JPH0410738A - Cordless home telephone system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To attain multiservice enabled only by one master set and having no restriction to the number of slave sets by executing monitoring operation in accordance with a request from a slave set or a telephone line and executing multiservice in accordance with a request from the monitoring slave set. CONSTITUTION:A monitor command is generated from the master set 14 to another slave set in accordance with a request from a calling slave set 18 or the telephone line. The slave set receiving the monitor command monitors the call of the slave set being calling at present. In accordance with a multiservice request from the monitoring slave set, a transfer command is generated from the master set 14 to the calling slave set. The slave set receiving the transfer command transfers the call to the multiservice requesting slave set through a call transferring means. Thereby, the monitoring slave set can enter the call with the telephone line and multiservice by plural slave sets can be attained. Consequently, multiservice can be executed by the simple means using one master set and plural slave sets whose number is not restricted.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a cordless home telephone system, and particularly to an improvement in a multi-call method.

[Prior Art] Generally, in a home telephone system including a base unit and a handset, there are two types of call methods: individual calls and multi-calls.

Among these, individual calls are a method in which calls are made one-on-one with a central office line or between extension lines, and multi-calls are a method in which calls are made with a plurality of speakers. For example, when three parties make a multi-call, it is called a three-party call.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration of a conventional home telephone system.

FIG. 2(a) shows an in-home telephone system in which the connection device 1o includes a control device 12 and three base units 14 connected to the control device 12.

The control device 12 also has one extension telephone 16 connected by wire.
is connected. Furthermore, a total of three slave units 18, one each, are connected wirelessly to the base unit 14.

The home telephone system shown in this figure is called a cordless home telephone system because the handset 18 is connected wirelessly.

That is, the base unit] 4 and the handset 18 are so-called cordless telephones, and in the case of this figure, the base unit 14 and the handset 18 are
are wirelessly connected on a one-to-one basis.

In this cordless home telephone system, the control device 1
When receiving an incoming call from the central office line connected to 2, the handset 18 is called by either a simultaneous paging method or an individual paging method. - In the simultaneous calling method, a plurality of handsets 18 are called simultaneously by the control device 12. In the individual calling method, the control device 12 calls the slave units 18 individually using the second dial.

In any of these Yokota systems, when the called handset 18 goes off-hook, a one-to-one individual call is made between the handset 18 and the central office line.

In addition, in general, in such a system, by inputting an extension number using a keypad (not shown) or the like of the handset 18, the call can be transferred to the extension telephone 16 related to a wired connection or another cordless handset 18. is possible.

Further, in the system shown in this figure, since a plurality of base units 14 are installed, it is possible to perform multi-calls such as three-party calls including other extension telephones 16 and slave units 18.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, when making a multi-call, the base unit 14 is required because of the number of slave units 18. As a result, the hardware configuration of the connection device 10 becomes complicated and the cost becomes high.

Furthermore, since the communication paths are connected by the control device 12, a drop in impedance and a deterioration of the S/N ratio occur during multi-communication, resulting in a three-party communication being the practical limit of multi-communication.

As a method for solving this problem, there is a method of temporarily suspending carriers, which is known in other types of communication systems.

FIG. 2(b) shows the configuration of a cordless home telephone system employing this method.

In this figure, a configuration with only one base unit 14 is shown for simplicity.

In this system, similar to the system in Figure 2(a),
Individual calls and transfers are possible. However, the main unit 14 is
Since there are only 1 stations, multi-calling based on the method in the system of FIG. 2(a) is not possible.

Therefore, in this system, when the base unit 14 and the slave unit 18 are communicating by duplex communication, the radio waves emitted from the slave unit 18 are stopped at certain fixed time intervals. At this time, if there is a radio wave from another handset 18, an interrupt call from this handset 18 is allowed.

However, such a method lacks the usability of freely making three-party calls, is far from being able to perform multi-party calls, and is not practical as a cordless phone.

The present invention was made with the aim of solving these problems, and it enables multi-calls with only one base unit and no limit to the number of slave units, and improves usability during multi-calls. The purpose is to provide a cordless home telephone system with high performance.

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to achieve such an object, the present invention provides that the slave unit:
A monitor operation requesting means wirelessly requests the base unit to monitor the call by another handset during a call, and a monitor operation requesting means for requesting the base unit to monitor the call by another slave unit, and a monitor operation requesting means for requesting the base unit to monitor the call by another handset, and a monitor operation requesting means for requesting the base unit to monitor the call by another slave unit, A monitor means for monitoring the call, a multi-call request means for requesting a multi-call from the base unit during the monitoring operation, and a call for transferring the call to the slave unit that has requested the multi-call in response to a transfer command from the base unit. a transfer means, a monitor command means for causing the base unit to issue a monitor command to another handset in response to a monitor request from the handset or telephone line with which the base unit is currently making a call; Transfer command means for instructing the currently active handset to transfer the call to the handset that is the source of the multi-call request in response to a call request, and in response to the monitor request, other handsets perform a monitoring operation. Characterized by transition.

[Operation] In the present invention, the base unit issues a monitor command to other handsets in response to a request from the handset or telephone line during a call. In response to the monitor command, the handset monitors the call of the handset that is currently making a call. As a result, calls can be monitored by a plurality of handsets.

Further, in response to a multi-call request from a slave unit that is currently in a monitoring operation, the base unit issues a transfer command to the slave unit that is currently talking. The child device receives the transfer command from the parent device, and in response,
The call transfer means transfers the call to the handset that is the source of the multi-call request. As a result, the handset that is in the monitoring operation shifts to a telephone call, and a multi-call is performed using a plurality of handsets.

As described above, in the present invention, multi-calls can be performed by simple means using one base unit and without any restriction on the number of slave units.

[Example code] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below based on the drawings.

Components similar to those of the conventional example shown in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 1 shows the circuit configuration of a cordless phone that employs a monitor connection method in a cordless home telephone system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In this embodiment, the base unit 14 and the handset 18 are wirelessly connected using radio waves in which the control signal is MSK modulated at 1200 bps and the audio signal is subcarrier modulated. Furthermore, the main unit 14
An extension telephone 16 and a central office line are connected to each other by wire.

A plurality of slave units 18 are installed, each of which is composed of a handset 20 and a main unit 22. Main unit 2
2 has a built-in transmitter/receiver (not shown), is provided with a keypad 24, and is further connected to an antenna 26. The keypad 24 has general keys (for example, "0"
~ "9".

r*J, r#J, etc. keys), and further includes, for example, a "monitor" key and a "call" key.

This "monitor" key and "call" key are keys related to the monitor operation and multi-call operation according to the features of the present invention. These operations will be explained in detail later.

On the other hand, the base unit 14 has a high frequency circuit (hereinafter simply referred to as RF) 2 that performs processing such as modulation and detection of waves transmitted and received to the slave unit 18.
8 and 30, and a 2-wire 4-wire circuit (hereinafter referred to as 2W/4W) 32 that converts the line related to the input and output of RF 28 into 2-wire and 4-wire.
Contains.

That is, signals related to transmission and reception from the handset 18 are sent to and received from the base unit 1.
The signal is transmitted and received by the antenna 34 of No. 4, is sent and received by the RF 28 or 30 via a duplexer 36 for sharing the antenna 34 for transmission and reception, and is subjected to processing such as modulation and detection.

28 of the RF input/output lines are converted into 2-wire and 4-wire by 2W/4W32.

In addition, the CPU 38 and the modem 40 are connected to the RF 28 and 30.
connected via. This CPU38 is RF28
and 30, and detects that there is an incoming wireless call at RF 28 and 30.

Further, the CPU 38 instructs the handset 18 via the RF 30 to perform a monitoring operation and a multi-call operation according to the features of the present invention. This command operation will be described later.

The 2W/4W 32 is connected to an exchange 42 and, via switches 44 and 46, to a telephone line, that is, a central office line.

The exchange 42 is connected to an extension telephone 16 via a switch 48.
However, a central office line is also connected via switches 48 and 46.

That is, the exchanger 42 built in the base unit 14 has a power of 2W.
/4 Handset 1 wirelessly connected via W32 and RF28
8, an extension telephone 16 and a central office line are connected.

The line related to the extension telephone 16 includes a hook/DP detection circuit 50 that detects hook and dial pulses (DP);
A DC supply port 52 that supplies direct current to the extension and a 16 Hz oscillator 54 that generates a ring tone to the extension are connected to each other. The detection result by the hook/DP detector circuit 50 is C
PU38, while DC supply circuits 52 and 16
The Hz oscillator 54 operates under the control of the CPU 38.

Between switch 44 and switch 46, that is, 2W/4W
32 and the line related to the connection between the exchange 42 and the central office line.
An ML-DP sending circuit 56 is connected. Further, an incoming call detection circuit 58 is connected between the switches 46 and 48, that is, to the line related to the connection between the office line and the extension telephone 16. The CML/DP sending circuit 56 emits an incoming notification sound to the office line, and the incoming call detection circuit 58 detects an incoming call from the office line and notifies the CPU 38 of the same.

Furthermore, the base unit 14 includes a 400Hz oscillator 60 that generates a beep or the like based on a command from the CPU 38, and a 400Hz oscillator 60 that detects a pushbutton signal (PB double signal) from the exchange 42 and outputs a signal to the CPU 38.
A DTMF receiving circuit 62 that sends a message to the station, a melody sending circuit 64 that sends out a melody to the line, and a filter 66 that filters the melody are provided.

The operation of this embodiment will be explained below based on FIG. 1.

In this embodiment, when the main unit 14 is powered off, both the switches 46 and 48 are turned to the incoming call detection circuit 58 side.

In other words, in this state, the central office line and extension telephone 1
6 is always connected, and the extension telephone 16 can communicate with the central office line.

When the power of the base unit 14 is turned on by -H, the switch 48 is turned to the DC supply circuit 52 side, and the connection between the office line and the extension telephone 16 is released.

In this state, incoming calls from the central office line are detected by the incoming call detection circuit 58.
is detected and reported to the CPU 38. CPU38
In response to this notification, the switch 46 is turned to the CML-DP sending circuit 56 side, and the 400Hz oscillator 60 and the exchange 4 are turned on.
The incoming notification tone is sent and received to the central office line via 2.

If the second dial tone is not subsequently received from the central office line, a ring tone is sent to all handsets 18 connected to the extension telephone 16 and base unit 14 to indicate that there is an incoming call from the central office line. generate.

When any one of the extension telephone 16 and a predetermined number of handsets 18 goes off-hook in response to this ringing tone, the ringing tone stops and the extension telephone 16 or handset 1 associated with the off-hook
8, it becomes possible to make individual calls to the central office line.

On the other hand, if the second dial tone is received from the central office line within a certain period of time, the received second dial tone is valid/
The CPU 38 determines invalidity. As a result, if one valid handset 18 is selected, the said handset 18
only generates a ringtone. When this handset 18 goes off-hook due to the user picking up the handset 20 of the handset 18 in response to this ringing tone, the ringing tone stops and the handset 18 that is called by the central office line and the handset 18 connected to the central office line are separated. Calls can be made.

The above operation is the same as the conventional one. Next, a monitoring operation according to the characteristics of the present invention, that is, an operation of having another handset 18 (or more than one) monitor the contents of the call, and a multi-call operation, that is, a call with three or more parties including other handsets 18. We will explain the operation to perform this.

Here, as mentioned above, the keypad 24 of the handset 18 has the following information:
A “monitor” key and a “call” key are provided.

Among these, the "monitor" key is a key for issuing a command for monitor or multi-call operation from the handset 18 during an individual call.

That is, when the "monitor" key of the handset 18 during an individual call is pressed, this is transmitted to the base unit 14 using the control channel, and the CPU 38 is notified. The CPU 38 instructs other handsets 18 to perform a monitoring operation via the RF 30 in response to a command from the handset 18 during an individual call.

The command issued by the CPU 38 in response to the depression of the "monitor" key is a command to shift to the communication channel of the handset 18 that is currently engaged in an individual call. The other handset 18 uses this CPU
Switch the communication channel according to the command from 3g.

In other words, the other handsets 18 shift to the communication channel in response to this command and start monitoring reception.

As a result, while the call by the handset 18 that was making an individual call continues via the RF 28 of the base unit 14, the CPU 38 issues a command to be transmitted via the RF 30, so that the other handset 18 is currently [Slave unit in progress] Starts the operation of monitoring the contents of the call in step 8.

The RF 30 of the base unit 14 enters a standby state upon completion of the command to the slave unit 18. That is, the handset 18 and the CPU 38
Waiting for instructions from.

Further, the "call" key is a key to be operated when attempting to make a call using the handset 18 which is in the monitoring operation while monitor reception is being performed by the above-described operations.

That is, by pressing the "call" key on the keypad 24, the content of this key input is transmitted to the base unit 14 on the control channel.
sent to. This is received by the base unit 14 and the CPU 3
8, the CPU 38 will switch to the handset that is currently on an individual call]8
In response, the handset 18 whose "call" key has been pressed is identified via the RF 28 and a transfer command is issued. In response, the user of the handset 18, which is currently making an individual call, performs a transfer operation to switch the call path to the handset 18 that has made the call request.

In this way, by allowing a plurality of handsets 18 specified in advance to be interrupted by the "call" key through the monitor operation, the call channel in use can be switched between the plurality of handsets 18, and It becomes possible to perform multi-calls using a plurality of handsets 18 on the line.

Further, in this embodiment, multi-call can be specified by the second dial tone when a call is received from the central office line. When this designation is made, the base unit 14 instructs one of the multiple handsets 18 targeted for multi-call to perform duplex operation, and the other handsets 18 commands monitor reception. The subsequent procedure is similar to the monitor reception described above.

[Effects of the Invention] As explained above, according to the present invention, a monitor operation is executed in response to a request from a handset or a telephone line, and a multi-call is performed in response to a request from a handset that is in a monitoring operation. As a result, only one base unit is required, and multi-calls are possible without a restriction on the number of speakers due to a drop in voice level due to a drop in impedance or a deterioration in S/N. In addition, you can request a call at any time as needed, and even change the keypad, R
Multi-calling can be realized by simple means such as adding F. In addition, since only the communication channels necessary for multi-communication are required, the frequency associated with the wireless connection between the base unit and slave unit can be used effectively.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a cordless home telephone system according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a conventional cordless home telephone system, and FIG. FIG. 2(b) is a diagram showing the configuration of a system in which the carrier is temporarily stopped. 14... Base unit 18... Child unit 24... Keypad 30... High frequency circuit 38/PU

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] A cordless home telephone system including a base unit connected to a telephone line and a predetermined number of handsets that perform calls with the telephone line through wireless connection with the base unit, the handsets comprising: A monitor operation requesting means wirelessly requests the base unit to monitor the call by another handset during a call, and a monitor operation requesting means for requesting the base unit to monitor the call by another slave unit, and a monitor operation requesting means for requesting the base unit to monitor the call by another handset, and a monitor operation requesting means for requesting the base unit to monitor the call by another slave unit, monitoring means for monitoring the call;
a multi-call requesting means for requesting a multi-call from the base unit during a monitor operation; and a call transfer means for transmitting a call to the slave unit that has requested the multi-call in response to a transfer command from the base unit; There is a monitor command means that issues a monitor command to other handsets in response to a monitor request from the handset or telephone line that is currently making a call, and a monitor command means that issues a monitor command to other handsets in response to a monitor request from the handset that is currently making a call or from the telephone line, and a monitor command means that issues a monitor command to other handsets in response to a request for monitoring from the handset that is currently making a call or from the telephone line, and a monitor command means that issues a monitor command to other handsets in response to a monitor request from the handset that is currently making a call or from the telephone line, and a monitor command means that issues a monitor command to other handsets in response to a monitor request from the handset that is currently making a call or from the telephone line, and transfer command means for instructing the handset to transfer a call to the handset that has made the multi-call request; A cordless home phone system is characterized in that it transfers calls and performs multi-calls in response to requests from customers.