GB2031692A

GB2031692A - Telephone substation apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2031692A
Application number: GB7932561A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: CARSO ELECTRONIC INSTR CO
Current assignee: CARSO ELECTRONIC INSTR CO
Priority date: 1978-09-21
Filing date: 1979-09-20
Publication date: 1980-04-23
Also published as: NL7906911A; JPS5542494A; IT1100808B; ES245691U; DE2937355A1; ES245691Y; SE7907793L; IT7827913A0; FR2437120A1; BE878740A

Abstract

A substation apparatus has an electronic device for forming and using a name and telephone number list and for automatically calling the numbers inserted into said list in response to names. The apparatus includes an alphanumeric keyboard; a microprocessor driven by said keyboard, and by a plurality of function keys; at least an electronic store module associated with said microprocessor in such a way as to from said name and number list and to automatically transmit numbers on the line; an alphanumeric display associated with said microprocessor and electronic store module, for displaying the names and numbers formed on said keyboard, to be inserted into the list or already inserted therein. The apparatus may be provided with loudspeaking facilities, wireless bandset and interface to other facilities e.g. recorder.

Description

SPECIFICATION Telephonic apparatus The present invention relates to a telephonic apparatus provided with an electronic device for automatically searching and calling the telephonic numbers stored therein.

The nowadays used systems for associating to the telephones automatic-search devices in order to obtain an automatic call of the numbers stored therein, use perforated cards of the like by which the calls may be made by inserting into a suitable housing the already predisposed cards.

However in these known systems the preparing and using of said cards involve rather lengthy operating times, which greatly reduce the practical usefulness of said systems.

Furthermore these known systems always require a card index to be formed, with consequent difficulties and time losses in the search and setting of the cards, the great size of the card index involving difficulties with respect to the locating place.

The main object of the present invention is to obviate the aforesaid drawbacks, characteristic of the known systems, by providing a telephonic apparatus with an electronic device in which the storing of the subscriber names and related numbers may be carried out in an easy and quick way, with a possibility of directly controlling and greatly reduced search times.

Another important object of the present invention is to provide telephonic number lists able to bear a lot of telephonic numbers and in the meanwhile of very reduced size.

Another object of the present invention is to allow for the forming of agendas of telephonic numbers, to be called according to a desired order or sequence, and effective to be associated to a telephonic apparatus or set, the capacity of which may be greatly increased, depending on the needs, by auxiliary arrangements of several types.

These and other objects, which will become more apparent thereinafter, are achieved by the instant telephonic apparatus, characterized in that it comprises: an alphanumeric keyboard; a microprocessor driven by said alphanumeric keyboard, and by a plurality of keys for selecting the different functions; at least an electronic store module, associated to said microprocessor in such a way as to form a name and telephonic number list and to automatically send said telephonic numbers on the telephonic line in order to carry out the calls, and a small alphanumeric display, associated to said microprocessor and electronic store module, for displaying the telephonic names and numbers formed on said keyboard, to be inserted into the telephonic list or already inserted therein.

Further characteristics and advantages of the pre sent invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred though not exclusive embodiment of a table telephonic apparatus or set, provided with an electronic device for forming and using a telephonic number list and automatically calling the numbers, being illustrated by way of an indicative and non limitative example in the accompanying drawings, where: fig. is a perspective view of the apparatus according to the present invention; fig. 2 is a view representing the keyboard of that same apparatus; fig. 3 illustrates a block diagram of the apparatus according to the invention.

Referring particularly to figures 1 and 2, the apparatus according to the present invention comprises a housing 1 and a handset 2.

On the upper panel of said housing are located: -an alphanumeric keyboard 3; -a plurality of keys, 4 to 17, for selecting the several functions or operating ways; -a small display 18, of the 16 character alphanumeric type, preferably of the dot matrix arrangement; -an amplifying loudspeaker 19 with related light emitting switch 20; -a key 21 for requesting the outside line to a private exchange.

On the front panel of the housing 1 are available: -the on/off switch 22; -an additional microphone 16 with related light emitting switch; -the potentiometer 24 for adjusting the loudspeaker 19 volume; -a remote control 25 for an auxiliary device--(for example a recorder or other apparatus) -an electric ringer 26.

On the rear panel of the housing, possibly extended, as it is indicated by the dashed lines 27 in fig. 1 are available: -a doorto permitthe introduction of one or more additional store modules; -a connector for the connection to possible auxiliary apparatuses; -the tripole supplying cord 28; -the cord 29 for the connection to the telephonic network.

With respect to the forming of the telephonic number list, the apparatus according to the present invention permits to provide a 100 nameortele- phonic number list, which may be extended up to 400 telephonic numbers, with modular increments of 100 telephonic numbers-(by introducing three additional store modules).

This list is contained in the aforesaid modules, forming a non volatile electronic store, which is written in a conventional way by means of the alphanumeric keyboard 3.

The information to be sent to the store is displayed on the display 18, in such a way that it may be controlled.

The list may be consulted or examined on the dis play, by writing the desired name on the keyboard 3.

In orderto call the name or number displayed on the display, it is sufficient to press the sending key 17.

If one desires to call a number which is not stored in the list, it is sufficient to form said number on the keyboard 3, control, if it is necessary, said number on the display 18, and send it on the line by means of the sending key 17.

If the called number is busy, the apparatus permits to the operator to recall said number several times, by acting upon the sending key 17, without the need of redialling said number.

The list may be read out on the display in a continuous way, in alphabetic order, name by name, or, owing to a suitable setting of said microprocessor, by categories, by pressing a provided key or pushbutton 11.

The apparatus according to the present invention further comprises a 16 position or location agenda, thereinto the operator, through the keyboard 3 inserts the name or numbers to be called according to a desired order.

In order to call a subscriber number, as inserted into said agenda, the operator recalls it on the display, being in this manner ready for an immediate sending. Furthermore the call sequence or order may be changed at any time by the operator.

The operator may also carry out the telephonic conversation by using the microphone 23 and loudspeaker 19, as additionally provided, thereby eliminating the need of handling the handset 2, or he may use said handset and obtain an amplification by means of the additional loudspeaker 19.

The apparatus according to the present invention provides for the presence in the handset 2 and in the fixed part of a wireless remote transmitting system, thereby upon removing from the handset the wire or cord connecting said handset to the telephonic apparatus, said handset passes to the transmitting/receiving mode of operation with the apparatus fixed part thereby allowing for the operator to carry out the telephonic conversation by moving away from the telephonic apparatus installation place.

With respect to the operation mode, the following holds: a) Conventional calls. The dialling operation is carried out by means of the keyboard 3 and said dialling operation may be monitorized on the display 18. By the handset the dialled number is sent on the line, while it is formed on the keyboard which in this manner acts as a conventional dialling disk.

b) Calls with a prior control of the formed number.

The number is formed on the keyboard, while the handset is hooked on; the number may be monitorized on the display, before the sending.

In the case of an error, the key 14 permits to cancel or clear the last displayed digit.

This key operates in a repetitive way, and accordingly by holding this key pressed, the complete dis played number is progressively cancelled.

As the display indicates the desired number, the handset is rised or hooked off and said number is sent on the line, by pressing the key 17.

c) Calls with amplification. In order to call or ans wer a call with the handset hooked on, the operator has to press the key 17, which causes the key 15 to blink, thereby providing an indication that a connec tion with the exchange is made--(in other words to press the key 17 corresponds to a hooked off hand set).

If the number to be called was already been formed or dialled, then the sending is immediate; otherwise it occurs contemporaneously to the dial ling of said number by the operator. Upon starting the conversation, this latter may conversate through the additional microphone and loudspeaker, without any further operation; alternatively that same operator may conversate by using a handset, in which case it hooks said handset off, thereby automatically excluding the additional microphone and loudspeaker, disenergizing said additional microphone by means of the key 30.

In order to switch the call off, the operator hooks on or, in the case of a conversation with the handset hooked on, he presses the key 15 which then stops to blink.

d) automatic-call conversations. In order to call a number stored in the list, the operator has to dial the related number on the keyboard 3, in the alphabetic section.

The device is preset in such a way that, generally, it is sufficient to form the first two or three letters (that is the first personalizing letter group) - to cause the searched name to be completely displayed on the display, while the corresponding number (which does not appear) - is ready for the sending on the line, which may be obtained by pressing the key 17.

In order to call a number stored in the agenda, the operator has to press the key 8, which causes the first of the names in said agenda to appear on the display, being sufficient to this end to press the key 17.

e) Automatic recall. The last called number holds stored and it is available for further calls which are carried out by pressing the key 17.

f) Calls or conversations with the handset disconnected from its cord. As thereinabove stated the operator may use the handset away from the rest of the apparatus, by simply disconnecting said handset from its cord connector, this being an operation which may be carried out before or during the conversation and which causes the remote transmission/reception system to operate.

With respect to the forming of the telephonic number list, is used the keyboard 3 to form herein firstly the number, (possibly abbreviated), which will appear on the display (for the monitoring).

In the case of a name formed by a plurality of single names, a gap between the single names may be introduced, by pressing the key 14a and considering that are available 16 characters on the display and a corresponding number in the store, for inserting the number digits and spaces.

Then the related telephonic number is formed or dialled, by pressing the corresponding keys in the number section of the keyboard 3 and by monitoring on the display, considering that are available 16 characters on the display and a corresponding number in the store, for inserting the number digits and spaces.

If it is desired to introduce a gap or space between the telephonic prefix and the telephonic number, it is sufficient to press the key 14a, upon having dialled the telephonic prefix.

Thus, during the line sending step of the tele phonic number, the apparatus stops upon having sent the telephonic prefix and operates again, with the number sending, only as the operator presses again the key 17.

The names are inserted into the list in an automatic way, in alphabetic order.

By pressing the key 10, the name and number are stored.

If it is desired to cancel a name and the related telephonic number already inserted in the list, it is sufficient to recall it on the display ahd then to press the cancelling key4.

Furthermore the list may be filled out contemporaneously in alphabetic order and by categories.

To this end, as the operator inserts the names into the list, he has to write said name and the related telephonic number as thereinabove stated, and then he has to write the category thereto the name pertains and finally he has to press the storing key 10.

As thereinabove stated the list may be searched by starting to write the desired name, until this latter is obtained in a complete form on the display 18. Generally, it is sufficient to write two or three let ters--(corresponding to the name root)-in order to automatically display the complete name.

A letter or sign at the boundary of the display will then appearto indicate that the searched number is in the list and is ready to be automatically sent.

If, on the contrary, the name root written on the keyboard does not pertain to any name in the list, then the apparatus signals this fact automatically by means of an acoustical signalling, thereby the operator may then decide whether carry out the call according to a conventional way-(by searching the number in the subscriber book and then dialling said number on the keyboard and sending it on the line), or insert in the list the subject number.

Alternatively the operator may access the listed names or numbers by means of the key 12, which permits to display, in alphabetic order, said names starting from an initial letter, root or name, as written on the keyboard.

In order to examine or search the list by categories, the operator has firstly to press the key 11 of the categories (for example yellow colored), then write on the keyboard the interesting category, and finally press the key 12 which permits the operator to examine one by one the names pertaining to this category, in alphabetic order.

As a name of the list is present on the display 18, the related telephonic number may be displayed by simply pressing the key 9.

In order to form an agenda of a desired sequence, the operator writes in the keyboard 3 and monitors on the display 18 the names and/or the names to be called, (for a maximum of 16), in the desired order.

If the written name or number is already contained in the list, then on the display it will appear, at one edge, a signal, as thereinabove stated.

In this case the related telephonic number is already available.

In order to insert into the agenda the name and number, it is necessary to press the key 17.

If, on the contrary, the name is not already in the list, then the operator may insert it into the agenda by writing it, followed by the related telephonic number, and finally by pressing the key 7.

In this same manner, the operator may insert into the agenda even the sole telephonic number.

In order to search the agenda, the operator has to press the key 8, thereby displaying the first of the names or numbers to be called.

If the call is well ended, then the operator cancels from the agenda the corresponding name by pressing the key 6.

On the contrary, he presses the key 8, thereby displaying the next name or number in the agenda, leaving the preceding one available for a next call.

The operator, by repetitively acting on the key 8, may modify at will the predetermined call order, by bringing on the display the name or number of the agenda he has selected, independently from the position it has in said agenda.

If the operator does not operate in this manner, the agenda is searched automatically according to the order preestablished when the name have been inserted.

If, during the agenda searching operation, the operator desires to read the telephonic number corresponding to the displayed name, (that is the number the apparatus will send on the line as soon as the key 17 is pressed), then he has simply to press the key 9.

This same thing holds for the list searching step.

In the block diagram of fig. 3 have been represented: the power supply 30, the microprocessor 31, the keyboard 3, the telephonic circuits 32, connected to the telephonic network 29, the additional microphone and loudspeaker and possible auxiliary device assembly 33, the driving circuit assembly 34, the electronic store module 35, an additional electronic store module 36, the display 18, a volatile read (write) random access RAM bank 38, and the non volatile read only programmable memory PROM assembly 39.

Referring to the block diagram of fig. 3, the device according to the present invention may be considered substantially as a processor provided with suitable input/output elements.

All the operations, as automatically performed, are controlled by a microprocessor 31, according to the program implemented on the non volatile memories, effective to be erased only by the action of suitable ultraviolet radiations, the so-called PROM 39.

Each operation is started by an action of the operator on the keyboard 3. The message, as formed on said keyboard, is read by the microprocessor31, which upon having suitably interpreted said message, executes it according to the program contained in the PROM 39.

The response to the operator message is sent by the microprocessor31 to the output elements: display 18 and/or telephonic circuits 32, while the processing intermediate results are controlled by a random access volatile memories, the so-called RAM 37,38. In addition to the program, which is not accessible by the operator and is inserted into the apparatus during the making thereof, the device according to the present invention is able of storing, in a non volatile way, also the information supplied thereto by the operator, to be inserted in the telephonic number list.

This information is preserved in the so-called memories EAROM 35,36, which, differently from said PROM's 39, may be electrically erased, thereby permitting the operator to update and/or replace the already stored information.

In the basic embodiment of the apparatus the capacity of the non volatile memory available for the operator may be enhanced or extended by adding new store modules 36.

Referring again to the block diagram illustrated in figure 3, it should be noted that the subject device incorporates a suitable power supply 30 and telephonic circuits 32 acting as an interface and which allow for a direct connection to a supply network (110-220 V CA) and to the telephonic network 29 to be made.

Other interface circuits permit the subject device to be directly connected to optional outside apparatuses, such as, for example a recorder.

Obviously the present invention is not to be interpreted as limited to the sole embodiment thereinabove described, being possible several other modified embodiments, for example with respect to the individual components of the electronic circuitry and the use of other store units, different from those thereinabove illustrated.

Claims

1. A telephonic apparatus provided with an electronic device for forming and using a telephonic number list and for automatically calling the telephonic numbers inserted into said telephonic number list, characterized in that it comprises: an alphanumeric keyboard; a microprocessor driven by said alphanumeric keyboard, and by a plurality of keys for selecting the different functions; at least an electronic store module, associated to said microprocessor in such a way as to form a name and telephonic number list and to automatically send said telephonic numbers on the telephonic line in order to carry out the calls, and a small alphanumeric display, associated to said microprocessor and electronic store module, for displaying the telephonic names and numbers formed on said keyboard, to be inserted into the telephonic list or already inserted therein.

2. A telephonic apparatus, according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said display is of the dot-matrix type.

3. Atelephonic apparatus, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises additional microphone and loudspeaker, effective to be inserted both as the handset is hooked on and as said handset is off hook.

4. Atelephonic apparatus, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a connector for the connection to possible auxiliary devices.

5. Atelephonic apparatus, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a device effective to send on the line the telephonic numbers, operable by a related sending key, for automatically call the telephonic numbers corresponding to the names and/or telephonic numbers displayed on said display.

6. Atelephonic apparatus, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that said microprocessor is preset for the alphabetic or category search of said telephonic list, the signalling of the category being insertable, for each name, by writing said category on said alphanumeric keyboard.

7. A telephonic apparatus, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that said microprocessor is preset for forming a name and/or telephonic number agenda, according to any predetermined sequence, said names and/ortelephonic numbers being effective to be inserted into memory by means of a suitable key, and being effective to be displayed automatically on said display, in the predetermined order or sequence, for sending the respective telephonic numbers on the line, said sending step being carried out by pressing the related key.

8. Atelephonic apparatus, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises, within the fixed part thereof and the handset, a wireless remotely transmitting/receiving system, effective to allow for the handset to be disconnected from the connecting cord, in order to carry out the telephonic conversation remotely from the installation place of said telephonic apparatus.

9. A telephonic apparatus, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the displaying of a name on said display may be automatically obtained, in a complete way, upon forming on the keyboard the first letters or root of said name, the corresponding telephonic number being in the meanwhile available for the sending on the line and/or for the displaying thereof on said display, by operating the related key.

10. A telephonic apparatus, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that it provides for the automatic recall of the telephonic numbers, by storing the last called number, to be available for further calls.

11. Atelephonic apparatus, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a microprocessor which automatically carries out all the operations according to the program implemented on non volatile memories, effective to be erased by suitable ultraviolet radiations, the socalled PROM's, while any operation is started by an action by the operator on said keyboard, the message formed on said keyboard being read out by said microprocessor which, upon having suitably interpreted said message, execute it according to the PROM contained program.

12. Atelephonic apparatus, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the operator message response is sent by the microprocessor to the following output elements: display and/or telephonic circuits, while the processing intermediate results are controlled or managed by a non volatile random access memory (RAM) bank; in addition to the program, which is not accessible to the operator and is inserted into the apparatus during the making thereof, the instant device being able of non vol- atilely storing also the information supplied thereto by the operator to be inserted into said telephonic number list.

13. Atelephonic apparatus according to the pre ceding claims, characterized in that the information is preserved or saved in so-called EAROM memories, which, differently from said PROM's may be electrically cancelled, thereby permitting the operator to update and/or replace the already stored information.

14. A telephonic apparatus according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the capacity of the non volatile memory available for the operator in the basic arrangement of the apparatus may be extended by adding new store modules and said telephonic apparatus comprising a suitable power supply and interface telephonic circuitry allowing for said telephonic apparatus to be directly connected to a mains network (110-220 V CA) and to the telephonic network; further interface circuitry allowing for said telephonic apparatus to be directly connected to optional outside devices, such as, for example a recorder.

15. A telephonic apparatus substantially as described with reference to the accompanying drawings.