CA2235469A1 - Multi-purpose central telephone management system - Google Patents
Multi-purpose central telephone management system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2235469A1 CA2235469A1 CA 2235469 CA2235469A CA2235469A1 CA 2235469 A1 CA2235469 A1 CA 2235469A1 CA 2235469 CA2235469 CA 2235469 CA 2235469 A CA2235469 A CA 2235469A CA 2235469 A1 CA2235469 A1 CA 2235469A1
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- micro
- mode
- caller
- call
- commands
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- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04Q—SELECTING
- H04Q3/00—Selecting arrangements
- H04Q3/72—Finding out and indicating number of calling subscriber
- H04Q3/74—Identification of subscriber calling from a party-line
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
- H04M3/42—Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
- H04M3/42127—Systems providing several special services or facilities from groups H04M3/42008 - H04M3/58
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M2203/00—Aspects of automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
- H04M2203/65—Aspects of automatic or semi-automatic exchanges related to applications where calls are combined with other types of communication
- H04M2203/658—Combination of voice calls and paging
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
- H04M3/18—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges with means for reducing interference or noise; with means for reducing effects due to line faults with means for protecting lines
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
- H04M3/42—Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
- H04M3/54—Arrangements for diverting calls for one subscriber to another predetermined subscriber
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
- H04M3/42—Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
- H04M3/56—Arrangements for connecting several subscribers to a common circuit, i.e. affording conference facilities
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
- H04M3/42—Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
- H04M3/58—Arrangements for transferring received calls from one subscriber to another; Arrangements affording interim conversations between either the calling or the called party and a third party
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04Q—SELECTING
- H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
- H04Q2213/13091—CLI, identification of calling line
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04Q—SELECTING
- H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
- H04Q2213/13106—Microprocessor, CPU
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04Q—SELECTING
- H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
- H04Q2213/13405—Dual frequency signaling, DTMF
Abstract
The present invention relates to a multi-purpose central telephone management system comprising a micro-controller means adapted to control the system by a predetermined set of commands generated by the micro-controller, a first relay means connected to the micro-controller means, and a second relay means which is controlled by the micro-controller means and is adapted to facilitate all call activities of the system. The system also comprises a caller ID decoder means, a DTMF decoder means, and a DTMF generator means, all of which are connected to the micro-controller means. The caller ID decoder means is adapted to supply the micro-controller means with call progress signals activating the telephone line, the DTMF decoder is adapted to provide the micro-controller means with any dial-tone signals generated by the telephone line, and the DTMF generator means is adapted to transform commands generated by the micro-controller means into the dial-tone signals provided to be transmitted through the telephone line. The system is provided with a second relay means which is connected to the micro-controller means; this second relay means is adapted to control the connection between a telephone line monitored by the central system and a receiving device connected to the telephone line. The system is supplied by power necessary to operate the system by means of a power supply element, and it is protected against over-voltage and over-current by a phone line protection circuit means. The micro-controller is provided with a non-volatile memory capable to permanently store all commands by means of EEROM memory. and the system is provided with an LED display indicating an active mode of the system.
Description
MULTI-PURPOSE CENTRAL TELEPHONE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD
Tlhe present invention is related to a telecommunications system, and more particularly to a mufti-purpose central telephone management system.
7f'here is known US 5,459,773 related to an automatic pager calling device adapted to respond to a caller, to input the caller's identification code and transmit a received identification code to an absent subscriber possessing the pager.
7f'here is also known US 4,670,628 related to reprogrammable call forwarding device for a forwarding phone that is connected by a single forwarding phone line to central exchange telephone; equipment. Equipment has an electronic switching system and provides three-way conference service to the forwarding phone;.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Broadly, the present invention comprises a mufti-purpose central telephone management system comprising:
Tlhe present invention is related to a telecommunications system, and more particularly to a mufti-purpose central telephone management system.
7f'here is known US 5,459,773 related to an automatic pager calling device adapted to respond to a caller, to input the caller's identification code and transmit a received identification code to an absent subscriber possessing the pager.
7f'here is also known US 4,670,628 related to reprogrammable call forwarding device for a forwarding phone that is connected by a single forwarding phone line to central exchange telephone; equipment. Equipment has an electronic switching system and provides three-way conference service to the forwarding phone;.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Broadly, the present invention comprises a mufti-purpose central telephone management system comprising:
2 micro-controller means adapted to control said system by a predetermined set of commands generated by said micro-controller;
a first relay means connected to said micro-controller means, said first relay means is controlled by said micro-controller means and is adapted to facilitate all call activities of said system;
a caller >D decoder means connected to said micro-controller means, said caller D7 decoder means is adapted to supply said micro-controller means with call progress signals activating said telephone: line;
DTN~ decoder means connected to said micro-controller means, said DTMF decoder is adapted bo provide said micro-controller means with any dial-tone signals generated by said telephone line and DTr~ generator means connected to said micro-controller means, said DTMF
generator means is adapted to transform commands generated by said micro-controller means into the dial-tone signals provided to be transmitted through said telephone line.
In another embodiment of the present invention, said system is provided with a second relay means connected to said micro-controller means, wherein said second relay means is adapted to control connection between a telephone line monitored by said central system and a receiving device connected to said telephone line. Said system is protected against over-voltage and over-current by a phone line protection circuit means, and said system is supplied by power necessary to operate said system by means of a power supply element. Said micro-controller is provided with a non-volatile memory capable to permanently store all commands by means of
a first relay means connected to said micro-controller means, said first relay means is controlled by said micro-controller means and is adapted to facilitate all call activities of said system;
a caller >D decoder means connected to said micro-controller means, said caller D7 decoder means is adapted to supply said micro-controller means with call progress signals activating said telephone: line;
DTN~ decoder means connected to said micro-controller means, said DTMF decoder is adapted bo provide said micro-controller means with any dial-tone signals generated by said telephone line and DTr~ generator means connected to said micro-controller means, said DTMF
generator means is adapted to transform commands generated by said micro-controller means into the dial-tone signals provided to be transmitted through said telephone line.
In another embodiment of the present invention, said system is provided with a second relay means connected to said micro-controller means, wherein said second relay means is adapted to control connection between a telephone line monitored by said central system and a receiving device connected to said telephone line. Said system is protected against over-voltage and over-current by a phone line protection circuit means, and said system is supplied by power necessary to operate said system by means of a power supply element. Said micro-controller is provided with a non-volatile memory capable to permanently store all commands by means of
3 EEROM memory, and said system is provided with an LED display indicating an active mode of said system.
In yet mother embodiment of the present invention, said power supply element is provided with an isolation transformer adapted to isolate said system from said telephone line. Said first relay means comprises a normally-open relay, wherein said system is in ON-HOOK
mode when said relay is opened and in OFF-HOOK mode when said relay is closed, and said second relay means comprises a normally-closed relay provided to isolate said system from said telephone line.
Said call progress signals supplied by said caller >D decoder means comprise dial-tones, busy tones, hook conditions, ring detections and a complete caller m data. Said DTMF decoder means is adapted to listen to any dial-tone signals ;generated by the receiving device or by a remote phone, said DTMF decoder means is adapted to operate when said system is in the OFF-HOOK
mode, and said receiving device is a telephone. Said micro-controller means is adapted to detect ON/OFF condition of said system by mean:; of a hook detector means, wherein said hook detector means is .adapted to detect ON/OFF condition by means of measuring high and low values of said telephone: line when said receiving device is: in OFF-HOOK mode and to monitor said telephone line for dual-tone detection. Said DTMF generator means is active when said system is in OFF-HOOK mode.
In still another embodiment, the present invention comprises a method of operation of a multi-purpose central telephone management system comprising:
monitoring a telephone line by a caller >D decoder means, wherein said caller » decoder means being controlled by a micro-processor means;
In yet mother embodiment of the present invention, said power supply element is provided with an isolation transformer adapted to isolate said system from said telephone line. Said first relay means comprises a normally-open relay, wherein said system is in ON-HOOK
mode when said relay is opened and in OFF-HOOK mode when said relay is closed, and said second relay means comprises a normally-closed relay provided to isolate said system from said telephone line.
Said call progress signals supplied by said caller >D decoder means comprise dial-tones, busy tones, hook conditions, ring detections and a complete caller m data. Said DTMF decoder means is adapted to listen to any dial-tone signals ;generated by the receiving device or by a remote phone, said DTMF decoder means is adapted to operate when said system is in the OFF-HOOK
mode, and said receiving device is a telephone. Said micro-controller means is adapted to detect ON/OFF condition of said system by mean:; of a hook detector means, wherein said hook detector means is .adapted to detect ON/OFF condition by means of measuring high and low values of said telephone: line when said receiving device is: in OFF-HOOK mode and to monitor said telephone line for dual-tone detection. Said DTMF generator means is active when said system is in OFF-HOOK mode.
In still another embodiment, the present invention comprises a method of operation of a multi-purpose central telephone management system comprising:
monitoring a telephone line by a caller >D decoder means, wherein said caller » decoder means being controlled by a micro-processor means;
4 detect ing by said caller ID decoder meals call progress signals activating said telephone line;
capturing a caller ID data packet detected by said caller m decoder means;
storing; said detected caller >D data packet in an EEROM memory of said system;
transmitting of said stored caller >D data packet by means of a DTMF generator means via a pager service to an assigned pager number .destination, wherein said DTMF
generator means being controlled by said micro-processor means. Said caller ID decoder means is adapted to detect OrJ/OFF hook states. rings and distvlctive rings activating said telephone line. Transmitting of said stored caller ID data packet is provided by means of dialling said assigned pager number by said DTMF generator means to facilitate connection of said system with said pager service, wherein said caller ~ decoder means is adapted to detect ringing or busy/reorder signals transmittc;d by telephone line and to facilitate a number of successive attempts to transmit said stored caller ID data packet to said assig~en pager destination by said DTMF
generator means.
In yet another embodiment, said caller >D data packet transmitted to said assigned pager number comprise an exact time and a telephone numeral data, and said system is further adapted to facilitate a call fomvarding mode adapted. to forward calls from a caller located in one remote location to a user located on another remote location, wherein said connection is provided by a normally-open relay means facilitating a 3-way conference call mode. Said user activates said call forwarding mode remotely by meals of a p redetermined set of commands preliminarily programmed in the EEROM memory of said system, and wherein said user is capable to re-program said predetermined set of commands at will from any other remote location. Said call forwarding mode of said system is adapted to put the caller on hold while transmitting a forwarding destination number, thus facilitating linking between the caller and the user.
In still another embodiment, said system is adapted to forward a call to any receiving device, such as regular phone, cellular phone, answering machine, voice mail**. Said system is adapted to facilitate a call transfer mode provided to transfer a call from a user located on one remote location to a destination number located on another remote location, wherein during said call transl:er mode said system operates by a normally-open relay means facilitating a 3- way conference call mode. Said system is activated into said call transfer mode by means of a predetermined set of commands sent by the user to said system, wherein said predetermined set of commandls comprises:
entering a password commands;
verification of said password commands with commands previously stored in the EEROM
memory of said system by means said DTMF decoder means and said micro-processor means ;
entering a call transfer command and l:he destination number to facilitate the connection.
Said call transfer mode said system is adapted to facilitate unlimited number of call transfers desired b;y said user, and said assigned pager number had been previously programmed in the EEROM memory of said system.
In still another embodiment, said system allows to facilitate multiple pager services via a single telephone line monitored by said central telephone management system, wherein each of said pagers commmicates with said system by means of predetermined distinctive rings assigned to each of said pagers; said assigned pager number can be re-programmed at will from any remote location. Said stored caller ID data packet ~;,an be transmitted to said assigned pager destinarion in a delay mode, and wherein said delay mode can be set, re-set or cancelled at any desired time.
Said system is adapted to operate in a speed-dial mode, wherein said speed-dial mode is provided by means of a predetermined set of commands generated by said micro-processor means, and during said call forwarding mode, the user is capable to take control of said system from a remote location by means of a predetermined set of commands activating said remote control mode.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Referring to the drawings:
Fig. 1 shows a block-diagram of the present invention.
Fig. 2 shows preferred electronic circuitry corresponding to block-diagram of Fig. 1.
Fig. 3 shows a functional flow-chart of the operation of the present invention.
Fig. 4 shows an operational flow-chart in a Pager Function Mode.
Fig. 5 shows an operational flow-cliart in a Call Forwarding Mode.
Fig. 6 shows an operational flow-chart in a Command Mode.
Fig. 7 shows setup procedure flow-charts.
Fig. 8 shows a schematic diagram of the present invention in a Call Transfer Mode.
DETAILIED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIJFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE PRESENT
INVENTIQN_ Referring now to drawings, Figs 1 and 2 show a block-diagram of the present invention and an elf:ctronic circuitry of the preferred Embodiment which is designed to handle all required telephone: call management functions for the present system comprising the following elements:
Phone Line Protection Circuit.
Tliis circuit provides complete protE;coon for the rest of the hardware in case of an over-voltage o:r over-current condition from the telephone line input under severe conditions such as lightning strikes or electrical storms. The phone line input passes a flameproof resistor fuse and a Metal-Oxide Varistor (MOV) before entervlg the device. When the input current surpasses the maximums current level allowed by the resistor, the fuse will burn and disconnect the rest of the circuit fco~m the phone lice. Also, if for any reason the input voltage is higher than the protection voltage, the MOV will clamp the circuit and short-circuit back to the phone line bypassing the device hardware. This circuit is completely static and is not controlled by the micro-controller.
In the preferred embodiment shomnl on Fig. 2, the phone line input relies on the flame-proof 10 ohms, IVII resistor serving as the fuse and a 250 VAN metal-oxide varistor.
Nonnallv-Closed Relavs The optically isolated solid state first relay means or normally-closed relays control the direct connection between the teleplione line and receiving devices connected to the system such as phone, fax, etc. as needed by the micro-controller to perform the required function. When the relay opens, the com~ected receiving device is totally isolated fiom the phone network. Fig. 2 shows normally-closed relays (two) providf;d by a CPLCIare OptoMOS LBB 110 to control the output of the receiving devices connected to the system of the present invention.
g Normall~Open Relay The optically isolated solid state second relay means or normally-open relay, operating under the control of the micro-controller, allows the system to answer or to originate a call whenever necessary. The system is an ON-HOOK condition when this relay is open and OFF-HOOK condition when it is closed. In the preferred embodiment shown on Fig. 2, the optically isolated solid state normally-opened relay is provided by half of the CPClare OproMOS TS117 which puts the system in the OFF-HOOK mode in order to answer the call, to flash the line, to transmit or to receive DTMF tones.
Hook Detector Hook detector is provided to detect the hook condition signals to be sent to the micro-controller. This is achieved by means of a predetermined set of commands measuring high and low values found on the telephone line when a telephone is OFF-HOOK as well as by listening to the dial-tone for line detection purposes.
Caller ID Decoder Tlse DC isolated caller ID decoder circuit supplies the necessary call progress signals such as dial tone, busy tone, hook condition and ring detection as well as all complete caller » data to the micro-controller for further treatment. Fig. 2 shows that the inputs of the Caller >D Detector circuit arc: isolated by two 470pF, 250V Mylar capacitors to prevent DC
voltage returning to the Tip/Ring circuit. Fumhermore, the Ring Detector portion of this circuit is also isolated by two 0.22uF, 250V Mylar capacitors. Ring signal is then fed through a bridge with four 1N4004 diodes to provide proper Ring status to the Caller m circuit. The Motorola MC 145447 Caller ID
controller, operating at 3.58 Mhz, extracts the accompanying data and presents it to the CPU.
Isolation Transformer Due to FCC and DOC power limit regulations, the system of the present invention is not allowed t~o draw the required power to operate its hardware from the phone line. Therefore, it must rely on its own source of power. In order to prevent this local power to intrude onto the phone line, a 1:1 trap sformer must be included to isolate the device hardware from this network.
This transformer circuit is completely static. Fig. 2 shows the Midcom 671-8022 transformer which isolates the DTMF transmitter and receiver from the phone circuit. The resistance of the shown traulsformer comprises 108 ohms at the primary winding and 120 ohms at the secondary winding.
DTMF Decoder This circuit listens to any dial-tone ~cignals representing phone numerals from 0 to 9 generatedl by the local or remote plione on the phone line whenever the system is in the OFF-HOOK condition. Data received by the DTNIF' Decoder is sent to the micro-controller for further treatment.
Fig. 2 shows a Motorola MC 145436 DTMF decoder operating at 3.58 Mhz, which is connected to the secondary winding of the isolation transformer. Ring voltage protection is provided by means of two back-to-back 3.9~V Zener diodes ( 1N748A). Tone detection level is controlled by a 220 ohms resistor at the secondary winding of the isolation transformer.
DTMF Generator
capturing a caller ID data packet detected by said caller m decoder means;
storing; said detected caller >D data packet in an EEROM memory of said system;
transmitting of said stored caller >D data packet by means of a DTMF generator means via a pager service to an assigned pager number .destination, wherein said DTMF
generator means being controlled by said micro-processor means. Said caller ID decoder means is adapted to detect OrJ/OFF hook states. rings and distvlctive rings activating said telephone line. Transmitting of said stored caller ID data packet is provided by means of dialling said assigned pager number by said DTMF generator means to facilitate connection of said system with said pager service, wherein said caller ~ decoder means is adapted to detect ringing or busy/reorder signals transmittc;d by telephone line and to facilitate a number of successive attempts to transmit said stored caller ID data packet to said assig~en pager destination by said DTMF
generator means.
In yet another embodiment, said caller >D data packet transmitted to said assigned pager number comprise an exact time and a telephone numeral data, and said system is further adapted to facilitate a call fomvarding mode adapted. to forward calls from a caller located in one remote location to a user located on another remote location, wherein said connection is provided by a normally-open relay means facilitating a 3-way conference call mode. Said user activates said call forwarding mode remotely by meals of a p redetermined set of commands preliminarily programmed in the EEROM memory of said system, and wherein said user is capable to re-program said predetermined set of commands at will from any other remote location. Said call forwarding mode of said system is adapted to put the caller on hold while transmitting a forwarding destination number, thus facilitating linking between the caller and the user.
In still another embodiment, said system is adapted to forward a call to any receiving device, such as regular phone, cellular phone, answering machine, voice mail**. Said system is adapted to facilitate a call transfer mode provided to transfer a call from a user located on one remote location to a destination number located on another remote location, wherein during said call transl:er mode said system operates by a normally-open relay means facilitating a 3- way conference call mode. Said system is activated into said call transfer mode by means of a predetermined set of commands sent by the user to said system, wherein said predetermined set of commandls comprises:
entering a password commands;
verification of said password commands with commands previously stored in the EEROM
memory of said system by means said DTMF decoder means and said micro-processor means ;
entering a call transfer command and l:he destination number to facilitate the connection.
Said call transfer mode said system is adapted to facilitate unlimited number of call transfers desired b;y said user, and said assigned pager number had been previously programmed in the EEROM memory of said system.
In still another embodiment, said system allows to facilitate multiple pager services via a single telephone line monitored by said central telephone management system, wherein each of said pagers commmicates with said system by means of predetermined distinctive rings assigned to each of said pagers; said assigned pager number can be re-programmed at will from any remote location. Said stored caller ID data packet ~;,an be transmitted to said assigned pager destinarion in a delay mode, and wherein said delay mode can be set, re-set or cancelled at any desired time.
Said system is adapted to operate in a speed-dial mode, wherein said speed-dial mode is provided by means of a predetermined set of commands generated by said micro-processor means, and during said call forwarding mode, the user is capable to take control of said system from a remote location by means of a predetermined set of commands activating said remote control mode.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Referring to the drawings:
Fig. 1 shows a block-diagram of the present invention.
Fig. 2 shows preferred electronic circuitry corresponding to block-diagram of Fig. 1.
Fig. 3 shows a functional flow-chart of the operation of the present invention.
Fig. 4 shows an operational flow-chart in a Pager Function Mode.
Fig. 5 shows an operational flow-cliart in a Call Forwarding Mode.
Fig. 6 shows an operational flow-chart in a Command Mode.
Fig. 7 shows setup procedure flow-charts.
Fig. 8 shows a schematic diagram of the present invention in a Call Transfer Mode.
DETAILIED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIJFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE PRESENT
INVENTIQN_ Referring now to drawings, Figs 1 and 2 show a block-diagram of the present invention and an elf:ctronic circuitry of the preferred Embodiment which is designed to handle all required telephone: call management functions for the present system comprising the following elements:
Phone Line Protection Circuit.
Tliis circuit provides complete protE;coon for the rest of the hardware in case of an over-voltage o:r over-current condition from the telephone line input under severe conditions such as lightning strikes or electrical storms. The phone line input passes a flameproof resistor fuse and a Metal-Oxide Varistor (MOV) before entervlg the device. When the input current surpasses the maximums current level allowed by the resistor, the fuse will burn and disconnect the rest of the circuit fco~m the phone lice. Also, if for any reason the input voltage is higher than the protection voltage, the MOV will clamp the circuit and short-circuit back to the phone line bypassing the device hardware. This circuit is completely static and is not controlled by the micro-controller.
In the preferred embodiment shomnl on Fig. 2, the phone line input relies on the flame-proof 10 ohms, IVII resistor serving as the fuse and a 250 VAN metal-oxide varistor.
Nonnallv-Closed Relavs The optically isolated solid state first relay means or normally-closed relays control the direct connection between the teleplione line and receiving devices connected to the system such as phone, fax, etc. as needed by the micro-controller to perform the required function. When the relay opens, the com~ected receiving device is totally isolated fiom the phone network. Fig. 2 shows normally-closed relays (two) providf;d by a CPLCIare OptoMOS LBB 110 to control the output of the receiving devices connected to the system of the present invention.
g Normall~Open Relay The optically isolated solid state second relay means or normally-open relay, operating under the control of the micro-controller, allows the system to answer or to originate a call whenever necessary. The system is an ON-HOOK condition when this relay is open and OFF-HOOK condition when it is closed. In the preferred embodiment shown on Fig. 2, the optically isolated solid state normally-opened relay is provided by half of the CPClare OproMOS TS117 which puts the system in the OFF-HOOK mode in order to answer the call, to flash the line, to transmit or to receive DTMF tones.
Hook Detector Hook detector is provided to detect the hook condition signals to be sent to the micro-controller. This is achieved by means of a predetermined set of commands measuring high and low values found on the telephone line when a telephone is OFF-HOOK as well as by listening to the dial-tone for line detection purposes.
Caller ID Decoder Tlse DC isolated caller ID decoder circuit supplies the necessary call progress signals such as dial tone, busy tone, hook condition and ring detection as well as all complete caller » data to the micro-controller for further treatment. Fig. 2 shows that the inputs of the Caller >D Detector circuit arc: isolated by two 470pF, 250V Mylar capacitors to prevent DC
voltage returning to the Tip/Ring circuit. Fumhermore, the Ring Detector portion of this circuit is also isolated by two 0.22uF, 250V Mylar capacitors. Ring signal is then fed through a bridge with four 1N4004 diodes to provide proper Ring status to the Caller m circuit. The Motorola MC 145447 Caller ID
controller, operating at 3.58 Mhz, extracts the accompanying data and presents it to the CPU.
Isolation Transformer Due to FCC and DOC power limit regulations, the system of the present invention is not allowed t~o draw the required power to operate its hardware from the phone line. Therefore, it must rely on its own source of power. In order to prevent this local power to intrude onto the phone line, a 1:1 trap sformer must be included to isolate the device hardware from this network.
This transformer circuit is completely static. Fig. 2 shows the Midcom 671-8022 transformer which isolates the DTMF transmitter and receiver from the phone circuit. The resistance of the shown traulsformer comprises 108 ohms at the primary winding and 120 ohms at the secondary winding.
DTMF Decoder This circuit listens to any dial-tone ~cignals representing phone numerals from 0 to 9 generatedl by the local or remote plione on the phone line whenever the system is in the OFF-HOOK condition. Data received by the DTNIF' Decoder is sent to the micro-controller for further treatment.
Fig. 2 shows a Motorola MC 145436 DTMF decoder operating at 3.58 Mhz, which is connected to the secondary winding of the isolation transformer. Ring voltage protection is provided by means of two back-to-back 3.9~V Zener diodes ( 1N748A). Tone detection level is controlled by a 220 ohms resistor at the secondary winding of the isolation transformer.
DTMF Generator
5 This circuit conditions the dial-tone signals representing phone numerals from 0 to 9 generated. by the micro-controller before sending to the phone network for dialling or generating pager messages. Tlus circuit is only active when the system is in OFF-HOOK
mode. As shown on Fig. 2 the DTMF tones are generated by CPU via a resistor ladder network. The tone amplitude is controlled by a 100 ohms resistor at the collector of the driving transistor.
Tones are generated at 10 100ms buxst at 100ms vltemal.
Micro-controller T7us central processing unit is in the heart of the system of the present invention. It controls all active circuits of the system. Tb a internal program of the micro-controller is specially designed to operate all hmctions of the system which is illustrated in the enclosed Source Code commands. Due to such an arrangement of the operation of the present system, it is possible to implement a number of different modes by amending or replacing the program of the micro-controller while keeping the same hardware; arrangement. Fig. 2 shows the National COP8SAC728N9 micro-controller operating at 3.58 Mhz which controls all functions ofthe call management system of the present invention.
LED Display Tlle low power LED display, controlled by the micro-controller, provides all visual indications to the user.
EEROM Memorv The EEROM memory of the present system comprises 2048 bytes of non-volatile memory which doEa not get lost in the absence of power, and contains all information needed by the system. Data storage and retrieval is accomplished by the micro-controller. In the preferred embodiment showm on Fig. 2, the 2 Kb serial EEROM is used.
Power Sunulv The power supply comprises a 5 volt DC power supply circuit which provides the required operating power to the system's hardware. 'This power is derived from an CSA!(TL approved external power pack. Fig. 2 shows the 9V, :300mA DC input from CSA/L1L
approved wall-pack adapter which is further regulated by a 78M05 voltage regulator with the necessary filtering. It provides l:he 5V DC power to the rest ofthe system.
Multi-propose central telephone management system of the present invention is capable to function in the following modes described below and shown on respective flow-charts of Figs 3-7.
For proper operation of the system it is necessary to reset it to the factory defaults. As it is shown on flow-charts of Fig. 7, the user has to enter a password to get in the operation and to program the pager number to facilitate transmitting of the incoming caller >D packet on the pager and to exercise INPUT/OUTPUT section and a caller ID circuit. Once the pager section works, it is necessary to call the system fi-oln a remote l'~ocation and test remote capabilities by placing a call transfer. In this stage the rest of components of the system will be exercised including caller ID
Input/Out:put that will occur at the eud of the call. One final test will be for the Speed Dial function which will test the eutii-e board and the READ/WRITE of the EEROM
memory chip.
Caller UD (,Pagei'1 Mode First of all, to facilitate Caller ID/Pager mode it is necessary to have a pager and to arrange a pager service with a local pager service provider company.
As shown on flow-chart of Fig. 4, during this mode the system monitors the telephone line for any incoming calls. It detects ON/OFF HOOK states, rings and distinctive rings by means of the Caller B7 Decoder controlled by the microcontroller. When there is a call, it captures the Caller >D data packet and stores it in its memory by means of the Caller >D
Decoder and the EEROM memory. Once the lice is free, it picks up the line using the normally-open relay and dials the pager number (which a user had prograo~ned in the memory earlier) using the DTMF tone generator controlled by the micro-controller. It then detects ringing or busy/re-order signals using the Caller ID Decoder and hangs up if it is busy to re-dial again up to 10 successive attempts.
Once it rings, it listens for the answer and the pre-recorded message ofthe pager company:
"Please dual your numeral message after the tone...". It then listens for the tone and then dials using DT:Ng' tone generator controlled by the micro-processor the following data: the time in 24hr format followed by a dash and then numerical information of the Caller 117 data packet (the telephone number of the caller. It ends the call with a # to quickly disconnect from the pager companyiservices and returns to its ON-HC)OK state using normally-open relay controlled by the micro-processor.
The system of the present invention is designed to operate in a Delay mode by means of accumulation of all caller ID data packets uc the EEROM memory for an amount of time before sending them out to the pager. To initiate this mode the user has to dial a password followed by a designated command for delay mode. The system is capable to keep the caller ID
data packets (up to 90 caller ID numbers ) in its memory for up to 998 minutes. Once the delay expires, it starts sending all the calls collected within that period of time to the pager at a rate of one per minute. It is possible to extend the delay period (re-enter), to turn it o$'(reset delay to 0) or to ignore all calls.
The system of the present invention allows to use up to three pager numbers on the single telephone line to which said system is comic:cted. To facilitate such mufti-pager function, each pager is provided with an individual Distinctive Ringing feature assigned from the telephone service company previously. This feature allows up to three individual numbers to be detected on a single tc;lephone lice, wherein each one has its own pager number assigned to it. For example, if the second number of the line is ringing, the; system picks up the caller ID
data packet of said second number and stores it in the memory. Once the line is free, it picks up the line and dials the pager number stored for the second circuit and sends that information to that person's pager accordingly. This happens in au automated way. What comes in on line 1 goes out to pager number l, what comes in on line 2 goes out: to pager number 2, and so forth for line 3. However, it must be emphasized that such mufti-pager fwlction is only possible on a single line in case each pager gets its Distinctive Ring feature from the telephone service company. To facilitate multi-pager functioning, the system is provided with a circuit function comprising a predetermined set of commands in the Set up procedure allowing to detect up to three distinctive ring numbers (see Fig. 7) .
Call Forwarding; Mode To operate the system in call forwarding mode it is necessary to initially program the system to forward calls by dialling a password sequence and a predetermined set of commands to activate the following options:
re-direct to destvlation; (if 3-way conference service is arranged with telephone company) re-direct pay-per-call option re-direct to voice-mail;
To facilitate convenient remote access to the system it is necessary to preliminarily program it to be activated on a predetermined Changeable number of rings. This command is provided by means of dialling a password and a command to Number of rings, which may be selected by the user (1-8 rings).
To facilitate operation of the system in call forwarding mode the user has to arrange with the local telephone company a 3-way conference call service, or to pay for each 3-way conference connection.
As shown on flow-chant of Fig. 5, during this mode the system ofthe present invention has received from the user a number to forward all incoming calls automatically. It monitors the line for any incoming calls, detecting any ON/OFF HOOK states in the circuit, as well as rings and/or distinctive rings by means of Caller ID Decoder controlled by the micro-processor. When there is a call, it captures the Caller ID data packet and stores it in the memory to send it to the pager after the line is freed. It answers the call after the user activates the system by using changeable number of rings using the normally-open relay. The system begins a 3-way conference call mode by flasliing the lice using said normally-open relay. At this moment the caller is put on a one second wait. During said wait the system dials the user's specified forwarding number programmed earlier in the memory. During this time the caller, the forwarding destination as well 10 as the central system's location are all linked together in a 3-way conference call mode. During said call-forwar ding m o de th a user can take control of the system remotely anytime during the call by dialling "*, *". The system will beep once to confirm that it is waiting for the user's next command. It can then he instructed to learn a new forwarding number (if necessary). Since the system is in a remote command mode, any command can be entered. Once both parties hang up, 15 the system goes back to its ON-HOOK state. Once this happens, it picks up the line, dial the pager number, waits for an answer, and at the tone it dials the time and the numerical Caller B7 followed by a #. It tben disconnects and goes back to its ON-HOOK state.
Call Transfer Mode To activate the system into call transfer mode, the user has to dial a password and a command designated t~ transfer a call after which any destination number can be dialled.
To facilitate call transfer mode, the user has to arrange with the local telephone company a 3-way conference call service, or pay for each 3-way connection call.
Call transfer mode operations are shown on flow-charts of Fig. 3. During this mode, the system waits for the user to call iu and use his telephone line to make long-distance calls where they are cheaper, and thus to benefit from savings as well as the convenience of having his telephone line billed just as if he was actually there on the spot. The steps to make call transfer comprise the following procedure:
Tlae system monitors the line for any incoming calls, detecting any ON/OFF
HOOK states in the circuit. as well as rings and/or distinctive rings. This is done by means of Caller >D Decoder controlled by micro-controller. When there is a call, it captures the Caller ID
data packet and stores it in the memory to send it to the pager after the line is freed the same way as in the abovementioned caller ID mode. It answers the call after the user activates the system by means of a changeable number of riilgs using normally-open relay. The system emits a beep by command sent from the micro-controller. The user then enters the Identity sequence or password to access the system. Here, all touch tone keys are decoded by means of the DTMF decoder and then sent to the micro-controller, which will then compare these inputs with the ones stored in the program. If the input is correct, it emits a beep. If not, five beeps are emitted and the system returns to its ON HOO1< state. Once the password sequence is accepted with a beep, any command found in the user's manual can be entered here (except for the Reset command which can be entered only on-site of the system). 'The user now enters the transfer call command (*T) followed by the full number to dial to. The transfer is initiated once the user enters the # key. The 1~
system begins a 3-way conference call, flashing the line by means of the normally-open relay and then dialling the destination number entered by the user just now. It flashes the line a second time to link the three locations together. The destination party will then be heard ringing or being busy.
Again, once the call is completed, the user may dial "*, *" to enter the command mode and can place as many calls as he wishes with the same plione call. Any other command can also be given to the system in this mode. When all calls are done, the system does back to its ON HOOK state no later than 15 seconds after all pasties have hang up. Once this happens, it picks up the line, dials the pager number, waits for an answer and at a tone it dials time and the numerical caller >D
followed by # in the same manner as it was previously shown in Caller ID Mode.
It then disconnects and goes hack to its ON-HOOK state.
It must be emphasized, that the system of the present invention could function in Call Transfer Mode and (',all Forwardiilg mode independently without being combined with the Caller 117 Mode. This is possible in case the user does not have a pager or if he just wishes to use the system only for transferring or forwarding calls.
IS
Command mode Flow-charts shown on Fig. 6 are au illustration of the command mode of the present system. In this mode, the user can customize the system by entering specific parameters such as:
Identity (Password ) sed uen ce, New Identity (Password change), Pager Number (program pager number to dial), Redirect to voice-mail (Voice-Mail activator), Redirect Pay-per-call (activate *71 pay-per-call 3-way conference mode), Changeable Number of Rings (before system answers), Reset (to clear all data and restore default password). The system waits for a telephone connected to the system to be picked up, whereiil ONIOFF HOOK state is detected by that caller D7 decoder controlled by the micro-controller to activate the normally-open relay to link the phone line. Once the line is linked, it awaits for the user to dial the Identity command (password sequence) to access the system. The user then enters the sequence, which must be dialled within the next 30 seconds. The system will wait for 20 seconds in between each keystroke before returning to its ON-HOOK state. Here again, all touch-tone keys are decoded by means of the DTMF decoder which are then sent to tl~e micro-controller for verification if these inputs correspond to ones stored in its program. I1'these inputs are correct, it emits a beep, ifnot, five beeps are emitted and the system returns to its ON-HOOK state. Once the password sequence is accepted with a beep, any command fow~d in the user's manual can be entered here. The # key ends the command mode and the unit returns to it s (:)N-HOOK state. To re-enter the command mode, the Identity sequence (password) must be entered beforehand ((**42134# (beep)).
_Speed Dial mode function The system of tl~e present invention is designed to memorise and speed dial up to 40 numbers. This feat~~re i~ especially useful for long-distance numbers with area codes. To initiate the speed-dial mode, the user firstly has to input those numbers into the memory by dialling password and desipated command to memorize. Each location will be memorized as a 2-digit number. To activate the speed-dial mode, the user has to dial a command designated for speed-dialling mode and a panicular location the user wishes to call in 2-digit mode.
The present system has a following advantages in comparison with other known systems and services:
Caller ID/Pa~~er ftulction This system allows the pager user to regulate pager use in the most intelligently possible way. First of all, the user does not have to disclose the pager number to all callers, thus providing privacy whenever needed. Only the main number (business or residential) is given out thus simplifying all contacts. Furthermore, all calls into pager function can be delayed whenever the user wishes to be out of contact for a certain period of time. However, emergency calls from authorized persons having a direct pager number can still be made directly via the pager service, bypassing the system. After the delayed period or if the pager function is re-enabled, all calls accumulated during this time will be sent to the pager indicating the received time and the number supplied by the caller ID sem~ice. Since the system supports multi-pager arrangement, i.e.
distinctive rings serviced on the svigle line, different pagers can be activated for different numbers called if needed. Otherwise, the message sent to the pager will indicate which number was being called.
Some phone service providers also supply paging services. However, multiple pagers on the same physical line are not available. Furthermore with the present system, as the pager user travels fi om one city or county to another, different pager numbers can be changed at will from any remote location by entering the new pager number. Such a feature is not available so easily from known service providers.
Call Forwarding function This feature of the present invention allows the user to have a call forwarded to any receiving device, such as a cellular phone, regular phone, voice mail or pager, as needed. in the follow-me fashion. Again, none of these numbers need to be given out to the callers, thus ensuring 5 privacy and non-disturbance when required. The forwarding number can be re-programmed at will from any remote location, which is a very advantageous feature of the present invention.
All lmown telephone service providers supply this service. However, the user must re-program the forwardin~~ number each tune at the main central location, which is a great inconvenience, if not impossible.
10 Since the system is connected to the user's telephone line, it provides a remote access to it just calling there the same way as the user would pick up messages from the answering machine.
Call Transfer mode function This function provides cost saving measures on toll calls and long-distance calls. For 15 example, if the cellular phon a user gets a better long-distance rate from the long-distance earner than the one of the cellular phone company, it will be cheaper to make a long-distance call from the cellular phone to the central system and transfer the call to a long-distance number. In this case, the user can pay a low-er rate on the long-distance call and either pay only a local charge for the cellular phone usage, or none at all depending on the cellular phone contract conditions.
20 In any large metropolitan area, the phone service is usually divided into regions where any call made between non-adjacent regions, i.e. not next to each other, are considered toll calls. If the system of the present invention is installed at the central region (see Fig. 8), all calls ofthis type can be made fi~ee of charge by using the call transfer function.
Furthermore. w-l~enever the user is out of the residence or office and needs to place a long-distance call, most of the time it is necessary to use a calling card at a charge of $1.00 per call.
With this device in call transfer mode, the use of calling card is eliminated.
Some special providers do supply this type of service at a hefty monthly fee, which is out of reach for residential or occasional users.
Sueecf dial function This function is provided as a convenience for users that lack this feature on their regular phones.
The physical installation of the system is extremely simple. The user only has to plug the supplied cable fi~om the system to any unused phone plug anywhere in the house, power it up with the supplied adapter. and the system is ready for operation.
Thus, it can he seen that the objects of the present invention have been satisfied by the structure presented hereinabove. While in accordance with the Patent Statutes, only the best mode and preferred embodiments of the present invention have been presented and described in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited thereto or thereby.
Accordingly, for an appreciation of the true scope and breadth of the invention, references should be made to the following claims.
mode. As shown on Fig. 2 the DTMF tones are generated by CPU via a resistor ladder network. The tone amplitude is controlled by a 100 ohms resistor at the collector of the driving transistor.
Tones are generated at 10 100ms buxst at 100ms vltemal.
Micro-controller T7us central processing unit is in the heart of the system of the present invention. It controls all active circuits of the system. Tb a internal program of the micro-controller is specially designed to operate all hmctions of the system which is illustrated in the enclosed Source Code commands. Due to such an arrangement of the operation of the present system, it is possible to implement a number of different modes by amending or replacing the program of the micro-controller while keeping the same hardware; arrangement. Fig. 2 shows the National COP8SAC728N9 micro-controller operating at 3.58 Mhz which controls all functions ofthe call management system of the present invention.
LED Display Tlle low power LED display, controlled by the micro-controller, provides all visual indications to the user.
EEROM Memorv The EEROM memory of the present system comprises 2048 bytes of non-volatile memory which doEa not get lost in the absence of power, and contains all information needed by the system. Data storage and retrieval is accomplished by the micro-controller. In the preferred embodiment showm on Fig. 2, the 2 Kb serial EEROM is used.
Power Sunulv The power supply comprises a 5 volt DC power supply circuit which provides the required operating power to the system's hardware. 'This power is derived from an CSA!(TL approved external power pack. Fig. 2 shows the 9V, :300mA DC input from CSA/L1L
approved wall-pack adapter which is further regulated by a 78M05 voltage regulator with the necessary filtering. It provides l:he 5V DC power to the rest ofthe system.
Multi-propose central telephone management system of the present invention is capable to function in the following modes described below and shown on respective flow-charts of Figs 3-7.
For proper operation of the system it is necessary to reset it to the factory defaults. As it is shown on flow-charts of Fig. 7, the user has to enter a password to get in the operation and to program the pager number to facilitate transmitting of the incoming caller >D packet on the pager and to exercise INPUT/OUTPUT section and a caller ID circuit. Once the pager section works, it is necessary to call the system fi-oln a remote l'~ocation and test remote capabilities by placing a call transfer. In this stage the rest of components of the system will be exercised including caller ID
Input/Out:put that will occur at the eud of the call. One final test will be for the Speed Dial function which will test the eutii-e board and the READ/WRITE of the EEROM
memory chip.
Caller UD (,Pagei'1 Mode First of all, to facilitate Caller ID/Pager mode it is necessary to have a pager and to arrange a pager service with a local pager service provider company.
As shown on flow-chart of Fig. 4, during this mode the system monitors the telephone line for any incoming calls. It detects ON/OFF HOOK states, rings and distinctive rings by means of the Caller B7 Decoder controlled by the microcontroller. When there is a call, it captures the Caller >D data packet and stores it in its memory by means of the Caller >D
Decoder and the EEROM memory. Once the lice is free, it picks up the line using the normally-open relay and dials the pager number (which a user had prograo~ned in the memory earlier) using the DTMF tone generator controlled by the micro-controller. It then detects ringing or busy/re-order signals using the Caller ID Decoder and hangs up if it is busy to re-dial again up to 10 successive attempts.
Once it rings, it listens for the answer and the pre-recorded message ofthe pager company:
"Please dual your numeral message after the tone...". It then listens for the tone and then dials using DT:Ng' tone generator controlled by the micro-processor the following data: the time in 24hr format followed by a dash and then numerical information of the Caller 117 data packet (the telephone number of the caller. It ends the call with a # to quickly disconnect from the pager companyiservices and returns to its ON-HC)OK state using normally-open relay controlled by the micro-processor.
The system of the present invention is designed to operate in a Delay mode by means of accumulation of all caller ID data packets uc the EEROM memory for an amount of time before sending them out to the pager. To initiate this mode the user has to dial a password followed by a designated command for delay mode. The system is capable to keep the caller ID
data packets (up to 90 caller ID numbers ) in its memory for up to 998 minutes. Once the delay expires, it starts sending all the calls collected within that period of time to the pager at a rate of one per minute. It is possible to extend the delay period (re-enter), to turn it o$'(reset delay to 0) or to ignore all calls.
The system of the present invention allows to use up to three pager numbers on the single telephone line to which said system is comic:cted. To facilitate such mufti-pager function, each pager is provided with an individual Distinctive Ringing feature assigned from the telephone service company previously. This feature allows up to three individual numbers to be detected on a single tc;lephone lice, wherein each one has its own pager number assigned to it. For example, if the second number of the line is ringing, the; system picks up the caller ID
data packet of said second number and stores it in the memory. Once the line is free, it picks up the line and dials the pager number stored for the second circuit and sends that information to that person's pager accordingly. This happens in au automated way. What comes in on line 1 goes out to pager number l, what comes in on line 2 goes out: to pager number 2, and so forth for line 3. However, it must be emphasized that such mufti-pager fwlction is only possible on a single line in case each pager gets its Distinctive Ring feature from the telephone service company. To facilitate multi-pager functioning, the system is provided with a circuit function comprising a predetermined set of commands in the Set up procedure allowing to detect up to three distinctive ring numbers (see Fig. 7) .
Call Forwarding; Mode To operate the system in call forwarding mode it is necessary to initially program the system to forward calls by dialling a password sequence and a predetermined set of commands to activate the following options:
re-direct to destvlation; (if 3-way conference service is arranged with telephone company) re-direct pay-per-call option re-direct to voice-mail;
To facilitate convenient remote access to the system it is necessary to preliminarily program it to be activated on a predetermined Changeable number of rings. This command is provided by means of dialling a password and a command to Number of rings, which may be selected by the user (1-8 rings).
To facilitate operation of the system in call forwarding mode the user has to arrange with the local telephone company a 3-way conference call service, or to pay for each 3-way conference connection.
As shown on flow-chant of Fig. 5, during this mode the system ofthe present invention has received from the user a number to forward all incoming calls automatically. It monitors the line for any incoming calls, detecting any ON/OFF HOOK states in the circuit, as well as rings and/or distinctive rings by means of Caller ID Decoder controlled by the micro-processor. When there is a call, it captures the Caller ID data packet and stores it in the memory to send it to the pager after the line is freed. It answers the call after the user activates the system by using changeable number of rings using the normally-open relay. The system begins a 3-way conference call mode by flasliing the lice using said normally-open relay. At this moment the caller is put on a one second wait. During said wait the system dials the user's specified forwarding number programmed earlier in the memory. During this time the caller, the forwarding destination as well 10 as the central system's location are all linked together in a 3-way conference call mode. During said call-forwar ding m o de th a user can take control of the system remotely anytime during the call by dialling "*, *". The system will beep once to confirm that it is waiting for the user's next command. It can then he instructed to learn a new forwarding number (if necessary). Since the system is in a remote command mode, any command can be entered. Once both parties hang up, 15 the system goes back to its ON-HOOK state. Once this happens, it picks up the line, dial the pager number, waits for an answer, and at the tone it dials the time and the numerical Caller B7 followed by a #. It tben disconnects and goes back to its ON-HOOK state.
Call Transfer Mode To activate the system into call transfer mode, the user has to dial a password and a command designated t~ transfer a call after which any destination number can be dialled.
To facilitate call transfer mode, the user has to arrange with the local telephone company a 3-way conference call service, or pay for each 3-way connection call.
Call transfer mode operations are shown on flow-charts of Fig. 3. During this mode, the system waits for the user to call iu and use his telephone line to make long-distance calls where they are cheaper, and thus to benefit from savings as well as the convenience of having his telephone line billed just as if he was actually there on the spot. The steps to make call transfer comprise the following procedure:
Tlae system monitors the line for any incoming calls, detecting any ON/OFF
HOOK states in the circuit. as well as rings and/or distinctive rings. This is done by means of Caller >D Decoder controlled by micro-controller. When there is a call, it captures the Caller ID
data packet and stores it in the memory to send it to the pager after the line is freed the same way as in the abovementioned caller ID mode. It answers the call after the user activates the system by means of a changeable number of riilgs using normally-open relay. The system emits a beep by command sent from the micro-controller. The user then enters the Identity sequence or password to access the system. Here, all touch tone keys are decoded by means of the DTMF decoder and then sent to the micro-controller, which will then compare these inputs with the ones stored in the program. If the input is correct, it emits a beep. If not, five beeps are emitted and the system returns to its ON HOO1< state. Once the password sequence is accepted with a beep, any command found in the user's manual can be entered here (except for the Reset command which can be entered only on-site of the system). 'The user now enters the transfer call command (*T) followed by the full number to dial to. The transfer is initiated once the user enters the # key. The 1~
system begins a 3-way conference call, flashing the line by means of the normally-open relay and then dialling the destination number entered by the user just now. It flashes the line a second time to link the three locations together. The destination party will then be heard ringing or being busy.
Again, once the call is completed, the user may dial "*, *" to enter the command mode and can place as many calls as he wishes with the same plione call. Any other command can also be given to the system in this mode. When all calls are done, the system does back to its ON HOOK state no later than 15 seconds after all pasties have hang up. Once this happens, it picks up the line, dials the pager number, waits for an answer and at a tone it dials time and the numerical caller >D
followed by # in the same manner as it was previously shown in Caller ID Mode.
It then disconnects and goes hack to its ON-HOOK state.
It must be emphasized, that the system of the present invention could function in Call Transfer Mode and (',all Forwardiilg mode independently without being combined with the Caller 117 Mode. This is possible in case the user does not have a pager or if he just wishes to use the system only for transferring or forwarding calls.
IS
Command mode Flow-charts shown on Fig. 6 are au illustration of the command mode of the present system. In this mode, the user can customize the system by entering specific parameters such as:
Identity (Password ) sed uen ce, New Identity (Password change), Pager Number (program pager number to dial), Redirect to voice-mail (Voice-Mail activator), Redirect Pay-per-call (activate *71 pay-per-call 3-way conference mode), Changeable Number of Rings (before system answers), Reset (to clear all data and restore default password). The system waits for a telephone connected to the system to be picked up, whereiil ONIOFF HOOK state is detected by that caller D7 decoder controlled by the micro-controller to activate the normally-open relay to link the phone line. Once the line is linked, it awaits for the user to dial the Identity command (password sequence) to access the system. The user then enters the sequence, which must be dialled within the next 30 seconds. The system will wait for 20 seconds in between each keystroke before returning to its ON-HOOK state. Here again, all touch-tone keys are decoded by means of the DTMF decoder which are then sent to tl~e micro-controller for verification if these inputs correspond to ones stored in its program. I1'these inputs are correct, it emits a beep, ifnot, five beeps are emitted and the system returns to its ON-HOOK state. Once the password sequence is accepted with a beep, any command fow~d in the user's manual can be entered here. The # key ends the command mode and the unit returns to it s (:)N-HOOK state. To re-enter the command mode, the Identity sequence (password) must be entered beforehand ((**42134# (beep)).
_Speed Dial mode function The system of tl~e present invention is designed to memorise and speed dial up to 40 numbers. This feat~~re i~ especially useful for long-distance numbers with area codes. To initiate the speed-dial mode, the user firstly has to input those numbers into the memory by dialling password and desipated command to memorize. Each location will be memorized as a 2-digit number. To activate the speed-dial mode, the user has to dial a command designated for speed-dialling mode and a panicular location the user wishes to call in 2-digit mode.
The present system has a following advantages in comparison with other known systems and services:
Caller ID/Pa~~er ftulction This system allows the pager user to regulate pager use in the most intelligently possible way. First of all, the user does not have to disclose the pager number to all callers, thus providing privacy whenever needed. Only the main number (business or residential) is given out thus simplifying all contacts. Furthermore, all calls into pager function can be delayed whenever the user wishes to be out of contact for a certain period of time. However, emergency calls from authorized persons having a direct pager number can still be made directly via the pager service, bypassing the system. After the delayed period or if the pager function is re-enabled, all calls accumulated during this time will be sent to the pager indicating the received time and the number supplied by the caller ID sem~ice. Since the system supports multi-pager arrangement, i.e.
distinctive rings serviced on the svigle line, different pagers can be activated for different numbers called if needed. Otherwise, the message sent to the pager will indicate which number was being called.
Some phone service providers also supply paging services. However, multiple pagers on the same physical line are not available. Furthermore with the present system, as the pager user travels fi om one city or county to another, different pager numbers can be changed at will from any remote location by entering the new pager number. Such a feature is not available so easily from known service providers.
Call Forwarding function This feature of the present invention allows the user to have a call forwarded to any receiving device, such as a cellular phone, regular phone, voice mail or pager, as needed. in the follow-me fashion. Again, none of these numbers need to be given out to the callers, thus ensuring 5 privacy and non-disturbance when required. The forwarding number can be re-programmed at will from any remote location, which is a very advantageous feature of the present invention.
All lmown telephone service providers supply this service. However, the user must re-program the forwardin~~ number each tune at the main central location, which is a great inconvenience, if not impossible.
10 Since the system is connected to the user's telephone line, it provides a remote access to it just calling there the same way as the user would pick up messages from the answering machine.
Call Transfer mode function This function provides cost saving measures on toll calls and long-distance calls. For 15 example, if the cellular phon a user gets a better long-distance rate from the long-distance earner than the one of the cellular phone company, it will be cheaper to make a long-distance call from the cellular phone to the central system and transfer the call to a long-distance number. In this case, the user can pay a low-er rate on the long-distance call and either pay only a local charge for the cellular phone usage, or none at all depending on the cellular phone contract conditions.
20 In any large metropolitan area, the phone service is usually divided into regions where any call made between non-adjacent regions, i.e. not next to each other, are considered toll calls. If the system of the present invention is installed at the central region (see Fig. 8), all calls ofthis type can be made fi~ee of charge by using the call transfer function.
Furthermore. w-l~enever the user is out of the residence or office and needs to place a long-distance call, most of the time it is necessary to use a calling card at a charge of $1.00 per call.
With this device in call transfer mode, the use of calling card is eliminated.
Some special providers do supply this type of service at a hefty monthly fee, which is out of reach for residential or occasional users.
Sueecf dial function This function is provided as a convenience for users that lack this feature on their regular phones.
The physical installation of the system is extremely simple. The user only has to plug the supplied cable fi~om the system to any unused phone plug anywhere in the house, power it up with the supplied adapter. and the system is ready for operation.
Thus, it can he seen that the objects of the present invention have been satisfied by the structure presented hereinabove. While in accordance with the Patent Statutes, only the best mode and preferred embodiments of the present invention have been presented and described in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited thereto or thereby.
Accordingly, for an appreciation of the true scope and breadth of the invention, references should be made to the following claims.
Claims (41)
1. Multi-purpose central telephone management system comprising:
micro-controller means adapted to control said system by a predetermined set of commands generated by said micro-controller;
a first relay means connected to said micro-controller means, said first relay means is controlled by said micro-controller means and is adapted to facilitate all call activities of said system;
a caller ID decoder means connected to said micro-controller means, said caller ID decoder means is adapted to supply said micro-controller means with call progress signals activating said telephone line;
DTMF decoder means connected to said micro-controller means, said DTMF decoder is adapted to provide said micro-controller means with any dial-tone signals generated by said telephone line and DTMF generator means connected to said micro-controller means, said DTMF
generator means is adapted to transform commands generated by said micro-controller means into the dial-tone signals provided to be transmitted through said teleplione line.
micro-controller means adapted to control said system by a predetermined set of commands generated by said micro-controller;
a first relay means connected to said micro-controller means, said first relay means is controlled by said micro-controller means and is adapted to facilitate all call activities of said system;
a caller ID decoder means connected to said micro-controller means, said caller ID decoder means is adapted to supply said micro-controller means with call progress signals activating said telephone line;
DTMF decoder means connected to said micro-controller means, said DTMF decoder is adapted to provide said micro-controller means with any dial-tone signals generated by said telephone line and DTMF generator means connected to said micro-controller means, said DTMF
generator means is adapted to transform commands generated by said micro-controller means into the dial-tone signals provided to be transmitted through said teleplione line.
2. Multi-purpose central telephone management system according to claim 1, wherein said system is provided with a second relay means connected to said micro-controller means, wherein said second relay means is adapted to control connection between a telephone line monitored by said central system and a receiving device connected to said telephone line.
3. Multi-purpose central telephone management system according to claim 1, wherein said system is protected against over-voltage and over-current by a phone line protection circuit means.
4. Multi-purpose central telephone management system according to claim 1, wherein said system is supplied by power necessary to operate said system by means of a power supply element.
Multi-propose central telephone management system according to claim 1, wherein said micro-controller is provided with a non-volatile memory capable to permanently store all commands by means of EEROM memory.
6. Multi-propose central telephone management system according to claim 1, wherein said system is provided with a LED display indicating an active mode of said system.
7. Multi-purpose central telephone management system according to claim 4, wherein said power supply element is provided with an isolation transformer adapted to isolate said system from said telephone lime.
8. Multi-propose central telephone management system according to claim 1, wherein said first relay means comprises a normally-open relay, wherein said system is in ON-HOOK
mode when said relay is opened and in OFF-HOOK mode when said relay is closed.
mode when said relay is opened and in OFF-HOOK mode when said relay is closed.
9. Multi-purpose central telephone management system according to claim 1, wherein said second relay means comprises a normally-closed relay provided to isolate said system from said telephone line.
10. Multi-purpose central telephone management system according to claim 1, wherein said call progress signals supplied by said caller ID decoder means comprise dial-tones, busy tones, hook conditions, ring defections and a complete caller ID data.
11. Multi-purpose central telephone management system according to claim 1, wherein said DTMF decoder means is adapted to listen any dial-tone signals generated by the receiving device or by a remote phone, said DTMF decoder means is adapted to operate when said system is in the OFF-HOOK mode.
12. Multi-purpose central telephone management system according to claim 1, wherein said receiving device is a phone.
13. Multi-propose central telephone management system according to claim 1, wherein said micro-controller means is adapted to detect ON/OFF condition of said system by means of a hook detector means, wherein said hook detector means is adapted to detect ON/OFF
condition by means of measuring high and low values of said telephone line when said receiving device is in OFF-HOOK mode and to monitor said telephone line for dial-tone detection.
condition by means of measuring high and low values of said telephone line when said receiving device is in OFF-HOOK mode and to monitor said telephone line for dial-tone detection.
14. Multi-purpose central telephone management system according to claim 1, wherein said DTMF generator means is active when said system is in OFF-HOOK mode.
15. Method of operation of a multi-purpose central telephone management system comprising:
monitoring a telephone line by a caller ID decoder means, wherein said caller ID decoder means being controlled by a micro-processor means;
detecting by said caller ID decoder means call progress signals activating said telephone line;
capturing a caller ID data packet detected by said caller ID decoder means;
storing said detected caller ID data packet in an EEROM memory of said system;
transmitting of said stored caller ID data packet by means of a DTMF generator means via a pager service to an assigned pager number destination, wherein said DTMF
generator means being controlled by said micro-processor means.
monitoring a telephone line by a caller ID decoder means, wherein said caller ID decoder means being controlled by a micro-processor means;
detecting by said caller ID decoder means call progress signals activating said telephone line;
capturing a caller ID data packet detected by said caller ID decoder means;
storing said detected caller ID data packet in an EEROM memory of said system;
transmitting of said stored caller ID data packet by means of a DTMF generator means via a pager service to an assigned pager number destination, wherein said DTMF
generator means being controlled by said micro-processor means.
16. Method according to claim 15, wherein said caller ID decoder means is adapted to detect ON/OFF hook states, rings and distinctive rings activating said telephone line.
17. Method according to claim 15, wherein transmitting of said stored caller ID data packet is provided by means of dialling said assigned pager number by said DTMF
generator means to facilitate connection of said system with said pager service, wherein said caller ID decoder means is adapted to detect ringing or busy/reorder signals transmitted by said telephone line and to facilitate a number of successive attempts to transmit said stored caller ID
data packet to said assigned pager destination by said DTMF generator means.
generator means to facilitate connection of said system with said pager service, wherein said caller ID decoder means is adapted to detect ringing or busy/reorder signals transmitted by said telephone line and to facilitate a number of successive attempts to transmit said stored caller ID
data packet to said assigned pager destination by said DTMF generator means.
18. Method according to claim 15, wherein said caller ID data packet transmitted to said assigned pager number comprise an exact time and a telephone numeral data.
19. Method according to claim 15, wherein said system is further adapted to facilitate a call forwarding mode adapted to forward calls from a caller located in one remote location to a user located on another remote location, wherein said connection is provided by a normally-open relay means facilitating a 3-way conference call mode.
20. Method according to claim 19, wherein said user activates said call forwarding mode remotely by means of a predetermined set of commands preliminary programmed in the EEROM
memory of said system. and wherein said user is capable to re-program said predetermined set of commands at will from any other remote location.
memory of said system. and wherein said user is capable to re-program said predetermined set of commands at will from any other remote location.
21. Method according to claim 20, wherein during said call forwarding mode said system is adapted to put the caller on hold while transmitting a forwarding destination number, thus facilitating linking between the caller and the user.
22. Method according to claim 19, wherein said system is adapted to forward call to any receiving device, such as regular phone. cellular phone, answering machine, voice mail.
23. Method according to claim 15, wherein said system is adapted to facilitate a call transfer mode provided to transfer a call from a user located on one remote location to a destination number located on another remote location, wherein during said call transfer mode said system operates by a normally-open relay means facilitating a 3- way conference call mode.
24. Method according to claim 23, wherein said system is activated into said call transfer mode by means of a predetermined set of commands send by the user to said system.
25. Method according to claim 24, wherein said predetermined set of commands comprises:
entering a password commands:
verification of said password commands with commands previously stored in the EEROM
memory of said system by means said DTMF decoder means and said micro-processor means ;
entering a call transfer command and the destination number to facilitate the connection.
entering a password commands:
verification of said password commands with commands previously stored in the EEROM
memory of said system by means said DTMF decoder means and said micro-processor means ;
entering a call transfer command and the destination number to facilitate the connection.
26. Method according to claim 23, wherein during said call transfer mode said system is adapted to facilitate unlimited number of call transfers desired by said user.
27. Method according to claim 15, wherein said assigned pager number had been previously programmed in the EEROM memory of said system.
28. Method according to claim 15, wherein said system allows to facilitate multiple pagers services via a single telephone line monitored by said central telephone management system, wherein each of said pagers communicate with said system by means a predetermined distinctive rings assigned to each of said pagers.
29. Method according to claim 27, wherein said assigned pager number can be re-programmed at will from any remote location.
30. Method according to claim 15, wherein said stored caller ID data packet can be transmitted to said assigned pager destination in a delay mode, and wherein said delay mode can be set, re-set or cancelled at any desired time.
31. Multi-purpose central telephone management system according to claim 1, wherein said system is adapted to operate in a speed-dial mode, wherein said speed-dial mode is provided by means of a predetermined set of commands generated by said micro-processor means.
32. Method according to claim 20. wherein during said call forwarding mode the user is capable to take control of said system from a remote location by means of a predetermined set of commands activating said remote control mode.
33. Method of facilitating a call forwarding mode by means of a multi-purpose central telephone management system comprising:
activating a call forwarding mode of said system by a user located on one remote location, wherein said call forwarding mode comprises a predetermined set of commands preliminary programmed in a EEROM memory of said system;
linking by means of said system a caller located on another remote location and said user by means of a 3-way conference call mode, wherein said system is adapted to put said caller on hold while transmitting a forwarding destination number, thus facilitating linking between the caller and the user.
activating a call forwarding mode of said system by a user located on one remote location, wherein said call forwarding mode comprises a predetermined set of commands preliminary programmed in a EEROM memory of said system;
linking by means of said system a caller located on another remote location and said user by means of a 3-way conference call mode, wherein said system is adapted to put said caller on hold while transmitting a forwarding destination number, thus facilitating linking between the caller and the user.
34. Method according to claim 33, wherein said 3-way conference mode is facilitated by of a normally open relay means of said system.
35. Method according to claim 33. wherein said user is capable to re-program said predetermined set of commands at will from any other remote location.
36. Method according to claim 33. wherein said system is adapted to forward call to any receiving device, such as a regular phone. a cellular phone, and answering machine or a voice mail.
37. Method according to claim 33, wherein during said call forwarding mode the user is capable to take a remote control of said system by means of a predetermined set of commands activating said remote mode.
38. Method of facilitating a call transfer mode by means of a multi-purpose central telephone management system comprising:
activating said system into said call transfer mode by means of a predetermined set of commands sent by a user located on one remote location;
linking by means of said system the user to a destination number located on another remote location, wherein the linking of said user with said destination number is provided by means of a 3-way conference call mode.
activating said system into said call transfer mode by means of a predetermined set of commands sent by a user located on one remote location;
linking by means of said system the user to a destination number located on another remote location, wherein the linking of said user with said destination number is provided by means of a 3-way conference call mode.
39. Method according to claim 38, wherein said 3-way conference call mode is facilitated by a normally open relay means of said system.
40. Method according to claim 38, wherein said predetermined set of commands comprises:
entering a password commands:
verification of said password commands with commands previously stored in a EEROM
memory of said system by means of a DTMF decoder means and a micro-processor means;
entering a call transfer command followed by the destination number to facilitate the connection.
entering a password commands:
verification of said password commands with commands previously stored in a EEROM
memory of said system by means of a DTMF decoder means and a micro-processor means;
entering a call transfer command followed by the destination number to facilitate the connection.
41. Method according to claim 35. wherein during said call transfer mode said system is adapted to facilitate unlimited number of call transfers desired by said user.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2235469 CA2235469A1 (en) | 1998-04-21 | 1998-04-21 | Multi-purpose central telephone management system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2235469 CA2235469A1 (en) | 1998-04-21 | 1998-04-21 | Multi-purpose central telephone management system |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2235469A1 true CA2235469A1 (en) | 1999-10-21 |
Family
ID=29275583
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2235469 Abandoned CA2235469A1 (en) | 1998-04-21 | 1998-04-21 | Multi-purpose central telephone management system |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2235469A1 (en) |
-
1998
- 1998-04-21 CA CA 2235469 patent/CA2235469A1/en not_active Abandoned
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