JPH06164714A - Control method of telephone - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To enable the user of a telephone set to allow specific approved telephone calls only by comparing an inputted telephone number with a stored telephone number train and selectively transmitting the inputted telephone number in accordance with the compared results. CONSTITUTION: A logic circuit 122 receives a command from a push-dial section and sends the corresponding signal to a DTMF pulse generator 124. The generator 124 outputs a signal to a line repeater 126 so that a designated telephone number may be sent to a central telephone exchange. In addition, the logic circuit 122 prevents an unapproved telephone number from being transmitted to the central telephone exchange by selectively controlling the repeater 126. A buffer 132 stores telephone numbers which are approved for dialing or not approved for dialing. When the user of a telephone set inputs a telephone number, the transmission of the telephone number is interrupted when the inputted telephone number is not contained in the approved telephone numbers, but in the unapproved telephone numbers.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to electronic systems, and more particularly to a method for controlling a telephone.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, in addition to the usual telephone service in which local telephone calls are allowed unlimitedly if the telephone customer pays a predetermined monthly fee, the telephone service provider provides a telephone customer with a certain type of telephone service. Charge an additional fee when dialing another type of phone number. For example, a local telephone call in which the first three digits start with "976" requires the telephone customer to pay an additional charge based on the duration of the call.
Similarly, long-distance calls that begin with the number "1-900"
You will be charged the surcharge that will later appear on the phone customer's monthly bill.

Some businesses use "976" and "1-900" telephone numbers as revenue generating activities, where the customer provides services such as investment information or entertainment over the telephone line. You are advised to dial your business phone number in exchange for service. As a result of dialing a "1-900" or "976" telephone number, the telephone user pays an additional fee,
This is usually distributed by both the telephone service provider and the solicitation business.

In addition, conventional long distance telephone calls require an additional charge, which is borne by the telephone user; long distance telephone calls usually begin with a "1" and thereafter a three-digit city indicating the individual area. The outer code follows.

In many households, parents or those who manage the household are more likely to be "1-900", "967" or other conventional long distance telephones, with other families being charged additional charges on the home telephone. It is not possible to monitor from time to time whether or not a proper telephone number has been dialed. Similarly, the company administrator cannot re-monitor whether the employee or the customer has used the telephone number to which the additional charge is added without permission. You'll only notice it when you receive a bill for a call that your home supervisor or company manager doesn't allow.

Further, even if the additional fee is not added,
Home supervisors want to prevent children from dialing certain telephone numbers, and company managers allow employees to dial only certain telephone numbers that are relevant to their work so that employees can work. I want to keep my company phone from working privately during my time.

One attempt to solve this problem is to have the central office cut off calls originating from a particular phone, beginning with "1-900" or "976" phone numbers. The disadvantage of this method is that if you change your phone number at work or at home, you will have to reconfigure such services. Therefore, tenants and other telephone users who often move are faced with this inconvenience.
Further, such blocking of telephone numbers at the central telephone office is often limited in scope, and in some cases it is not available in some regions.

Another attempted solution is "1-900" or "97" when the telephone user wishes to block.
6 "Call and request an individual company responsible for the phone number. That is, the phone user asks the company to reject calls from that phone user's phone number. The drawback of this solution is that telephone users are often required to pay for the call blocking service in this way. Must be made to many individual companies, resulting in many payments and a significant amount of time and effort.

Therefore, a need has arisen for a method and apparatus for controlling a telephone by making a decision as to whether or not the telephone number can be called.

[0010]

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method and apparatus for controlling a telephone. At least one number string is stored. One input telephone number is received from the telephone user. The input telephone number is selectively transmitted according to the result of comparison with the number string.

A technical feature of this specification of the present invention is that the telephone user can program the telephone to prohibit calls to telephone numbers such as those beginning with "1-900" and "976". is there. Yet another technical feature of this specification of the invention is that the telephone user can program the telephone to only allow certain authorized telephone calls.

For a more complete understanding of the present invention and its features, the following description is provided in connection with the accompanying figures.

[0013]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The submitted embodiment of the present invention and its features are further enhanced by referring to FIGS. 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawings, wherein corresponding parts in a plurality of figures are identified by the same reference numerals. Being shaken.

FIG. 1 shows the submitted example telephone.
The telephone 100 comprises a basic unit 102 and a handset 104, and the handset is the basic unit 10
It is removable from 2. The basic unit 102 includes a push dial unit 106, a display 108, a slide switch 110, and a telephone line connector 118. The slide switch 110 has three positions and corresponds to a program mode 112, a tone mode 114 and a pulse mode 116. The connector 108 connects the telephone 100 to the central office. The display 108 is used to display the telephone number input from the push dial unit 106.

During normal operation, the slide switch 110 is set to the tone mode position 114, which is the connector 1
It specifies that the telephone dial signal output from 18 complies with the digital tone modulation standard. Depending on the telephone service contract, the slide switch 110 must be set to the pulse mode position 116, which is the connector 11
It specifies that the telephone dial signal output from 8 follows the standard rotary dial telephone pulse conversion.

In the submitted embodiment, the slide switch 110 can also be set to the program mode position 112, which allows the telephone user to specify various parameters as will be described in detail below. ing. When the slide switch 110 is set to the program mode position 112, the display 108 is used to prompt the telephone user to input the designated type information,
Or used to display information about how the phone 100 is currently programmed.

In using the telephone 100, the telephone user can select one of two modes. First, the telephone user specifies a list of unauthorized telephone numbers or telephone number prefixes. Secondly, telephone users are specifically allowed to dial telephone numbers,
Alternatively, specify a prefix of telephone numbers, eg, only those telephone numbers specifically authorized to dial, or a list of telephone number prefixes specifically authorized to dial. The phone user can disable any of these two modes of operation by entering the appropriate security code, which the phone 100 recognizes as dialing permission without restrictions on the phone number.

FIG. 2 shows a functional block diagram of the telephone 100. The hook control 120 indicates to the logic circuit 122 whether or not the telephone user is requesting the dialing of a telephone number, which normally occurs when the telephone user physically lifts the handset 104 from the tabletop 102. Generate an off-hook signal. Hook control for off-hook signal 12
When receiving from 0, the logic circuit 122 receives the telephone number specified by the telephone user via the push dial unit 106. In the submitted embodiment, the logic circuit 122 provides confirmation to the telephone user by displaying the telephone number on the display 108 as the telephone user entered via the push dial 106. . However, the display 108 is an optional part of the telephone 100. In the example presented, the mode slide switch 110
Is set to tone mode position 114 so that digital tone modulation frequency conversion is used.

In general, the logic circuit 122 receives the command from the push dial unit 106 and outputs the appropriate corresponding signal to D.
It is sent to the TMF pulse generator 124. The DTMF pulse generator 124 outputs a signal so that the telephone number designated for the line relay 126 is actually transmitted to the central telephone office via the telephone line connector 118. The logic circuit 122 instructs the line relay 126 to enable the connection between the DTMF pulse generator 124 and the telephone line connector 118. The logic circuit 122 also directs the line relay 126 to enable the connection between the handset 104 and the telephone line connector 118, and the telephone user uses the handset 128 to connect the telephone line after transmission. Bowl 11
8 allows the signal received to be heard and also allows the telephone user to use the transmitter 130 to convey a voice signal to the telephone line connector 118.

According to the embodiment presented, the logic circuit 12
2 selectively controls the line relay 126 to prevent unauthorized telephone numbers from being sent to the central office. The buffer 132 stores telephone numbers that may or may not be allowed to dial.

The buffer 132 temporarily stores the numeral string designated by the telephone user via the push dial unit 106, and the logic circuit 122 permits the designated telephone number to be transmitted to the central telephone office. It is possible to judge whether the item is forbidden or not. Buffer 132
Sufficient storage must be allocated to temporarily store a long string of telephone numbers while the logic circuit 122 determines whether the telephone number is authorized or unauthorized. If the storage space in the buffer 132 is limited, the buffer 132 is configured to store only a predetermined number of digits most recently entered by the telephone user, and thus to enter new digits. The oldest number in the number sequence is erased.

FIG. 3 shows a logical flow diagram of the operation of telephone 100. Operation loops at block 140 until an off-hook signal is received from hook control 120. When the off-hook signal is received, the primary stored digit sequence is erased in buffer 132, as specified in block 142. If the telephone user is the push dial unit 1
If you enter the appropriate security code via 06,
Moving from block 144 to block 146, where the logic circuit 122 establishes a connection between the push dial section 106 and the DTMF generator 124 and the telephone user specifies an arbitrary telephone number on the telephone line connector 118. Can be output to. If the appropriate security code is not entered, block 144 transfers program control to block 148.

At block 148, the buffer 132 is examined to determine if the telephone 100 is programmed to prey on unauthorized numbers, or only authorized numbers are permitted. . In the submitted embodiment, the buffer 132 includes a non-volatile memory such as an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM). In another embodiment, buffer 1
32 includes another form of non-volatile memory, such as battery-backed static random access memory (SRAM). If the program mode flag in buffer 132 is programmed by the telephone user to steal unauthorized numbers, block 148 branches control to block 150, and telephone 100 will be described in detail below. So prey on unauthorized numbers. Conversely, if the program mode flag in buffer 132 is programmed to allow a number specifically authorized by the telephone user, block 148 diverts control to block 152 and telephone 100 therefore Only specially authorized telephone numbers are allowed to be sent to the central office, as will be explained further below.

If the program mode is set to steal unauthorized numbers, control flow passes to block 150 where a new digit is entered by the telephone user via push dial 106. Make a decision. If no new digit has been entered, control flows to block 154. At block 154, a determination is made as to whether the telephone user has terminated the telephone call, which is determined by returning the handset 104 over the telephone desk set 102 and generating an on-hook signal. If the on-hook signal is not present, control returns from block 154 to block 150. If the on-hook signal is present, the operation is complete.

When a new number is received from push dial 106, block 156 appends the newly received number to the sequence of numbers in buffer 132. Telephone 10
0 proceeds to determine if the number string currently stored in buffer 132 matches any unauthorized phone number programmed in the buffer 132 by the telephone user and stored. Done. At block 158, the disallowed number is now retrieved from buffer 132 and control passes to block 160. Block 1
At 60, a determination is made as to whether the current number sequence matches the retrieved unauthorized number. If so, block 162 causes display 108 to display the message "Unauthorized Number." At block 164,
Logic circuit 122 commands line relay 126 to disconnect handset 104 and DTMF generator 124 from telephone line connector 118. At this point the call ends,
The operation is complete. In another embodiment, block 164 may also disable DTMF generator 124 completely or alternatively command DTMF generator 124 to indicate that the attempted telephone number is not authorized. It is possible to generate the generated sound.

By checking the unauthorized numbers in this manner, the telephone user can program the unauthorized numbers which represent only the prefix of all numbers. For example, if the telephone user wants to prohibit all telephone numbers beginning with the prefix "1-900", the telephone user can program "1900" into the buffer 132 as an unauthorized number.
Any number following the prefix "1-900" will not affect the ability to successfully intercept attempts to send a phone number starting with the prefix "1-900", because This is because the handset 104 and the DTMF generator 124 are disconnected from the telephone line connector when the block 164 hits an unauthorized prefix number.

If the current numeric string in buffer 132 does not match the retrieved disapproval number, block 1
At 60, control transfers to block 166. Block 166 determines if another disapproval number is included in buffer 132. If another unauthorized number is included in buffer 132, control returns to block 158; otherwise, control returns to block 150, where push dial 106 and hook control 120 are monitored. Is done.

At block 148, if the program mode is set to allow only certain authorized telephone numbers, control passes to block 152 where the telephone user selects a new dial via push dial 106. It is determined whether or not a number has been input. If no new digit has been entered, control passes to block 168 where a determination is made whether the telephone user has ended the call. If there is no on-hook signal, control passes to block 152. If the on-hook signal is present, the operation is complete.

When a new number is received from push dial 106, block 170 adds the newly received number to the primary number sequence stored in buffer 132. The telephone 100 proceeds to the next and
Check for a specific authorized phone number stored in buffer 132 programmed by the phone user. Now, in block 172, the grant number is retrieved from the buffer 132 and then in block 174 whether the current number sequence matches a corresponding number sequence of the same length within the retrieved authorized numbers. Is determined.

Corresponding digit sequences of the same length are determined as follows. (1) If the current number sequence contains N numbers,
If it is shorter than the retrieved authorization number, then the first N (ie left-justified digits) of the retrieved authorization number are compared against the current number sequence. (2) If the retrieved authorization number has N digits and is shorter than the current number sequence, the first N of the current number sequence are compared against the retrieved authorization number. It (3) If the memory area in the buffer 132 is limited, and moreover, N numbers have been erased from the current number sequence due to newly input numbers as described above. If so, each retrieved authorization number is also treated with the N digits erased for the purpose of comparison with the current number sequence.

By comparing the current number sequence with the corresponding sequence of numbers of the same length in the retrieved authorization number, the telephone user can program the authorization number which represents only the prefix of all numbers. For example, if the telephone user has a prefix "
If a telephone user wishes to allow dialing of all telephone numbers starting with 1-214 ", the telephone user can program" 1214 "as an authorization number in buffer 132.

If the current number sequence matches a portion of the same length sequence in the retrieved grant number, block 174 returns control to block 152; otherwise, control passes to block 176, Here, it is determined whether or not another permission number exists in the buffer 132. If another grant number is present in buffer 132, then block 176 transfers control to block 172.

If the authorization number no longer exists in buffer 132, then matching of the current number sequence with any of the specially authorized telephone numbers in buffer 132 fails, and control then passes to block 178. And the message “Not an authorized number” is displayed on the display unit 108. Then control is block 180.
Where the logic circuit 122 directs the line relay 126 to the DTMF generator 124 and the handset 104.
To disconnect from the telephone line connector 118. As another example, block 180 may also completely deactivate DTMF generator 124, or
It is also possible to command the generator 124 to generate a predetermined tone indicating that the attempted telephone number is not authorized.

1 and 2, by setting the slide switch 110 to the program position 112,
The telephone user can specify which of the two modes to use (preemption of unauthorized numbers or authorization of specially authorized numbers), the authorized security code, and the buffer 132 Telephone numbers can be entered in the unauthorized telephone number section or the permitted telephone number section of the buffer 132. In a typical programming procedure, the telephone user performs the following procedure. (1) Set the slide switch 110 to the program position 112.
Set to. (2) "Security code input" on display 108
In response to the display, the push dial unit 106 is used to specify a security code with an appropriate numerical value. (Therefore, only authorized telephone users can use the telephone 1
Can program 00. ) (3) Press “1” or “2” on the push dial 106 according to the display “Change security code? 1 for YES, 2 for NO” on the display unit 108. Make the desired choice. If "1" is input to change the security code, a new security code is input using the push dial unit 106, and finally the "#" key is pressed. (4) Press the "1" or "2" on the push dial unit 106 according to the display "Mode selection: 1 for non-permission, 2 for permission" on the display unit 108 to select the desired mode. select. (5) In response to the display "Which phone number memory unit do you want to modify? 1 for unauthorized, 2 for permitted" on the display unit 108, "1" on the push dial unit 106 or Press "2" to make the appropriate selection. (6) In response to the indication “addition or deletion? 1 for addition, 2 for deletion” on the display unit 108, press “1” or “2” on the push dial unit 106 to make an appropriate selection. To do. (7) If a new number is added to the telephone number memory section, the desired telephone number or prefix number is input using the push dial section 106, and finally the "#" key is pressed. If there is no new number to add, simply press the "#" key without entering the additional number. (8) If the number is erased from the telephone number memory section, the display unit 108 displays the first telephone number stored as a list in the designated telephone number memory section (not permitted or permitted) of the buffer 132. indicate. If the displayed number is to be deleted, press the "*" key. If the number displayed remains, press the "#" key to advance to the next number in the list. (9) To end the program mode, move the slide switch 110 to the tone mode position 114.

When making a telephone call, the telephone 10
0 automatically executes the previously described logic flow diagram of FIG.
At block 144 of FIG. 3, the telephone 100 determines if the proper security code has been entered. The telephone user uses the handset 104 to mount the tabletop 102.
After removing it, press the "*" key followed by the programmed security code to specify the appropriate security code. When all security codes have been entered, the telephone user presses the "#" key, at which point telephone 100 executes block 144 of FIG.

In another embodiment, the numeric security code is replaced by a voice recognition security system.

In another embodiment, telephone 100 is manufactured to recognize a pre-programmed security code that the telephone user cannot change. Similarly, telephone 100 will receive "1-900" or "976" unless a recognized security code is entered.
Is designed to automatically intercept your phone number.

In yet another embodiment, logic circuit 122, buffer 132, mode slide switch 110 and display 108 are in a physically separate unit connected between telephone 100 and the central office. Included in. In this alternative embodiment, the physically separate unit is programmable, allowing unauthorized phone number interception and special authorization based on signals received at the physically separate unit from connector 118. It controls functions such as permission of only telephone numbers.

Various important features of the submitted embodiment are summarized below.

Shown is a telephone controller, which is a circuit for storing at least one sequence of numbers, a circuit for receiving a telephone number entered by a telephone user,
A circuit for comparing the input telephone number with the number string, and a circuit for selectively transmitting the input telephone number according to the output of the comparison circuit. The number sequence may consist of part or parts of an unauthorized telephone number that are never transmitted. In such a case, the circuit for selectively transmitting includes a circuit for disabling the transmission of the input telephone number, and the transmission of the input telephone number is performed by the output of the comparison circuit. Disables the transmission when indicates that the number strings match. The number sequence may consist of part or more parts of the authorized telephone number to be transmitted, in which case the circuit for selective transmission is unable to transmit the input telephone number. Including a circuit for converting. In such a case, the transmission of the input telephone number will be sent if the output of the comparison circuit indicates that the input telephone number does not match the corresponding number sequence of the same length in the number sequence. Disable. The telephone controller further includes circuitry to allow the telephone user to specify transmission of the entered telephone number regardless of the output of the comparison circuit. In such a case, the enabling circuit includes circuitry for determining whether the telephone user has specified an authorized security code, and such a device further includes a telephone user authorized security code. Includes circuitry to allow modification of the approved security code after code designation. The enabling circuit may include a circuit for recognizing the voice of the telephone user. The telephone controller may further include a circuit that allows the telephone user to specify a number sequence in the memory circuit, in which case the designation circuit also determines whether the telephone user is authorized to specify the number sequence in the memory circuit. The decision circuit also includes circuitry for receiving the number sequence from the telephone push dial portion. The storage circuitry may also include electrically erasable programmable read-only memory. The comparator circuit also compares the input telephone number to the number string in response to the receiving circuit receiving the input telephone number. The input telephone number to the telephone control device is composed of one or a plurality of numbers, and the number string is also composed of one or a plurality of numbers.
The number string may be composed of prefix numbers belonging to unauthorized telephone numbers that are not transmitted. Furthermore, the number sequence may consist of a prefix number belonging to the authorized telephone number to be transmitted.

While the invention and its features have been described in detail, various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. I want you to understand.

With respect to the above description, the following items will be further disclosed. (1) A telephone control method: storing at least one number sequence; receiving a telephone number input by a telephone user; and depending on a result of comparing the input telephone number with the number sequence The telephone control method including the above steps of selectively transmitting the input telephone number.

(2) The telephone control method according to claim 1, wherein the storing procedure includes a procedure of storing at least one number string consisting of one or a plurality of unacceptable telephone numbers which are not transmitted.

(3) The telephone control method according to the second aspect, wherein the step of selectively transmitting includes a step of disabling transmission of the input telephone number.

(4) In the method described in the third item, the step of disabling includes a step of disabling transmission of the input telephone number when the input telephone number matches the number string. Telephone control method.

(5) The telephone control method according to the item (1), wherein the storing procedure includes a procedure of storing at least one number string consisting of one or a plurality of parts of a permitted telephone number to be transmitted. .

(6) The telephone control method according to the fifth aspect, wherein the step of selectively transmitting includes a step of disabling transmission of the input telephone number.

(7) In the method described in the sixth item, the disabling procedure transmits the input telephone number when the input telephone number does not match the same length number string in the number string. The telephone control method, including a procedure for disabling the telephone.

(8) In the method described in the item (1), further, the telephone user can specify transmission of the input telephone number regardless of the comparison of the input telephone number and the number sequence. Telephone control method.

(9) The method according to claim 8, wherein the enabling procedure includes a procedure for determining whether or not the telephone user has designated an authorized security code.

(10) The method according to the ninth item, further comprising the step of changing the certified security code after the telephone user specifies the certified security code. Telephone control method.

(11) The method according to the eighth aspect, wherein the enabling procedure includes a procedure for recognizing the voice of the telephone user.

(12) The telephone control method according to the method described in the first paragraph, further including a procedure for allowing the telephone user to specify the number sequence.

(13) In the method described in the twelfth aspect, the telephone control method, wherein the enabling procedure includes a step of determining whether the telephone user is authorized to specify the number string. .

(14) The telephone control method according to the twelfth aspect, wherein the enabling procedure includes a procedure of receiving the number string from the push dial unit of the telephone.

(15) A method according to claim 1, wherein the storing procedure includes a step of storing the number sequence in an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory.

(16) In the method described in paragraph 1, the step of selectively transmitting includes a step of comparing the input telephone number with the number string when the input telephone number is received. The telephone control method.

(17) The telephone control method according to the item (1), wherein the receiving procedure includes a step of receiving an input telephone number composed of one or a plurality of numbers.

(18) The telephone control method according to the item (1), wherein the storing procedure includes a procedure of storing at least one number string composed of one or a plurality of numbers.

(19) The telephone control method according to the item (1), wherein the storing procedure includes a procedure of storing at least one number string composed of prefix numbers belonging to unauthorized telephone numbers that are not transmitted.

(20) In the method according to the item (1), the storage procedure includes a procedure of storing at least one number string composed of a prefix number belonging to a permitted telephone number to be transmitted. .

(21) At least one number string is stored. One input telephone number from the telephone user is received (150, 152). The input telephone number is selectively transmitted according to the result of comparing the input telephone number with the number string (160, 174).

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a telephone of the submitted embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the submitted example telephone.

FIG. 3 is a logic flow diagram of telephone operation of the submitted embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 100 Telephone 102 Basic Unit (Desktop Machine) 104 Handset 106 Push Dial Section 108 Display 110 Slide Switch 112 Program Mode Position 114 Tone Mode Position 116 Pulse Mode Position 118 Telephone Line Connector 120 Hook Control 122 Logic Circuit 124 DTMF Pulse Generator 126 Line relay 128 Handset 130 Transmitter 132 Buffer

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] November 17, 1993

[Procedure Amendment 1]

[Document name to be corrected] Drawing

[Name of item to be corrected] Figure 2

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[Fig. 2]

[Procedure Amendment 2]

[Document name to be corrected] Drawing

[Name of item to be corrected] Figure 3

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[Figure 3]

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A telephone control method comprising: storing at least one number sequence; receiving a telephone number entered by a telephone user; and comparing the input telephone number to the number sequence. Accordingly, the telephone control method including the above steps of selectively transmitting the input telephone number.