JPH0575735A - Telephone system with call and communication switching function - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To constitute the equipment so that one piece of telephone circuit can be used for both of a call and a communication by switching automatically a call by a telephone means and a communication by a communication means in a set time zone. CONSTITUTION:To a CPU, a switching time setting part 3 for setting a time zone at the time when a switching device 1 switches connection to a telephone circuit L to a telephone set 2 or a communication circuit is connected. In this regard, in this switching time setting part 3, for instance, a time zone at night or early in the morning in which use frequency of the telephone set 2 is a few is set as a time zone for a communication every day, and on the other hand, other time zone can be set as a time zone for a call. Also, in the case of an automatic meter inspecting system of the gas use quantity or the electricity use quantity of its household, the meter inspection time can be set together with a specific day in the switching time setting part 3.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION (Industrial field of application) The present invention enables both call and communication with a single telephone line by automatically switching between a call function and a communication function in a time zone. The present invention relates to a telephone device with a call and communication switching function.

(Prior art) When a single telephone line that has been conventionally drawn into a general household is used as both a telephone means such as a telephone and a communication means such as a personal computer or a facsimile, the receiving side It was necessary to switch the manual switching switch on the telephone side or the communication side. Therefore, when performing data communication at a fixed time every day, the manual selector switch must be switched to the communication means side immediately before the fixed time.

 Also, in the case of data communication in which the electricity usage or gas usage at home is automatically read and the meter reading data is read by a computer such as a service center, the meter reading is performed at a specific date and time, so that It was necessary to switch the manual selector switch to the communication means side.

(Problems to be Solved by the Invention) When performing data communication at a fixed time every day or at a specific date and time as in the above-mentioned conventional technique, the manual selector switch should be switched to the communication means side immediately before the time. Because of this, there are many cases where switching is forgotten or switching at the wrong time, such as late at night when the telephone means are rarely used or early, and in that case there is a problem that data communication cannot be performed.

 Therefore, according to the present invention, data communication can be reliably performed by automatically connecting and switching a telephone call and a communication by a communication means to a telephone line in a set time period. Is a technical issue to be solved.

(Means for Solving the Problem) A first technical means for solving the above problem is to provide a telephone means for a telephone call and a communication means for communication to a telephone line for a predetermined time every day. A telephone device with a call and communication switching function for automatically switching connection in a predetermined time zone of a band or a specified day, a switching time setting means for setting the time zone, and the switching time setting means. The telephone connection signal for connecting the telephone line to the telephone means is output during the call time zone set in 1. while the communication connection for connecting the telephone line to the communication means during the communication time zone. Switching control means for outputting a signal, and the telephone line is connected to the telephone means when the telephone connection signal from the switching control means is input, while the telephone line is connected when the communication connection signal is input. And to a configuration in which a changeover means for connecting to said communication means.

 A second technical means for solving the above-mentioned problems includes a function of transmitting various data, a function of transmitting and receiving various messages as a communication means, and a function of transmitting data from an external communication device via a telephone line. Call signal identifying means for identifying a call signal and returning a received signal indicating that the call signal has been received to the external communication device via the telephone line, and the various signals transmitted from the external communication device. A password identification means for identifying the password determined for each data and for transmitting the data corresponding to the identified password to the external communication device is provided.

 Furthermore, a third technical means for solving the above-mentioned problem is to temporarily output a call connection signal to the switching means when an emergency signal input from an external communication device is input via a telephone line. , The structure is provided with scramble connection means for connecting the telephone line to the communication means.

 Further, a fourth technical means for solving the above-mentioned problems includes a function of transmitting various data, a function of transmitting and receiving various messages, as a communication means, and when an abnormality occurs in the communication means. The telephone line is connected to the communication means by outputting the abnormality occurrence signal to the switching control means, and the abnormality data indicating that the communication means is in an abnormal state is transmitted to the abnormality report destination via the telephone line. It is to be configured to include abnormal transmission means.

(Operation) According to the telephone device with the call and communication switching function of the first configuration, the switching control means causes the switching means to switch the telephone line to the telephone during the call time zone set by the switching time setting means. The telephone connection signal for connecting to the means is output, while the communication connection signal for connecting the telephone line to the communication means is output during the communication time zone. As a result, the switching means connects the telephone line to the telephone means during the call time period, while connecting the telephone line to the communication means during the communication time period.

 Therefore, for example, data communication can be performed by automatically switching to the communication means for a short period of time using the depth of least use of a telephone or the like within 24 hours a day or the earliest time zone.

 Further, according to the telephone device with the call and communication switching function of the second configuration, the call signal identification means identifies the call signal from the external communication device via the telephone line and then receives the call signal. Of the received signal is returned to the external communication device via the telephone line, while the password identification means is sent from the external communication device to identify and identify the password defined for each of the various data. The data corresponding to the password is transmitted to the external communication device.

 Further, according to the telephone device with the call and communication switching function of the third configuration, the scramble connection means is temporarily switched to the switching means when the scramble signal is input from the external communication device via the telephone line. It outputs a call connection signal to the telephone and connects the telephone line to the communication means.

 Further, according to the telephone device with the call and communication switching function of the fourth configuration, the abnormality transmitting means outputs the abnormality occurrence signal to the switching control means when an abnormality occurs in the communication means, thereby making the telephone line. In addition to being connected to the communication means, the abnormal data indicating that the communication means is in an abnormal state is transmitted to the abnormal report destination via the telephone line.

(Example) Next, an example of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

 FIG. 1 is a block system diagram showing an overall configuration of a telephone device with a call and communication switching function.

 In FIG. 1, the telephone line L is connected to an exchange of a telephone office (not shown), and the telephone line L drawn indoors is connected to a common contact 1c of the switching device 1. Further, the contact 1a of the switching device 1 is connected to the telephone 2 for talking, and the contact 1b is connected to a communication circuit described later. The switching device 1 is connected to a microcomputer CPU (hereinafter simply referred to as CPU), and the telephone line L is connected to the telephone 2 or a communication circuit (contact 1b side) under the control of the CPU. ing.

 The CPU is directly connected to the telephone line L, and identifies a calling signal from an external communication device or the like via the telephone line L and a telephone exchange, not shown, and is applicable. If it is a calling signal, a reception signal indicating that the calling signal has been received is output to an external communication device. Further, the CPU is connected with a switching time setting unit 3 for setting a time zone when the switching device 1 switches the connection to the telephone line L to the telephone 2 or the communication circuit. In addition, in the switching time setting unit 3, for example, the midnight or early hours when the telephone 2 is less frequently used is set as the communication time zone, while the other times are set as the communication time zones. It can be set as a belt. Also, in the case of an automatic meter reading system in which the gas usage or electricity usage of the household is transmitted to the computer of each service center via the telephone line L, the meter reading time is set at a specific date and time of one month. Therefore, the switching time setting unit 3 can set the meter reading time together with the specific day.

 A password identification circuit 4 for identifying the password sent from the external communication device and transmitting the identified password to the CPU is connected to the communication circuit on the contact 1b side of the switching device 1. That is, the password identification circuit 4 and the CPU are connected so that the password signal identified by the password identification circuit 4 is transmitted to the CPU. If the passwords specified for control and home security are matched, the transmission switch SW1 is connected to a password-compatible general data communication circuit, home control circuit, or home security circuit. To control. Then, as shown in FIG. 1, a switching switch SW2 for switching various data to be transmitted is connected to the data communication circuit.

 In the example shown in FIG. 1, the changeover switch SW2 is configured to switch between the message transmitting section TM, the first data communication section TD1 and the second data communication section TD2, and the changeover is performed by external communication. It is controlled by the CPU in response to a request from the device. For example, when there is an automatic meter reading request from the gas service center, the message transmitter TM sends a message such as "Please give the password" or "I will send the gas usage data from now on". It is output in the form of an electric signal. The first data communication unit TD1 is used for data communication between the CPU and an external communication device, and the second data communication unit TD2 is used for automatic gas meter reading data transmission. Is. A data communication interface DIF is connected between the first data communication unit TD1 and the CPU, and an automatic meter reading meter GM is connected to the second data communication unit TD2.

 The above-mentioned automatic meter reading GM has an abnormal signal transmitting section ET for detecting an abnormal condition when the automatic meter reading GM is in an abnormal state and transmitting the abnormal data to a computer installed in a gas service center. It is connected. An abnormal transmission switch SW3 whose opening and closing is controlled by the CPU is connected between the abnormal transmission unit ET and the contact 1b of the switching device 1.

 An announcement unit 5 is connected to the password identification circuit 4, and the announcement unit 5 is activated when a general telephone call is received while the switching device 1 is switched to the communication circuit. It has been switched to a circuit. Please do not wait 10 minutes. "

 Next, in the telephone device with a call and communication switching function configured as described above, the control by the CPU when data communication for automatic meter reading of gas usage is performed, for example, is shown in FIG. This will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in B), (C), (D) and (E).

 In step S1 of FIG. 2A (hereinafter simply referred to as S1 S2, S3, ...), is the signal input to the CPU from the telephone line L an emergency signal (scramble signal)? If it is an emergency signal, the switching device 1 is switched to the communication circuit (1a) side in S2. If it is determined in S3 that the emergency signal has been released, the progress of the predetermined time is confirmed in S4, and if it is determined in S5 that the current time is in the communication time zone, the switching device 1 is communicated in S6. After switching to the roadside, return to the start.

 On the other hand, if it is determined in S1 that the signal received by the CPU is not an emergency signal, it is determined in S7 whether the telephone line L is connected to the communication circuit (1b) side of the switching device 1 and communication is performed. If it is connected to the circuit side, it is determined in S8 whether or not the ringing tone of 16 Hz is continuously received at 0.5 second intervals. As a result of the judgment, when the calling signal tone is continuously received, the telephone line L is connected as shown in S9, and in S10, a sharp sound is required to be transmitted to the outside party. To do. When it is determined in S11 that the sharp sound is not received, the external counterpart side is requested to transmit the sharp sound again in S12.

After confirming that the required time has elapsed in S13, if it is determined in S14 that the sharp sound is not received, in S15, the counter that counts the number of times the sharp sound is requested to be transmitted is counted up and is reset or not. To judge. As a result of the judgment, if the counter is not counted up, the count value of the counter is incremented by 1 in S17, and the process is returned to S12. If the counter counts up and is reset in S15, the circuit for the telephone line L is cut off in S16, and the process returns to the start. If it is determined in step S14 that a sharp sound is received, or if it is determined in step S11 that a sharp sound is received, the password identification circuit 4 is activated in step S18. 4 is connected to the telephone line L. Then, in S19, a password transmission request is issued n times to the external communication device.

 Next, in S20 of FIG. 2 (B), it is determined whether or not a password has been received. If it is determined that the password has not been received as a result of the determination, the count value of the counter that counts the number of password transmission requests is incremented by 1 after confirming the elapse of the required time in S21. Then, it is determined whether or not the password is requested in S23 and the password is received in S24. As a result of the determination, when it is determined that the password is received, the process proceeds to S27, while when it is determined that the password is not received, the counter is incremented at S25 and the reset is performed. It is determined whether it has been done. As a result of the judgment, when it is judged that the counter is counted up and reset, the connection to the telephone line L is cut off in S26, and the process returns to the start. If it is determined in S25 that the counter is not counting up, the process returns to S21.

 In S27, it is determined whether or not the received passwords match, and if it is determined that they do not match, in S28, the password transmission is requested again. After adding 1 to the count value of the counter in S29, it is determined in S30 whether the password has been received. Even in that judgment, if the password has not been received yet, the process proceeds to S37 and the counter is counted up to judge whether or not it has been reset. As a result of the determination, when it is determined that the counter has counted up and has been reset, the connection to the telephone line L is cut off in S38, and then the process returns to the start. If it is determined in step S37 that the counter has not counted up, the process returns to step S28.

 If the result of determination in S27 is that the passwords match, in S32 the switch SW1 is switched to the channel corresponding to the matched password, and then in S33 a signal for starting transmission of the channel data is sent. send. In S34, a signal indicating that the above data can be received is transmitted from the external communication device, it is determined whether or not the signal is received, and if it is determined that the signal is received, , S35, the data is transmitted. When it is determined in S36 that the data transmission is completed, the process proceeds to S39 in FIG. 2 (C), and the data transmission completion signal is output. In S40, it is determined whether or not the external communication device is in the on-hook state (communication completed state). As a result of the determination, when the external communication device is in the on-hook state (communication completed state), the connection to the telephone line L is cut off, and then the process returns to the start. On the other hand, as a result of the determination in S40, when the external communication device is not in the on-hook state (communication completed state), the data transmission completion signal is retransmitted in S42. Then, in S43, it is determined whether or not the external communication device is in the on-hook state (communication completed state). When it is determined that the external communication device is in the on-hook state, the process proceeds to S41.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S43 that the external communication device is not in the on-hook state (communication completed state), in S44, the count of the timer counter that measures the time after retransmitting the data transmission completion signal. The value is counted up and it is judged whether or not it has been reset. As a result of the determination, if the count is up, the process proceeds to S41, and if the count is not up, the process returns to S42.

 Next, the abnormality notification control when, for example, an abnormality occurs in the gas meter GM will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

 When the abnormality transmission unit ET detects an abnormality in the gas meter GM, the abnormality transmission unit ET outputs an abnormality signal to the CPU, so that the CPU recognizes the abnormality occurrence in S45. In S46, it is determined whether or not the switching device 1 has been switched to the communication circuit (1b) side, and if it is determined that it has not been switched to the communication circuit side, the switching device 1 is communicated in S47. Switch to circuit (1b).

If it is determined in S48 that the abnormality notification has been completed, or if it is determined in S49 that the current time is in the call time period, the switching device 1 is switched to the call circuit (1a) side in S50. Then return to the start of FIG. 2 (A).

 On the other hand, in S46, when it is determined that the switching device 1 is switched to the communication circuit side, in S51, the switch SW3 is controlled to be in the ON state, and after the abnormal data can be transmitted, In S52, the abnormality report destination is called.

In S53, it is determined whether or not the abnormality report destination is in communication with another. If it is determined that communication is in progress with another, wait for a predetermined time in S54, and then switch the switch SW3 once in S55. It is turned off, and after waiting for a predetermined time in S56, the process returns to S51.

 On the other hand, if it is determined in S53 that communication is not in progress with another, it is determined in S57 whether or not an abnormality can be reported to the abnormal report destination, that is, whether or not the abnormal report destination is off-hook. .. As a result of the judgment, when it is determined that the abnormality report destination is off-hook, the abnormality report is issued in S58, the abnormality report is completed in S59, and the connection to the telephone line L is cut off in S60. It If it is determined in S57 that the abnormality report destination is not in the offhook state, it is determined in S61 whether or not the call sign (16HZ) signal is received, and the signal is received. If it is determined that the count of the counter that counts the number of times the call sign is received is incremented by 1 each time the call sign expires in S62, then the counter is counted up and reset in S63. To judge.

As a result of the determination, if it is determined that the counter has counted up and reset, the process proceeds to S60, while if it is determined that the counter has not counted up, the process returns to S61.

 Next, the control when the data communication unit TD1 is made to function as a data communication terminal will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 2 (E).

 When a communication request signal is output from the data communication interface DIF in S71, it is determined in S72 whether the switching device 1 is switched to the communication circuit side (1b), and the communication circuit If it is determined that the switching device 1 has not been switched to the side, the switching device 1 is switched to the communication circuit side in S73. After determining that the data communication is completed in S74, and then determining in S75 that the current time is the call time zone, after switching the switching device 1 to the call circuit (1a) side in S76. , Return to the start of FIG. 2 (A).

 On the other hand, in S72, when it is determined that the switching device 1 is switched to the communication circuit side, in S77, the state in which data can be transmitted is set, and then the communication destination is called in S78. In S79, it is determined whether or not the communication destination is in communication with another person, and if it is determined that the communication destination is in communication with another person, after waiting for a predetermined time in S80, the communication destination is set to the non-communication state in S81, and After waiting for a predetermined time in S82, the process returns to S77.

 On the other hand, if it is determined in S79 that the communication destination is not in communication with another, it is determined in S83 whether data can be transmitted to the communication destination, that is, whether the communication destination is in the off-hook state. To do. As a result of the determination, if it is determined that the callee is off-hook, the data communication is performed in S84, the data communication is completed in S85, and the connection to the telephone line L is cut off in S86. Then return to the start of Fig. 2 (A). When it is determined in S83 that the data communication destination is not in the off-hook state, it is determined in S87 whether or not the call sign (16HZ) signal is received, and it is determined that the signal is received. In this case, in S88, each time the call sign expires, the counter that counts the number of times the call sign is received is incremented by 1. Then, in S89, it is determined whether or not the counter is counted up and reset. to decide. As a result of the determination, if it is determined that the counter has counted up and reset, the process proceeds to S86, while if it is determined that the counter has not counted up, the process returns to S87.

 As described above, in the normal state, while the call by the telephone 2 is enabled in the call time zone set by the switching time setting section 3, the data communication is enabled in the communication time zone. It is possible to enable both calls and communications with the telephone line L of. Also, if an emergency signal (scramble signal) is sent from outside to notify the occurrence of a fire, etc., it automatically switches to the call circuit even during the communication time, and when the contact is completed, communication is resumed. Since it switches to a circuit, it is possible to deal with emergency calls. In addition, when this device is connected to an automatic meter reading system that has a gas meter or an integrated electricity meter as a terminal for home use, the usage data at the specified date and time is stored in the computer installed in each service center. Can be transmitted.

Further, when an abnormality occurs in the terminal, the abnormality data can be transmitted to each abnormality report destination. This telephone device can be used as a home security or home control terminal, and if an abnormality occurs in each terminal, the abnormality is reported to each abnormality report destination. be able to.

 In addition, as other data communication, it can be used for ordering merchandise to the home delivery system, information communication using facsimile, and the like.

(Effects of the Invention) As described above, according to the present invention, since the telephone call by the telephone means and the communication by the communication means are automatically switched in the set time zone, one telephone line is provided. Can be used for both call and communication, and the communication cost can be reduced. Also, by providing a password identification means in the communication means, there is an effect that the confidentiality of data communication can be maintained. Further, when the communication means is provided with an abnormal transmission means, when an abnormality occurs in the communication means, the abnormal data can be transmitted to a predetermined abnormal report destination, so that reliable data transmission is realized. The effect is that you can. Further, by providing the scramble connection means in the communication means, it is possible to automatically make a call in an emergency even during the communication time zone and receive an emergency contact.

[Brief description of drawings]

 FIG. 1 is a block system diagram showing the overall configuration of an embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 2 (A), (B), (C), and (D) are control flow charts for call and communication. It is a figure. 1: Switching device 2: Telephone 3: Switching time setting unit 4: Password identification circuit CPU: Microcomputer TD1: First data communication unit TD2: Second data communication unit ET: Abnormal transmission unit GM: Gas meter L: Telephone line DIF: Data communication interface.

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A switch for automatically connecting and connecting a telephone means for a call and a communication means for communication to a telephone line in a predetermined time period every day or a predetermined time period on a specified day. A telephone device with a call and communication switching function, comprising switching time setting means for setting the predetermined time zone, and connecting the telephone line to the telephone means during the call time zone set by the switching time setting means. Switching control means for outputting a telephone connection signal for connecting the telephone line to the communication means during the communication time period, and the telephone connection signal from the switching control means. A switching means for connecting the telephone line to the telephone means when a signal is input, and for connecting the telephone line to the communication means when the communication connection signal is input. A telephone device with a call and communication switching function characterized by: 2. A function of transmitting various data as a communication means,
In addition to including the function of sending and receiving various messages, it also identifies the ringing signal from the external communication device via the telephone line, and sends a reception signal indicating that the ringing signal has been received via the telephone line. A calling signal identification means for returning to the external communication device and a password transmitted from the external communication device to identify a password defined for each of the various data, and data corresponding to the identified password to the external communication device. The telephone device with a call and communication switching function according to claim 1, further comprising: a password identification means for making a call. 3. A scrambler for temporarily outputting a call connection signal to the switching means when an emergency signal is input from an external communication device via the telephone line to connect the telephone line to the call means. A telephone device with a call and communication switching function according to claim 1 provided with a connecting means. 4. A function of transmitting various data as communication means,
In addition to having a function of sending and receiving various messages, a telephone line is connected to the communication means by outputting an abnormality occurrence signal to the switching control means when an abnormality occurs in the communication means. The telephone device with call and communication switching function according to claim 1, further comprising: an abnormal transmission means for transmitting abnormal data indicating that the communication means is in an abnormal state to an abnormal report destination via a telephone line.