JP2002344621A - Telephone exchange, telephone system and interface unit - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make it easy to narrow down causes of the occurrence of a fault. SOLUTION: An external interface section 115 such as an RS-232C is connected to a CPU that receives/processes information coming from a Caller ID line 20 in an analog front end section, and an external PC 40 or the like is used to directly monitor information not processed coming from the ID line 20, then causes of the occurrence of an error can be narrowed down.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to, for example, a telephone exchange, a telephone system, and an interface unit. More particularly, the present invention relates to a telephone exchange, a telephone system such as a Caller ID system comprising a telephone exchange, a digital key telephone, and the like, and the telephone exchange. The present invention relates to an interface unit for use in a computer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when a data reception error occurs in a Caller ID system, the cause is not always attributable to a line and an analog front end unit which is an interface with the line.

[0005] Possible causes are, for example, a failure of the analog front end unit and a problem of data processing inside the business telephone system. It is further conceivable that the data of the control channel is erroneous somewhere on the control device, the interface card, the terminal or the transmission line between them. Therefore, when pursuing the cause, it is necessary for the control device to sequentially examine the place where the data error has occurred.

At this time, conventionally, an oscilloscope probe was applied to each point such as an analog front end section to check the waveform while observing the waveform. In this case, it is difficult to determine whether there is an error in the first place due to a data transmission delay or the like, and it takes more time and effort. Even less frequent errors were quite difficult to find.
Also, even if the data display was incorrect at the time of the incoming call, it was not possible to determine whether the line condition was deteriorating or a problem within the system.

[0005] Considering a specific example, when a caller makes a call to a dedicated digital key telephone, the received telephone flows the received digit into a control unit, which in turn controls the display unit of the telephone. The user is instructed to display the telephone number of the caller.

[0006] At this time, the telephone number may not be displayed normally despite the fact that a call is received. The most common cause of this trouble is in the analog front end (for example, the transformer is broken and cannot be received), but it is not limited to this.

At present, route 1 of the interface
Is bad or route 2 is bad, but there is no way to focus on any of them. For example: (a) No number is displayed at all. (B) The number is displayed, but what is displayed is an abnormal number. Such cases are also assumed. The causes for these errors vary. For example, if the analog front end unit is bad, reception cannot be performed. In general, there is something called a data highway in the system, and the control card sends and returns to each interface board etc. to perform various controls with the terminal etc. Errors may occur.

In this case, the problem such as the above-mentioned error has not substantially occurred in the analog network, so that the problem has not been solved. However, recently, especially Caller-ID
Many trouble cases have arisen in systems cross-border deployments, for example, due to the problem of protocol differences.

[0009] In other words, when a telephone or an exchange is manufactured, it may become a business practice to develop the business in each country.
For example, Asian specifications in Asia, ITC in Europe
(European protocol of the world standard), in the United States to use the Bell Standard as a protocol,
The line gain may be different. For example, when a product made in the United States is used in Asia, a gain failure may occur or a signal may not be received due to a difference in protocol.

[0010] As described above, an error which has mainly occurred only in the ISDN in the past has also occurred in the analog network. However, due to differences in protocols in each country, the method used in the ISDN may not be used simply. The fact is that we could not achieve an accurate solution. In other words, there is no way to confirm the cause of the error at this time, so there was no choice but to add a "round" from several error occurrence factors.

[0011]

As described above, the conventional
Caller did not need to be deployed in each country in the first place
-In the ID system, for example, if it was made for North American systems, problems that did not occur unless regional expansion occurred due to differences in protocols and gains, but simply bring the ISDN method to this Was virtually impossible. Therefore, when an error has occurred in the system, it has not been possible to specify or narrow down the error from several error occurrence factors.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and provides a telephone exchange, a telephone system, and an interface unit used in the telephone exchange and the system, which make it easy to narrow down the causes of failure. The purpose is to:

It is another object of the present invention to provide a telephone exchange, a telephone system, and an interface unit used in the telephone exchange and the system, which improve maintenance performance.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a telephone exchange, a telephone system, and an interface unit used in the exchange and the system, which can automate the operation and maintenance and also can automate the detection / finding of an error. .

[0015]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a telephone exchange which is connected to a line and exchanges an electric signal with an external device connected through the line. And an electric signal received through the first interface unit is transmitted to an external computer terminal via the second interface unit and to an internal control mechanism via a control line. An analog front-end unit having a processing unit, a second interface unit for transferring an electric signal transmitted from the processing unit to and from an external computer terminal, and the analog front-end unit and a control mechanism. A control line to be connected, and a communication connected to the analog front end unit or the terminal via the control line. And a control mechanism for switching connection between the end.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a telephone system connected to a line, a first interface unit for exchanging an electric signal with an external device connected through the line, and the first interface unit. A processing unit for transmitting an electric signal received through the interface unit to an external computer terminal via a second interface unit and transmitting the electric signal to an internal control mechanism via a control line; and an electric signal transmitted from the processing unit. An analog front end unit having a second interface unit for transferring the analog signal to and from an external computer terminal, a control line connecting the analog front end unit and a control mechanism, and the analog line through the control line. A control mechanism for switching connection between the front end unit and a communication terminal connected to its own terminal A telephone exchange, and a second electric signal that is connected to a second interface unit of the telephone exchange and that is a signal that receives the first electric signal transmitted from the processing unit via the second interface unit. A computer terminal having a modem for demodulation, a computer display mechanism for displaying the unprocessed communication management information included in the second electric signal, and the first terminal transmitted via a control mechanism of the telephone exchange. It has a transceiver for converting between a third electric signal, which is a received electric signal, and an acoustic signal, and a telephone display mechanism for displaying processed communication management information included in the third electric signal. A communication terminal.

The "first interface unit" is Ca
It has a function of bridging between an external line such as an llerID line and the next processing unit.

The "second interface unit" has an intermediary function for transmitting an electric signal to an external PC or the like, and is realized by, for example, RS-232C.

The "processing unit" has a function of performing appropriate processing on transmitted / received electric signals, duplicating the signals, and distributing the same to a control unit on the telephone side or an external PC or transmitting the same. Such a function is realized by, for example, a CPU (central processing unit) or the like in an exchange in which such a function is programmed in advance and mounted on a ROM.

According to the first and second aspects of the present invention, in the analog front end unit, the CPU that receives and processes information coming from the Caller ID line is provided with the RS-232C.
And the like, and it is possible to directly monitor the unprocessed information coming from the Caller ID line using an external PC or the like, so that it is possible to narrow down the cause when an error occurs. .

In other words, the call is made directly by an external PC or the like.
By collecting and analyzing information coming from the er ID line, it is possible to obtain information such as line usage status, caller number, and checksum in a time series. Therefore, Call
er If an error occurs in the data reception error in the ID system, it is possible to analyze including the context of the error and determine whether the error is in the line or in the analog front end.
Alternatively, it is easy to estimate a failure location as to whether the failure is inside the business telephone system.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an interface unit connected to a line for transmitting and receiving an electric signal to and from an external device connected through the line, and a first unit through the interface and the line. A transmitting / receiving unit that transmits / receives an electric signal to / from the external device and transmits / receives a second electric signal to / from an internal control mechanism via a control line; and a second electric signal received by the transmitting / receiving unit. A processing unit that controls the transmitting and receiving unit to selectively transmit the second electric signal to one of the control mechanism or the external device in response to the control signal when a predetermined control signal is included; Is provided.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a telephone exchange connected to a line, an interface unit for transferring an electric signal to and from an external device connected through the line, and a first unit through the interface unit and the line. A transmitting / receiving unit that transmits / receives an electric signal to / from the external device and transmits / receives a second electric signal to / from an internal control mechanism via a control line; and a second electric signal received by the transmitting / receiving unit. A processing unit that controls the transmitting and receiving unit to selectively transmit the second electric signal to one of the control mechanism or the external device in response to the control signal when a predetermined control signal is included; An interface unit having: a control line connecting the interface unit and a control mechanism; and the interface unit via the control line, or Performs connection switching between the communication terminal and connected to the terminal, and a control mechanism for performing a series of control for the error specific for exchanging test data with the interface unit or the external device.

The "processing unit" according to the present invention has a function of switching between a normal data transmission path and a return path according to a control signal (code) from a control mechanism, for example. A thing. Alternatively, it may have a function of counting the system clock and switching at a certain interval, or a function of monitoring a transmission code and switching when there is no data transmission for a certain interval or more.

According to the fourth or fifth aspect of the present invention, a means for looping back the control channel between the interface card and the terminal is provided. By transmitting
Alternatively, by putting the control mechanism into the test mode and causing the control mechanism to automatically transmit the control channel data, the data is folded back by the interface card,
The returned data can be confirmed externally or by a control device.

Therefore, if a PC or the like is used, it is possible to easily confirm the presence or absence of an error, and maintenance is facilitated.

If there is no error, the terminal loops back in the same manner. This makes it possible to confirm whether or not there is an error in the control channel up to the terminal. Therefore, it is possible to easily narrow down the place where the error has occurred by these.

The operation and maintenance can be automated by automatically and periodically performing this operation using a timer or the like.
Error detection / cause investigation can be simplified.

Further, according to the present invention as set forth in claim 4, since the above-mentioned function of the processing unit enables long-term automatic monitoring, information collection can be facilitated even for an error or the like that occurs very little. Furthermore, statistical processing / analysis is also possible.

[0030]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(1) First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a telephone system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the telephone system according to the first embodiment includes an exchange 1
0, an external Caller I to which this exchange 10 is connected
It comprises a D line 20, a communication terminal 30 that communicates through the Caller ID line 20, and an external computer (hereinafter, also referred to as “PC”) 40 directly connected from the exchange 10.

Further, the exchange 10 has a CallerID
An analog front-end unit 11 having an interface function with the line 20, control lines 12 and 13 connecting the analog front-end unit 11 and a control device,
And a control device 14 having a switching function for line connection.

Further, the analog front end unit 11
A line interface unit 111 that is an interface in a narrow sense, a central control unit 113 that transmits an electric signal received through the line interface unit 111 to the control device 14 and the external interface unit 115, and an electric signal transmitted from the central control unit 113. An external interface unit 115 which is an interface for transmitting to the external computer 40 is provided.

FIG. 2 shows the line interface unit 1 described above.
11 is a circuit block diagram showing a more detailed configuration of FIG.

As shown in the figure, a line interface unit 111 detects a Ring from an external line.
It comprises a detection unit 1111, a data detection unit 1113 for detecting data from an external line, and a Hybrid circuit unit 1115 for controlling both of these detection units as a hybrid circuit.

Next, the operation according to the present invention will be schematically described, particularly in comparison with the prior art.

Information from the Caller ID line 20 received by the line interface unit 111 of the analog front end unit 11 is transmitted from a central control unit (hereinafter, also referred to as “CPU”) 113 to an external PC 40 via an external interface unit 115. And monitor directly.

As a means of knowing what is wrong,
The digital data is once dropped by the analog front-end unit 11, but the digital data is directly pulled. Specifically, for example, an RS-232C is connected as the external interface unit 115, and the RS-23
The PC 40 is connected via 2C. On the screen of the PC 40 based on the digital data, “When and what number
Received an incoming call from △△△ ”. At this time, for example, a communication terminal (hereinafter, "telephone terminal" or "receiving terminal"
Also called. ) 30 displays "Received an incoming call from XXX- △△△" (for example, an error in the last digit), not the analog front end unit 11 but the telephone terminal 3
It can be seen that there is an error in either 0 or the control device (hereinafter, also referred to as “control section”) 14.

That is, while there has been no idea of interposing the PC 40 up to now, by directly extracting the modem data received from the analog front end unit 11, is there any error in the analog front end unit 11? It is possible to narrow down whether there is an error in the telephone terminal 30 or the control device 14.

In other words, in the prior art, as shown in FIG. 3 as a schematic diagram of the conventional data transmission, the corresponding CallerID standard is BellcoreOn.
This is a Hook method, which detects a Ring from a line before data is sent.

If Ring from the line can be detected, but data cannot be received normally, the data detector 111
It can be assumed that there is a problem with No. 3.

On the other hand, the invention according to the present invention corresponds to the data transmission scheme shown in FIG.
AS (DualTone-AlertingSigna)
l) FSK data comes after the signal and the start signal (DTM) as shown in the data transmission schematic diagram in FIG.
There are two types: DTMF data after F).

A line interface (hereinafter referred to as "I /
F ". ) Is the same as that shown in FIG. 2, but if the received information cannot specify either FSK / DTMF, it is insufficient as error information. For example, if an error occurs in the DT-AS system, the DT-AS
It is very useful for identifying a failed block to know whether or not FSK data has been properly received or FSK data has been successfully received. Therefore, they will be described separately.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation in the DT-AS system.

As shown in the figure, first, it is checked whether or not a DT-AS signal has been received (step 601). DT-A
If the ring of the line is detected without receiving S (step 610), it is possible that all of the data detectors 1113 described with reference to FIG. 2 may be damaged. Therefore, a DT-AS error display is performed (step 611), and a line blockage or the like due to abnormal processing is performed (step 612).

On the other hand, when DT-AS reception has been performed in step 601, next, preparation is made for receiving an FSK signal (step 602), and it is checked whether or not the FSK signal has been received (step 603). If FSK cannot be received (“No” in step 603), the FSK receiving unit (not shown) in the data detecting unit 1113 may be damaged.
Therefore, an FSK reception error is displayed (step 6).
21) Thereafter, processing such as line blocking is performed (step 61).
2).

If the FSK is received in step 603, the necessary number of receptions is repeated (step 604), and it is checked whether a checksum error has been detected (step 60).
5). When the checksum error is detected, the blocking is not performed in consideration of the fact that the line state has accidentally deteriorated. Thereafter, the situation is observed, and if the condition does not improve, the obstruction is performed (not shown). Therefore, in the case of a checksum error, a checksum error is displayed (step 631), and thereafter, the process jumps to step 607.

If there is no checksum error in step 605, the central control unit 113 displays normal (end) data on the external PC 40 (step 606) and transmits received data to the control device 14. (Step 607).

At this time, although the normal data has been sent to the PC 40, if the value processed by the control device 14 is different, there is a possibility that something is broken inside the system.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the operation in the DTMF system.

As shown in the figure, it is first checked whether or not a start signal has been received (step 701). If the ring of the line is detected without receiving the start signal (step 710), it is possible that all of the data detection units 1113 described with reference to FIG. 2 may be damaged. Therefore, a DTMF error display is performed (step 711), and a line blockage or the like due to abnormal processing is performed (step 712).

On the other hand, when the start signal is received in step 701, next, preparation for receiving a DTMF signal is made (step 702), and it is checked whether or not a DTMF signal has been received (step 703). If DTMF reception is not possible (“No” in step 703), it is possible that the DTMF reception unit (not shown) in the data detection unit 1113 is performing an unstable operation. Therefore, a DTMF reception error is displayed (step 711), and thereafter processing such as line blocking is performed (step 712).

When the DTMF reception is completed in step 703, the DTMF reception is repeated until the end signal is received. After the end signal is detected (step 704), the received data is treated as having no error, and the central control unit 113 causes the external PC 40 to display normal (end) data (step 705), and the control unit 14 The received data is transmitted (Step 706). At this time, if the signal processed by the control device 14 is different from the signal displayed on the PC 40, malfunction in the system and deterioration of the line state are easily expected.

As described in detail above, according to this method, unprocessed information from the Caller ID line 20 can be constantly collected, stored, and analyzed in a normal system operation state.

Here, a method of confirming the failure of the Caller ID system will be additionally described below.

1. The above-mentioned monitor is carried out on the line suspected of malfunctioning, and information such as the use status of the line, the calling party number, the checksum and the like are collected in time series. 2. When a data reception error occurs in the Caller ID system, the status of the error and the above information are compared in time series. 3. If an error occurs in the system due to the occurrence of a checksum error or an error in the caller ID, it is an error in the line or the analog front-end unit. Fault isolation is easily possible. Further, in the case of an abnormality on the line side, the collected information itself can be effectively used for line-side analysis. 4. If an error occurs in the system even though the information on the monitor is normal, the normality on the line side is confirmed, and there is an error inside the business telephone system including the analog front-end unit and control unit. It turns out that there is. Therefore, it is easily understood that only the failure inside the system needs to be confirmed. 5. In addition, since long-term automatic monitoring becomes possible, information collection becomes easy even for an error or the like having a very low frequency of occurrence, and further, statistical processing / analysis becomes possible.

As described in detail above, according to the exchange and telephone system of the present invention according to the present embodiment, in the analog front end unit, the CPU for receiving and processing the information coming from the Caller ID line is provided with the RS-232C or the like. The external interface can be connected to allow the unprocessed information coming from the CallerID line to be directly monitored using an external PC or the like.
By directly collecting and analyzing information coming from the CallerID line by using the above method, it becomes possible to obtain information such as line use status, caller number, and checksum in a time series.

Therefore, according to the present invention according to the present embodiment, when a data reception error occurs in the CallerID system, analysis including the context can be performed, and whether an error factor is in the line or not is determined by the analog front-end unit. It is easy to estimate the location of the failure, whether it is within the business telephone system.

By automating and regularizing the monitoring by the external PC, it is possible to automatically monitor for a long period of time. Therefore, it is easy to collect information on an error or the like that has a very low frequency of occurrence, and further to perform statistical processing / processing. Analysis is also possible.

As described above, since the PC is provided, for example, the digital signal is continuously detected at a certain time interval, and the detection is kept for a long time, and "the information has entered a certain time properly". Automatic monitoring is possible by providing a mechanism to check for such things as "An incoming call was received but an error was recognized at a certain time."

For example, it is assumed that there is an incoming call at 2:00 in the middle of the night. At this time, the receiving terminal side has some information pooling mechanism, so the receiving history should basically remain, but the fact that the data of "received the incoming call" is not accidentally accumulated, Anomalous (abnormal) data may be recorded.

In such a case, by finding data that is similar in time, and comparing the history of the incoming call recorded on the terminal side with the history recorded on the monitoring PC side by the control unit, for example, "At the stage of entering the PC, that is, at the stage of digital data, it was a digit of △△△△, but at the terminal side it was a digit of △△△ □"
Etc. can be grasped specifically.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention.

For example, in the above embodiment, the external PC
The case where the information displayed on the communication terminal 30 and the information displayed on the communication terminal 30 are analyzed by human monitoring has been described as an example, but the PC 40 and the communication terminal 30 may be directly connected. Then, (a) the PC receives the digital data from the Caller-ID. (B) The terminal receives data from the control unit. (C) The terminal sends incoming data to the PC. (D) The PC compares the digital data of (a) with the data of (c). If a logical structure that executes the algorithm at a certain time interval is incorporated in the control unit as software or hardware, automatic monitoring becomes possible. Such logic can be realized as software in the related art, as a medium on which the software is mounted, and further as hardware. Therefore, detailed description is omitted here.

(2) Second Embodiment In the configuration of this embodiment, the same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and the description of the same parts will be given. Is omitted. In the following, description will be made focusing on points that are different from the first embodiment and features that are characteristic of the present embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a telephone system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the telephone system of the second embodiment includes an exchange 10A, an external line 80 to which the exchange 10A is connected, and a communication terminal 82 connected via the external line 80;
And an external computer (hereinafter, also referred to as “PC”) 84 directly connected to the exchange 10A.

Further, the exchange 10A includes an interface unit 11A having an interface function with the external line 80, and the interface unit 11A.
Control lines 12 and 13 connecting A to control device 14A, and control device 14A having an exchange function related to line connection.

Although not shown here, the interface unit 11A and the communication terminal 82 include the control device 14A.
Has a function of returning test data included in the control signal in accordance with the control signal transmitted from the control signal. Here, "return" means that, for example, when a "return" instruction is included in the control signal, the received test data is transmitted to the destination where the control signal was received instead of transmitting data as usual. Say.

Next, a detailed configuration of the control device 14A will be described.

FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram for explaining a detailed configuration of control device 14A. As shown in the figure, the control device 14A includes a switching detection unit 141, a check data transmission unit 143, a data comparison unit 145, an error location identification unit 147, and a data return unit 149.

The switching detecting section 141 has a function of switching between the normal operation mode and the maintenance mode. This may be switched at a fixed interval by a clock or the like, or may be switched by an external signal. In addition, the switching detection unit 141 controls circuit switching and performs a data comparison unit 1 described later.
45 and the result from the error location specifying unit 147 to an external PC
84 is provided.

The check data transmitting section 143 is a section for creating data to be used for checking the transmission path, and may transmit random data, transmit stored sequential data, or the like. You may take in data from outside and send it.

The data compare section 145 compares the data sent to the interface unit 11A and the communication terminal 82 with the returned data and makes an error determination. A method of comparing the transmitted data again with reference to the transmitted data, storing the transmitted data, reading the data, and comparing the data may be considered.

The error location specifying section 147 has a function of changing a data wrapping portion. An error location is identified from the result of the comparison between the return location and the data compare unit 145.

The data return section 149 is provided with the control device 14A.
It has a function to wrap data from the data exit to the entrance. Switch detection unit 141, check data transmission unit 14
3. Data compare unit 145 and error location specifying unit 14
The data is turned back at the entrance and exit of the control device 14A to confirm that the device 7 is functioning normally.

Next, the operation of the present invention according to this embodiment will be described in detail.

Generally, when there is an error, the control unit 14A sends test data to the interface unit 11A. This is performed by causing the control device 14A to enter the test mode or issuing a command from the external PC 84 or the like.

The data is turned back in the control device 14A. If there is an error, a line connecting the control device 14A and the external PC 84 is checked. If there is no error, the data is looped back on the interface unit 11A. If there is an error, the control lines 12 and 13 are checked. If there is no error, the data is further looped back on the communication terminal 82. If there is an error, the interface unit 11A and the external line 80 are checked. If there is no error, it is determined that an error has occurred on the communication terminal 82.

In this respect, the following concept can be used as a place where a control channel error can occur.

(A) There is an error in the data output by the controller 14A. Alternatively, an error has occurred since the control device 14A received the message. (B) An error has occurred on the downlink on the control channel, that is, on the control line 13. Or it is going up, that is, on the control line 12. (C) The interface unit 11A is the control device 1
An error has occurred between the reception of data from 4A and the transmission to communication terminal 82. Or, conversely, an error has occurred between receiving from the communication terminal 82 and outputting to the control device 14A. (D) Interface unit 11A-communication terminal 82
An error has occurred at the time of downstream (80) transmission. Or, an error has occurred during the upstream (80) transmission. (E) An error has occurred since the communication terminal 82 received it.

If this operation is performed automatically and periodically, automatic maintenance can be performed. Automatically check at regular intervals during system operation or at midnight when the number of users is small. Then, the failure of the system can be detected early. Also, the error can be corrected before the system user notices the error. Further, the error factor and error frequency can be totaled.

Next, the operation of the invention according to this embodiment will be described in more detail.

FIGS. 10 and 11 are flowcharts for explaining the operation of the telephone system according to the present embodiment.

As shown in the figures, first, the telephone system is normally operated (step 1001). At this time, when the switching detection unit 141 detects the switching request (Step 1002), the error location specifying unit 147 switches to the return at the exit and the entrance of the control device 14A, and the data return unit 149 enables the data return mode. (Step 1003). The switching request detected by the switching detecting unit 141 may be performed at a fixed interval or a specific time by an internal clock (not shown), or may be issued by a person who performs maintenance through the external PC 84.

Next, the check data transmitting section 143 sends the test data for check to the control device 14 (not shown).
A call is transmitted to the entrance of A (step 1004). Then, the data is returned at the exit and the entrance of the control device 14A as previously set, so the data compare unit 145 compares the returned data with the original test data (step 1005).

As a result of the data compare, if there is a difference between the two, that is, if there is a data compare error (“yes” in step 1006), the error location specifying unit 147 determines that an error has occurred in the control device 14A. (Step 1007). If there is no data compare error (“no” in step 1006), the error location specifying unit 147 switches to the interface unit 11A return (step 1008).

Similarly, the check data transmitting section 143 transmits test data for check to the interface unit 11A via the control line 12 (step 1).
009). Then, the data is turned back at the interface unit 11A as set before, so that
The data compare unit 145 compares the folded data with the original test data (step 1010).

As a result of the data comparison, if there is a difference between the two, that is, if there is a data compare error (“yes” in step 1011), the error location specifying unit 147 causes the error location specifying unit 147 to transmit the data to the interface unit 11A, Alternatively, it is determined that an error has occurred on 13 (step 1012).

When there is no data compare error (“no” in step 1011), the error location specifying unit 147
Switches to loopback at communication terminal 82 (step 10
13).

Next, in the same manner as described above, the check data transmitting section 143 transmits test data for check to the communication terminal 82 via the control line 12, the interface unit 11A, and the external line 80 (step 1014). Then, since the data is looped back by the communication terminal 82 as previously set, the data compare unit 145 compares the looped data with the original test data (step 1015).

As a result of the data comparison, if there is a difference between the two, that is, if there is a data compare error (“yes” in step 1016), the error location specifying unit 147 causes the error location specifying unit 147 to execute the process in the interface unit 11A or the interface unit 11A- It is determined that an error has occurred in any of the steps (step 101).
7).

If there is no data compare error (“no” in step 1016), the error location specifying unit 147
Determines that there is no error on the control code transmission path (step 1018).

As described in detail above, according to the telephone system of the present embodiment, automatic maintenance of data lines can be realized.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention.

For example, a PC is connected to the control unit. Then, it transmits certain data, that is, random data. Basically, a check is made to see if there is any data that has been returned and returned somewhere, and verification is applied. As the route, go to the data highway → interface card → modular line → terminal, and in order to operate variously, divide in order and narrow down the range where the error occurs.

First, an interface (I / F)
Add the function to wrap with. At this time, no signal is allowed to pass from there. This is because we want to check the passability of the path here. Specifically, the random data is sent from the PC and passed. → Return by I / F and apply Verify. If no error has occurred at this time, it can be determined that “the path is passing”. I /
If F is OK, proceed to the next step.

Next, a function of turning back between terminals is provided. → Confirm whether an error has occurred in the same way as the one returned after returning. Since no error has occurred in the I / F, it is possible to narrow down the range of the error source, if any, if any.

Next, a description will be given of what technical means realizes the folding. Conventionally, for example, JP-A-2000-156681 and JP-A-2000-23
As seen in No. 2518, this was done only in analog, not digitally.

In terms of time, for example, automatic maintenance can be performed by automatically switching between “return / return” during a time when the frequency of use is low. Returning is performed only immediately before verifying, or by incorporating a code of “return / no return”. In other words, a return instruction is given by incorporating a return operation at a certain time interval, or by sending a specific code (at an arbitrary time) when a return is desired.

The comparison between the data received by the user and the transmitted data, that is, Verify is performed by the PC. For this purpose, a comparison means is provided in the PC.

More specifically, a description will be given of how to implement the return by the I / F card and the terminal in terms of hardware. To do this: • Incorporate in advance and separate by code. Switching is performed by having two paths and the CPU controlling the changeover switch. There is a method.

Until now, for example, if data has been loaded in the buffer "A" and the data has been sent to the terminal, the data is changed to be loaded in the buffer "B" (only when it is desired to wrap the data), thereby changing the data. It can be solved in the prior art, such as going out to the control device.

[0103]

As described in detail above, according to the present invention,
In the analog front end, Caller I
The CPU that receives and processes the information from the D line is RS-2
Connect an external interface such as 32C to an external PC
And the like, it is possible to directly monitor the unprocessed information coming from the Caller ID line, so that it is possible to narrow down the cause when an error occurs.

Further, according to the present invention, since a means for returning a control channel between the interface card and the terminal is provided, when an error is confirmed, first, an external PC or the like transmits control channel data to the interface card through a control mechanism to the interface card. Or by putting the control mechanism into a test mode and causing the control mechanism to automatically transmit control channel data, causing the interface card to wrap the data and return the returned data to an external or control device. You can check with.

Therefore, if a PC or the like is used, it is possible to easily confirm the presence or absence of an error, thereby facilitating maintenance.

If there is no error, the terminal loops back in the same manner. This makes it possible to confirm whether or not there is an error in the control channel up to the terminal. Therefore, it is possible to easily narrow down the place where the error has occurred by these.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a telephone system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a circuit block diagram showing a more detailed configuration of a line interface unit 111 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a protocol diagram showing an outline of conventional data transmission.

FIG. 4 is a protocol diagram showing an outline of data transmission according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a protocol diagram showing an outline of data transmission according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an operation in the DT-AS system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation in the DTMF system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a telephone system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 shows a control device 14A according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram for explaining a detailed configuration of the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining an operation of the telephone system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the telephone system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10, 10A: Switch 11: Analog front end unit 12: Control line 13: Control line 14: Control device (control unit) 14A: Control device 20: Caller ID line 30, 82: Communication terminal 40, 84: External computer (PC) 111: Line interface unit 113: Central control unit (CPU) 115: External interface unit

Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Takeshi Yamashita 3-1-1 Asahigaoka, Hino-shi, Tokyo F-term in the Toshiba Hino Plant (reference) 5K019 AA02 AC09 BA05 BA13 BB41 CC09 CD08 CD12 DB05 5K051 AA09 CC01 LL01

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A first interface unit connected to a line for transferring an electric signal to and from an external device connected through the line, and an electric signal received through the first interface unit is transmitted to a second interface unit. A processing unit for transmitting to an external computer terminal via an interface unit and transmitting to an internal control mechanism via a control line, and passing an electric signal transmitted from the processing unit to and from an external computer terminal An analog front end unit having a second interface unit, a control line connecting the analog front end unit and a control mechanism, and the analog front end unit via the control line.
Or a control mechanism for switching connection with a communication terminal connected to its own terminal. 2. A first interface unit connected to a line for passing an electric signal to and from an external device connected through the line, and a second interface unit receiving the electric signal received through the first interface unit. A processing unit for transmitting to an external computer terminal via an interface unit and transmitting to an internal control mechanism via a control line, and passing an electric signal transmitted from the processing unit to and from an external computer terminal Front end unit having a second interface unit, a control line connecting the analog front end unit and a control mechanism, and connecting to the analog front end unit or its own terminal via the control line. A telephone exchange having a control mechanism for switching connection with a communication terminal to be connected, and a second switch of the telephone exchange. Is connected to the interface unit, the second a first electrical signal transmitted from the processing unit
Of the signal received through the interface unit of the second
A computer terminal having a modem for demodulating the electric signal of the first embodiment, and a computer display mechanism for displaying the unprocessed communication management information included in the second electric signal; and The first
And a telephone display mechanism for displaying the processed communication management information included in the third electric signal, the transceiver for converting between a third electric signal, which is a signal received from the third electric signal, and the acoustic signal. And a communication terminal having the communication system. 3. The communication terminal further includes a transmission unit connected to the computer terminal and transmitting the processed communication management information displayed on the telephone display mechanism to the computer terminal. 3. The communication device according to claim 2, further comprising a comparing mechanism for comparing the post-processing communication management information transmitted from the transmitting unit of the communication terminal with the pre-processing communication management information displayed on the computer display mechanism. Phone system. 4. An interface unit connected to a line for transferring an electric signal to and from an external device connected through the line, and a first electric signal to the external device through the interface unit and the line. A transmitting and receiving unit that transmits and receives a second electrical signal to and from an internal control mechanism via a control line; and the second electrical signal received by the transmitting and receiving unit includes a predetermined control signal. Sometimes, in response to such a control signal, the second
An interface unit comprising: a processing unit that controls the transmission / reception unit so as to selectively transmit the electric signal to either the control mechanism or the external device. 5. An interface unit connected to a line for transferring an electric signal to and from an external device connected through the line, and a first electric signal transmitted to and from the external device through the interface unit and the line. A transmission / reception unit that transmits and receives a second electric signal to / from an internal control mechanism via a control line, and the second electric signal received by the transmission / reception unit includes a predetermined control signal An interface unit having a processing unit that controls the transmitting and receiving unit so as to selectively transmit the second electric signal to one of the control mechanism or the external device in response to the control signal; A control line connecting the interface unit and a control mechanism; and the interface unit via the control line;
Or a control mechanism for switching connection with a communication terminal connected to its own terminal, and performing a series of control for error identification for exchanging test data with the interface unit or the external device. A telephone exchange characterized by the following. 6. The switching mechanism for switching between a normal operation mode and a maintenance mode, and generates test data for checking in the maintenance mode and transmits the test data to the interface unit or an external device. A data comparison unit for comparing data returned from the interface unit or an external device with test data transmitted by the check data transmission unit, based on a comparison result by the data comparison unit. 6. The telephone exchange according to claim 5, further comprising an error cause identification unit that identifies an error cause. 7. The telephone exchange according to claim 5, wherein the switching detection unit switches at a constant interval by an internal clock. 8. The telephone exchange according to claim 5, wherein the switching detection unit switches in response to a signal from a computer connected to the control mechanism. 9. A signal which is connected to the telephone exchange according to claim 5 and which is connected to a terminal of a control mechanism of the telephone exchange, and which includes a control signal for issuing a check mode to the control mechanism. And a computer having a PC transmission / reception unit for transmitting / receiving data. 10. The telephone system according to claim 9, wherein the PC transmission / reception unit of the computer automatically operates at predetermined time intervals. 11. The telephone system according to claim 9, wherein said computer further comprises a display mechanism for displaying a comparison result by a data compare unit of said control mechanism.