JPS62230249A - Voice/data incorporating exchange system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To attain smooth transition of data communication from the talking state by reserving a MODEM connected to a digital converter. CONSTITUTION:In operating a DN key of a multi-function telephone set 41, a control circuit 10 detects whether or not all pooled MODEMs are in operation, and when a MODEM is judged to be idle, an inter face unit corresponding to the telephone set 41 is detected to acquire a trunk line 6. When a dial data is inputted from the telephone set 41, the trunk line 6 is operated by the control circuit 10, which reserves one of the idle pooled MODEMs. Then the control circuit 10 sets a channel between the trunk line 6 and the telephone set 41 to transit the mode into the talking state. In depressing a key 41a in the talking state, the control circuit 10 applies data communication via a MODEM in the reserving state.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Object of the Invention] (Industrial Application Field) The present invention relates to a voice/data integrated switching system that can selectively perform voice and data communication, and particularly relates to a voice/data integrated switching system that can selectively perform voice and data communication, and in particular, data communication via central office lines. Concerning a system that allows you to do this.

(Conventional technology) With the recent progress in office automation, digital exchanges are now being configured to connect not only voice terminals such as multi-function telephones, but also various data terminals to communicate both voice and data. An integrated voice/data exchange system has been developed. Such systems are for data communication between data terminals such as personal computers and word processors that are usually connected to a digital exchange via a data interface unit, and external data is transmitted via analog central office lines. Data communication with the terminal was not possible. In recent years, in order to perform such data communication, it has been considered to connect data terminals to digital exchanges via modulation/demodulation equipment (modems), and to enable data communication with external data terminals via central office lines. In this system, it is necessary to selectively connect a modem when communicating data via a central office line, and a data interface unit when communicating via an extension line, and this connection is troublesome.

Another problem is that if a modem is provided for each data terminal, the modem cannot be used effectively.

Therefore, a pooled modem system was devised to solve this problem. In this method, modems are pooled (connected) to the digital exchange in advance, and the modems (pooled modems) are used only when data communication is to be performed via the central office line.
This is a system in which data terminals are connected to central office lines via a central office line, and multiple data terminals can use modems as needed.

In this method, the central office line is first acquired by operating keys on the data interface unit to which the data terminal is connected, and a communication path (communication path) via the central office line is set by calling an external data terminal such as an external database. do.

Then, after confirming the carrier signal tone obtained via the NCU and modem on the external data terminal side, data communication is started by operating a data communication start key or the like, and data communication is performed thereafter.

However, in such a pooled modem system, the telephone and the pooled modem are independent, and for example, after a telephone call is made over a central office line, the data terminal of both parties can be used to communicate without disconnecting the call. Unable to switch to data communication. Therefore, after the operator performs an operation to end a call, the operator must perform an operation to make a call using the digital interface unit and dial the number again, which requires a troublesome operation. Also, if you attempt to make a call by operating the keys on the data interface unit to start data communication after disconnecting the call in this way, if the pooled modem is busy (in use) or blocked, the call will be interrupted. became invalid and data communication could not be performed, and in order to notify the other party of this fact, the user had to dial again using the telephone, which required a more troublesome operation. Furthermore, since the dialing operation is repeated many times, erroneous calls may occur. Furthermore, even if the pooled modem is busy (in use) or blocked, there is no indication to that effect, so the tone (busy tone, overflow tone) returned from the digital exchange after dialing is transmitted to the data interface. The operator was not able to know the status until hearing from the unit, resulting in unnecessary dial operations.

(Problems to be Solved by the Invention) As mentioned above, according to the conventional system, the operator cannot know the status of the pooled modem until the dial operation is performed.
This is inconvenient in terms of operation, as there is a risk of unnecessary operations being performed. In order to solve these problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide an integrated voice/data exchange system that also reduces unnecessary dialing operations.

[Structure of the Invention (Means for Solving the Problems)] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a telephone set having a data interface unit for interfacing data equipment and a digital exchange, and a key for central office line data communication. means for connecting a telephone/data interface unit and a modulation/demodulation device configured to correspond to said digital exchange, and detecting whether or not said modulation/demodulation device is in an idle state; means for controlling the display of a display provided on the telephone set based on the telephone set; and means for capturing a predetermined central office line and controlling the modulation/demodulation device in an idle state when it detects that the central office line data communication key has been operated. A means for setting the terminal in a reserved state and preparing for data communication is provided.

(Function) With this configuration, the status of the pooled modem is displayed on the display of the telephone, and an idle pooled modem can be reserved by operating the central line take communication key, allowing smooth communication from the call state. can transition to data communication state.

(Example) Examples of the present invention will be described in detail below.

A block diagram of the configuration of the voice/data integrated exchange system in this embodiment is as shown in FIG. In the figure, the digital exchange 1 includes multifunction telephone line circuits (ELC) 20a and 20b.

Line circuit for 20c1 data interface unit (
DLC) 45.46, subscriber line trunk circuit 70,
It consists of a modem line circuit 30, a typewriter connection interface 80, a tone generation circuit 3, a communication path highway 4 and a time switch 2 constituting a digital communication circuit, a control circuit 10, and a data highway 5. ELC20
a.

2Qb, 20C are multifunctional telephones (EKT) '30°41
．． The interface 21 to which 42 is connected converts the audio signal from the communication highway EKT into a digital signal for sending out, or conversely converts the digital signal from the communication path highway into an analog signal for sending out to the EKT. Various control signals (such as various switch signals) from the EKT are sent to the converter 22 and the control circuit 10 via the data highway 5, and conversely, various control signals obtained from the control circuit 10 (time slot control signals, ELC control circuit (CONT) 23 that receives LED lighting instruction signals, etc.
It is equipped with Further, the DLC 45.46 is a DLC that transmits and receives control signals between the interface 26 to which the data interface unit (DIU) 45.46 is connected and the control circuit 10, and also controls the timing of transmission and reception with the communication channel highway. A control circuit (CONT) 27 is provided. Further, the subscriber trunk circuit 70 includes an interface 71 connected to the subscriber line 6, an ELC 20a,
A converter 72 similar to the converters 22 of 20 b and 20 c, and a trunk circuit for transmitting and receiving control signals (incoming call detection signal, etc.) with the control circuit 10 and controlling the timing of transmitting and receiving with the communication route highway. Control circuit (CONT
)73.

Note that the modem line circuit 30 is an ELC20a.

The pooled modem 60 is connected to the interface 34 to which the converter 31 is connected, and the DIU 47 is connected to the other interface 35. This modem line circuit 30, pooled modem 60 and DIU 4
A plurality of modem circuits consisting of 7 are connected. Operational control such as call path control of the digital exchange 1 is performed by a control circuit 10, which includes a ROM 12 in which an operational program is loaded, and a RAM 13 in which operational status data of the EKT and DSU are stored. , and a CPU 11.

Next, integrated EKT/DI U40 a, 40
The configuration of b will be briefly explained. This integrated EKT/DIU
40a, 40b are EKT41, 42 and DIU45.
Consists of 46, EKT dial keys, various function keys 42 a, 42 b, 42 c and L
The ED 42d is used for both voice communication using the EKTs 41 and 42 and data communication using the data terminals (DTE) 50a and 50b. or,
Since this DSU45.46 does not require a key, the EKT
It is provided in the heel part which is removably attached to the bottom part in order to give a predetermined inclination to the operating surface 18- of 41.42. As shown in FIG. 2, the EKT 41 includes an interface 45a to which an audio signal line is connected to the interface 21, an interface 45b to which a data line is connected, a communication circuit 46, a handset 47, a speaker 48, and a control circuit 49. , this control circuit 49 has function keys 41a, 41b.

41c, dial key 41e and hook switch 41f
The switch data is sent to the digital exchange 1 via the interface 45b, and the handset 47 also controls the lighting of the LED 41d based on the LED lighting signal from the digital exchange 1, and sends a sound signal such as a ring tone or a busy tone.
Alternatively, it controls the output from the speaker 48.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the DIU 45 has an interface 51 with the digital exchange 1, an interface 52 with the DTE 50a, a ROM 53, a RAM 54, and a ROM 53.
A control circuit 55 performs operation control based on the operating program in the DTE and data in the RAM 54, and a timer 57 measures whether or not there is no signal on the data line between the DTE 50a and the digital exchange 1 for a predetermined period of time. It consists of a no-signal detection circuit 56 that makes decisions based on data. This detection circuit 56 detects whether the rHJ level signal is a data line or not in a no-signal state.
Taking advantage of the fact that the rHJ level continuously exists on the channel, a detection signal is output to the control circuit 55 when the rHJ level continues for a period of, for example, 20 minutes according to the time measurement data of the timer 57. Further, the interfaces 51 and 52 are functionally configured to selectively switch between a data line and a control line (command line) according to instructions from a control circuit 55, as shown in the figure.

Next, the operation of such an integrated voice/data exchange system will be explained.

First, in the RAM 13 in the control circuit 10, the data shown in FIGS.
A table as shown in the figure is stored. Figure 4 shows
Integrated EKT/DIU40a.

40b is a table showing the correspondence between EKT41.42 and DIU45.46, and the DI corresponding to the PN of these EKTs or DIUs is shown in the order of the port (hereinafter referred to as PN) number where the EKT or DSU is connected to the digital exchange 1.
The PN of U or EKT is stored. Figure 5 shows EK
This is a table in which the usage status of T, pooled modem, and DIU is stored, and it is "01" when it is in use and 00'' when it is not in use. PN and DI of the EKT of the other party during the conversation with the EKT
This table stores the PN of the DIU of the other party who is talking to U, and when the other party is talking or the other party is not talking, “F
The table shown in FIG. 4 and the function settings of various function keys of EKT are both performed from the typewriter 9 connected to the digital exchange 1.

The operation of this embodiment will be described below, focusing on the operation of the control circuit 10, with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 8 to 13.

Setting operation When setting various data, first turn on the typewriter 9.
Connected to T80 for data input. Therefore, the control circuit 10 first detects whether or not the typewriter 9 is connected (step 100), and when it determines that it is connected, it detects whether or not the rCRJ key has been pressed manually from the typewriter 9 (step 100). 101). If it is determined that the rcRJ key has been manually input, the control circuit 101 waits for data input, and then inputs the EKT port number PN, DIU port number PN, or various EKT function keys 41a.

Input data such as function commands for 41b and 41c.
T80 and the data highway 5 (step 102). Then, when the EKT PN and DIU PN data are input, a PN-PN table is created (Step 103), various function keys 41a,
4 l b, 41 c.

When a function command for 42a, 42b, or 42c is input, a function command table corresponding to the designated EKT is created and temporarily stored in an internal area. In this embodiment, the keys 41a and 42a are set to “Start data communication 1 (
DIU key), keys 41b and 42b have a function of "end data communication" (DRS key) registered. In addition, LE
Two of D41d and D42d are used to display the status of the DIU 45.46 and the status of the pooled modem 60. After that, when the rcRJ key is pressed manually again (step 104), the control circuit 10 transfers the data temporarily stored in the internal area to the EKT compatible area or DIU compatible area in the RAM 13, and stores the PN-PN table (see FIG. 4). Function command tables are also registered in various EKT compatible areas (step 105). After this rcRJ key is manually pressed, "Delete" key is manually pressed (if done (step 10)
6), the control circuit 10 determines that the registered data is an invalid operation,
Data input is again taken (step 102). In this way, various data are set and registered.

Operational operation When EKT30, 41.42 goes off-off,
The off-hook signal is sent via the data line to ELC20.
a, b + c, and this off-hook signal is sent to the control circuit 10 from C0NT23. The control circuit 10 controls the TSW 2 and sends this tone data in a predetermined time slot to send a dial tone to the EKT 30, 41.42 that has undergone an off-hook operation. /
After A conversion, it is sent to EKT 30, 41, and 42, and the handset 47 or speaker 48 makes this dial tone sound. Thereafter, the control circuit 10 waits for dial input, and sequentially takes in dial data by operating the numeric keypad (step 201).

In this embodiment, the function key 41c is pressed before dialing to specify the extension to be used. Based on this dial data, it is determined whether the request is for an internal call or an external call (step 202). In the case of an internal call, the control circuit 10 should send a ring tone to the called side EKT (while controlling TSW2, The TSW 2 controls the TSW 2 to send a ringback tone to the calling EKT, and when off-hook data of the called EKT is obtained via the data highway 5, the TSW 2 connects the calling and called EKTs. In this case, the LE corresponding to the extension number used
D41d and D42d are lit (step 207). Also, in the case of an outside line call, substantially the same outside line call processing is performed (step 2'03), and at the end of the call, substantially the same call termination processing is performed (steps 205, 206).

In step 202, it is determined that it is an extension call request, the extension call is processed, and when a hold operation is performed while the extension call is in progress and the DIU 41a key is operated (steps 208 and 209), the control circuit 10 Start data communication operation. This operation will be described later. Further, when a call termination operation (on-hook) is performed during an extension call (step 210), the control circuit 10 performs call termination processing such as turning off the LED and opening the communication path (step 206).

Next, with EKT41 and 42 on-hook, DIU
When determining that the keys 41a and 42a have been pressed, the control circuit 10 determines that there is a data communication request and starts data communication operation. First, the control circuit is the EKT41,
Steps 231, 232) determine whether there is a DI'U 45, 46 corresponding to 42 and whether the DIU 45, 46 is in use or free.
If it is determined that U45.46 is in use, the process ends.

There are also DIUs 45 and 4B, and when it is determined that the DIUs 45' and 46 are empty, the control circuit 10 takes in the dial data from the EKT 41.degree. 42 (step 233). This dial data is the dial number of the called side DIU, and based on this data, the called side DIU is detected and
While referring to the table in the figure, the control circuit 10 controls the receiving side DI.
Determine the presence or absence of U and its usage/vacancy status (step 23
4°235). If the control circuit 10 determines that there is no DIU on the receiving side, the control circuit 10 sends an overflow tone to the calling side EKTs 41 and 42 to send an overflow tone to the DRS key 41 of the calling side EKTs 41' and 42.
This overflow tone continues to be sent until the operation of b, 42b is performed (step 262) or a predetermined time period elapses (step 2'63). Also, called party D
If it is determined that the IU is in use, the above-mentioned overflow 1.
- instead of tone = 16 - Instead, a busy tone is sent out until the DRS keys 41b, 42b are operated or a predetermined time period elapses (steps 2'71, 272, 273).

If it is determined that there is a vacant receiving side DIU, the control circuit 10 detects the PN of the EKT corresponding to the receiving side DIU from the table shown in FIG. 4 (step 236). Here, the originating side DIU is DIU45, and the receiving side DIU is DIU45.
This will be explained as 46.

Next, the control circuit 10 controls the DIU key 4 of the EKTs 41 and 42.
LED 41d corresponding to 1a and 42a.

42d is displayed blinking, and a ringback tone is sent to the EKT 41 and a ringtone is sent to the EKT 42 (step 237). Then, the control circuit 10 sends an incoming signal (incoming command) to the DIU 46 (step 238).

Then, the control circuit 55 of the DIU 46 sends out a response signal in response to this command (step 239).

However, if the response signal is not obtained even after a predetermined period of time has elapsed due to a failure of the DIU 46 or the like (step 240), the control circuit 10 returns to the initial state. When the response signal is obtained, the control circuit 10 turns on the blinking LEDs 41d and 4 of the EKTs 41 and 42.
2d is turned on and the communication path of DIU 45 and 46 is set (step 242), and I) a "talk tube" signal is sent to each of IUs 45 and 46 (step 243.24).
4). Upon receiving this transmitted "talk tube" signal, the control circuit 55 switches the DTEs 50a and 50b to INT51, 52.
These DTE50
Data communication is started between a and 50b (step 24
5). Judgment of data communication termination is made by EKT41, 42 D.
Pressing the RS keys 41b and 42b (step 246), D
This is performed when inputting control data indicating that a no-signal state has elapsed for a predetermined period of time on the communication path obtained from the control circuit 55 of the IU 45.46 (step 247), and inputting end-of-call signals from the DTEs 50a and 50b (step 248). When it is determined that the process has ended, the control port w110 turns off the lit LEDs 41d and 42d of the EKT 41°42 (step 249).
, DIU 45.46. Step 250) These DIUs 45.46 are made vacant and the table shown in FIG. 5 is changed. Thereafter, the call path is opened, step 251), and call termination processing is performed.

By the way, when an extension call is put on hold and the DIU
When a key operation is performed, the process moves to a data communication procedure, and first, the control circuit 10 refers to the tables shown in FIGS. Step 2 to determine whether it exists or not
91), and determines whether this DIU is in use or free (step 292). If there is no corresponding DIU or if the DIU is in use, the control circuit 10
The a operation is invalidated and extension call processing (step 207) continues until the hold operation is released. Empty DIU4
5, the control circuit 10 detects the EKT (EKT42 here) of the other party on the extension line while referring to the table shown in FIG. 6, and then detects the EKT while referring to the table shown in FIG. DIU corresponding to (
It is detected whether there is a called side D I U (46) (steps 293 and 294). If it is determined that there is no DIU on the receiving side, the control circuit 10 moves to step 261 described above and causes the EKT 41 to send out an overflow tone. If the control circuit 10 determines that there is a DIU on the receiving side, the control circuit 10 detects whether the DIU 46 on the receiving side is in use or free while referring to the table shown in FIG. and causes EKT41 to send out a busy tone. If it is determined that the receiving side DIU exists and is in an idle state, the control circuit 10 performs the operations from step 237 described above and shifts from the call operation to the data communication operation. Note that when transitioning from an extension call, the hold tone is being sent in the hold state, so step 23
Instead of sending out the ringback tone of 7, it sends out a "beep" interrupt sound (a short-term special sound), and instead of sending out a single normal ringtone, it sends out a special continuous "beep" sound (special sound). That's what I do. Furthermore, if the hold release operation is performed before the start of data communication in step 245, the control circuit 10 invalidates the data communication request made by operating the DIU key 41a, and proceeds to extension call processing (step 207).

The control circuit changes the status table shown in Figure 5 when the EKT or DIU is in use or when it is idle, and also changes the status table shown in Figure 5 when the EKT or DIU is in use or when it is idle.
and the PN of the DIU are registered in the table shown in FIG.

Now, the operation of data communication via the central office line 6 will be explained. Function key 41c of EKT41, 42
, 42c is set and registered as a central office line data communication key (DN key). This flowchart only shows the operation of transitioning from the outside line call operation to the data communication operation. Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is possible to confirm whether all the pooled modems 60 are free or in use, and it is also possible to reserve the pooled modems 60. This operation will be explained below. Furthermore, here EK
Let T41 be the originating EKT.

First, the control circuit 10 controls the LEDs 41d and 42d corresponding to the DN keys of all EKTs to
The LEDs 41d and 42d are illuminated only when they are in use. Now, when the DN key of the EKT 41 is operated (step 301), the control circuit 10 detects whether all pooled modems are in use or free (step 302).
), if it is determined to be empty, the DIU corresponding to EKT41
The presence or absence of the DIU and the usage/free status of the DIU are detected (steps 303 and 304). If it is determined that a corresponding DIU 45 exists and is vacant, the control circuit 10 acquires the central office line 6 based on the DN key operation, and enters a state of waiting for input of dial data. Thereafter, when dial data is input from the EKT 41, the control circuit 10 performs a calling operation to the acquired central office line 6 (step 305) and also places one of the vacant pooled modems in a reserved state. This reservation is made by writing data "10" indicating reservation for each DIU in the table shown in FIG. 5 in addition to the data indicating whether the DIU is in use or free. Based on this reservation, the control circuit 10 detects whether all the pooled modems are in use or reserved (step 307), and if it is determined that there are no free pooled modems, the control circuit 10 performs step 307).
The LEDs 41d and 42d corresponding to the N key are illuminated. Next, the control circuit 10 sets up a communication path between the central office line 6 and the EKT 41 (step 309), and shifts to a communication state. When a call termination operation is performed in a call state (step 311
), the control circuit 10 rewrites the data indicating reservation in the table shown in FIG. 5 to data indicating vacancy in order to make the reserved pooled modem vacant (step 325), and again checks the status of all pooled modems. If there is at least one free pooled modem, the LEDs 41d and 42d corresponding to the DN key are turned off (step 327).
), performs a call termination operation to release the set communication path (step 328).

By the way, when the DIU key 41a is pressed in the call state (step 312), the control circuit 10 changes the reserved state of the pooled modem to the used state and performs a data communication operation (steps 314 to 324). First, the control circuit 10 turns on the LED 41d corresponding to the DIU key 41a of the EKT41.
Lighting control data is sent to the control circuit 49 via the ELC 20b to turn on the light (step 31j). Therefore,
LED41d lights up. Then, the control circuit 10
Cut off the EKT41 communication path and use the corresponding DIU instead.
45 is determined from the table shown in FIG. 4, and this DIU4
5 and the DLC of the modem line circuit 30, and the EL of this modem line circuit 30 is set.
TSW 2 is controlled to set a communication path connecting C and trunk circuit 70 (step 315). After that, D
“Telephone tube” signal to IU45 and DIU47 is sent to Dateno1
It is sent out via Iway 5 (Ste 316° 31
7) Data communication between the DTE 50a and the external database 8 is started (step 318).

To determine the end of data communication, use the DRS key 4 of the EKT41.
b is pressed (step 319), input of control data obtained from the control circuit 55 of the DIU 45 indicating that no signal has been on the communication path for a predetermined period of time or more (step 320);
Opening the station line (line) on the external database 8 side (Step 3)
21), this is done by inputting a call termination signal from the DTE 50a (step 322), and when it is determined that the call has ended, the control circuit 10 turns off the LED 41d that is currently lit on the EKT 41 (
Step 323) Send the hereday signals to DIU45 and DIU47.324) These DIU4
5.47 is made vacant and the table shown in FIG. 5 is changed. When the data communication ends, the control circuit 10 shifts the used pooled modem (reserved pooled modem) to an idle state (step 325), similar to the above-mentioned call termination process.
), the LEDs 41d and 42d corresponding to the DN key are turned off (steps 326 and 327), and then the communication path is opened (step 328). Note that when all the office lines 6 are in use, the control circuit 10 (not shown) disables the DN key operation.

[Effects of the Invention] As explained above, according to the present invention, when a pooled modem is in use or blocked, a message to that effect is displayed, so that it is possible to reduce unnecessary dialing operations, and also to prevent unnecessary dialing operations. Since it is possible to reserve a vacant pool modem, it is convenient for use.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a telephone of the integrated telephone/data interface unit shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the integrated telephone/data interface unit shown in FIG.
A configuration diagram of the data interface of the data interface unit, FIGS. 4 to 6 are diagrams showing data tables stored in the RAM shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 7 is a data setting registration operation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. A flowchart showing
8 to 13 are flowcharts for explaining the data communication operation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. 1... Digital exchange, 6... Central office line, 40a, 40
b...Integrated telephone/data interface unit, 30, 41.42...Multifunction telephone, 45°46.
4.7...Data interface unit, 41a,
42a...Data communication start key, 41b. 42b...data communication end key, 41c, 42c...
・Funkun Yonkey, 41d, 42d...LED. 50a, 50b...data terminals. To the ward

Claims (1)

[Claims] (1) A telephone/data interface unit and a modulation/demodulation device configured to be compatible with a data interface unit that interfaces data equipment and a digital exchange with a telephone having a key for central line data communication are installed in the digital exchange. means for connecting the telephone and detecting whether or not the modulation/demodulation device is in an idle state; means for controlling the display of a display provided on the telephone based on the detection result; and the telephone for central line data communication. A voice/data integrated switching system characterized by comprising means for capturing a predetermined office line when detecting that a key has been operated, and setting the modulation/demodulation device in an idle state to a reserved state to prepare for data communication. .