GB2389737A

GB2389737A - Programmable call blocking apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2389737A
Application number: GB0300289A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Rory Joseph Donnelly
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-06-01
Filing date: 2003-01-07
Publication date: 2003-12-17
Anticipated expiration: 2023-01-07
Also published as: GB2389737B; GB0300289D0; GB2389737A8

Abstract

A call blocking apparatus comprises connectors 12,16 for connection to a telecommunications device 14 and telecommunications line 18 respectively and a switch 20 having a closed position in which a signal pathway 22 within the unit, between the connectors 12 and 16, is enabled and an open position in which the signal pathway 22 is interrupted. A control device 24 controls the position of the switch 20. A programmable memory 26 stores allowed signal sequences and at least one authorised pass number. A comparator 30 compares signals on the pathway 22 with the allowed stored signal sequences. The control device 24 opens the switch 20 when a signal on the pathway 22 does not match one of the stored signal sequences. A programmer 32 receives pass numbers and programming signals. The programmer 32 includes an authorised pass number recognition device 34 for comparing a received pass number with the authorised pass numbers stored in the memory 26. The memory 26 can be reprogrammed only when an authorised pass number is received. May be used to block outgoing telephone calls or to monitor signal sequences on the pathway when a computer is connected to the Internet via a dial up connection (fig.3), in which case the apparatus comprises a third connector (49, fig.3) so that it may be programmed via a telephone handset. The device may be included within the telecommunications device and may also be used to as parental control to restrict call duration and number access on a mobile phone.

Description

i GB 17 7 3 C PHONEBLOCK - 1 - TEL6COITIONS SECURITY DEW

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a telecommunications S security device, in particular to such a security device which enables an authorised person to control the use of telecommunication equipment by others, such as to barr the use of a telephone from making outgoing calls to unauthorized numbers and as an Internet connection limiting 10 device. Background of the invention

Systems are known for controlling the use of telephone equipment by barring outgoing calls to certain prescribed it numbers, such as international numbers, premium rate numbers or numbers outside the local area. While such systems have their uses, it is necessary for the person programming such a system to anticipate all the numbers which he considers to be unauthorized. For an employer who does not have minute So by minute sight of his staff, there may be a need to prevent employees from making personal calls without authority.

We are aware of United States patent US 5802157 (Clarke et al.) which describes a service for screening outgoing ( f25 telephone calls. The service allows a subscriber to determine the times of day and/or days of the week when she wants her outgoing calls on her telephone line to be restricted to numbers which have been approved by her.

Calls to numbers other than those on the authorized list 30 will not be completed.

We are also aware of International patent application WO87/00376 (Newell) which describes a telephone line access control for preventing unauthorized outgoing calls on a 35 telephone line. Dialling signals on the line are monitored, the monitored signals are encoded, and the encoded signals

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- 2 are compared with a memorized authorization code. Control circuitry temporarily interrupts the line connection when the encoded signals do not match the authorization code.

5 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention there is provided a telecommunications security device comprising: (i) a first connector for connection to a telecommunications device, 10 (ii) a second connector for connection to a telecommunications line, (iii) a switch having a closed position in which a signal pathway within the security device between the first . À connector and the second connector is enabled and an open 15 position in which the signal pathway is interrupted, (iv) a control device for controlling the position of the switch, (v) a programmable memory for storing allowed signal sequences and at least one authorized pass number, 20 (vi) a comparator in operative connection with the control device for comparing signals on the pathway with the allowed stored signal sequences, the control device being adapted to open the switch when a signal on the pathway does not match one of the stored signal sequences, and -325 (vii) a programmer adapted to receive pass numbers and programming signals, the programmer including an authorized pass number recognition device for comparing a received pass number with the authorized pass numbers stored in the memory, and being adapted to program the memory only when an 30 authorized pass number is received.

The telecommunications device which is connected to the security device may be a telephone apparatus, or the modem of a computer.

The security device may further comprise indicator lights

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- 3 (e.g. green and red respectively) adapted to operate when a telecommunications device connected to the first connector is operative and when the switch is opened. The security device may also include an audible warning device adapted to 5 operate when the switch is opened.

The security device may include a battery for powering the security device. The control device may be adapted to open the switch when no operative telecommunications device is 10 connected to the first connector, thereby to save battery power. Alternatively or additionally, the control device hi may be so programmed to open the switch upon the receipt of an appropriate authorized signal received by the security .. device, e.g. on the telecommunications line from a remote . 15 location.

The security device may further include a clock, in operative connection with the control device, for determining the date, the time of day and elapsed time. The 20 memory may be arranged to store allowed time data and the control device may then be adapted to open the switch in response thereto, e.g. at certain times of day or after certain cumulative time periods.

M>25 In a first embodiment of the invention the memory is adapted to store dialling codes, and the control device is adapted to open the switch when a dialling code applied to the pathway does not match one of the stored dialling codes.

30 In a second embodiment of the invention the control device may be adapted to open the switch when the modem of a computer to which it is connected is connected to an Internet service provider and signal sequences on the pathway do not match one of the stored signal sequences.

The security device may therefore be used for limiting

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- 4 connection to the Internet to preset times of day, and to preset cumulative time limits. Both preset limits can be configured by an authorized end user. To this end, the security device determines active connection to an Internet 5 service, by comparing signals on the pathway when a connection to an Internet service provider is established, with signal sequences stored in the memory of the security device. The security device provides a protected method for setting time limits and a method for disconnection of 10 service during restricted times.

( In an embodiment of the invention, the security device according to the invention is a separate unit stored in a ... lockable housing. The lock of the housing is preferably key 15 operated, and the control device is preferably adapted to open the switch when the lockable housing is unlocked.

The second connector of the unit is ideally in the form of a plug, adapted to co-operate with a wall socket connected to 2.0 the telecommunications line.

The unit may further comprise a third connector for connecting the unit to a telephone handset, the third -- connector being connected within the unit to the programmer, -5 whereby the memory can be programmed by use of the handset, e.g. by the use of dtmf tones. Alternatively or additionally, the programmer is connected within the unit to the signal pathway, whereby the memory can be programmed by programming signals applied to the signal pathway.

The security device according to the invention may be modified as necessary to meet local telecommunications apparatus regulations.

35 In alternative embodiments, the security device according to the invention is incorporated in the same unit as the

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telecommunications device itself, for example in a land-line telephone apparatus, in a mobile telephone apparatus or in a computer. The incorporation of the security device according to the invention in a mobile telephone provides a 5 useful benefit for parents who purchase mobile telephones for their children but who wish to maintain some control over the extent of their use, and the costs of the calls being made. The security device according to the invention can be programmed by the parent to allow only certain 10 numbers to be dialled, and/or to place time limits on the duration of the calls.

if,' The invention will now be further described, purely by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in iS which: Figure l is a diagrammatic illustration of a first embodiment of the invention for barring calls to preselected numbers; no Figure 2 is a circuit diagram of the call barring unit shown in Figure 1; and _ Figure 3 is a diagrammatic illustration of a first (4s embodiment of the invention for limiting access to the Internet. Figure 1 shows a unit 10 having a first connector 12 connected to a telephone apparatus 14. A second connector 30 16, in the form of a plug, co-operate with a wall socket 44 to connect the unit to a telecommunications line IR A switch 20 within the unit lo has closed and open positions. In the closed position a signal pathway 22 35 within the unit 10 between the first connector 12 and the second connector 16 is completed. In the open position the

( GB1773C PHONEBLOCK

- 6 signal pathway 22 is interrupted. The switch 20 is controlled by a control device 24, which is adapted to open the switch 20 when a dialling code applied to the pathway 22 does not match one of the dialling codes stored in a 5 programmable memory 26. The memory 26 may store, for example, ten or twenty authorized dialling codes. The memory 26 also stores at least one authorized pass number.

A comparator 30 is in operative connection with the control 10 device 24 and compares dialling codes applied to pathway 22 from the apparatus 14 with the allowed stored dialling codes i in the memory 26. The control device 24 opens the switch 20 when a dialling code on the pathway 22 does not match one of the stored dialling codes.

. S' A programmer 32, adapted to receive pass numbers and programming signals, is connected within the unit 10 to the signal pathway 22. The programmer 32 includes an authorised pass number recognition device 34 for comparing a received 20 pass number with the authorized pass numbers stored in the memory 26, and allows programming of the memory 26 only when an authorised pass number is received. In this manner, the memory 26 can be programmed by programming signals applied -of to the signal pathway 22.

t-;25 A green indicator light 36 operates when the apparatus 14 connected to the first connector 12 is taken off-hook.

A red indicator light 38 is lit when the switch 20 is 30 opened, to indicate that the connection has been broken.

An audible warning device 40 also operates when the switch 20 is opened.

35 A battery 42 is provided for powering the unit 10 and the control device 24 is adapted to open the switch 20 when the

GB1773C PHONEBLocK - 7 apparatus 14 is on-hook, thereby to save battery power.

The unit 10 is stored in a lockable housing 46, the lock 48 of the housing 46 being key operated. The control device 24 5 opens the switch 20 when the lockable housing 46 is unlocked. The unit operates as follows, When the receiver of the apparatus 14 is lifted, the green light 36 is illuminated 10 showing an off-hook condition. The user then dials the desired number in the usual way. If the number which is (a-' dialled does not match a number stored in the memory 26, the unit opens the switch 20 to disconnect the line.

Disconnection is also signalled by a tone from the audible 75 warning device 40 and by illumination of the red light 38 on the unit. The unit is automatically switched off when phone is on-hook, to save battery power.

The unit can be reprogrammed as follows. Firstly, a non 20 number code such as **** is dialled on the apparatus 14 to trigger the programming mode. To indicate this to the user, the control device 24 applies 2 beeps to the pathway 22 which will be heard by the user on the apparatus 14. The user now enters a pass number e.g. 1234. The recognition -5 device 34 compares this applied pass number with the one or more pass numbers stored in the memory 26. If the pass number matches' programming may continue. To indicate this to the user, the control device 24 again applies 2 beeps to the pathway 22 which will be heard by the user on the 30 apparatus 14. If the pass number is not recognized the unit is shut down. The user may now enter a new authorized number into the memory 26, indicating its position in that memory, and thereby overriding any number previously stored in that position. For example the user may enter 01322 35 664601#3 and the unit will store the number 01322 664601 in location 3. The unit then shuts down. This programming

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process can be repeated until all locations of the memory 26 are used.

In addition to the programmable locations of the memory 26, S one or more memory locations may be reserved for emergency numbers according to local practice, such as 999 and 911 and these numbers cannot be over-ridden.

The unit may be adapted in such a manner as to allow the 10 user to change the pass number. Also, the unit may be adapted to over-ride the need for a pass number, if for (-/ example, the pass number should be forgotten. Thus, for example, if pass number forgotten the user presses an internal reset button, lifts the receiver on the apparatus 15 and keeps holding button for 1 second. When the user next goes into programming mode, any pass number may be entered and this will become a new stored pass number.

The unit 10 can also be programmed remotely by ringing the 2Q phone it is connected to, having someone answer and then keying in from your remote phone as you would for the local phone. The components used in the circuit shown in Figure 2 are as 5 detailed in the following table.

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_ 9 _ TABLE 1

Type Qty. Referencefs) Value Specification

_ Resistors 5 2 R1,R2 330R 1206

5 R3,R7,R14,R18,R19 10K 1206

5 R4,R6,R10,Rll,R13 1M 1206 2 R5,R12 100K 1206

4 R8,R16,R17,R20 1K 1206

10 1 R15 390K 1206

Capacitors - 1 C1 10y TANT-A 6v 1 C2 22pf 1206 2 C3,C8 33pf 1206 15 1 C4 1p TANT-A 6v 3 C6,C9,C10 0.1p 1206 1 C7 0.68p 160vac Integrated Circuits 1 ICI AT89C2051 SOIC20

20 1 IC2 MT8870DS SOIC18

1 IC3 AT24C04

1 IC4 4N25S

1 IC5 MAX1615

1 IC6 zm33064 :-75 Transistors 4 Q1,Q2,Q3,Q BC850BSOT23

Diodes 1 D1 TRILED COMMON ANODE

4 D2,D3,D4,D6 BZX85C5V1

30 1 D5 Gfl SIGNAL DIODE 2 D7, D8 lN4148

( GB 17 7 3 C PHONEBLOCK

- 10 TABLE 1 (continued) Type Qty. Referenco(a) Value Specification

Miscellaneous 5 1 9V CONN-H2.1*2 HEADER

1 BR1 MB6S

2 CD1,CD2 0.1p 1206 l LINE BT631A 1 PHONE BT 6 0 5A

10 1 PZ1 piezo 1 RL1 RELAY 4.5V HIGH SENS

1 RST SW-SPST

1 S 1 SW ITCH MI CROSWITCl1 1 Tl P3191 P2781 SMD 15 1 X1 CRYSTAL 3. 579545MHZ

- In Figure 2, the switch 20 of Figure 1 is embodied as the relay RL1, the first connector 12 of Figure 1 is embodied 0 as the PHONE connector, the memory 26 of Figure l is embodied as the integrated circuit IC3, the second connector 16 of Figure 1 is embodied as the LINE connector, the control device 24, the comparator 30 and the programmer 32 of Figure 1 are together embodied as integrated circuit ICI, 25 the recognition device 34 of Figure 1 is embodied as integrated circuit IC2, the green indicator light 36 and the red indicator light 38 of Figure 1 are embodied as diode D1, and the audible warning device 40 of Figure 1 is embodied as piezo device Pal.

Clearly the security device of the unit described in connection with Figures 1 and 2 can be modified to be included in a land-line or mobile telephone apparatus.

35 The embodiment of Figure 3 is an in-line, securely fixed, line connection unit having a construction similar to the unit shown in Figure 1 except as follows.

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The telecommunications device is the modem IS of a computer.

The control device 25 is adapted to open the switch 21 when the modem is connected to an Internet service provider and 5 signal sequences on the pathway 23 do not match one of the stored signal sequences. Thus the unit acts as a signal detector for valid modem signals.

In this embodiment a clock 28 is provided in operative 10 connection with the control device 25, for determining the date, the time of day and elapsed time.

lo_ The memory 27 stores allowed time data and the control device 25 opens the switch 21 in response thereto at certain 15 times of day or after certain cumulative time periods.

In this embodiment a third connector 49 is provided for connecting the unit 10 to a telephone apparatus 50, the third connector 49 being connected within the unit 10 to the 2p programmer 32, so that the memory 27 can be programmed by dtmf tones generated from the apparatus 50. The telephone apparatus 50 thus acts as a configuration input device for the unit. All configuration data is entered as dtmf tones from the telephone apparatus 50. Access to the (.5 configurations will be via a pass number, as described in connection with Figure 1. In this way, the internal clock, the elapsed time, the allowable time-of-day, and the time per week may be set / reset.

30 As with the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the unit will plug into the telephone wall socket, and be locked in place.

When the key switch 48 on the unit is opened, this defeats all the unit's features, allowing only the clock 28 to continue running.

Claims

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- 12 CLAIMS

1. A telecommunications security device comprising: 5 (i) a first connector (12) for connection to a telecommunications device (14, 15), (ii) a second connector (16) connected to a telecommunications line (18), (iii) a switch (20, 21) having a closed position in which a (> signal pathway (22, 23) within the security device between the first connector (12) and the second connector (16) is enabled and an open position in which the signal pathway 15 (22, 23) is interrupted, (iv) 'a control device (24, 25) for controlling the position of the switch (20, 21), 20 (v) a programmable memory (26, 27) for storing allowed signal sequences and at least one authorized pass number, (vi) a comparator (30) in operative connection with the control device (24, 25) for comparing signals on the pathway in' t,25 (22, 23) with the allowed stored signal sequences, the control device (24, 25) being adapted to open the switch (20, 21) when a signal on the pathway (22, 23) does not match one of the stored signal sequences, and 30 (vii) a programmer (32) adapted to receive pass numbers and programming signals, the programmer (32) including an authorized pass number recognition device (34) for comparing a received pass number with the authorized pass numbers stored in the memory (26, 27), and being adapted to program 35 the memory (26, 27) only when an authorized pass number is received.

GB1773C PHONEBLOcK 2. A telecommunications security device according to claim 1, further comprising an indicator light (36) adapted to operate when a telecommunications device (14, 15) connected to the first connector (12) is operative.

3. A telecommunications security device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an indicator light t38J adapted to operate when the switch (20, 21) is opened.

lo 4. telecommunications security device according to any preceding claim, further comprising an audible warning (A device (40) adapted to operate when the switch (20, 21) is opened. 15 5. A telecommunications security device according to any preceding claim, further comprising a battery (42) for powering the security device.

6. A telecommunications security device according to 2q claim 5, wherein the control device (24, 25) is adapted to open the switch (20, 21) when no operative telecommunications device (14, 15) is connected to the first connector (12), thereby to save battery power.

\5 7. A telecommunications security device according to any preceding claim, in the form of a separate unit stored in a lockable housing (46).

8. A telecommunications security device according to 30 claim 7, wherein the lock (48) of the housing (46) is key operated. 9. A telecommunications security device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the control device (24, 25) is adapted! 35 to open the switch (20, 21) when the lockable housing (46) is unlocked.

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- 14 10. A telecommunications security device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 incorporated in the same unit as the telecommunications device.

5 11. A telecommunications security device according to any preceding claim, wherein the second connector (16) is in the form of a plug, adapted to co operate with a wall socket (44) connected to the telecommunications line (18).

10 12. A telecommunications security device according to any preceding claim, in which the memory (26) is adapted to (j store dialling codes, and the control device (24) is adapted to open the switch (20) when a dialling code applied to the pathway (22) does not match one of the stored dialling codes. 13. A telecommunications security device according to any preceding claim, wherein the telecommunications device (14, IS) is selected from a land-line telephone apparatus, a 20 mobile telephone apparatus or the modem of a computer.

14. A telecommunications security device according to claim 13, wherein the control device (25) is adapted to open the switch (21) when the modem is connected to an Internet 25 service provider and signal sequences on the pathway (23) do not match one of the stored signal sequences.

15. A telecommunications security device according to any preceding claim, further comprising a clock (28), in 30 operative connection with the control device (25), for determining the date, the time of day and elapsed time.

16. A telecommunications security device according to claim 15, wherein the memory (27) further stores allowed 35 time data and the control device (25) is adapted to open the switch (21) in response thereto.

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- 15 17. A telecommunications security device according to any preceding claim, further comprising a third connector (49) for connecting the security device to a telephone handset (50), the third connector (49) being connected within the 5 security device to the programmer (32), whereby the memory (26) can be programmed by use of the handset (50).

18. A telecommunications security device according to any preceding claim, wherein the programmer (32) is connected 10 within the security device to the signal pathway (22), whereby the memory (26) can be programmed by programming t' signals applied to the signal pathway (22).

19. A telecommunications security device, substantially 15 as hereinbefore described, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

c,

( Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows A telecommunications security device comprising: 5 (i) a first connector (12) for connection to a telecommunications device (14, 15), (ii) a second connector (16) connected to a telecommunications line (18), (iii) a switch (20, 21) having a closed position in which a t' signal pathway (22, 23) within the security device between the first connector (12) and the second connector (16) is enabled and an open position in which the signal pathway 15 (22, 23) is interrupted, (iv) a control device (24, 25) for controlling the position of the switch (20, 21), 2p (v) a programmable memory (26, 27) for storing allowed signal sequences and at least one authorized pass number, (vi) a comparator (30) in operative connection with the control device (24, 25) for comparing signals on the pathway 5 (22, 23) with the allowed stored signal sequences, the control device (24, 25) being adapted to open the switch (20, 21) when a signal on the pathway (22, 23) does not match one of the stored signal sequences, and 30 (vii) a programmer (32) adapted to receive pass numbers and programming signals, the programmer (32) including an authorized pass number recognition device (34) for comparing a received pass number with the authorized pass numbers stored in the memory 126, 27), and being adapted to program 35 the memory (26, 27) only when an authorized pass number is received.

( 1-1 2. A telecommunications security device according to claim 1, further comprising an indicator light (36) adapted to operate when a telecommunications device (14, 15) connected to the first connector (12) is operative.

3. A telecommunications security device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an indicator light (38) adapted to operate when the switch (20, 21) is opened.

10 4. A telecommunications security device according to any preceding claim, further comprising an audible warning ('r device (40) adapted to operate when the switch (20, 21) is opened. 15 5. A telecommunications security device according to any preceding claim, further comprising a battery (42) for powering the security device.

6. A telecommunications security device according to 20 claim 5, wherein the control device (24, 25) is adapted to open the switch (20, 21) when no operative telecommunications device (14, 15) is connected to the first connector (12), thereby to save battery power.

(_.25 7. A telecommunications security device according to any preceding claim, in the form of a separate unit stored in a lockable housing (46).

8. A telecommunications security den He according to 30 claim 7, wherein the lock (48) of the housing (46) is key operated. 9. A telecommunications security device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the control device (24, 25) is adapted 35 to open the switch (20, 21) when the lockable housing (46) is unlocked.

- l0 10. A telecommunications security device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 incorporated in the same unit as the telecommunications device.

5 11. A telecommunications security device according to any preceding claim, wherein the second connector (16) is in the form of a plug, adapted to co-operate with a wall socket (44) connected to the telecommunications line (18.

10 12. A telecommunications security device according to any preceding claim, in which the memory (26) Is adapted to 4_ store dialling codes, and the control device (24) is adapted to open the switch (20) when a dialling code applied to the pathway (22) does not match one of the stored dialling 15 codes. 13. A telecommunications security device according to any preceding claim, wherein the telecommunications device (14, 15) is selected from a land-line telephone apparatus 20 -lo b_ll, L 3Or the modem of a computer.

14. A telecommunications security device according to t^ bab_;-s hocus the "ode- of cop owed claim 13, whereinlthe control device (25) is adapted to open the switch (21) when the modem is connected to an Internet 25 service provider and signal sequences on the pathway (23) do not match one of the stored signal sequences.

15. A telecommunications security device according to any preceding claim, further comprising a clock (28), in 30 operative connection with the control device (25), for determining the date, the time of day and elapsed time.

16. A telecommunications security device according to claim 15, wherein the memory (27) further stores allowed 35 time data and the control device (25) is adapted to open the switch (21) in response thereto.

i 17. A telecommunications security device according to any preceding claim, further comprising a third connector (49) for connecting the security device to a telephone handset (50), the third connector (49) being connected within the 5 security device to the programmer (32), whereby the memory (26) can be programmed by use of the handset (50).

18. A telecommunications security device according to any preceding claim, wherein the programmer (32) is connected 10 within the security device to the signal pathway (22), whereby the memory (26) can be programmed by programming signals applied to the signal pathway (22).

l9. A telecommunications security device according to any 15 preceding claim wherein said a switch (20, 21) is a normally closed switch.

20. A telecommunications security device according to any preceding claim wherein the programmer (32) is adapted to 20 receive pass numbers and programming signals from a remote telecommunications device via a telecommunications line connected to the second connector (16).

21. A telecommunications security device, substantially 25 as hereinbefore described, with reference to the accompanying drawings.