FR2799089A1 - Optical reader, for a card marked with a telephone number, allows automatic reading and dialing of telephone number, with simpler mechanical construction to position card - Google Patents

Abstract

The optical reader has a slot that accepts a card (FC) which has a grid (GC) marked to represent a telephone number. The reader has the electronic module (100) made as two integrated circuits (110,120) parallel to each other and joined by electrical connection pins (130,140). These pins form a guide to ensure correct positioning of the card in front of the optical detection devices (112,122). An Independent claim is also included for the system for automatically dialing a phone number.

Description

"Optical reader module, device for automatically dialing a telephone number including module, and composition cards implemented for this device" DESCRIPTION The present invention relates to an optical reader module. It also relates to a device for automatically dialing a telephone number including this module, as well as composition cards implemented in this device.

Many electronic devices use optical reading modules for information carriers such as punched cards or cards. However, an important obstacle to the development of this type of equipment lies in the complexity of mechanical construction of these optical reading modules, so the optoelectronic and electronic components used in these modules only represent a tiny fraction of their cost. of achievement. This is mainly due to the fact that these optical reading modules generally include mechanisms for introducing and extracting information carriers comprising, for example, electrical actuators.

Thus, the document FR2048205 discloses a mechanism for driving a punch card in an automatic telephone number dialing device, comprising a toothed wheel secured to the shaft of a stepping motor and the teeth of which are arranged to penetrate drive holes provided along the punch card.

Document US3809826 also discloses a mechanism for driving a punch card in telephone equipment provided with a card reader, including a motor, a gear and a worm. The object of the invention is to remedy this drawback by proposing an optical reader module which is of mechanical construction substantially simpler than that of existing optical reader modules, and consequently of lower production cost.

This objective is achieved with a module for optically reading information recorded on an information medium of card or card format, comprising optical detection means.

According to the invention, this module comprises two first and second printed circuits arranged substantially parallel to each other and connected to each other by first and second connection means arranged so that the respective internal faces of these printed circuits and the connection means constitute a sheath for receiving the information medium, these connection means ensuring a guiding function and the external faces of the printed circuits further supporting the optical detection means.

An optical reading module is thus obtained which is simple and inexpensive to produce since it does not require a specific mechanical design.

In an advantageous embodiment, first and second connection means comprise first and second electrical connection bars which are substantially parallel and spaced apart by a determined distance to provide guidance without braking information carrier.

In addition, the optical reading module according to the invention can also advantageously include third electrical connection means disposed between the first and second printed circuits so as to constitute a stop for an information medium introduced into the receiving sheath. These third electrical connection means can for example be produced in the form of an electrical connection strip acting as a stopper disposed perpendicularly to the two electrical connection strips acting as a guide. These third connection means acting as a stopper are preferably off-center so that, in the event that an inserted plug rebounds, this rebound is deflected, with the effect of braking the plug along the guide bars and therefore significantly limiting the amplitude of this rebound, until suppressing any rebound.

In a practical embodiment, the optical detection means comprise light emission means arranged on a first external face and light reception means arranged on the second external face and opposite the light reception means, holes being arranged through the first and second printed circuits to at least partially receive these light emission means and these light reception means.

Furthermore, the optical detection means are preferably arranged substantially at the entrance to the receiving sheath.

The light emission means and the light reception means are for example arranged in the form of bars each comprising a plurality of respectively emitting and receiving components.

The external faces of the printed circuits can be advantageously used to support electronic components, for example of the CMS type, active and / or passive intended to control the optical detection means.

In a specific embodiment allowing the reading and processing of information carriers containing information on each of their two faces, the optical detection means only extend in width over one half of the receiving sheath.

An optical reader module according to the invention can find a preferred application in a device for automatically dialing a telephone number.

Indeed, dialing a telephone number on the keypad of a telephone handset is often a tedious and repetitive task. In addition, it is common to mistakenly dial the wrong phone number.

Admittedly, in many telephone handsets and in mobile telephones there are electronic directories or directories containing previously registered telephone numbers accessible sequentially or by alphanumeric search criteria. However, it can be seen that many subscribers are reluctant to use such directories, either because it is tedious to store telephone numbers there, or again because the search functions impose a precise sequence of operations in deterring use.

There is therefore still a real need for an automatic telephone number dialing device which does not require its user to have permanent knowledge of a complex operating mode and therefore be directly operational at all times.

Document US4266102 discloses an automatic composition device comprising an optical reader module connected to a memory in which the telephone numbers read on punched cards are stored. This memory is connected to a numbering pulse generator. Document EP231108 discloses a telephone numbering system comprising a module for optically reading punched cards containing telephone number information to be dialed, particularly intended for the blind and disabled.

The document FR2196563 discloses a keyboard calling device combined with a punched card calling device for telephone devices, comprising an optical reader unit in which the punched card corresponding to the number 1 that one wishes to dial is freely dropped.

A second objective of the invention is therefore to remedy the drawbacks of the automatic dialing devices of the prior art by proposing a device for automatically dialing a telephone number, equipped with an optical reader module according to the invention.

It is therefore proposed, according to another aspect of the invention, a device for automatically dialing a telephone number, connected on the one hand to telephone equipment and on the other hand to a telecommunications line, comprising means for optically reading information numbering contained in a card type information medium, means for processing the information read in order to generate DTMF numbering signals, and means for taking the telecommunications line, characterized in that the optical reading means comprise a reading module. optics according to the invention.

The user of an automatic composition device according to the invention can therefore, calmly, think and prepare for his interview while this device reads and processes the dialing information recorded in the card he has just introduced. he just has to pick up his handset as soon as he hears the correspondent, then start his conversation.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of an automatic composition device according to the invention, the optical reading module arranged vertically or in a sufficiently inclined manner relative to a horizontal plane to allow a substantially free fall of an information medium introduced into the receiving sheath.

The automatic composition device according to the invention can also be equipped with a reading module arranged to indifferently process numbering information contained on one or other of the faces of numbering information support.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided an information support sheet implemented in an automatic composition device according to the invention, characterized in that it comprises on at least one of its faces a numbering grid comprising a set of rows each including an ordered series of figures inscribed in the width of said sheet, this set of lines extending in the direction of the length of said sheet and of introducing said sheet into the optical reader module according to the invention, this numbering grid being processed either by perforation or by marking, in order to write there a telephone number to be dialed.

This information support sheet can also advantageously include means for receiving a personalized information support, such as a business card, corresponding to the telephone number entered in the numbering grid.

It can also include on each of its faces a separate numbering grid, these two numbering grids extending at most in a single half of each face and on the same side.

Other features and advantages of the invention will appear in the description afterwards. In the accompanying drawings given by way of nonlimiting examples: - Figure 1 is an overview of an exemplary embodiment of an optical reading module according to the invention; - Figure 2 is a side view of an optical reading module according to the invention; - Figure 3 shows an automatic composition device according to the invention; - Figure 4 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an electronic processing card within an automatic composition device according to the invention; and - Figure 5 shows an embodiment of an automatic composition sheet according to the invention.

We will first describe an exemplary embodiment of an optical reading module according to the invention, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

The optical reading module 100, generally placed within an optical reading box or block 10, is produced from two printed circuits 110, 120, of single-sided or double-sided type, arranged in parallel and facing each other, and connected by two electrical connection bars 130, 140 ensuring a mechanical connection function with spacing and guiding of a card of composition FC introduced into the space existing between the two printed circuits 110, 120 (hereinafter called receiver sleeve ) and by a third electrical connection bar 150 disposed substantially in the lower part of the printed circuits 110, 120 perpendicular to the two guide bars 130, 140 and ensuring a stop function for a composition sheet inserted in the receiving sheath.

The two guide bars 130, 140 and the stop bar 150 can be chosen by standard components available commercially. Their connection pins are introduced into holes drilled for this purpose in the printed circuits and then soldered using conventional techniques.

The internal faces of the two printed circuits 110, 120 are substantially smooth and kept free of any component capable of constituting an obstacle or a brake on the free movement of a composition sheet. These internal faces can of course be provided with conductive tracks whose thickness is in practice so small that they cannot be considered as constituting a brake or an obstacle.

The external faces of the printed circuits 120 are used to receive all or part of the electronic components CMS necessary for the operation of the optical reading module 100. Thus, the external face of the printed circuit 120 supports in its upper part, a strip 122 of light emitting components visible or infrared intended for the detection of perforations or numbering markings, in its lower part, a component 127 emitting light in the visible or infrared intended for detecting the end of travel of a composition sheet FC introduced into the receiving sheath.

The external face of the printed circuit 110 supports, in its upper part, a strip 112 of visible light or infrared light receiving components arranged opposite the light emitting components of the emitting strip 122, in its lower part a light receiving component 117 for end-of-travel detection, located opposite the light emitting component 127, and electronic processing components 113 connected to the electrical connection bars 130, 140, 150, and a connector 114 allowing a connection with external components or circuits.

A row of 1.5 mm diameter holes is made in each of the printed circuits to receive the protruding or protruding optical parts of the light emitters 122 and light receivers 112, so that the optical paths between each emitter and its receiver opposite can possibly be interrupted only by the presence of a non-perforated area of a composition sheet inserted in the receiving sheath. Likewise, two holes of the same diameter are provided in the first and second printed circuits respectively at the respective locations of the light emitting component 127 and the light receiving component 117 used for limit switch detection.

The distance between the two electrical connection bars 130, 140 is determined so as to ensure correct guiding of a composition sheet without inducing significant braking during the free fall of the composition sheet. One of the printed circuits can be with a height substantially greater than that of the other printed circuit to ensure a function of holding and guiding a composition sheet while facilitating its introduction into the receiving sheath.

The optical reader module 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 is arranged to read composition information recorded, either by perforation or by marking, on a composition grid GC printed on one of the faces a composition sheet FC comprising moreover zone NT on which is written in Arabic numerals the telephone number to dial, and a writing area in which the user can for example write pen or pencil the name and address, and more generally, the contact details of the person or the organization corresponding to the telephone number to dial. It should be noted that one can also provide, as will be described below, a composition sheet provided with a transparent support arranged to receive a business card.

An automatic composition device 1 according to the invention comprises, with reference to FIG. 3, a reading and composition block 10 including an optical reading module such as that which has just been described and comprising its upper face a slot d introduction 15 on its front face a composition indicator 101, a walking indicator 102 and a sound transducer 103, of the buzzer or loudspeaker type, and on one of the side faces a connector 12 for connection to a telephone socket 5 a telephone line LT, a connector 13 for connection to a telephone handset 3 and a connector 14 for connection to an electrical converter module 4 delivering a direct supply voltage. The connection connectors 13, 14 are preferably of the "MODULAR" RJ11 type.

The reading and dialing block 10 is for example backed by a tray 2 designed to contain a set of FC composition sheets each containing one or two telephone numbers recorded by punching or marking.

The reading and composition circuit 200 included in the block 10 comprises an optical detection module 11 consisting of the light emission strip 122 and the light reception strip 112, both supplied with a direct voltage of 9 V delivered by the power supply circuit 26, a module 20 for amplifying the detection signals, a set of decimal / binary transcoding 21, a set of registers provided for storing the detected binary sequences, binary / decimal transcoding module 23 for converting the binary sequences stored in decimal numbering sequences, a DTMF synthesis module 24, and an end of travel detection circuit 25 generating an end of travel signal DF actuating the sequential emptying of the registers 22.

The DTMF signals are then amplified (33) and applied to the input of a transformer 32, the output of which is connected to a relay 31 provided for connecting the telephone line LT either to the telephone handset the connector 13, or to this transformer 32. This relay 31 is controlled (30) from a control signal generated by the register module when a dialing sequence is complete. The DTMF signals are also applied via an amplification circuit 34 to the sound transducer 103.

We will now describe a particular example of making an FC dialing sheet, with reference to FIG. 5. This dialing sheet is arranged to allow automatic dialing of a separate telephone number on each of its faces. Thus, the face effectively represented in FIG. 5 has on its right half a composition grid GC1 in which a first telephone number has been punched, for example the fixed telephone number N1 of a person whose CV card has been inserted in the transparent support SC. The opposite face, not shown, also has on its right half a dialing grid GC2 which has been perforated to allow automatic dialing of a second telephone number N2 of the person concerned, for example, his mobile telephone number. Such a double-sided composition sheet thus has a symmetrical configuration.

Perforation imprints are for example spaced 5.08 mm (2 tenths of an inch) or 54 mm (1 tenth of an inch), that is to say the dimensional standard used in electronics. This allows a perfect correspondence between the electronic components of the reader unit and the perforations on the composition sheet.

Two configurations for introducing a composition sheet can be envisaged.

- introduction from above into a substantially vertical or strongly inclined reader unit, with free fall or accompanied by the plug in the receiving housing, - lateral insertion into a substantially horizontal or slightly inclined reader unit, by pushing the plug into the block reader.

The composition grids can be printed with all the useful indications making it possible to facilitate the perforation or the marking of the numbers constituting a telephone number. Thus, one can provide at the top and bottom of a composition grid for identifying the column figures. An arrow SC indicating the direction in which the digits constituting the telephone number to be dialed is also printed. A composition grid can advantageously be pre-printed with a set of rows of ten decimal digits, thus greatly facilitating the task of the user in his perforation or marking operation. To make the perforations in a composition grid, there are already particularly ergonomic perforating pliers. It is important to note that the automatic dialing device implements proven and widely used techniques, for example the DTMF (Dual Tone Modulation Frequency) system using voice frequencies, which is a worldwide standard. Furthermore, the automatic composition device according to the invention is preferably supplied with a direct voltage of 12 volts, which brings it into compliance with safety standards. I1 can then be powered by a power supply unit of the type used in most electronic accessories such as portable music players.

The dialing sheets used for the automatic dialing device according to the invention are preferably in A6 format (DIN standard) corresponding to dimensions of 105mm x 148mm, to contain two numbers to be dialed (duplex mode), or to A7 format to contain a number to be dialed (front mode) They can be stored in trays with standard cards, in plastic or metal or any other material or in trays specific or dedicated to this application.

We will now describe an example of operation of the automatic composition device according to the invention, with reference to the aforementioned figures. Upon introduction of an FC composition card, an introduction detection is carried out, which controls the activation of the reading and composition block 10 and the taking of the telephone line LT.

The optical reader module 100 is sensitive either to a hole, or to the reflection of a colored or blackened area, corresponding to a digit of a telephone number to be dialed. The scrolling digits are binary coded. The numbers read are stored in a memory or in a shift register 22. When the composition record FC is in the stroke, the limit switch 25 is activated, which controls emptying of the shift register 22 or of the memory at high speed, compatible if necessary with the standards in force. The digits stored in binary form are then transcoded to decimal and are used to compose the DTMF signals. The listening amplifier and the sound transducer 103 are then activated. The dialing of the requested number is thus launched and is materialized when the called party picks up the phone and enters into communication.

With regard to the dropout chronology by the calling user, several modes of use of the automatic composition device according to the invention can be envisaged. Thus, in a first mode, the user of the automatic dialing device according to the invention picks up the handset, introduces the dialing sheet, then obtains his correspondent after a short period of time, for information less than 15 seconds. In a second mode, the user enters the dialing form, then picks up the handset during dialing time corresponding to the duration of activation of the dialing indicator 101.

When the FC composition file is extracted, the reader and dialer block 10 is no longer active, only the telephone handset 3 then being in operational connection with the telephone line.

When the telephone is hung up, the entire installation is idle. It should be noted that it is thus possible to leave the composition sheet in the optical reader module without this having the consequence of keeping the line busy.

In the particular case of using an automatic dialing device according to the invention within the framework of a structure such as a hotel or a company equipped with a telephone exchange, it is provided within the reader unit and dialer a setting device, for example a lug, actuable so that the automatic dialing device according to the invention then automatically and systematically dials a prefix such as 0 or 9 or any other digit, before the number recorded in the dialing card, so that the tone of the public telecommunications operator is obtained before starting to dial the telephone number.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described and numerous modifications can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, for the realization of the reading and composition block, it is possible to implement many other structures of electronic component circuits than what has just been described. Furthermore, the relative dimensions and proportions of the printed circuits, connection strips and composition sheets can be changed according to specific needs. One can also provide integrated telephone equipment including both the automatic dialing device according to the invention and a telephone handset.

Claims (15)

1. Module (100) for optically reading information recorded on an information medium (FC) of card or card format, comprising optical detection means (112, 122), characterized in that it comprises two first and second printed circuits (110, 120) arranged substantially parallel to each other and connected together by first and second connection means (, 140) arranged so that the respective internal faces of said printed circuits (110, 120) and said connection means (130, 140) constitute a sheath for receiving the information medium (FC), said connection means (130, 140) providing a guiding function and the external faces of said printed circuits (110, 120) supporting said optical detection means (112, 122). 2. Optical reading module (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and second electrical connection means (130, 140) comprise first and second electrical connection strips which are substantially parallel and spaced apart at a determined distance to provide a guidance without braking of the information medium (FC). 3. Optical reading module (100) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that it further comprises third connection means (140) disposed between the first and second printed circuits (110, 120) of so as to constitute a stop for an information carrier (FC) introduced into the receiving sheath. 4. Optical reading module (100) according to claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the third connection means comprise an electrical connection strip (150) acting as a stopper arranged perpendicularly to the two electrical connection strips (130, 140 ) acting as a guide. 5. Optical reading module (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the optical detection means comprise light emission means (122) arranged on a first external face and light reception means ( ) arranged on the second external face and facing said light reception means (122), holes being formed through the first and second printed circuits to at least partially receive said light emission means and said light reception means. 6. Optical reading module (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that optical detection means are arranged substantially at the entrance to the receiving sheath. 7. Optical reading module (100) according to claims 5 and 6, characterized in that the light emission means and the light reception means are arranged in the form of bars (122,) each comprising a plurality of components respectively. transmitters and receivers. 8. Optical reading module (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the external faces of the printed circuits (110, 120) comprise active and / or passive electronic components for controlling the optical detection means (112 , 122). 9. Optical reading module (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the optical detection means (112, 122) extend in width only over one half of the receiving sheath. 10. Device (1) for automatically dialing a telephone number, connected on the one hand to a telephone handset (3) and on the other hand to a telecommunications line (LT), comprising means (10) for optically reading numbering information contained in an information medium (FC) of the card or card type, means (20 24) for processing the information read by generating DTMF numbering signals, and means (30-33) for taking the line telecommunications (LT), characterized in that the optical reading means comprise an optical reading module (100) according to any one of the preceding claims. 11. Automatic composition device (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the optical reading module is disposed in a sufficiently inclined manner with respect to a horizontal plane to allow a substantially free fall of an information medium (FC ) introduced into the receiving sheath. 12. Device (1) according to one of claims 10 or 11 including an optical reader module (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that this optical reader module (100) is arranged to indifferently process numbering information contained on either side of a numbering information medium (FC). 13. Information support sheet (FC) implemented in an automatic composition device (1) according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that it comprises on at least one of its faces a numbering grid (GC1, GC2) comprising a set of rows each including an ordered series of figures inscribed in the width of said sheet (FC), this set of lines extending in the direction of the length of said sheet (FC) and the introduction of said plug (FC) into the optical reading module (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, this numbering grid (GC1, GC2) being previously treated, either perforation or by marking, for enter a telephone number to dial. 14. Information support sheet (FC) according to claim 13, characterized in that it further comprises means (SC) for receiving a personalized information support (CV), such as a business card, corresponding to the number of telephone entered in the numbering grid (GC1). 15. Information support sheet (FC) according to claim 14, characterized in that it comprises on each of its faces a separate numbering grid (GC1, GC2), these two numbering grids extending at most in a single half on each side and on the same side.