NZ260887A

NZ260887A - Processor controlled subset: switchable to operate in payphone or normal modes

Info

Publication number: NZ260887A
Application number: NZ26088794A
Authority: NZ
Inventors: John Charles Crnkovic
Original assignee: Alcatel Australia
Priority date: 1993-07-22
Filing date: 1994-06-30
Publication date: 1996-07-26

Description

<div class="application article clearfix" id="description"> Priority Dato(s): Complete Specification Filed: : '-HSS: (6jl...iAS.H!.tAAa\o.3::, ~ i -^bHcation Dels:. ' »•"' O. Journal No: ..2...6..JLUJL1996. *fi ft 0 887 NEW ZEALAND PATENTS ACT 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION JV/.2. Patent OFFICE 3 0 JUN1994 r-cc!ved " TELEPHONE SUBSET ARRANGEMENT " WE, ALCATEL AUSTRALIA LIMITED, 6A0J <D^DO 003 3fc A Company of the State of New South Wales, of 280 Botany Road, Alexandria, New South Wales, 2015, Australia, hereby declare the invention for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: 1 This invention relates to payphones for use in secure locations such as, for example, a small business where clients may wish to use the proprietor's telephone, and in particular to payphone arrangements of the aforementioned kind incorporating a subset that includes a processor, a memory and a display means. Such a subset, sometimes called an interactive telephone, for accessing exchange based facilities such as, for example, call transfer; call waiting; and divert is known from the specification of Australian Patent Application No. 27280/92. A payphone arrangement which utilises an interactive telephone is known from the specification of Australian Patent Application No. 38513/93. This specification discloses a method and apparatus for providing a controlled credit facility in an interactive telephone subset. The subset's processor is programmed by the proprietor of the subset with the keypad. After validation of a PIN the proprietor can enter data representing a predetermined credit limit in the subset memory. A client may then establish a connection via the PSTN using the subset. When the connection is established the processor deducts stored charge unit data from the memory at predetermined periods until the credit limit is reached, whereupon the processor disconnects the subset from the PSTN. It is an object of the present invention to provide a telephone subset arrangement having a plurality of selective operational modes including a payphone mode and a normal unrestricted telephone mode, ie. a mode in which the operation of the phone requires no payment and calls are not restricted. According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a telephone subset arrangement including an exchange line terminal means for connection to an exchange line, a transmission circuit means, a processor means operatively coupled to a communication bus, a first memory means coupled to said communication bus such that the processor has access to contents of said first memory means, a display means coupled to communications bus whose display is controlled by said processor, a switch means coupled to an input means of said processor means for causing said exchange line to be seized, a line signal generator means coupled to said communications bus, a keypad means whose output is coupled to said processor means whereby information stored in said memory means can be selected via said keypad means, whereby information can be entered into said memory and whereby line signals corresponding to selected digits entered via said keypad are coupled to said line terminal means, and a payment means coupled to said communication bus via interface means, a method of providing said subset with a plurality of selectively operational modes including a payphone mode and an unrestricted telephone mode, said method comprising the steps of: A) upon operation of said switch means provide means to cause operational mode options to be displayed on said display means; B) provide means to select, via said keypad means a desired operational mode so displayed; C) upon selection of the desired operational mode provide means to cause an appropriate prompt message stored in said memory means to be displayed on said display means; D) upon an appropriate response to said prompt message provide means to activate said selected operational mode. According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a telephone subset arrangement including an exchange line terminal means for connection to an exchange line, a transmission circuit means, a processor means operatively coupled to a communication bus, a first memory means coupled to said communication bus such that the processor has access to contents of said first memory means, a display means coupled to said communication bus, whose display is controlled by said processor, a switch means coupled to input means of said processor means for causing said exchange line to be seized, a line signal generator means coupled to said communication bus, a keypad means whose output is coupled to said processor means whereby information stored in said memory means can be selected via said keypad means, whereby information can be entered into said memory and line signals corresponding to selected digits entered via said keypad are coupled to said line terminal means, and a payment means coupled to said communication bus via interface means, wherein said arrangement includes means to cause operational mode options to be displayed on said display means, means to select, via said keypad means, a desired operational mode so displayed, means to cause an appropriate prompt message stored in said memory means to be displayed on said display means, and upon an appropriate response to said prompt message activate said selected operational mode. In order that the invention may be readily carried into effect, an embodiment thereof will now be described in relation to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 schematically illustrates the payphone arrangement of the present invention. Figure 2 schematically illustrates the interface arrangement of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a flow chart of actions executed during the initiation of a mode selection. Figure 4 is a flow chart for actions executed to select a first mode. Figure 5 is a flow chart of actions executed to select a second mode. Figure 6 is a flow chart of actions executed to select a third mode. Referring to Figure 1, the payphone arrangement comprises a line switch 1 controlled by a processor 2, typically an 8 bit microcontroller; a transmission circuit 3 controlled by processor 2; a power extraction circuit 4 for providing power to the arrangement; a keypad 5 coupled to processor 2; a hook-switch 6 coupled to processor 2; a tone caller 7 coupled to the exchange line; an 12C bus 8 connected to the processor's 12C serial interface 9; to the 12C bus is coupled a first EEPROM memory 10, a liquid crystal display means 11, a DTMF (dual tone multifrequency) generator 12 and an interface 13 interfaced a payment device 14 with processor 2, payment device 14 may be a coin mechanism incorporating a coin validation such as described in the specification of Australian Patent Application No. 81826/91, a card reader, an electronic cash register or the like; a second memory ROM 15 is coupled to processor 2. RAM 10 contains input data which can be changed by selecting appropriate functions; ROM 15 stores operating instructions which can be called up by processor 2 in response to instructions extended via keypad 5. It will be understood that a hands-free subset may be used in the present payphone arrangement, in which case, in addition to the hook-switch arrangement, a 'ine-seizure key (not shown) is coupled to an appropriate input means of the processor. Referring to Figure 2, the interface 10 comprises a 1/0 port 16 whose serial clock CLK and serial data DTA lines are coupled to the 12C bus 8 (Figure 1) and whose interrupt INT output is coupled to an input of processor 2. An additional memory EEPROM 17 is coupled to CLK and DTA outputs to provide the extra parameters that may be required by the processor. To inputs of 1/0 port 16 are coupled an alarm, coin detect, coin inhibit; ring detect and ring control lines from the subset's tone caller; a power detect means 18 to signal processor 2 if the power supplied via power extractor 19 is disconnected. A PIN reset means 20 in the form of a push button, preferably concealed behind the coin mechanism's locked coin box, provides a means by which the processor is instructed that a PIN clear has been initiated in the event of the subset proprietor forgetting his PIN. Referring to the flow chart shown in Figure 3, the proprietor of the subset, referred to hereinafter as the "owner", desires to set up the subset as a payphone for use by his clients, hereinafter referred to as a "User". In box 1 the subset's handset is lifted and hook-switch 6 is operated or, in the case of a hands-free phone, Sine-seizure key operated; in box 2 a "welcome" greeting is displayed in display 11 for a predetermined time (box 3in box 4 a predetermined sequence of key operations are executed by the owner on keypad 5 to execute a MENU MODE via the processor whereupon in box 5 display 11 displays a PIN prompt; in box 6 the owner enters his PIN via keypad 5, if the PIN is not validated in box 7, display 11 displays "Invalid PIN" in box 8 for a predetermined time (box 9) and after a predetermined number of attempts (box 10) in box 11a warning is displayed and further entry is barred in box 11a. If PIN entered is validated in box 7 mode options viz. "1 User"; "2 Owner"; "3 Configuration"; and "4 Statistics" are displayed in box 12 on at least one screen. An invalid selection will execute an exit mode via box 13, and a valid selection will execute a mode display showing the selected mode (boxes 14, 15, 16 and 17). In the present case the mode selected is USER MODE and referring to the flow chart shown in Figure 4, upon a user subsequently lifting the handset and operating hook-switch 6 or operating the line seizure key, in box 18 display 11 displays a greeting for a predetermined time (boxes 19 and 20). Simultaneously the operation of hook-switch 6 causes processor 2 to operate line switch 1 and seize the exchange equipment (not shown). As the USER MODE has been previously selected box 21 executes in box 22 a credit required display on display 11. in box 23 upon coins being inserted into coin mechanism 14 (Figure 2) data from the coin validation therein is conveyed to processor 2 via 1/016 and the 12C bus. Box 24 executes a display of inserted credit on display 11. Upon commencement of dialling in box 25, processor 2 analyses the digits dialled and if sufficient credit is unavailable box 26 executes display 11 to display credit required for the type of call dialled. If credit is sufficient box 27 executes display 11 to display the digits dialled. If the number is a barred number box 28 causes box 29 to execute a "barred number" display in display 11. Box 30 mutes the subset's transmitter, returns excess credit. Box 31 executes a "sign-off" display in display 11 for a predetermined period (box 32). In box 33, if the digits dialled do not correspond to a barred number and a connection is established with a called number, the user presses the subset's PTT (press-to-talk) button whereupon in box 34 and processor 2 begins to deduct charge units from credit data stored in memory and also causes the transmitter to be un-muted. In box 35 upon completion of the call the handset is replaced and box 30 return of excess credit and transmitter muting is executed. If in box 13 (Figure 3) OWNER MODE is selected, upon subsequent operation of the hook-switch or line seizure key in box 18 and the welcome display executed by box 19 and 20, decision block 21, because OWNER MODE has been selected, causes a dialling prompt at box 36; decision block 37 if dialling commences, causes box 38 to execute a display of the sequence of digits dialled by the owner; and the call is established. When the handset is replaced on completion of call said hook-switch 6 operates, line switch 1 releases the exchange and a sign-off display is executed in boxes 31 and 32. If the owner selects "CONFIGURATION MODE" at box 13 (Figure 3) box 16 flows into the flow chart shown in Figure 5. This executive program permits the owner to selectively re-configure the following operating parameters represented in the flow chart shown in Figure 5: 1) Change the PIN 2) Set time of day and/or date 3) Set call charges for USER MODE 4) Set a timed local call rate 5) Restrict inward calls of USER MODE to predetermined times or at all times. 6) Program repertory keys 7) Program dialled number analyses (DNA) tables, such as Bar Table; Local Table; STD Table and Free Table. Conventional software routines controlled by keypad 5 enable the owner to re-configure the above operating parameters stored in EEPROM 17 and/or 10 by manipulating corresponding data stored therein. If the owner selects "STATISTICS MODE" at box 13 (Figure 3) box 17 flows into the flow chart shown in Figure 6. The executive program shown in Figure 6 permits the owner to set a statistical period and examine selected statistical data relating to call counts within the statistical period. The program represented in the flow chart shown in Figure 6 provides a display of statistical data on any of the following: 1) Total Statistics: the sum of ail types of calls made. 2) Local Calls (LCL): a count of all timed and un-timed locals calls. 3) STD Calls: a count of all dialled trunk calls. 4) International Direct Dialling (IDD): a count of all IDD calls. 5) Program Calls: a count of all repertory key calls. A further instruction in this program permits the owner to clear all statistical data within a selected statistical period. Conventional software routines controlled by keypad 5 enable the owner to interrogate data corresponding the above statistics that is stored in EEPROM 17 and/or 10. While the present invention has been described with regard to many particulars, it is understood that equivalents may be readily substituted without departing from the scope of the invention. </div>

Claims

<div class="application article clearfix printTableText" id="claims"> fz L 0 I.. What we claim is:

1. In a telephone subset arrangement including an exchange line terminal means for connection to an exchange line, a transmission circuit means, a processor means operatively coupled to a communication bus, a first memory means coupled to said communication bus such that the processor has access to contents of said first memory means, a display means coupled to communications bus whose display is controlled by said processor, switch means coupled to ;nput means of said processor means for causing said exchange line to be seized, a line signal generator means coupled to said communications bus, a keypad means whose output is coupled to said processor means whereby information stored in said memory means can be selected via said keypad means, whereby information can be entered into said memory and whereby line signals corresponding to selected digits entered via said keypad are coupled to said line terminal means, and a payment means coupled to said communication bus via interface means, a method of providing said subset with a plurality of selectively operational modes including a payphone mode and an unrestricted telephone mode, said method comprising the steps of:

A) upon operation of switch means provide means to cause operational mode options to be displayed on said display means;

B) provide means to select, via said keypad means a desired operational mode so displayed;

12

C) upon selection of the desired operational mode provide means to cause an appropriate prompt message stored in said memory means to be displayed on said display means;

D) upon an appropriate response to said prompt message provide means to activate said selected operational mode.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein prior to step A, provide means to validate a personal identification number whereby said operational mode options are displayed only upon validation of said personal identification number.

3- A method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein upon selection of payphone operational mode said method includes the further steps of:

E) provide means to cause a predetermined credit amount to be displayed on said display means;

F) upon registering payment of credit amount in said payment means, provide means to cause said payment of credit to be displayed on said display means;

G) determine whether credit amount payed at least corresponds to said predetermined credit amount;

H) cause said telephone subset to seize said exchange line and couple said transmission circuit thereto only upon determining whether credit amount payed at least corresponds to said predetermined credit amount.

4. A method as claimed in claim 2, wherein upon selection of unrestricted

13

telephone mode, said method includes the further step of causing said telephone subset to seize said exchange line and couple said transmission circuit thereto.

5. A method as claimed in claim 2, wherein said plurality of selectively operational modes includes a re-configuration mode, said method further including the step of providing means, controlled by said keypad means, to selectively change data relating to operating parameters stored in said memory means.

6. A method as claimed in claim 5, including the step of causing the data to be changed to bo displayed on said display means.

7. A method as claimed in claim 2, wherein said plurality of selectively operational modes includes a statistics mode, said method further including the step of providing means, controlled by said keypad means to selectively display statistical data related to said payphone mode and/or said unrestricted telephone mode that is stored in said memory means.

8. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said switch means is a hook-switch arrangement.

9. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1-7, wherein said telephone subset arrangement is a hands-free telephone subset arrangement, said switch means including a line-seizure key and a hook switch arrangement.

10. A telephone subset arrangement including an exchange line terminal means for connection to an exchange line, a transmission circuit means, a

26 088 7

processor means operatively coupled to a communication bus, a first memory means coupled to said communication bus such that the processor has access to contents of said first memory means, a display means coupled to said communication bus, whose display is controlled by said processor, a switch means coupled to input means of said processor means for causing said exchange line to be seized, a line signal generator means coupled to said communication bus, a keypad means whose output is coupled to said processor means whereby information stored in said memory means can be selected via said keypad means, whereby information can be entered into said memory and line signals corresponding to selected digits entered via said keypad are coupled to said line terminal means, and a payment means coupled to said communication bus via interface means, wherein said arrangement includes means to cause operational mode options to be displayed on said display means, means to select, via said keypad means, a desired operational mode so displayed, means to cause an appropriate prompt message stored in said memory means to be displayed on said display means, and upon an appropriate response to said prompt message activate said selected operational mode.

11. An arrangement as claimed in claim 10, including means to validate a personal identification number whereby said operational mode options are displayed only upon validation of said personal identification number.

12. An arrangement as claimed in claim 10, comprising means to cause a

15

26 0 8 8 7

predetermined credit amount to be displayed on said display means, means to cause a payment registered in said payment means to be displayed on said display means, means to determine whether said payment at least corresponds to said predetermined credit amount, and means to cause said telephone subset arrangement to seize said exchange line and couple said transmission circuit thereto only upon determining whether credit amount payed at least corresponds to said predetermined credit amount.

13. An arrangement as claimed in claim 11, comprising means to seize said exchange line and couple said transmission line circuit thereto.

14. An arrangement as claimed in claim 11, comprising means, controlled by said keypad means, to selectively change data relating to operating parameters stored in said memory means.

15. An arrangement as claimed in claim 14, comprising means, controlled by said keypad means to selectively display statistical data relating to said payphone mode and/or said unrestricted telephone mode that is stored in said memory means.

16. An arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein said payment means includes a coin validation arrangement.

17. An arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein said communication bus is a 12C bus arrangement.

18. An arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein said memory means is an EEPROM.

16

19. An arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 10-18, wherein said switch means is a hook-switch arrangement.

20. An arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 10-18, wherein said telephone arrangement is a hands-free telephone subset arrangement, said switch means including a line-seizure key and a hook switch arrangement.

21. A method and arrangement substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 1 to 7 of the accompanying drawings.

ALCATEL AUSTRALIA LIMITED

B. O'Connor Authorized Agent P5/1/1703

| N.Z. P/.rr

3 0 JUN 1994

received

</div>