GB2361384A

GB2361384A - Remote programming of a user apparatus over a PSTN

Info

Publication number: GB2361384A
Application number: GB0116684A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robin Coates
Original assignee: TMX
Current assignee: TMX
Priority date: 1999-07-10
Filing date: 2000-06-13
Publication date: 2001-10-17
Anticipated expiration: 2020-06-13
Also published as: GB2361384B; GB0116684D0; GB2361143A; GB0116685D0; GB2361143B

Abstract

A user apparatus 31 such as an e-mail telephone is remotely programmed from a server 11, over a public switched telecommunications network (PSTN) 20. An incoming call is received at the user apparatus 31 from the server 11 with a recognised calling line identity (CLI). In response, the user apparatus 31 automatically answers the incoming call and receives a data message to update programming of the user apparatus. Alternatively, the user apparatus 31 automatically initiates an outgoing call to the server 11 to collect a data message, which updates programming of the user apparatus 31.

Description

2361384 1 REMOTE PROGRAMMING OF A USER APPARATUS OVER A PSTN The present

invention relates in general to the f ield of telephone apparatus, and in particular but not exclusively to the field communicating by telephony.

of computer apparatus In modern PSTN systems (or equivalent) call related information is provided as part of the process of establishing a call connection. The call related information may include, amongst. other things, called directory number (CDN) giving the number called by the calling party, and calling line identity (CLI) information identifying the calling party. The CLI information is typically includes the telephone number and area code of the calling party, and optionally includes other information such as name information associated with the calling party. In some countries, such as the United Kingdom, the PSTN supplies call related information prior to sending the first ring signal in the call connection sequence. In other countries, such as the United States, call related information is supplied between the first and second ring signals. Other call connection sequences are also known.

It is common for a single exchange line of a PSTN to be used for a number of different functions. For example, the line may be used to make and receive voice calls, fax calls, and other computer related telephony such as connection to the internet via an internet service provider (ISP).

2 More recently, it is known to combine different functions in a single apparatus. For example, a combined voice telephone and fax apparatus is well known. Another combined apparatus is an e-mail telephone which combines the functions of a data message system with a normal voice telephone system. Typically, the data message system connects with an ISP (or equivalent) to send and receive email format messages, comprising text and ideally text and graphics.

It is an aim of the invention to address the problems of the prior art described above, or otherwise. Preferably, it is desired to program a user apparatus by sending a data message to the user apparatus. Hence, an is aim of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for delivery or collection of a data message waiting on a server, in order to remotely program a user apparatus.

Accordingto the present invention there is provided a method for remotely programming a user apparatus from a server, comprising the steps of: (a) receiving an incoming call and detecting calling line identity (CLI) information; (b) comparing the incoming CLI with at least one predetermined CLI; (c) if the comparing step (b) produces a match then determining that the incoming call is a notifying call from the server; and (d) in response to the notifying call, taking action at the user apparatus automatically arranging for the user apparatus to be programmed.

In a first preferred embodiment, the notifying call is used to trigger the user apparatus to make an outgoing 3 call to automatically collect a waiting data message, which updates programming of the user apparatus. optionally, any data messages prepared offline at the user apparatus are sent f rom the user apparatus to the server during the outgoing collection call to the remote server.

Preferably, the remote server terminates the incoming call after a predetermined time period and before a call connection sequence is completed. The time period is lo suitably of the order of 5 seconds after a ringing signal is sent by the PSTN to the user apparatus. In this way, at least the step (a) is performed without completing a call connection sequence for the incoming call, and ideally the steps (a), (b) and (c) are all performed during and prior is to completing a call connection sequence for the incoming call. If the comparing step (c) does not produce a match, then the call connection sequence is continued as normal.

In a second preferred embodiment, the incoming call may be answered and dealt with as appropriate by a user apparatus. The user apparatus answers the incoming call and receives a data message from the remote server, to update programming of the user apparatus.

In either of the preferred embodiments, preferably the incoming call is provided via a public switched telephone network (PSTN) and is received at the user apparatus via a telephone line of the PSTN. The incoming call is initiated at the remote server, when programming of the user apparatus requires updating.

Preferably, the incoming call is received even if the telephone line is in use, where the telephone network 4 supports call waiting features (also known as caller display type 2 in the United Kingdom).

The calling line identity (CLI) of the incoming call preferably includes calling party number information and/or calling party name information, which is compared with predetermined calling party number information and/or name information, respectively.

The predetermined CLI information is suitably stored on the user apparatus at the time of manufacture or of installation of the apparatus, or may be input by the user f or storage on the user apparatus. The method may include downloading the predetermined CLI information from a is remote source for storage on the user apparatus.

Preferably, the user apparatus supports a plurality of users. Ideally the user apparatus determines the user or the group of users based on a comparison of the calling line identity information. Ideally the CLI information contains information for selecting the user or group of users, and suitably the incoming CLI is compared with each of a plurality of predetermined CLI. Also, the method may be used to receive incoming calls from a plurality of different servers, which may belong to different commercial entities to provide a competitive marketplace. Preferably, a plurality of predetermined CLI information are stored on the user apparatus representing the plurality of different servers, and preferably appropriate action is taken in response to a call from that party.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for use at a user apparatus for remotely programming the user apparatus from a server, comprising the steps of: receiving an incoming call and detecting calling line identity (CL) information; comparing the incoming CLI with at least one predetermined CLI; and if the comparing step produces a match then automatically arranging for the user apparatus to be programmed.

In the first preferred embodiment the method comprises automatically initiating an outgoing call from the user apparatus to the server, in response to the incoming call, to collect a data message waiting at the server for updating programming of the user apparatus.

In the second preferred embodiment the method comprises automatically answering the incoming call and receiving a data message from the remote server, to update programming of the user apparatus.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for use at a server for programming of a user apparatus, comprising the steps of:

initiating a telephone call from the server to the user apparatus, the telephone call including calling line identity (CLI) information such that the user apparatus is operable to compare the incoming CLI with at least one predetermined CLI; and receiving an outgoing call from the user apparatus, in response to the incoming call, and sending a data message to update programming of the user apparatus.

Also according to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for use at a server 6 for remotely programming a user apparatus, comprising the steps of: initiating a telephone call from the server to the user apparatus, the telephone call including calling line identity (CLI) information such that the user apparatus is operable to compare the incoming CLI with at least one predetermined CLI; and in response to the user apparatus answering the telephone call, providing a data message to update programming of the user apparatus.

Any of the methods defined herein may include the step of suppressing a ringing circuit of the telephone line, particularly when the comparing step produces a match with the incoming CLI. Preferably, a ring suppression circuit is coupled across the ringing circuit of a telephone line, is in parallel with audible output elements such as a loud speaker circuit tone caller or bell of this or other pieces of user apparatus. The ring suppression circuit preferably comprises a switch and a low impedance. In use, the switch is driven to couple the low impedance across the ringing circuit, such that the audible output elements do not operate. Suitably, the switch is an electronic switch such as a photorelay or a transistor.

Preferably, the ringing circuit is suppressed in a standby state and is only released if the comparing step does not produce a match. Advantageously, this embodiment is suited for use in countries where the PSTN sends a ringing signal prior to the call related information.

Accordingto a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a user apparatus comprising: means for receiving an incoming call and detecting calling line identity information; means for comparing the incoming 7 calling line identity with at least one predetermined calling line identity; and means for automatically arranging for the user apparatus to be programmed, operable in response to the means for comparing.

In the first preferred embodiment the user apparatus comprises means for automatically initiating an outgoing call to the server to provide for the collection of data messages waiting at the server, to update programming of the user apparatus.

In the second preferred embodiment the user apparatus comprises means for answering the incoming call and receiving a data message from the server, to update is programming of the user apparatus.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a message server, comprising: means for initiating a telephone call from the server to the user apparatus, the telephone call including calling line identity (CLI) information such that the user apparatus is operable to compare the incoming CLI with at least one predetermined CLI; and means for receiving an outgoing call from the user apparatus, in response to the incoming call, and sending a data message to update programming of the user apparatus.

Also according to the fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a message server, comprising:

means for initiating a telephone call from the server to the user apparatus, the telephone call including calling line identity (CLI) information such that the user apparatus is operable to compare the incoming CLI with at 8 least one predetermined CLI; and means f or providing a data message to update programming of the user apparatus, in response to the user apparatus answering the telephone call.

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram showing user apparatus coupled to a telephone line; Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram showing a remote server and user apparatus coupled by a PSTN network; Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram of a user apparatus; Figure 4 is a schematic circuit diagram of a first preferred ring suppression circuit; and Figure 5 is a schematic circuit diagram of a second preferred ring suppression circuit.

The preferred embodiments will be described with reference to the example of a method and apparatus for use with a public switched telephone network (PSTN). Other embodiments work with other forms of telephone network, such as a private branch exchange (PBX). Ref erence to a telephone line is generally intended to mean transmission along a set of physical wires, but where is context is appropriate can also include transmission by other means 9 such as wireless transmission using radio signals, light signals or other signals.

Figure 1 shows three sets of user apparatus 31, 32 and 33 coupled to a user telephone line 30. For example, a first user apparatus 31 might be an e-mail telephone, while other apparatus (in this case the second and third apparatus 32 and 33) might be an ordinary voice telephone, an answering machine, a fax machine or a computer lo apparatus. In most environments, including a domestic or small office (SoHo) environment the telephone line 30 is the responsibility of the user, and is coupled to a local telephone line of the PSTN through a connection box 40.

Figure 2 shows a server 11 coupled via a local telephone line 10 to a telephone network such as a public switched telephone network (PSTN) 20 allowing a call to be routed through to a called number corresponding to a particular user telephone line 30 having a user apparatus 31 coupled thereto. In this example the user apparatus is an e-mail telephone. An e-mail telephone 31 is an apparatus for making and receiving normal voice calls using the telephone line 30, and also for sending and receiving data typically in the form of text messages in a format suitable for e-mail transmissions. To send and receive e-mail messages the user apparatus 31 is coupled through the PSTN 20 to the server 11 of an internet service provider or equivalent. Messages prepared off line at the e-mail telephone 31 are then transmitted to the server 11 for forwarding across data communication networks as appropriate including the PSTN 20 or otherwise. Messages intended for the user(s) of the e-mail telephone 31 are received at the server 11 and wait r at the server ready for delivery to the e-mail telephone 31 (or other apparatus) at the request of the user across the PSTN 20. The user apparatus 31 initiates a call to the server 11 in order to send and receive e-mail messages. in another example the user apparatus is used to send and receive SMS (short message service) type messages.

Normally, the user apparatus 31 must initiate a call to see if mail is waiting on the server 11 ready for lo delivery. If no mail is waiting then potentially this call is wasted. It is desired to provide a fast, efficient and simple method of notifying the user apparatus 31 that a message is waiting on the server 11 ready for delivery.

In the preferred embodiment, the server 11 initiates an outgoing call to the user apparatus 31 across the PSTN 20 in response to a predetermined condition. Ideally the condition is that at least one e-mail message is waiting at the server 11 for delivery to the user. However, other conditions can be used such as waiting for a predetermined number of messages or a predetermined quantity of data before initiating the outgoing call. These conditions can be set by the ISP operating the server 11, or optionally can be set by the user such as by dialling into the server 11 using the user apparatus 31. other conditions include, for example, important announcements that the ISP wishes to transmit to all users or a selected group of users. This may include information concerning services available on the server 11 and may include advertising information. Further, the outgoing call may be initiated in order to update programming or other information stored on the user apparatus 31.

11 The notifying call initiated by the server 11 is routed by the PSTN 20 to the user's telephone line 30. The call connection sequence includes the transmission of a ringing signal received in common by the or each user apparatus 31 coupled to the telephone line 30. In the example arrangement shown in Figure 1, the ringing signal from the PSTN is received by each of the user apparatus 31, 32 and 33 coupled to the user telephone line 30.

Normally the ringing signal will continue until one piece of user apparatus 31, 32 and 33 answers the call such that the call connection sequence is continued and completed to establish the call connection with the calling party. At that point, the PSTN 20 will monitor the status of the call and record billing information. Usually, calls are charged to the calling party from the point of connection.

It is desired to provide a notifying call from one piece of apparatus such as the server 11 to another piece of apparatus such as the user apparatus 31 without requiring the call connection sequence to be completed. This keeps call time and network usage to a minimum, and economises billing by the PSTN 20 or equivalent. In the example situation described above, the PSTN 20 generates call related information including a calling line identifier information for identifying the calling party which is transmitted to the called party, in this case the user apparatus 31.

Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram of the user apparatus 31. The user apparatus includes a number recognition unit 311, a notifying unit 312, and a ring suppression unit 313. In use the number recognition unit 12 311 is coupled to the user telephone line 30 and receives the call related information transmitted from the PSTN 20 when trying to connect a new call.

The user apparatus includes a memory, suitably part of the number recognition unit 311, for storing one or more predetermined calling line identifiers, ideally the calling party number or name information. In use the number identifier unit 311 decodes the call related information and extracts the calling line identity (CLI) information. The CLI information is compared with the stored CLI information to determine whether the incoming caller is a recognised caller. If the incoming caller is recognised as the server 11 (or other equivalent source) is then the incoming call is determined as, for example, a notifying call intended to show that e-mail messages (or similar) are waiting for delivery at the server 11. The user apparatus 31 then provides appropriate notification to the user via the user notification unit 312. In other preferred embodiments the notification unit 312 takes action automatically in response to a notifying call from a recognised caller. For example, in the preferred embodiment where the user apparatus is an email telephone, the user apparatus may automatically make an outgoing call in order to provide for delivery of waiting e-mail messages. In other preferred embodiments other action may be taken as appropriate in response to the notifying call. For example, the user apparatus may arrange for that apparatus or another connected apparatus to switch on or off or be programmed as appropriate. For example, the notifying call in one embodiment might be used to turn on a video cassette recorder or a domestic appliance such as a washing machine or cooker.

13 The notification unit 312 may take any suitable form, depending on the nature of the user apparatus 31. For example, where the user apparatus is an e-mail telephone, the user notification unit 312 generates a message for display on a screen of the e-mail telephone indicating that new mail awaits delivery. The user apparatus 31 may support more than one user, such as different e-mail accounts within a single e-mail telephone. Suitably, the user notification unit 312 provides notification selectively to the or each user. In the preferred embodiment the number recognition unit 311 determines the user or users amongst the plurality of users to notify based on information contained in the CLI information. For example, the CLI information may use a different calling line identity appropriate to each user.

Even though the notifying call from the server 11 is relatively short, preferably of the order of five seconds, it may be inconvenient for the user to hear the incoming call due to the ringing signal reaching other user apparatus such as the apparatus 32 or 33 of Figure 1. Further, where such other apparatus, is, for example, an answering machine, then the call may be answered where this is not desired. Therefore, the user apparatus 31 preferably further includes a ring suppression circuit 313.

Figure 4 shows a first preferred ring suppression circuit in more detail. The ring suppression circuit 313 is coupled across the signal wires of the user telephone line 30 carrying the ringing signal, in parallel with sound output units such as a tone caller 320. The ring 14 suppression circuit 313 suitably comprises a switch, ideally an electronic switch such as a transistor or a photo relay S1, in series with a low impedance such as a resistor Rl. The low impedance is selected such that when the switch S1 is turned on and current flows through the low impedance Rl, the majority of the current on the ringing circuit of the user telephone line 30 flows through the low impedance Ri and does not reach any audible output units such as the loud speaker 320.

on three wire telephone systems the ring suppression circuit 313 is applied directly across the ring circuit, as shown in Figure 4. Figure 5 shows a second preferred ring suppression circuit for use on two wire telephone systems applied directly across the two wire connection together with a DC block, in this example a capacitor Cl, to prevent auto answering of the call.

Referring again to Figure 3, when the number 2o recognition unit 311 recognises the identity of the calling party, the ring suppression circuit 313 is operated to suppress ringing on the user telephone line 30. where the call related information is sent prior to the ringing signal, then suitably the ring suppression circuit 313 is engaged to suppress ringing prior to the first ringing signal if the calling party is recognised by the number identification unit 311. However, in other situations the ring suppression unit 313 is normally engaged in a standby mode such that initially ringing tone on the ring circuit of the user telephone line 30 is always suppressed. Only when the number recognition unit 311 determines that the incoming call is not from a recognised calling party is the ringing circuit released is for normal operation and the call connection sequence continues. Further still, the ring suppression circuit 313 can be optionally engaged, under the control of the user apparatus 31 or under control of the user.

In each of the preferred embodiments, an incoming call may be received and processed by the user apparatus 31 even when the user telephone line 30 is in use. Ideally, the telephone network 20 supports a call waiting feature lo such that a second (or further) call can be supplied to the user telephone line 30. Ideally the user apparatus 31 determines whether the telephone line 20 is already in use, and if so then applies CLI recognition to determine whether the new incoming call is from a recognised caller and determines whether ring suppression is required.

A method and apparatus has been described which, advantageously, enables a notification message to be delivered from one piece of apparatus to another, such as from a server of an ISP to a user, ideally to an e-mail telephone. The notifying call is quick, efficient and cost effective. A method and apparatus has also been described enabling delivery of a data message, such as to update programming of the user apparatus. Further, the method and apparatus described above advantageously allow the notifying call or message delivery call to be received without disturbing the user by optionally suppressing the ringing circuit.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this 16 specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

r_ All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extend to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

17

Claims

1. A method for remotely programming a user apparatus from a server, comprising the steps of:

a) receiving an incoming call and detecting calling line identity (CLI) information; b) comparing the incoming CLI with at least one predetermined CLI; c) if the comparing step (b) produces a match then determining that the incoming call is a notifying call from the server; and d) in response to the notifying call, taking action at the user apparatus automatically arranging for the user apparatus to be programmed.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step (d) comprises automatically initiating an outgoing call from the user apparatus to the server to provide for the collection of data messages waiting at the server, to update programming of the user apparatus.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the step (d) comprises sending a data message from the user apparatus to the server during the outgoing collection call to the remote server.

4. The method of claim 1, 2 or 3, comprising, at the server, terminating the incoming call after a 18 predetermined time period and before a call connection sequence is completed.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the time period is of the order of 5 seconds after a ringing signal is sent by the PSTN to the user apparatus.

6. The method of any preceding claim, wherein at least the step (a) is performed without completing a call 10 connection sequence for the incoming call.

7. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the steps (a), (b) and (c) are all performed prior to completing a call connection sequence for the incoming call.

8. The method as claimed in any of claims 1 to 7, wherein if the comparing step (c) does not produce a match, then continuing a call connection sequence.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the step (d) comprises answering the incoming call and receiving a data message from the remote server, to update programming of the user apparatus.

10. The method of any preceding claim, wherein, in the step (a), the incoming call is provided via a public switched telephone network (PSTN).

11. The method of any preceding claim, wherein, in the step (a), the incoming call is received at the user apparatus via a telephone line coupled to a PSTN.

19

12. The method of claim 11, comprising suppressing a ringing circuit of the telephone line when the comparing step (b) produces a match.

13. The method of any preceding claim, wherein, in the step (a), the incoming call is initiated at the remote server.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the incoming call lo is initiated by the server when programming of the user apparatus requires updating.

15. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the incoming CLI includes calling party number information and/or calling party name information, the calling party number information and/or name information is compared with predetermined calling party number information and/or name information, respectively.

16. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the incoming CLI is compared with each of a plurality of predetermined CLI.

17. The method of any preceding claim, comprising comparing the incoming CLI with each of a plurality of predetermined CLI, each CLI corresponding to at least one predetermined user account of the user apparatus; determining the incoming call as a notifying call for a selected one of the predetermined user accounts, or a selected group of the predetermined user accounts, depending upon information in the CLI; and alerting the selected user or group of users that a notifying call has occurred.

18. The method of any preceding claim, wherein a plurality of predetermined CLI information are stored on the user apparatus, each representing one of a plurality of different servers.

19. The method of any preceding claim, comprising the step of storing the predetermined CLI information on the user apparatus.

is

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the predetermined CLI information is stored on the user apparatus at the time of manufacture or of installation of the apparatus.

21. The method of claim 19, comprising the step of user inputting the predetermined CLI information for storage on the user apparatus.

22. The method of claim 19, comprising the step of downloading the predetermined CLI information from a remote source for storage on the user apparatus.

23. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the user apparatus is an email telephone and the server is an email server.

24. A user apparatus comprising:

means for receiving an incoming call and detecting calling line identity information; means for comparing the incoming calling line identity with at least one predetermined calling line identity; and 21 means for automatically arranging apparatus to be programmed, operable in means for comparing.

for the user response to the

25. The user apparatus of claim 24, comprising means for automatically initiating an outgoing call to the server to provide for the collection of data messages waiting at the server, to update programming of the user 10 apparatus.

26. The user apparatus of claim 24, comprising means for answering the incoming call and receiving a data message from the server, to update programming of the user is apparatus.

27. A method f or use at a user apparatus f or remotely programming the user apparatus from a server, comprising the steps of:

receiving an incoming call and detecting calling line identity (CL) information; comparing the incoming CLI with at least one predetermined CLI; and if the comparing step produces a match then automatically arranging for the user apparatus to be programmed.

28. The method of claim 27, comprising automatically initiating an outgoing call from the user apparatus to the server, in response to the incoming call, to collect a 22 data message waiting at the programming of the user apparatus.

server for updating

29. The method of claim 27, comprising automatically answering the incoming call and receiving a data message from the remote server, to update programming of the user apparatus.

30. A method for use at a server for programming of a lo user apparatus, comprising the steps of:

31. A method for use at a server for remotely programming a user apparatus, comprising the steps of:

initiating a telephone call from the server tothe user apparatus, the telephone call including calling line identity (CLI) information such that the user apparatus is operable to compare the incoming CLI with at least one predetermined CLI; and in response to the user apparatus telephone call, providing a data programming of the user apparatus.

answering the message to update 23

32. A message server, comprising:

means for initiating a telephone call from the server to the user apparatus, the telephone call including calling line identity (CLI) information such that the user apparatus is operable to compare the incoming CLI with at least one predetermined CLI; and means for receiving an outgoing call from the user apparatus, in response to the incoming call, and sending a data message to update programming of the user apparatus.

33. A message server, comprising:

is means for initiating a telephone call from the server to the user apparatus, the telephone call including calling line identity (CLI) information such that the user apparatus is operable to compare the incoming CLI with at least one predetermined CLI; and means for providing a data message to update programming of the user apparatus, in response to the user apparatus answering the telephone call.

34. A method for remotely programming a user apparatus.from a server, substantially as hereinbefore described.

35. A user apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described.

24

36. A method for use at a user apparatus for remotely programming the user apparatus from a server, substantially as hereinbefore described.

37.

A method for programming a user hereinbefore described.

use at a server for remotely apparatus, substantially as

38. A message server, substantially as hereinbefore lo described.