MXPA98004893A - . apparatus and method for supporting termination of calls using analog interface to telephone network - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus that combines multiple calls in the facilities that is connected by a single point-of-connection to a telephony network that has a simple telephone number

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SUPPORTING THE TERMINATION OF TWO CALLS USING ANALOGUE INTERFACE TO RED DIJ? TELEPHONY BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for completing at least two calls to or from an installation that are connected by a single point-of-connection (or telephone line) to a telephone network and more particularly to an apparatus and method that process multiple calls at the facilities. Multiple calls are often established in digital networks of terminals connected by a connection point identified by a simple terminal number. For example, networks using packet-switched data networks, described in ITU-T X.25 recommendations, use digital endings and allow multiple calls on the network. Other examples include frame relay networks, described in the recommendation of ITU-T 1.233; Narrowband ISDN, described in ITU-T 1.210 recommendation, and broadband ISDN networks, described in ITU-T 1.211 recommendation. These services use digital endings that can be expensive to implement and maintain. It would be advantageous if the installations connected by a point-of-connection to the public switched telephone network REF: 27781 public (PSTN = Public Swined Telephone Network.) With the standard, analog "tip-and-ring" interface can carry a modulated signal between the facilities and the PSTN that include multiple call capacity of terminal equipment located in the facilities, such as a telephone, video, fax machine or personal computer.This would be advantageous for example, if someone in the facilities is using a fax machine, while at the same time requires a phone call to a different site.Other examples may include having someone make two phone calls to the network, or use a computer and fax machine or a telephone and personal computer, Therefore, it is convenient if a method and apparatus could combine, in a facility, at least two calls to different sites that originate from terminal equipment located in these facilities, where the apparatus connects the combined calls to a public switched telephone network by a point-of-connection without digital termination such as ISDN system. C? Fendj.Q de Xß, Xnyencjón The present invention provides a method and apparatus for combining, in a facility, at least two calls originating from terminal equipment located in those facilities and connecting the combined calls to a public switched telephone network by a point-of-connection, where marking tones are provided in an analog interface to the facilities. In typical embodiments of the present invention, the connection point has an associated simple telephone number. The method and apparatus of this invention allow multiple calls such as an analog telephone, video, data, fax and comparable calls, in a simple analog interface. It can be projected to allow an increased number of calls when using additional analog interfaces. Said extension, sometimes known as a structure of multiple links, allows any assignment of multiple calls through the plurality of analog interfaces. In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a control channel is established between the telephony network, such as a public switched telephone network and the terminal equipment located in the facilities. At least two calls originate from the installation equipment and the control channel is combined in the installations in a modulated analog signal that has a separate channel for each call. Likewise, any incoming calls are combined with the previous calls and with the control channel for transmission between the client facilities and the public switched telephone network.

Identity information is transmitted from the originating terminal equipment through the control channel, to help in determining a remote device with which a call will be associated. This includes auxiliary information to advance the call. The signal is transmitted from a modulation / demodulation device, such as an analog signal modulated to the public switched telephone network. The modulated analog signal is divided into the respective calls and the control channel. The calls are then sent to a respective remote device, with base and identity information and auxiliary information received through the control channel. In one aspect of the present invention, the calls can be divided into the public switched telephone network. The public switched telephone network may also include a cellular network. Identifiers are associated with each channel to distinguish each channel with the public switched telephone network. Each channel may also comprise a plurality of information blocks, and identifiers may be associated between the public switched telephone network and the terminal equipment per channel to distinguish the information blocks belonging to each call or control channel. In addition, according to the present invention, the apparatus in the facilities that combine the calls also divides the calls to return information to the respective terminal equipment in the facilities. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of a telephony network including intelligent network components of a public switched telephone network and other components suitable for use with the present invention. Figure 2 is a simplified block diagram of a multi-call terminal apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a more detailed block diagram of the multi-call terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a schematic representation of a control channel between the terminal equipment in the facilities and the public switched telephone network. Figure 5 shows in more detail multiple channels between the terminal equipment and the public switched telephone network and respective calls that extend to remote units. Figure 6 shows in more detail the use of identifiers for blocks of information, to distinguish between calls. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing operation of the control channel. Figure 8 is a block diagram showing an aspect of the method of the present invention. Detailed Description Now with reference to Figure 1, there is illustrated an overview of the public switched telephone network 10, which is connected by a first local exchange company (LEC = Local Exchange Company) 12 to facilities 14, such as residential installations , having a fax machine 16 and an analog telephone 18. The present method and system allow multiple call capability to and from the facilities 14 connected through an analog interface having a simple telephone number. The ability of multiple calls according to the present invention includes merging two or more outgoing calls such as analog telephone, data, video, or fax and other similar calls and separating more revenue calls. According to the present invention, the analog telephone 18 and the fax machine 16 as well as any other equipment (not shown) such as a personal or video computer, are devices connected to or included as part of the terminal equipment of multiple calls 20 (a "terminal equipment") and includes a multi-call interface apparatus 22 comprising a modulation / demodulation device.

The terminal equipment of multiple calls 20 can be integrated into a physical structure or box in the facilities and can be located in the facilities of a small business, residential or other facilities where a single point-of-connection that has a single telephone line to one Public switched telephone network uses an analog interface. The modulation / demodulation device can be a regular modem, limited distance modem, or a line controller. Further details regarding the multi-call interface apparatus will be provided below. The LEC 12 is connected to the premises 14 and terminal equipment 20, by a point-of-connection that has a single telephone line using an analog interface that supplies a dial tone to the facilities. In this example of a public switched telephone network 10, the network includes service switching points (SSP = Service Switching Points) 24 and a standard CCS7 signaling network 26 which is connected to a service control point (SCP = Service Control Point.} 28 which also includes a database 30, as is conventional.The PSTN 10 may also include a cellular network 32 which is connected to a service switching point 24 by a mobile switching office (MSO - Mobile Switching Office) 34. Naturally, the present invention can be implemented in other network configurations as is understood from the following description of the interface apparatus and a service element For purposes of describing the present invention as illustrated in Figure 1 , the PSTN 10 is also connected to a second LEC 40 which is connected to second facilities 42 having remote devices, for example fax machine 44 and an analog telephone 4 6, and third facilities 48 having an analog telephone 50, a multi-call service element MC-SE = multi-call service element) 52 in the form of an auxiliary processor 54, is connected to the LEC 12 and is shown in this example, outside the network and in such circumstance can be located in separate facilities. Alternatively the MC-SE 52 may be an integral part of the switch 24 or otherwise be placed to communicate with SSP 24. MC-SE 52 includes physical processing equipment, which comprises a modulation / demodulation function 55 and may have a basis of associated data 56 that can store addressing information, the telephone numbers of those subscribers using the present system and method for establishing multiple call capacity using a single telephone line and analog interface. The database 30 can also be used to store subscriber telephone numbers and would be preferred. The LEC 12 provides modem to modem connectivity and between the first installations and the MC-SE. Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram of a modality of a multi-call interface apparatus provided in the premises 14 for interconnecting the multiple sources of call information to the PSTN. In this Figure, the interface device has three ports. A first port 210 is a modem port that is coupled to the line providing access to the network. Seconds and third ports 220, 230 are respectively connected to terminal equipment that seeks to originate or receive calls from or to the facilities. As indicated above, this equipment may include an analog telephone, a fax machine, a personal computer, video devices or the like. Figure 3 illustrates in greater detail an example of the construction of the interface apparatus in which one of the equipment ports, 32 is coupled to a fax machine and another, 33 is coupled to an analog telephone. The fax port 32 is an RJ11 port that has the ability to perform normal signaling through the port. An artificial exchange interface 301 is coupled to the RJ11 port and provides such a PBX functionality such as collecting dual tone multi-frequency (DTMF = multi-frequency) signals and providing signals back to the fax machine as "occupied", "busy fast", "call", etc. This interface can be line port circuits including hybrid 4 to 2 and 4 to 2 wire circuits, hanging detection capability and line circuit power. The information of the fax machine (not shown) is then treated by data handling elements 305 including the DAA 302 fax modem, the CODEC 303 modem fax and a 304 local modem fax. As a consequence, fax / data are supplied to the fax machine. controller 310. As for the port to which telephone 230 is connected in Figure 2, another RJ11 port connection 33 is provided. A second man-machine interface 331, of the type described above, is coupled to the RJ11 to provide the same types of functionality as described above with respect to the man-machine interface 301. Telephone processing circuits include an audio CODEC 332 and an element for providing audio compression 333, such that a speech signal is transferred to the sonucleor 310. The audio CODEC can be a conventional analog conversion to μ-law PSM (A / D) and law-μ conversion to analog) (D / A). The audio compression block is a DSP digital signal processor (which implements one of the standards for speech compression, such as the international AT &amp standards; T G.728 speech coding with low delay CELP. In an optional configuration, equipment coupled to the telephone port may include a speaker. Additional elements that would be of assistance to connect with said configuration, are shown in the 33A speaker plug, and micro-telephone acoustic echo canceller (AEC = Acoustic Echo Canceller) 334. As can be seen, the fax / data information can be provided from a fax machine coupled to the RJ1132 port, while at the same time voice information can be transferred to the guest from the telephone equipment coupled to the RJ11 port 33. The controller then acts as a call manager. The multiple controller to the information as a whole, thus creating in effect two different communication channels, which is provided in or with a control channel established to the public switched telephone network interface. The data multiplied from the sonder 310 is then transferred to the modem equipment 350 including the telephone line modem 351 and the DAA 54 modem. As a consequence, the analog signal that is provided to the PSTN interface includes the combined signals supplied by the subscribers. two independent communication devices, namely the fax machine and the analog telephone. It is also beneficial to ensure that at least the telephone equipment will be able to access the PSTN interface as a simple equipment access if there is any power failure. This is important in order to ensure that emergency services, for example 911 services, are always available. Figure 3 illustrates that a mechanism for power failure derivation 330 may be coupled between the RJ11 port and the PSTN interface. In this way, when there is a power failure the bypass mechanism would make a pre-defined change to a condition that derives the processing circuits that would otherwise transfer the telephone call to the controller and conversely directly connects the telephone to the controller. PSTN interface. According to this terminal equipment, it is possible to combine the various independent sources of information and transfer all that information in the same PSTN interface, such as a simple telephone line, with a simple assigned telephone number. The operation of this terminal equipment in connection with the rest of the network will now be described. Now with reference to the flow diagram of Figure 8, and in more detail of Figures 4 to 7, details of the method and system of the present invention are set forth below as a description for completing multiple calls from the residential facilities having the equipment of Figure 3 coupled to a fax machine and an analog telephone 18. For purposes of clarity, each stage corresponding to a block begins with the number sequence starting from 100. It should be understood that this description is only an example. For purposes of description, the steps will be explained with reference to the MC-SE placed in the public switched telephone network. The terminal equipment of the present invention contacts the public switched telephone network and more particularly the multi-call service element and a modulated signal is established (block 100). It will be understood that the public switched telephone network may contact the terminal equipment of multiple calls from a first incoming call. The public switched telephone network 10 through its multi-call service element 52, then establishes a control channel 58 (Figure 4) for signaling purposes between the multi-call service element and the terminal equipment 20 (block 102). It should be understood that establishing a control channel can be done by any party after the modem connection has been made, regardless of which side originates the modem connection. As illustrated in Figure 4, the control channel 58 is used to signal and passes through the modulated connection 60. The originating terminal equipment 20 can then direct a call, such as voice, data, fax or video over the control channel 58 and the multi-call service element 52, to a multi-terminal element that is also a subscriber to the present multi-call system, such as a multi-call machine. fax 44 shown in the second facilities 42 in Figure 1, and a remote existing terminal that is not a subscriber of the multiple call system present, such as the analog phone 50 shown in the third facilities 48 in Figure 1 (block 103) . The multiple call service element 52, as part of the public switched telephone network 10, then directs a call to the remote terminal equipment (block 104). This is done through an interface to a telephone switch, indicating the need to configure a call. The signaling at this interface naturally depends on the relationship between the multi-call service element 52 and the telephone switch 24. For example, the relationship may involve a mapping of the information flow (messages) and the information elements (semantics and information). syntax) between the multi-call interface device) MC-SE on the first interface and the telephone / MC-SE switch interface. The mapping involves mapping a connection message in the first address message (IAM = Initiate Address Message) in the second, provided that the MC-SE has the ability to send these messages to the SSP 24, as illustrated in the Figure 1. When a call is made, an interrogation is sent to the database 56 contained in the multi-call service element 52 or the database 30, to determine whether the called number is a subscriber of the system of multiple calls of the present invention (block 106). If the called number is not a subscriber to the multiple call system, or if any remote terminal equipment 42 is not using this service at this time, a normal "tip-and-ring" call is placed on the remote device (block 108). During call setup, unique identifiers are associated with the call (block 105) on the calling side and if the remote device is also a subscriber of the present invention, on the called side, and the set of identifiers are associated with both sides (110). Figure 7 shows the relationship of the control channels between MC-SE and the multi-call interface apparatus, when the called party is a multi-call system subscriber. A control channel is designated by the letter "a" between the facilities and the PSTN and "b" between the PSTN and the interface apparatus in the second facilities 42. Both control channels are labeled with the identifier Cid = 0, ( identifiers). As illustrated, an information channel is established from the interface apparatus of the first facilities in the PSTN, labeled Cid = 3, and a second information channel labeled Cid = 27 is established from the PSTN 10 and the second facilities MC- SE 42. The network maintains a mapping of Cid = 3 and Cid = 27, to support the call between facilities 20 and facilities 42. If the called party was not a subscriber, channel identifiers will be needed in the path of the party Calling the MC-SE 52. When a call is established using a control channel (after it has been configured), a unique identifier is chosen by the party it establishes (eg facilities 14 for call-out? MC-SE 52 for incoming call). This is subsequently used by both parties to identify the "blocks" or information packets circulating on the channel (between the facilities and the MC-SE) that pertain to each call associated with these facilities. A packet format that can be employed with this invention is described in Recommendation ITU-T V.76 (1996), incorporated herein by reference. The control channel has its own identifier (probably zero since it is the first established channel). But these identifiers are local to the MC-SE interface / facilities. If the remote end is also served by this invention, that second combination MC-SE / facilities collects its own identifier for the channel that serves that part of the call; if not, then a regular call is configured and no identifier is used or required at the remote end. Figure 6 illustrates a flow of blocks of information having unique identifiers, between the interface apparatus of the present invention and the MC-SE of the present invention. In addition to the identifiers, auxiliary information can be transmitted to assist in the progress of the call, auxiliary information from the calling side can be included to the type of calling device (eg fax), for proper termination at the remote end or a request for translation of language between the two parties. For incoming calls, auxiliary information includes the caller ID of the remote side to display it in the installation, considering that it is not in blocks. The blocks of information, or packets (transport the information belonging to the control channel) For the control channel, these can be messages for configuring calls For voice channels, these are compressed and digitized voice packets For fax channels, these are digital parts of a digitized page The identifier is a unique number or another unique identifier Using a unique identifier as established during the configuration of the call, the public switched telephone network 10 through its multiple service element calls 52, transmit information blocks associated with that first call between the multi-terminal terminal equipment 20 and the remote device (block 112) .According to the modality shown in Figures 1 to 3, it is assumed that a first call from the facility 14 involves a fax machine 16, which wishes to transmit fax information to the fax machine 44 in the second insta 42. That first call is established in accordance with steps 100 to 112 of Figure 8. In this way, the MC-SE 52 coordinates the transmission in such a manner that it is properly routed from the premises 14 to the facilities 42 over the properly identified channels. Subsequently, and during the first call, the first facilities may wish to initiate a call to the telephone 50 in the third facilities 48. In that case, the multi-call interface apparatus in the premises 14, creates the combined call signal, which it combines the fax call and the voice call as described above with the structure of Figure 3. The MC-SE receives the request to establish the second call (to telephone 50), divides the combined signal and sends the respective portions of fax and voice or their intended destinations based on the identification information transmitted to the MC-SE with the combined calls. The flow chart of Figure 5 shows the step of originating another call (or receiving another call) from another terminal equipment in block 114. In addition, Figure 5 illustrates, schematically, the information channel configuration that exists after the MC-SE 52 establishes both of the connections associated with the equipment 20. When one of the calls is then terminated (block 116), if there are any remaining calls (block 116), then blocks of information continue to be transmitted (block 112) in the remaining channels. If there are no calls remaining, the connection can be terminated with the public switched telephone network (block 120). The present invention is established in the apparatus and method as described above, it now allows multiple call capacity, even with the analog interface that exists between the public switched telephone network 10 and the facilities. Various advantages are accumulated, co or noted in the following examples. 1) A teleconmutator can work at home and access an email server. While this interaction occurs, the teleconmutator can also direct a voice call to a fellow worker to discuss another project. The multi-call service of the present invention, provides the ability of the switch to originate two calls. Additionally, the teleconverter can receive a call while accessing the email server. 2) A minor can access a game server or "cross-the-net". At the same time, the child's parents can originate or receive voice calls. 3) A worker in a "small office / home office" may require discussing a project in process with his partner using material in a fax. The partner may not have the right type of terminal equipment, but the partner has two separate telephone lines, one of which is connected to a fax machine. The service of the present invention can be used by the worker to divide calls within the public switched telephone network, direct the voice call to the partner on the appropriate line and a fax call to the other line. 4) A network repair technician receives a voice call from a client who has problems accessing the network, which is remote to the client. Both persons have multi-call terminal equipment capable of use in the system of the present invention. While talking to the client, the repair technician can access the network and determine the problem and solve it. You can direct the client to access the network without hanging with the repair technician. When the client is satisfied that the problem is solved, each party can then release both calls. 5) A person at home can speak to someone on a voice call. While this is happening, someone in the same household can direct a second call using the same line and telephone number. The two calls can be to different destinations. Many other examples may occur as necessary and as the user of the system of the present invention determines to be necessary. It will be understood that the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the invention. Numerous other structures can be designed by a person skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known to the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is that which is clear from the present description of the invention. Having described the invention as above, property is claimed as contained in the following:

Claims (17)

1. REIVIDICACI ES 1.- A method for interconnecting a telephone line and multiple independent communication terminals, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: establishing a control channel in the telephone line; establish a first additional channel for a call that involves a first of the multiple independent communication terminals; establish a second additional channel for a call that involves a second of the multiple independent communication terminals; providing identifiers concerning each of the first and second additional channels to the control channel; and combining the control channel and the first and second additional channels in a modulated signal having a separate channel for each call.
2. 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises the additional steps of: receiving a second modulated signal including the control channel and two additional channels; dividing the second modulated signal into calls for the first and second independent communication terminals, according to the identifier information incorporated in the second modulated signal; and provide as separate output calls for the first and second independent communication terminals.
3. 3. - A method for sharing between at least two independent communication terminals, a communication path assigned, the method is characterized in that it comprises the steps of: assigning a first communication channel of the path to a first of the terminals; assigning a second communication channel to a second of the terminals; combining the first and second communication channels with a control channel to form a multi-channel link with the assigned communication path.
4. 4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that the first communication channel transports communications between the first terminal and a first equipment outside the facilities.
5. 5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that the second communication channel transports communications between the second terminal and a second equipment outside the facilities.
6. 6. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that the first communication channel carries voice information.
7. 7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that the second communication channel carries fax information.
8. 8. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that the second communication channel carries other voice information.
9. 9. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that the second communication channel conveys video information.
10. 10. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that the second communication channel carries data.
11. 11. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that the first communication channel carries fax information.
12. 12. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that the first communication channel transports video information.
13. 13. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that the first communication channel carries data.
14. 14. Apparatus for providing simultaneous access to a single dial tone service for multiple independent communications terminals, characterized in that it comprises: a first port providing an access point to a single dial tone service provider; a second port that provides an access point to a first of the independent communications terminals; a third port that provides an access point to a second of the independent communications terminals; a guest coupled to the second port and the third port and includes a multiplexer and demultiplexer; and a modem coupled between the guest and the first port; wherein the multiplexer combines communication information from the second and third ports and provides the combined information to the modem and the demultiplexer is provided with the communication information received for the modem and divides the received communication information, such that the second port it receives the information intended for the first terminal and the third port receives information intended for the second terminal.
15. 15. The apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that it further comprises: an artificial center interface coupled between the second port and the host and emulate the selected station functionality to the first terminal.
16. 16. A method for simulating an independent telephone line connection with each of first and second communications terminals, the terminal is of a type that normally requires coupling to an independent telephone line, the method is characterized in that it comprises the steps of: receiving a plurality of data packets from a single telephone line in the customer premises of the telephone, the plurality of packages includes a first set of packets representing information from a first source of information and a second set of packets from one second source of information; for each of the first and second communications terminals, generate information signals that are provided to the terminal based on one or more of the plurality of data packets having address data corresponding to the terminal, wherein the signals of information are in a suitable format to be used by the terminal; and providing information signals to each of corresponding communication terminals on independent channels, to simulate independent telephone line connections between the first terminal and the first source and between the second terminal and the second source.
17. 17. An interface for simulating an independent telephone line connection with each of the first and second communications terminals, the terminals are of a type that normally require to be coupled to an independent telephone line, the interface is characterized in that it comprises: power or incoming telephone interface, the incoming telephone interface receives a plurality of data packets from a single telephone line at the telephone customer premises, the plurality of packets includes a first set of packets representing information from a first information source and a second set of packets from a second information source, a signal generator, for generating, for each of the first and second communication terminals, information signals that will be provided to the terminal, based on one or more of the plurality of data packets having address data correspond inward to the terminal, where the information signals are in a suitable format to be used by the terminal; and outgoing telephone interfaces to provide information signals to each of the corresponding communication terminals on independent channels, the interfaces and output channels simulate independent telephone line connections between the first terminal and the first source and between the second terminal and the second source.