 3 is here a telephone set, or, where appropriate, a telephone answering machine. In general, it is a device designed to receive calls from a person.

The device k is here a fax machine, but it could be a derivative device. In general, it is a device designed to receive calls from another fax type device.

A controllable switch 2, with three positions, makes it possible to connect line 1 either to the telephone set 3, or to the fax machine 4, or to the transmission access of a modulator-demodulator, or modem, 5. The switch 2 is provided with a control input receiving a connection control signal CR.

The modem 5, in addition to the transmission access connected to the switch 2. is provided with a reception access connected to the line 1, a data output delivering a signal S and a data input receiving a signal E. The modem 3 is of the known type V21.

The signal S represents the demodulated data relating to a possible module signal received by the modem 5 on its reception port, and, in response to the data signal E, the modem 5 transmits a modulated signal on its transmission port. It should be noted that the modem 3 is arranged so that its reception access has a high impedance on line 1 so as not to disturb the normal operation of line 1, and that, when this line 1 is connected to one of the devices 3 or k, modem 3 allows the sampling of signals representative of those carried by line 1, in one direction or the other, without disturbing the operation of line 1 and the device to which it is connected * You could say that modem 3 is spying on line 1.

A microcontroller 6 is provided with a data input receiving the signal S, two binary inputs respectively receiving a praimer signal for stall detection and a second signal DD1 for stall detection, with a data output delivering the signal E , and three binary outputs respectively delivering the connection control signal CR, a ringing control signal CS, and a ringing signal control signal CAS. A circuit 7 for generating a ringing signal and for detecting an off-hook is provided with a binary input receiving the signal for controlling the ringing, a binary output delivering the first signal DD for detecting an off-hook, and two-way access. Circuit 7 is the known type circuit which usually performs the functions of ring signal generation and off-hook detection in telephone exchanges. A stall detection circuit 7 ′, delivering the second stall detection signal DD ′ is connected to the input of the device 4.

A controllable switch 8, with three positions, makes it possible to connect the bidirectional access to circuit 7 either to the telephone set 3 or to the fax machine 4, or to leave this bidirectional access isolated. Switch 8 is provided with a control input receiving the ringing control command signal CAS.

The device which has just been described operates as follows.

Thanks to the modem 5, to which it is connected, the microcontroller 6 knows the signals on the line 1. In the absence of signals on this line 1, the microcontroller 6 controls the switch 2 so that the line is connected to the facsimile machine 4.

Thus, all incoming calls are systematically routed to the fax machine 4.

The latter is arranged, like all fax machines, to transmit, when it receives a call, a protocol signal comprising in particular, in this case, a digital identification signal DIS ("Digital Identification Signal") as defined in Recommendation T. 30 of the International Consultative Committee for the Telegraph and the Telephone, or CCITT

Thus, any incoming call on line 1 is followed by the emission of a digital identification signal DIS on this line. If the call comes from a remote fax machine, it must respond in particular to the DIS signal with a corresponding protocol signal, in this case one of the following protocol signals, defined by Recommendation T. 30 of the C.C.I.T.T. : - non-standard facilities set-up signal NSS ("Non Standard facilities Set-up"), - identification signal of the transmitting subscriber TSI ("Transmitting Suscriber Identification"), - digital control signal DCS ("Digital Command Signal "), - Non Standard Facilities Command (NSC) control signal, - Calling Suscriber Identification (CIG) subscriber identification signal, and, - Control signal digital transmission DTC ("Digital Transmitt Command").

The microcontroller 6 is arranged to recognize, among the signals picked up on line 1, the previous protocol signals transmitted by the remote facsimile machine in response to the digital identification signal DIS. If the call is followed by recognition of these protocol signals, it means that the call is indeed from a fax machine and the microcontroller 6 leaves line 1 connected to the fax machine k.

If the call is not followed by recognition of protocol signals from a remote facsimile machine, while the facsimile machine k has repeated the digital identification signal DIS three times, then the microcontroller 6 connects line 1 to the telephone extension 3.

To do this, the microcontroller 6 controls, via the signal CS, the circuit 7 so that it generates a ringing signal, and, via the CAS signal, the routing of this ringing signal to the telephone set 3 · Telephone set 3 therefore rings and if the subscriber is present, he picks up the handset · The pick-up is detected by circuit 7 * and the microcontroller 6, informed by the DD signal, then commands switch 2 to connect line 1 at station 3 ·

While the station 3 is ringing, the microcontroller controls, by the signal CR, the connection of line 1 to the transmission access of the modem 5. The latter is not at high impedance, but at normal impedance, by example 600JL, and maintains the loop of the direct current line. The microcontroller controls, by signal E, the emission of a discontinuous carrier simulating a ringing tone. As a variant, a synthesizer can emit an explanatory voice message.

If the subscriber is absent, there is no off-hook detection, the microcontroller 6 commands the ringing to stop after a determined period, and releases line 1.

So that the subscriber can call a correspondent using the telephone set 3 without having to manually connect to this set 3 the line 1 normally connected to the fax machine k, the mieroeontroller 6 is arranged to connect the line 1 to the set 3 as soon as the signal DD indicates an off-hook of station 3 not consecutive to a ringing of this station 3 · However, as it is possible that a fax exchange is then in progress between the fax machine 4 and a remote fax machine, the microcontroller 6, which can recognize such an exchange on line 1 thanks to the hook detector 7 ', connect line 1 to station 3 only in the absence of such an exchange, so as not to interrupt the transmission of a fax.

Here, the microcontroller 6 is also arranged to receive, during a communication between the subscriber and a correspondent via the station 3 "1111 order from the subscriber intended to obtain, without interrupting the common! , the connection of line 1 to fax machine k for a fax exchange following the voice exchange.

The order is given for example by the subscriber by dialing, on the multifrequency dial ("Dual Tone Modulation Frequency" DTMF) of station 3, a determined number, for example 7, which corresponds to the transmission of 'a signal composed of two determined frequencies. The microcontroller 6 detects this order via the modem 5, provided with suitable filters for this purpose, and then controls, via the signal CS, the generation of a ring signal by the circuit 7, as well as, via the CAS signal, the routing of this ring signal to the fax machine h. Everything then happens as if the fax machine k was called. It therefore picks up, which is detected in circuit 7, and the microcontroller 6 then controls, in response to the signal DD, the connection of line 1 to the fax machine. Naturally, the subscriber's correspondent, with whom the subscriber has agreed, does the same on his side to connect his fax machine to line 1. This remote fax machine therefore receives the protocol signal from fax machine 4, and everything happens as if the remote fax machine was the calling fax machine. 11 there is exchange of protocol signals, followed by fax exchange ·

In Figure 2 is shown a variant of the switching device of Figure 1 for which it is possible to connect two telephone sets 3 and 3 'instead of one. A 2 '' switch with four positions) replaces switch 2, and an 8 '' switch with three active positions and two rest positions, replaces switch 8.

The modem 5 and the circuit 7 are unchanged, while the microcontroller 6 ′ is arranged, to carry out on the one hand the functions of the microcontroller 6, and on the other hand to control the connection of line 1 to station 3 or to station 3 'in response to orders from the user of station 3' or station 3, respectively. As has already been described, these orders can be formed by dialing a number on the keyboard of the corresponding station, so as to let the microcontroller 6 know that one wishes to pass to the other station.

Naturally, it would be possible to provide for the connection of more than two telephone sets 3 and 3 ’" as well as possibilities for putting on hold, line 1, and so on. Such variants are naturally within the reach of those skilled in the art, as is the programming of the microcontroller 6 on the basis of the functions which it must perform and which have just been described.

If, in the device which has been described, circuits 7 and 8 provide certain advantages, they are not necessarily absolutely compulsory and one could envisage, in a very simplified version, the implementation of the invention without these circuits.

Claims (5)

1. Device for routing calls on a telephone line (l), comprising connection means (2) for connecting said line (l) either to at least one first device (3) designed to receive calls from a person, either to at least a second device (4) intended to receive calls from a facsimile type device, and control means (-6) of said connection means (2), sensitive to the nature of the calls on said line (l), device characterized in that it comprises non-disturbing sampling means (5) for collecting on said line (l) signals representative of the signals transported by said line (l), recognition means (6) for recognizing, among the signals picked up, signals representative of the protocol signals emitted by a possible remote device, of the facsimile type, in response to protocol signals emitted by said second device (4) from that it receives a call, and that the control means (6) control, in the absence of a call and in the presence of a call followed by recognition of said signals representative of the protocol signals, the connection of said line (l) to said second device (4), and in the presence of a call not followed by recognition of said signals representative of the protocol signals, the connection of said line (l) to said first device (3), 2 · Device according to claim 1, wherein there is provided ringing means (7 "8) for ringing said first device (3), and stall detection means (7, 8) for detecting the stall of said first apparatus (3), and, in the presence of a call not followed by recognition of said signals representative of the protocol signals, said control means (6) ring said first apparatus (3) "and connect said line (l) to said first apparatus (3) in response to a detection of the stall of said first device (3). 3 · Device according to claim 2, wherein said control means (6) stop said ringing means and release said line (l) after a determined ringing time. Not followed by detection of the stall of said first device (3) . 4I Device according to one © of claims 2 or 3 "in which there are provided means (5" 6) for transmitting on said line (l) signals to inform a possible correspondent that said first device (3) is to ring · · 5 »Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, in which there are provided stall detection means (7, 8) for detecting the stall of said first device» (3), there are means ( 6, 7 ') to recognize an exchange between two facsimile type devices * and said control means (6) connect said line (l) to said first device (3) in response to a pick-up detection * unless an exchange between two fax type devices takes place. 6, Device according to one of claims 1 to 6 * wherein there is provided means (7, 8) for sending a ring signal to said second device (4) * and said control means (6), in response to an order from the user of said first device (3) "control the sending of a ring signal to said second device (4), as well as the connection of said line (l) to said second device (4) in order to allow, after a voice exchange, a fax type exchange during the same telephone call. 7 · Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein there is provided several first devices (3, 3 "), and said control means (6 ') f in response to orders from users, control the connection of said line (l) to one (3) or the other (3 ') of said first devices (3, 3').