FR2636485A1 - Single-line telephone call diverter - Google Patents

Abstract

Single-line telephone call diverter for automatically diverting a call from a user of a calling line of a party B to a called line of a party A, towards another line of a party C to which the call from B is to be transferred and whose number has been predetermined by A, characterised in that it comprises a call-managing logic unit, which can bring about, after detecting a call signal from the calling party B, the momentary placing on-hold of party B, the automatic dialling of the number of party C and then the connecting of B and C via the automatic switchboard managing the line of A, by setting up between A, B and C the three-way conversation procedure, and, at the end of the communication, the resetting of the lines to the initial state, these successive actions staggered over time preferably being combined with the sending of pre-recorded messages indicating to the calling party B and to the party C to which the calls have been diverted, the condition of the line and the nature of the call thus transferred.

Description

 The present invention relates to a telephone call diverter, that is to say a device which can be connected to the network, which enables automatic transfer of counseling between a calling station and a station called on another station substituting the latter and whose number is The call was previously made by the user.

 There are already known devices of this kind which allow a user wishing to be absent from the room where his line ends up, to ensure that calls arriving at his station in his absence, are automatically transferred to another station whose numbering, different from that which corresponds to the first, has been programmed by the user himself, for example as a function of the times of his departure and / or of his arrival at the place where the second station is located.

 These devices normally require different lines assigned to the same user and a set of signal processing to transfer those arriving on one line to the other line, this set causing alteration; sometimes very sensitive to these signals. In addition, with such a system, the user must necessarily benefit from two separate lines, therefore pay two subscriptions in ex time that he must acquire a set of signal processing to achieve the desired transfer and the desired programming, which entra do noticeable costs that limit the wide dissemination of these systems to the public.

 Conventional call diverters using a set of processing and scheduling transfers from one line to another. Calls received by one line are transferred using the other line to a destination whose telephone number has been programmed in advance. This programming can be done on site using the various commands available on the device or remotely using a remote control to transmit to the call diverting device the equivalent of the previous commands through the network Also, it is said that there is a service offered by the Post and Telecommunications Administration called "National call transients" which allows, by simple operations on a keyboard station called "with voice frequencies", to transfer communications intended for the line on which this extension is connected to another line which may be found at any other location in metropolitan France. This service, which competes with call diverting devices, has the advantage of avoiding the need for the user to have two lines. However, it has the disadvantage that to cancel or change the destination of the calls to be transferred, it is necessary to reuse a keyboard station connected to the transferred line, so return to the location where the station in question is located. The service is not likely to be remote controlled, depending on the time, and cannot transfer calls abroad, which, on the contrary, is possible with the aforementioned call diverters.

Similarly, we know the service offered by the Postal Administration and
Telecommunications which makes it possible, at the cost of an additional subscriber, to make a mutual connection of the lines of three separate correspondents, to carry out what is commonly called a "three-way conference", allowing them to be put in communication sequentially or simultaneous, each user having however only the only line which is specific to him.

 Thus, it is known that, for telephone lines connected to new generation electronic auto-switches, the keypad of the users' stations include special keys and in particular a call key called "R", a "star" key (" &num; ") and a Zdièzew key (" &num; "), which allow you to intervene on the prograsuation and transfer circuits, ensuring the dialing of the number of the extension on which the calls are & BR <transfer, the time where the interval of hours where this transfer must be carried out, the cancellation of the programming or the verification thereof and finally the operations necessary to put the lines of the calling and called party on hold and their coordinated connection.

 In addition, these devices may include, in particular in their most sophisticated version, a system for broadcasting waiting messages and information to the caller on the diversion of the call and on the state of the line. correspondent to whom the call is diverted.

bans these conditions and according to a process currently implemented on trade posts, the transfer of calls from a correspondent
B, intended for a correspondent A and to be returned to an extension C, is produced by the automatic exchange by pressing the key "4", then by forming on the keyboard the number 21, then by pressing the key "*" and finally by filling in the number of the user at station C, the cancellation process being the same but in reverse (keys "&num;", 21 and key "&num;").

 When the line of the user A called by the correspondent B is taken, that is to say when the station of B is off the hook, the device will in a first te pe broadcast a weaving waiting for information from B on the absence of A at his usual post and on the transfer, we run to another post where he can be reached; during this te "ps, the device automatically calls the line of user C where A wished to see the calls transferred from his usual extension. If the line of C is free, communication between B and C is then established in a manner without intervention on the A station through which calls are routed, by transferring signals from one to the other of its two lines. However, if C ae does not answer or if its line is busy, tightenings different lines are returned to B, with lines released until the next call can be automatically renewed if necessary. At the end of the conversation, lines from A, respectively to B and to C, are released and ready for a new call.

The three-way conference system is a service offered to users which proceeds from a completely different approach than that of a call diverting device, but also requires the operation of special keys on the keyboard of one of the sets and special management of its internal circuits. This system allows in particular to proceed as follows
User A being in communication with user B, it is assumed that one or the other of these wishes to involve a third user C in their conversation. To this end, the extension of A, by pressing the recall key "R", allows to put the line of B on hold, at the same time ps that the line of A finds the tone, inviting the user to dial a number. A can then call C by forming his number on his keyboard and if C answers, converse with him, B staying on the line would isolate from A and C.

 At this instant, user A has three options: for one, he can cut off his communication with C and return to B, this eventuality also being the case if C, called by A, is absent or occupied in the 0th case, by pressing the "r and" 1 "keys on the keyboard, A can automatically return to B.

 According to the second possibility, A may want to put C on hold without cutting the line and momentarily return to B; pressing the "R" key then the "2" key allows this maneuver, thus authorizing alternativenint the communication of A, either with B or with C.

 Finally, by pressing the wRZ key then the 3 key, the three users A, B, C, can converse together, on their lines "looped in triangle", as long as the communication remains established between them, this regardless their geographic location, in France or abroad.

 This known three-way conference system has the advantage of requiring for the user benefiting from the service offered only the provision of a single line and of course the payment of a special charge, authorizing the activation of the key. "R" on his adapted station & initiate the process described above. He. is therefore simple and effective, but requires manipulation by the incumbent, acting as appropriate on the keys 2 "" 1 "," 2 "or" a ", depending on the connections to be made.

 The subject of the present invention is a telephone call diverting device which overcomes the drawbacks of conventional systems, in particular the need to have two separate lines and avoids the use of a device for processing the signals to be transferred from one line to another. the other, thanks to the automatic implementation on the line of the user of a process similar to that carrying out the conference in three, in order to carry out the forwarding of a call on one or more distinct stations whose numbers and the connection times have been previously programmed by the user, this in order to obtain the direct connection at the instants chosen between these lines and that of a caller forming the usual number of the user.

 In other words, the invention stems from the adaptation of a conventional call diverter in order to automatically carry out thereon the sequence of operations necessary for transferring a call to at least one separate station, previously selected. , by providing, if necessary, the usual messages on the state of the lines put in communication and the situation of the different reception station (s).

 To this end, the device considered, for automatically diverting a call from a user of a calling line of a correspondent B to a called line of a correspondent A, in the direction of another line of a correspondent C where the call from B must be transferred and the number of which has been predetermined by A. is characterized in that it includes a call management logic, capable of determining, after detection of a call signal from caller B, reads momentary call from party B, automatic dialing of party C and then connects B and C via the PABX managing line A, by setting up between A, B and C of the three-way conversation procedure, and at the end of the communication rereads it to the initial state of the lines, these successive and time-shifted actions are preferably combined with the emission of pre-recorded messages signaling the correspondent called nt B and to correspondent C to whom calls are diverted, the situation of the line and the nature of the call thus transferred.

 According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the call diverting device comprises a sequencer, receiving on its inputs on the one hand a clock signal and on the other hand the signals initiating the various actions to be performed, by delivering at its outputs the necessary orders to the lines of correspondents A, B, and C, through the PABX managing the line of correspondent A.

 According to a particular characteristic, the inputs of the sequencer are combined with a call detector, a response detector for the called party, a line busy detector and an end of communication detector, as well as a circuit delivering a signal. line not occupied.

The outputs of the sequencer are for their part joined to a line release circuit, to a read circuit waiting for the line of the calling party, a memory search circuit of the party number C to which the call is to transfer, and to predetermined voice frequency transmission circuits. each of which corresponds to the actuation of a selected key on the keyboard of the station of the correspondent called A, automatically carrying out the corsutatlon necessary for the establishment of the conference in three between correspondents A, B and C.

 According to a particular embodiment characteristic, the device also includes a talking machine, capable of delivering one or more messages, in particular a first waiting message to the calling party B, a screwing of information to the party C where the call is å forward and subsequent messages to the calling party B depending on the situation of the party line C, in particular depending on whether this line is already taken or the party does not answer.

Other characteristics of a single-line telephone diverting device established in accordance with the invention will become apparent from the description which follows from an exemplary embodiment, given by way of non-restrictive example, with reference to the accompanying drawings. on which ones
Figure 1 is a block diagram of the device, illustrating the various functions implemented
FIG. 2 represents the diagram of the bridging of the various circuits of the device and of their connection with the line of a given user;
FIGS. 3 and 4 are simplified electronic diagrams of the means used to ensure the sirulated control of the special keys of the station of the called user, in order to carry out, according to the invention, the implementation of the process of establishing a three-way conference and its adaptation to call diversion.

 FIG. 5 illustrates the keyboard of a telephone set, comprising the various special keys necessary for the implementation of the three-way conversation procedure.

 In the diagram of FIG. 1, the reference 10 designates a sequencer, constituted by an appropriate microprocessor, capable of managing the information that it receives by delivering at its output the orders necessary for the various switching operations. The sequencer 10 is joined to a clock providing it with synchronization pulses t with a given elementary period.

 The inputs "X" of the sequencer, here seven in number and respectively designated under the references lo, X1, ... X6, are connected by a bus 12 to a set of circuits for detecting line signals, respectively D1, D2, D3 and D4, similar to those used on existing call diversions to carry out the classic procedure of transferring a call from one line to another.

These circuits are constituted in particular, for D1 by a call detector, for
D2 by a response detector, for D3 by a line occupancy detector and for D4 by an end of communication or absence of signal detector, these circuits being respectively implemented according to the nature of the signals received, present on line.

 On the bus 12 also arrives a signal "RESET" activated automatically when the line of the called user or correspondent is energized and indicating the unoccupied state thereof, this correspondent being by convention in the rest of the description, designated under the reference A. The set designated under the same reference is designed to transfer the call received from another user B to a third party C.

 The detectors D1 to D4 are designed to deliver at their output when they are read signals which, in the diagram of Figure 1, are identified under the references dl, d2, d3 and d4, ceu2-ci leading directly or indirectly, as the case may be, on one of the inputs I of the sequencer 10. The input lo is also joined to the output of an AND gate 13, the input X5 being connected to an OR gate 14.

Each input Xo, Xi ... X6 of sequencer 10 corresponds to an output
Yo, Y1. . Y6, each delivering in turn a signal eo, el, ... e6, these being routed by a bus 15 to various circuits B1, E2, 83, EX and E5, executing, as will be seen below, the functions necessary for the implementation of the call diversion process. These circuits correspond in particular, for E1 to a line release control circuit, for E2 to a line standby and simultaneous control circuit, on the station of the user of the "R" key, for 13 å the command on the station, of a key called "PAGH" P, suitable for making the call in memory of the pre-recorded number of the correspondent C to which the communication must be diverted, for B4 to a circuit for developing an appropriate voice frequency, performing the simulation of the operation of the "2" key on the station of A and for E5, a circuit for developing another voice frequency, distinct from the previous one and corresponding to the simulation of the control of the t ouche "3" of the nime post.

 The input of circuit B2 is joined to an AND gate 16 and the input of circuit E4 has another AND gate 17. In addition, there are provided on the bus 15 monostable delay circuits 18, preferably identical to each other and in number of four in the example considered, such that the signals e2, e4, e5 and e6 respectively, transform with a given delay, for example equal to 2 seconds, into signals g2, g4, g5 and ge, this in order to allow a suitable sequence of actions for the sequencer from the same order on any of its inputs.

 A multi-message machine 19 can also be provided with the device. It includes in particular four separate tracks, respectively designated in the drawing by the references Il, N2, N3 and 14. The track It corresponds to the sending of a waiting message intended for the calling party B, the message of the track N2 being intended for the called party C to inform him of the presence of a diverted call, while the messages of tracks N3 and N4 are intended for the calling party B to notify him, as the case may be, of the occupation of the line of user C, that is to say the fault of response thereof. The messages delivered by tracks Il å 14 of machine 19 are triggered by the signals el, e3, e5 and e6 respectively from the outputs Y1, Y3, Y5 and Y6 of the sequencer 10, the end of these nessages being identified by another signal, respectively hl, h3, h5 and h6.

 A nonostable delay circuit 20, having a period of approximately 60 seconds in the embodiment considered, completes the device, this circuit being mounted in parallel on the sequencer 10 so that, in the event of non-response by the user C, the line is automatically cut at the end of the period considered. This circuit 20 is triggered by the signal e2 and provides at its output at the end of the period, a signal h2.

FIG. 2 also diagrammatically illustrates a telephone line, formed of two conductors 21 and 22 and to which the station of user A is connected. In the drawing, there is also the call detector circuit D1, the circuit El line release, circuits E2, F3,
E4 and E5, then circuits D2, D9 and D4. Also appears the sequencer 10 and its various connections with the buses 12 and 15 respectively.

 FIG. 3 schematically illustrates an arrangement advantageously used to ensure the simulated control of one of the keys R, 2, 3 or P of the station A, by one of the circuits E2 to E5 notably, this under the effect of a control signal e, transformed if necessary into a signal g by the corresponding delay circuit 18. This bridging comprises in particular a transistor 23, a resistor 24 in series with the coil 25 of a relay 26. The transistor 23 is normally blocked; a signal on its base makes it conductive and ensures, by passing current through the coil 25, the closing of the relay 26, then simulating the actuation according to the case of one of the keys X, 2 or 3 of the keyboard according the case. Of course, this is above all an example of an embodiment which could be replaced by any other equivalent electronic or even electromechanical fitting.

 FIG. 4 likewise illustrates another analogous arrangement where the signal g acts this time on a transistor 27, to allow the passage of a current in the coil 28 of a relay 29, in this case coming to simulate the actuation of the PAGE key shown diagrammatically in the drawing under the reference P. The signal acts in parallel via a link 30 on a second retarder circuit 31 which, in turn, delivers a signal to enable a transistor 32, passing a current through the coil 33 of a relay 34, by simulating the actuation of one of the keys O to 9 of the keyboard to which is assigned, in Isémoire, the number of the correspondent C.

 Figure 5 finally illustrates the block diagram of a telephone set keyboard on which we find in particular the R key, the * key, the S key and finally the P key, independent of the conventional keys 0, 1, ... 9 of normal usotation distributed according to a simple matrix with lines and columns, each of which corresponds to a signal of frequency P (lines) and f (columns) determined. The actuation of the key 2 for example, thus corresponds to a frequency F1, f2, that of the key 3 to the frequency F1, f3, and so on for each of the other dialing keys.

The operation of the device according to the invention is then as follows
Originally, the line is open, the reset signal supplied to the input Xo of the sequencer 10 producing at the output of the latter the action Yo. The signal eo delivered is received by the line release circuit R1.

 Following a call to the number of correspondent A by user B and if user A has previously programmed his extension so that the call received in this way is automatically transferred to the extension of correspondent C, the circuit D1 detects the call and delivers a signal dl which, via bus 12, is routed to the input X1 of the sequencer 10 by producing at the output the action Y1. The corresponding signal el, supplied on the bus 15, triggers the multi-massage machine 19, by sending the message recorded on the track M1 to the user B, informing him that his call from the station of A will be transferred to the station of C. The end of the message results in the signal h1 which is then sent to the input X2 of the sequencer 10. The corresponding T2 action provides the output of the latter with a signal e2 which, through the door BT 16, triggers the standby circuit B2, causing on the one hand the simulation of the actuation of the key R by the assembly illustrated in FIG. 3, carrying out the read pending of the correspondent B and, d On the other hand, with a delay of 2 seconds provided by the associated circuit 18, the emission of the signal g2, coming in turn to activate the circuit E3.

 With the assembly of FIG. 4, the circuit B3 then causes the simulation of the actuation of the PAGI key (key P), then the designation of the memory of the station where the number of the correspondent C is recorded to which the call is to be diverted. Simultaneously, the signal e? triggered the 60 second period delay timer circuit 20.

 The response of the user called C is detected in circuit D2 which delivers a signal d2 at its output, sent to input 13 of sequencer 10. The corresponding action Y3 results in a signal e3 which, in machine 19, triggers the transmission of the message recorded on track X2, informing user C of the arrival on his line of a diverted call. The end of this message corresponds to the emission of a signal h3 which is returned to the input X4 of the sequencer. The action Y4 results in a signal e4 delayed in g4 by the associated circuit 18, and triggers the circuit Es and the transmission by the latter of the voice frequency F1, f3, corresponding to the simulation of key 3 (Figure 5), ensuring the resumption of the line on station B and its automatic connection with line C through the line of A. The call from A by B was thus diverted to C as desired.

 If the line of the user C thus called is busy, the circuit D3 then supplies a signal d3 which, via the bus 12, is brought to the input X6 of the sequencer 10. The action Y6 which results therefrom leads to the emission of the signal e6 which by the bus 15 and the associated delay circuit 18, produces the signal g6. This, through the AND gate 17, actuates the circuit E5 which, in turn, emits a voice frequency signal F1, f2, simulating the actuation of the key 2. The line is then automatically resumed, back to 1 user B.

 At the same time, the signal e6 triggered in the machine 19 the message recorded on track X4, informing B of the occupation of the station of C.

 Finally, for the case where C's station does not respond, the device is arranged so that at the end of the 60-second time delay on circuit 20, and, without the actions Y3 or Y4 being in progress, the signal h2 delivered is routed through the OR gate 14 to the input t5 of the sequencer 10. The resulting action Y5 causes by the signal e5, the triggering of the message recorded on the track M3, then informing B of the state of no response from C.

 The action J (o returning the system to its initial state occurs at the end of the messages recorded on tracks M3 and 14, the corresponding h5 or b6 signals being returned to the input of the sequencer. It also intervenes in the detection of the end of cosunication by circuit D4, delivering the signal d4 or again by manual or automatic reset (when the system is powered up) through the AND gate 13.

 The device according to the invention thus performs an automatic call diversion, using a procedure akin to that known as three-way conference. The socket on the second line provided in conventional systems is replaced here by a cutout of an appropriate duration (200 ms). equivalent to the actuation of the R key by the called station, the connection of users B and C via the line of A being obtained by simulating, in addition to the actuation of the R key, that of the 2 key for the return to B and the sending to it of messages recorded on the line state, and of the key 3 for the establishment of the three-way conference. On the other hand, the line is released after the detection of busy tone after call diversion or following the absence of a signal on the line for a determined period.

 This gives a simple, efficient and secure set, which can be easily programmed by user A himself, who determines as he pleases, the number of correspondent C to which calls should be transferred, this requiring only one line therefore a single subscription for said user. The device is compact and provides a quality of cos unication greatly improved, without appreciable distortion of the trans is signals. In addition, it is of limited cost requiring only a relatively easy adaptation of the already existing circuits.

 Furthermore, and as it goes without saying, it should be considered that the invention is not limited to the single example of embodiment more particularly described and represented above; on the contrary, it smashes all variants. In particular, it is understood that the presence of the multi-massage machine is not essential, the information corresponding to the signals el, e3, e5 and e6 can be directly transmitted for the triggering of the appropriate actions, with only a determined delay, necessary for establishment of the operating sequences and the essential intervals between each assessment.

Claims (4)

REVRNDICATIONS l - Single line telephone diverter, to automatically divert a call from a user of a calling line from correspondent B to a called line of correspondent A, in the direction of another line d 'A correspondent C or the call from B must be transferred and whose number has been predetermined by A, characterized in that it includes a call management logic, capable of determining, after detection of a call signal from caller B, the temporary hold of correspondent B, the automatic dialing of the number of correspondent C then reads it in communication between B and C via the automatic exchange managing the line from i, by establishment between A, B and C of the three-way conversation procedure, and at the end of the communication rereads it to the initial state of the lines, these successive and time-shifted actions being preferably combined with the emission of pre-recorded messages signa informing the calling party B and the contact C to which the calls are diverted, the situation of the line and the nature of the call thus transferred.  2 - Call diverter according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a sequencer (10) receiving on its inputs (X) on the one hand a clock signal (11) and on the other hand the signals initiating the various actions to be performed, by issuing at its outputs (T) the necessary orders to the lines of correspondents A, B and C, through the automatic switch managing the line of correspondent A.  9 - Call diverter according to claim 2, characterized in that the inputs (X) of the sequencer (lO) are joined to a call detector (D1), a response detector of the called party (D2), a detector line busy (D3) and an end-of-connection detector (D4), as well as a circuit delivering an unoccupied line signal (RESET).  4 - Call diverter according to claim 2, characterized in that the outputs (Y) of the sequencer <10) are combined with a line release circuit (E1), å a weaving circuit awaiting the line of the correspondent calling <B2), to a circuit (E3) for searching in memory of the number of the correspondent C to which the call is to be transferred, and to circuits (E4, H5) for transmitting predetermined voice frequencies, each of which corresponds to actuation of a selected key on the keyboard of the correspondent's telephone called A, automatically carrying out the switching necessary for establishing the three-way conference between correspondents A, B and C.  5 - Call diverter according to claim 4, characterized in that the actuation of the selected key is carried out by closing a relay (26, 29, 34) following the passage of a current through a coil, this current being supplied by the unlocking of a transistor, controlled by a signal coming from one of the circuits (B) joined to an output of the sequencer (10).  6 - Call diverter according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises a talking machine (19) capable of delivering one or more messages, in particular a first message (M1) waiting towards the extension of calling party B, a massage (M2) of information to the location of party C to which the call is to be transferred and subsequent messages (M3, 4) to calling party B depending on the line situation of party C , in particular depending on whether it is already taken or whether the correspondent does not answer.