WO1994018783A1

WO1994018783A1 - An exchange connectable unit

Info

Publication number: WO1994018783A1
Application number: PCT/SE1994/000090
Authority: WO
Inventors: Staffan Kjellqvist
Original assignee: Linteko Elektronik Ab
Priority date: 1993-02-11
Filing date: 1994-02-04
Publication date: 1994-08-18
Also published as: AU6118694A

Abstract

The invention relates to a unit (30) which is connected to an exchange (3) and which functions to register each incoming call to each of a number of operators, such as telephone operators or the like and the ensuing conversations. Each incoming call (2') can be evaluated (30) with respect to its identity. A selected line (7) intended for a call to a telephone operator (8) or the like can be evaluated (30) with respect to its identity. For each time period, only those message transmissions that are active during this time period are detected and stored and each message transmission can be stored in a system having a simple search function, in that at least the identity (ID) and relevant message (32a) of an incoming call can be stored in a first memory device (32) and at least the identity (ID) and A-number of an incoming call can be stored in a second memory device (33).

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION: AN EXCHANGE CONNECTABLE UNIT

TECHNICAL FIELD

The function of the present invention is based on a telephone exchange or the like and relates particular¬ ly to a unit which can be connected to a telephone exchange.

The unit is adapted to note and register each call and conversation incoming to each operator, such as a telephone operator or the like, chosen from among a plurality of available operators.

For the sake of simplicity, such operators will be referred to in the following solely as "telephone operators.

The invention requires the telephone exchange to include a first number of lines or the like which can coact with a telecommunications system or telecommuni¬ cations network and along which incoming calls can be transmitted and which are adapted to transmit selected messages, and a second number of lines or the like that are allocated to telephone operators or the like and associated operators' sets, consoles or the like.

Telephone exchanges of the kind with which the inven¬ tion is associated include, in a known manner, a control unit and a switching unit or switching matrix or means through which signal information occurring on one of the first number of lines is interpreted in order to connect said line to a line which belongs to the second number of lines and therewith establish a signal transmission path and/or a message transmission path between a calling and a called subscriber, such " as a speech connection. It is well known in this technology that an incoming line may be comprised of an outgoing line and vice versa, and for the sake of simplicity and with the intention of explaining the invention more clearly the following description will cover solely the case in which a connection is established in a direction from a calling A-subscriber to a called B-subscriber, exemplified as a telephone operator.

Furthermore, it is necessary to divide initiated and executed signalling from each calling subscriber into:

call; (including a signal configuration significative to control the es¬ tablishment of a connection to a selected, called connection (B) or subscriber, such as a telephone operator,

message transmission; (speech signals) and

terminating signal; (the calling or called subscriber performs a call terminating proce¬ dure, for instance replaces the telephone receiver) .

DESCRIPTION OF THE BACKGROUND ART

Telephone exchanges, and then particularly private branch exchanges or switchboards of the aforedescribed kind, are known to the art in several different forms.

One example in this regard is the private branch exchange or switchboard sold by LM Ericsson, Stock¬ holm, Sweden, under the designation MD110.

Various units which are intended to register each call incoming to each of a number of telephone operators or the like and the conversation that ensues are known to the art.

One earlier known unit of this kind is based on the use of a multi-channel tape recorder, where each operator's console or set is allocated one channel.

The tape recorder is controlled so as to be activated for recording signal reception when a call arrives at one of the telephone operators and its operator set or console.

When only one telephone operator is active in receiv¬ ing a call, only one channel of all available channels will tape the signal information and/or speech trans¬ mission, while taping in remaining channels will remain idle.

If a further call arrives at a free telephone operator while the aforesaid call is in progress, this further call is taped at the same time as the ongoing call.

The tape recorder is not stopped until all telephone operators are free, and is activated when the next call arrives.

One example of practical use may be that a free tele¬ phone operator employed by a security company is instructed by a calling A-subscriber to disconnect certain selected and previously ordered security functions within given selected time periods so as to prevent false alarms, such as vibration alarms over given periods in which explosive work is to be carried out in conjunction with road work carried out in the neighbourhood.

Should a burglary be committed or damage be caused within these selected time periods after having disconnected said security functions, it is possible that damages could be claimed from the security co - pany, which would then be obliged to "prove" that they had received by telephone a clear order to disconnect the security functions during an agreed period of time and within defined time periods.

The proof that such an order has been given is found stored on one channel of one tape. It is also uncer¬ tain whether or not the stored message contains infor¬ mation which can be held binding to the calling party.

Without the possibility of identifying precisely the calling party, the search for such proof is time- consuming, particularly when several conversations have been taped in parallel and it is necessary to listen channel-by-channel.

Also belonging to the known state of the art is a facility in which a single-channel tone (audio) tape recorder is activated for each telephone operator adapted to be activated when receiving a call and deactivated when receiving a terminating signal.

This known technique requires a complete tape recorder for each telephone operator.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

TECHNICAL PROBLEMS

When considering the state of the prior art using a call registering tape recorder and with each channel connected to an operator set or console which is connected to the telephone exchange or the private branch exchange, it will be seen that there is a need for a large number of available channels, one for each telephone operator, which can be served by a multi¬ channel audio tape recorder or with several few-chan¬ nel audio tape recorders, although either application is encumbered with the technical and practical prob- lems of subsequently finding a specific recorded message or conversation.

Although the problem of finding a specific recorded message or conversation can be simplified when a search is able to establish reliably the actual day on which the conversation took place and the actual telephone operator who received the call, it is nor¬ mally difficult to find such information and the information can seldom be used as a search facility.

Another technical problem is that the tape used on the .tape recorder must have a relatively large storage capacity, since it is necessary to detect and register data during the whole of a working sequence, at least whilst a conversation is in progress.

Another technical problem is that the identity of a calling party is not always present as "proof-bind¬ ing", and if so is the case is not readily available for each call.

When considering the state of the prior art, and then particularly those instances in which signal transmis¬ sions on all parallel lines are registered simulta¬ neously immediately a signal transmission, a call, is initiated from one of the lines to the assistant or operator sets or consoles of respective telephone operators, it will be seen that a technical problem resides in providing one single unit which will serve the same purpose but with which much smaller storage space is required and can be coordinated so that data can be in a more compact fashion.

It will also be seen that a technical problem resides in providing with the aid of simple means conditions which will enable each subsequent search for an ear¬ lier call from a predetermined and identified calling subscriber to be achieved in a simple manner. It will also be seen that a technical problem resides in providing conditions in each telephone exchange, particularly a private branch exchange which will enable each calling subscriber to be easily identi¬ fied.

It will also be seen that a technical problem resides in being able to evaluate and store, with the aid of exchange internal signals among other things, each incoming call, a line to a free telephone operator or the like chosen for the call, when necessary storing the identity of the incoming line, storing the identi¬ ty of the calling subscriber, storing the identity of the outgoing line and the identity of the telephone operator, and storing the current message transmission and call terminating signal.

Another technical problem resides in realizing the significance of creating conditions which will enable each simultaneously occurrent message and its trans¬ mission between one or more calling subscribers and one or more telephone operators to be stored in a compact and preferably sequential fashion.

It will also be seen that a technical problem resides in realizing the significance of using to this end a first memory device in which selected parts of the information can be stored with regard to the identity of respective incoming calls, the identity of free telephone operators to which the calls are connected, and the complete message, and in using a second memory device in which only certain parts of the information which is suitable for search routines, such as the identity of the incoming call, can be stored.

It will also be seen that a further technical problem resides in realizing the significance of using for the first memory device a tape recorder which can record and play-back digital signals. It will be seen that a particular technical problem is one of realizing the significance of enabling further information concerning the relevant position of the recorded message in the first memory device to be stored in a second memory device.

The invention can be applied to particular advantage when the telephone exchange is a private branch ex¬ change which includes a third number of lines or the like which coact with telephone extension sets belong¬ ing to the exchange and which are allocated to outgo¬ ing calls and are adapted for the transmission of selected messages, so that calls to all or a selected number of extension sets can be registered via the unit in the same way.

A technical problem also resides in providing with the aid of simple means conditions which will enable two- directional message transmissions to be stored, by sensing or detecting signals occurring on incoming and outgoing lines in the telephone exchange.

It will also be seen that a technical problem in such a system is one of obtaining unequivocal identifica¬ tion of each calling subscriber, either by A-number identification or, when such identification is lack¬ ing, via a speech reply system and signalling from the calling subscriber.

A qualified technical problem resides in realizing the significance of structuring the information received so that the whole of this information or a part there¬ of can be stored in a first memory device and so that selected parts of the information suitable for a search procedure can be stored in a second memory device. When considering the earlier state of the art it will be seen that a technical problem resides in providing a private branch exchange with simple means of enabling each incoming call and subsequent conversation to one of several available telephone operators to be easily evaluated, identified and stored.

A further technical problem resides in creating in a telephone exchange with the aid of simple means a port or the like whose signal structure is available from outside the exchange and which can be connected to an external unit, where signal structures shall at least enable a relevant, calling A-subscriber and a relevant and called B-subscriber (a telephone operator) to be identified and the messages exchanged therebetween to be stored, such as speech, and a call release or call disconnection to be identified, in a known manner.

In addition, it will be seen that in the case of the aforesaid application, a technical problem resides in realizing the significance of and the advantages afforded by programming the exchange equipment so that each call to a telephone operator will be connected to the aforesaid port or the like and received by a unit connected to the port, said unit being adapted to identify and register the aforesaid criteria, and to transfer the call back to the port so as to come in contact with a free telephone operator through the medium of a switch array in the exchange eguipment.

Another technical problem resides in realizing the advantages that are afforded when such private branch exchanges can be used with an interface that is intended for other exchange equipment, wherewith requisite information is obtained via the interface concerning all calls to each telephone operator, etc., when the functions of the exchange in this regard are adapted to connect each incoming call which initiates a call connection with a free telephone operator to the interface so as to be received in a unit connected to the interface and to be reconnected by said unit to the exchange via said interface for direct speech contact with a free telephone operator.

It will be seen that a technical problem resides in realizing that a unit of the kind defined in the introduction can be readily adapted to deal mainly with calls that are intended solely for a free tele¬ phone operator.

A technical problem also resides in realizing the possibilities that are afforded in this regard con¬ cerning identification of the A-subscriber or the identification of some other calling party, and the identification of a selected, free telephone operator.

In addition, another technical problem is one of realizing the alternative possibilities that can be incorporated in said unit to ensure satisfactory identification of an A-subscriber, either via the function and structure of the telephone system with an accompanying A-number identification for each call or with DTMF signalling via an apparatus-associated keypad or by means of verbal confirmation, identifica¬ tion and storage.

SOLUTION

The present invention provides a solution to one or more of the aforesaid technical problems and to this end departs from a unit which is connected to a tele¬ phone exchange and which registers each incoming call, conversation and call terminating signal to each of a < number of telephone operators or the like, wherein the telephone exchange includes a first number of lines or the like which are able to coact with a telecommunica¬ tions system or telecommunications network and which are allocated to incoming calls and adapted for se¬ lected message transmission, and a second number of lines or the like which are assigned to operator sets or consoles or the like belonging to telephone opera¬ tors or the like, and a control unit and a switching unit through which signal information occurring on one line belonging to the first number of lines is inter¬ preted for connecting said line to a line belonging to the second number of lines with the intention of establishing a speech connection or conversation.

In such a telephone exchange, it is suggested in accordance with the present invention that each incom¬ ing call can be evaluated with regard to its identity; in that a line chosen for the call to a telephone operator or the like can be evaluated with respect to its identity; in that the complete message transmis¬ sion in both directions between calling subscriber and telephone operator can be stored; in that in each time period only those message transmission which are active during said time period are detected and stored; and in that each message transmission can be .stored in a system having simple search functions.

In accordance with proposed embodiments, the identity and the position of an incoming call and the full extent of the message among other things can be stored in a first memory device, whereas a smaller amount of information, including among other things the identity of the incoming calls and preferably also the time of said calls and their positions can be stored in a second memory device. According to proposed embodiments of the invention, the first memory device has the form of a tape record¬ er for recording and playing-back digital signals.

The second memory device also functions to store further specific information relating to the position of the message in the first memory device.

The present invention provides also solution to one or more of the aforesaid technical problems and is based on a unit which is connected to a telephone exchange and which is able to register each call incoming to each of a number of telephone operators or the like with regard, among other things, to A-subscriber identification, B-subεcriber identification exempli¬ fied as telephone operator identification, call, conversation or message transmission exemplified as call and terminating signal, wherein the telephone exchange includes a first number of lines or the like which are allocated to incoming calls and capable of coacting with a telecommunications system or telecom¬ munications network, a second number of lines or the like which are allocated to the operator sets, con¬ soles or the like of telephone operators or the like, and a control unit and a switching unit or switching matrix by means of which signal information occurring on one line belonging to said first number of lines is interpreted for connection of said line to a line that belongs to said second number of lines so as to estab¬ lish a message transfer, exemplified as a speech connection or a call connection.

The present invention utilizes the ability of such a telephone exchange to establish the identity of each call incoming to a telephone operator, of establishing the identity of the line chosen to connect the call td the telephone operator, and to store the complete message transmission in both directions between the calling party and the telephone operator. _On_ly those message transmissions which are active _during each time period are detected and stored, and each message transmission can be stored in a system that has simple search functions.

According to the invention, the necessary exchange functions, at least with regard to connecting a call to a free telephone operator, are so coordinated that the connection is made to a port to which said unit is connected, and such that A-subscriber identification, B-εubscriber identification, the relevant message transmission and requisite terminating signal indica¬ tion can be established via said port.

According to further developments lying within the scope of the present invention, the unit shall be connected to an exchange interface which is intended for a connection to another private branch exchange or switching equipment.

According to further proposed embodiments, the inter¬ face is a standard interface which is capable-of transferring to said other private branch exchange each incoming call so as to activate exchange-internal functions, and that in a connected unit according to the invention, which does not require all the informa¬ tion available therewith, each incoming call which is intended for a telephone operator will activate unit- internal functions and switching means so as to steer the call through said unit and activate unit-interval functions for transferring the call to a selected and free telephone operator, and includes means for regis¬ tering, among other things, the identity of the sub¬ scriber, the telephone operator selected and the transmission of messages in both directions.

According to proposed embodiments, the identity and position of an incoming call and the complete message can be stored in a first memory, and a minor quantity of information, among other things the identity or u incoming call and preferably also the time at which the call originated and its position can be stored in a second memory.

According to other proposed embodiments, the first memory is comprised of a tape recorder for recording and playing-back digital signals.

Further, specific information relating to the position of the message in the first memory can be stored in the second memory.

ADVANTAGES

Those advantages primarily afforded reside in provid¬ ing an exchange-connected unit with conditions which enable desirable information concerning a call to be stored in a first memory device in a compact fashion, and to enable solely readily identifiable search words to be stored in a second memory device so as to enable the complete conversation to be found in the first memory device. This enables desired full information (a first memory device) to be readily found in a table of contents (a second memory device).

Those advantages that are primarily associated with an exchange-connected unit in accordance with the present invention reside in the provision of conditions with the aid of simple means which enable the unit to evaluate and identify each incoming call to one of several available or free telephone operators, by using an exchange-associated port or such private branch exchanges as those that include an interface which is intended for another exchange or switching equipment to which the unit is connected. The requi¬ site unit information obtained via said interface is comprised of A-subscriber identification, B-subscriber identification (telephone operator identification), the exchange of messages and a terminating signal. In this regard, the exchange functions shall transfer each call to the port or interface to which the unit is connected, wherein the unit links the call back to the port or interface on another channel which is connected within the exchange to a free telephone operator.

The primary characteristic features of an exchange- connected unit in accordance with the present inven¬ tion are set forth in the characterizing clause of the following Claim 1.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION QF THE PRAWXNS

An exemplifying embodiment of a private branch ex¬ change and a unit connected to the exchange at present preferred will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which

Figure 1 is a block schematic illustrating the prin¬ ciple construction of the invention as ap¬ plied in a private branch exchange;

Figure 2 illustrates by way of example structuring of the content in the storage procedure with, among other things, message transmission;

Figure 3 illustrates schematically means and memory device devices for realizing the storage procedure. Figure 4 is a block schematic which illustrates the principle construction of the invention, utilizing a private branch exchange having an interface to another private branch ex¬ change;

Figure 5 illustrates by way of example the structur¬ ing of the content of a proposed storage procedure; and

Figure 6 is a block schematic illustrating an inven¬ tive unit.

BEST MODES OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Referring to Figure 1 of the accompanying drawing, there is shown in principle a telecommunications system 1 and an associated calling subscriber A.

The telecommunications system 1 is comprised of a number of connections 2 in cooperation with a private branch exchange 3 which includes a switch means or switch core 4 and a processor or computer unit 5.

The exchange 3 also includes a number of outgoing connections, one of which is referenced 6 and one connection 6 is shown in coaction with a called exten¬ sion set B.

The exchange 3 also includes a number 2a of outgoing connections, each of which is connected to an atten¬ dant or operator console or set, such as 8, and one such outgoing connection is referenced 7.

The invention includes or relates to a unit 30 which is connected to a telephone exchange, particularly to a private branch exchange 3, and which registers each incoming call to each of a number of telephone opera- -tors or the like, wherein the private branch exchange 3 includes a first number of lines 2 which are able to coact with a telecommunications system 1 or telecom¬ munications network and which are assigned to incoming calls and adapted for selected message transmission, a second number of lines or the like 2a which connect operator sets, consoles or the like to each telephone operator or the like, and a third number of lines or the like 2b which are able to coact with extension sets B belonging to the private branch exchange and are allocated for outgoing calls and adapted for selected message transmission.

The private branch exchange 3 includes a control unit 5 and a switching unit 4 through which signal informa¬ tion occurring on a line 2 ' belonging to the first number of lines is interpreted so as to connect the line 2' belonging to the first number of lines with a line 7 belonging to the second number of lines in a manner known per se.

The invention is based on the ability to evaluate the identity, such as the subscriber number, of each incoming call.

This can be achieved either by constructing the tele¬ communications system 1 so that the identity (sub¬ scriber number) of each calling subscriber A will accompany each call, or by requiring the calling subscriber A to provide necessary identification, via a finger dial or keypad, with the aid of a speech reply system 20 of known construction.

The invention is based generally on monitoring each incoming line 2 and when a call which is to be con¬ nected to a telephone operator arrives, it is estab¬ lished by means of exchange-internal signals to which telephone operator the call shall be connected, where¬ after a free connection is established. The call arriving on the incoming line 2 ' and the choice of free telephone operators 7, 8 is detected and stored in the unit 30.

It is established in a circuit 31 whether or not the call carries an identification signal (A-number). If the call does not carry an identification signal, the speech reply system 20 orders the calling subscriber to identify himself through the buttons of his dial¬ ling pad in a significative manner.

Alternatively, the telephone operator can ask for the identification of the calling subscriber and insert the identification himself/herself.

The identity of the calling subscriber is established in the unit 31.

The call will now be allocated an identification code (ID).

The relevant time point for each identified call can be evaluated, established and stored in the unit 30 with the aid of a timer circuit 32 connected to the telephone exchange 3.

The unit 30 will include at least two memories or storage devices referenced 32 and 33 in Figure 2.

The call identification code "ID" is stored in both memories.

The first memory device 32 requires a higher storage capacity but need then solely store the identification code "ID" and the actual speech communication 32a, and possibly a call terminating signal 32b, for each conversation. As the conversations are terminated, they are placed sequentially in the memory device 32. The second memory device requires less storage capaci¬ ty and forms a "search memory device". The identifica¬ tion code "ID", the relevant date and time, the se¬ lected operator or telephone operator, the subscriber number, A-number or DTMF signals corresponding to the A-number of the calling subscriber can be stored in the second memory device.

As the conversations are terminated, they are placed sequentially in the memory device 33.

It will be understood, however, that the whole of the content of the second memory device 33, or parts of said content, may also be stored in the first memory device 32.

It will also be understood that although sequentially occurring calls are stored in sequence, the order in which the calls are stored and their distribution is optional.

Figure 3 intends to illustrate how a line 40 for outgoing traffic and a line 41 for incoming traffic are sensed by a unit 42, and how information is super¬ imposed on other information, such that signals occurring on the line 43 will represent speech in both directions.

The Figure illustrates how requisite identification, in accordance with the above, has been stored in a memory device 44 and when message transmission is terminated and stored and a call terminating signal has been obtained the content of the memory device 44 can be transferred to a unit 45 which sorts the memory device content according to Figure 2 to the memories 33 and 32. The memory device 33 may have the form of a hard disk, whereas the memory device 32 may have the form of a DAT tape recorder (Digital Audio Tape).

Figure 3 is intended to indicate that several memories 44 are coordinated to store identifying-coded messages solely during the message transmission. When each of the messages is terminated, the transmission takes place to the unit 45 and information is sorted into the memories 32 and 33.

Thus, in some applications, it may be convenient to sense or detect the message signals (the speech sig¬ nals) on lines belonging to the telephone operators.

Referring to Figure 4 of the accompanying drawing, there is shown in principle a telecommunications system 1 having only one system-associated and calling subscriber A.

The telecommunications system 1 is comprised,of a number of connections 2 in cooperation with a private branch exchange 3, which is shown schematically to include a switch means or switch core 4 and a control unit 5 which includes a processor or computer unit.

The switch means 4 of the computer unit 5 functions to connect each incoming call to a desired connection or to a free telephone operator.

To this end, the exchange 3 includes a number of outgoing connections, referenced 6, for coaction with a called connection B.

The exchange 3 also includes a number of connections 7, each of which is connected to an attendant or operator console or set, such as 8, belonging to a telephone operator or some other operator. The invention relates to the use of a special unit 30 which, in Figure 4, is shown connected to the inter¬ face 3a of the branch exchange, this interface 3a actually being intended for and is connectable to another private branch exchange.

The interface 3a is standardized with regard to orien¬ tation of the contacts and the signal protocol, so as to be able to transmit to the other private branch exchange all exchange-internal information required by the other exchange unit in order to perform its func¬ tions.

In the present case, it is only necessary to use part of the information available, namely that part of the information related to each incoming call intended for a free telephone operator.

The information required is primarily

a) correct and positive verification of the identity of the A-subscriber; b) correct and positive verification of the" identity of the B-subscriber (relates to a free telephone operator) ; c) correct and complete documentation of the message exchange in both directions; d) message identification, an identification number, and the times at which the message transpired; and β) marking of a terminating signal.

The switch means 4 is activated by the control unit 5 in the exchange 3 with each incoming call 2' intended for a telephone operator 8, so as to direct the call to the unit 30, (in other words, the exchange 3 is switched so that the control unit 5 will believe that the telephone operator 8 is located in the unit 30 and connects the call to the unit via the connection 7' but then receives the call back via the connection 7" on the interface 3a as a call or connection to a free telephone operator), which activates internal function 30a to "transfer" the call to a selected telephone operator and registers, via a function, a temporary store 30b, the called subscriber and the selected telephone operator and the communication performed among other things, as described in more detail in the following.

The number of channels between the exchange 3 and the unit 30 may conveniently be adapted to twice the number of telephone operator sites, and one channel has been identified by the reference numeral 10.

The actual time point of each identified call can also be evaluated, established and stored in the unit with the aid of a timer circuit 34 (see Figure 3) connected to the unit 30 or incorporated therein.

When a call appears on a channel 10, it is necessary first to obtain correct and positive verification of the identity of the A-subscriber in a unit 35.

According to Figure 6, this identification can be effected via A-number identification in a unit 35a adapted to this e^'nd. Alternatively, the A-subscriber can be instructed through an artificial speech gener¬ ating device 36 to generate a DTMF signal or code which belongs to the subscriber and which can be detected or sensed in a unit 35b, or may be requested to provide some other identification through the device 36 that can be detected or sensed in a unit 35c, for instance oral confirmation and identification of the calling subscriber.

Also required is identification of the B-number and identification of the indicated telephone operator 8, which is effected in a unit 37. The system also includes a unit 38 which assigns an identification code to each call, and also a unit 39 which detects a call terminating signal, which shall also be capable of being obtained from the exchange.

Also required is correct and complete documentation of the message exchange, and to this end there is used a unit 30b which is connected to at least two storage devices, which are illustrated in Figure ⁵ and identi¬ fied by reference numerals 32 and 33.

An identification code, an "ID" number, assigned to a call is logged in both storage devices via the unit 38, and so on.

The first memory device 39 requires a high storage capacity and is used to store the identification code "ID" and the actual communication between the calling A-subscriber and the indicated telephone operator, optionally with the call-terminating signal 39, for each call. The calls are placed sequentially in the storage device 32 as the calls are terminated.

The second storage device requires less storage capac¬ ity and constitutes a "search memory". This memory shall also contain the identification code "ID" of each call, the relevant date and time indicated via the unit 34, the telephone operator selected via the unit 37, the customer number, A-number or generated DTMF signals corresponding to the relevant A-number applicable to the calling subscriber.

The calls can be placed sequentially in the memory 33 as they are terminated.

The whole of the content of the second memory 33 or parts of said content may also be stored in the first storage device 32. Although it is stated above that the call features are stored sequentially, it will be understood that the call features may be stored in some other order and distribution. For instance, the call features may be collected under subscriber headings.

The memory 33 may have the form of a hard disk, where¬ as the storage device 32 may comprise a DAT tape recorder.

Although the invention has been described above with reference to switching procedure when a calling sub¬ scriber wishes to contact a free telephone operator, it will be understood that corresponding registration can be effected when a telephone operator calls a subscriber, wherein the subscriber number need not be fed-in by the subscriber but is fed-in within the exchange.

It will be understood that the invention is not re¬ stricted to the aforedescribed and illustrated exem- . plifying embodiment thereof and that modifications can be made within the scope of the invention as defined in the following Claims.

Claims

1. A unit (30) which is connected to an exchange (3) and which registers each incoming call to each of a number of operators, such as telephone operators or the like and the ensuing conversation, wherein the exchange includes a first number of lines (2) or the like which are capable of coacting with a telecommuni¬ cations system or telecommunications network (1) and which are allocated to incoming calls and are adapted for selective message transmission, and a second number of lines or the like (7) which are assigned to operator sets, consoles or the like, belonging to operators, such as telephone operators or the like, a control unit (5) and a switching unit (4) through which signal information occurring on a line (2') belonging to the first number of lines is interpreted so as to connect the line (2') belonging to said first number of lines with a line (7) belonging to the second number of lines for speech connection, charac¬ terized in that the identity of each incoming call can be evaluated; in that the identity of each line (7) intended for the call and assigned to a telephone operator (8) or the like can be evaluated; and in that for each time period, there is sensed and stored solely those message transmissions that are active during said time period; and in that each message transmission can be stored in a system having simple search functions.

2. A unit according to Claim 1, characterized by a first memory device (32) in which at least the identi¬ ty of an incoming call and relevant message can be stored, and by a second memory device in which at least the identity and A-number of an incoming call can be stored.

3. A unit according to Claim 1, characterized in that the first memory device (32) is comprised of a tape recorder for recording and playing-back digital sig¬ nals.

4. A unit according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second memory device (33) is intended to store further information concerning the identifica¬ tion of the complete message stored in the first memory device.

5. A unit according to Claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the message transmission is detected in said first number of lines and senses the line for outgoing signals and the line for incoming signals.

6. A unit according to Claim 1, characterized by a temporary memory device in which each call can be stored together with identification means and then sorted selectively and stored in two memories.

7. A unit according Claim 1, characterized in that the A-number identification is effected with the aid of a speech reply system and DTMF signalling.

8. A unit (30) which is connected to an exchange (3) and which registers each incoming or outgoing call and ensuing conversation received and undertaken by each of a number of operators, such as telephone operators or the like, wherein in a first application the ex¬ change includes a first number of lines (2) or the like which are assigned to incoming calls and coact with a telecommunications system or telecommunications network (1), and a second number of lines or the like (7) which are assigned to operator consoles or opera¬ tor sets belonging to operators such as telephone operators or the like, a control unit (5) and a switc¬ hing unit (4) through which signal information occur¬ ring on a line (2') belonging to the first number of lines is interpreted for the purpose of connecting the line (2') belonging to said first number of lines with a line (7) belonging to said second number of lines and therewith establish a speech connection, wherein each incoming call can be evaluated with regard to its identity, wherein a line (7") to a telephone operator (8) or the like selected for the call can be evaluated with regard to its identity, and wherein for each time period solely those message transmissions which are active during said time period are detected and stored, and wherein each message transmission can be stored within a system having simple search functions, characterized in that requisite functions within the exchange, at least with regard to connecting a call to a free telephone operator, are so coordinated that the connection is made to a port to which said unit is connected, and in that A-subscriber identification, B- subscriber identification, relevant message transmis¬ sion and requisite terminating signal indication can be evaluated via said port.

3. A unit according to Claim 8_f characterized in that the unit (30) is connected to an interface which belongs to the exchange (3) and which is intended for a connection to another private branch exchange.

10. A unit according to Claim 9, characterized in that the interface is standardized to transmit to said other private branch exchange each incoming call to an operator.

11. A unit according to Claim 1 or 8, characterized in that with each incoming call intended for an operator, there is activated in said exchange switching means which function to guide the call to said unit (30), which activates internal functions for transferring the call to a selected operator and to register, among other things, the selected operator and the performed communication.

12. A unit according to Claim 1 or 8, characterized in that the unit (30) includes a first memory (32) in which there can be stored at least the identity and the message of an incoming call, and a second memory in which at least the identity and the A-number of an incoming call can be stored.

13. A unit according to Claim 12, characterized in that the first memory (32) is comprised of a tape recorder for recording and playing-back digital signals.

14. A unit according to Claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the second memory (33) is intended to store further information concerning the identification of the complete message in the first memory.

15. A unit according to Claim 12, characterized in that each call, including call identification, can be stored in a temporary memory (30b) and after selective sorting can be stored in two memories.

16. A unit according to Claim 12, characterized in that the A-number identification is obtained with the aid of a speech reply system and DTMF signalling.