WO1998008332A2 - Telephone and appliance management system - Google Patents

Abstract

A programmable telephone and appliance control system that allows constant control by a user over the system with programmable options for mail box functions, call blocking, caller-ID, voice-ID, and the like. The system is secured against power failure and tampering or access by unauthorized persons.

Description

TELEPHONE AND APPLIANCE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Technical Field The present invention relates generally to multi-functional controllers used in respect to telephone communication systems, and more particularly to controllers that allow utility or appliance control, discriminate between incoming calls, allow screening ot calls, and voice mail options for unanswered calls

Background Art United States Letters Patent 5, 127,045 to Cragun et al (Cragun) discloses a telephone controller tor caller identification, for identifying the intended recipient of a call, and allowing for the remote control of appliances The caller identification feature allows a recipient to identify a caller before connecting by replay ot a recording ot the callers voice The Cragun controller functions as disclosed, but there are several needs ot phone system users that are not met by the Cragun system For example, in order to access and program the controller, a customized DTMF keyboard is needed, requiring the user to have at least one specially constructed telephone This limits the choice of the user to a few phone styles and requiring the extra cost of an expensive specialized telephone Customized DTMF telephones are usually significantly more expensive than regular telephones with standard DTMF keyboards Therefore, the cost of installing the controller is significantly increased because the user must buy the system and also purchase an expensive extended-DTMF keyboard telephone accessory

Another problem occurs when the controller answers a call, I e the system essentially locks out the user The user cannot override, intervene, or otherwise direct the tunction of the phone until the controller tinishes its action Therefore, there is no way a user can immediately connect with an incoming caller and bypass the regular call processing; the user must wait for the call processing to be completed Further, there is no way to monitor the progress ot the incoming calls beyond the recorded voice ID Thus, the user is limited to the information he has to determine whether or not to connect with the caller The user must wait for the call processing to finish, and then is allowed only a short playback of the caller's voice

In addition, the programming is awkward and troublesome There is no provision to review and determine the current setup In addition, the set-up of the main part ot the controller with the remote units requires the manual setting of several DIP switches in all the units to program the various addresses of the remote sites and the main controller.

The controller is equipped with a battery backup in the event of power failure to prevent loss of programmed incoming voice mail, programmed messages, and the like. While this functions reasonably well, batteries are usually not routinely changed. This presents the possibility of a memory loss when the power fails or the controller is unplugged. All voice mail messages are then lost and the controller must then be completely reprogrammed, which can be a time consuming task. In addition, a power failure disables the controller and the telephones connected with it. Thus, even elementary telephone communications are lost.

Another problem is that other devices connected to the same line, particularly fax machines, compete for control of the line and conflict with access and control of the telephone line with the controller, leading to undesired and unpredictable results.

Disclosure of Invention

Summary of the Invention

In brief summary, the present invention overcomes or substantially alleviates the aforesaid problems of the prior-art. The present invention includes more features that make it simpler and easier to use. Programming and setup functions are simplified or automated. The user always has control and has more options for controlling incoming calls. The user is presented with more information about the incoming call. The present controller can be programmed to interact with other telephone line devices, such as fax machines, without a conflict and work with these devices in a synergistic manner in which the use of the device is enhanced. The present invention also integrates many of the functions found in several separate prior-art devices in a single unit that function together in a synergistic manner. The present invention also allows for simpler and less expensive construction and permits a wider variability of functions than was previously possible. The present invention does not require additional specialized equipment, and can function with any telephone that generates standard DTMF tones. The invention can be controlled by any system phone, not requiring a specialized master phone, and limited functions can be made from call-in telephones.

In summary, the present invention provides in one unit features that previously had to be obtained in separate devices or services from the telephone provider. The system provides a dual caller-identilication system which is integrated with the caller-ID system of the telephone provider Caller-ID information may be used to direct custom processing or blocking of the call A voice ID feature is provided where the user may hear the voice of a caller before connecting and the user may monitor an incoming call during processing of the call by the system

A versatile answering and call processing feature is provided The present invention provides custom outgoing messages, message retrieval, and user-assigned mailboxes with their own distinctive rings and outgoing messages Obiects of the Invention Accordingly, an object of the invention is to provide a telephone control system that has greater flexibility tor the user, greater ease in programming, and greater control over incoming calls

Another object of the invention is to provide a telephone control system that has enhanced system backup abilities for memory retention in the event of a power failure Another object of the invention is to provide a programmable telephone control system that can selectively switch on or off communication in either direction between the outside line and the system lines

It is another object of the invention to provide a telephone control system that allows one-way communication from the outside line to the system line to permit eavesdropping from a telephone on the system line of communication on the outside line without detection from a telephone on the outside line

Another object of the invention is a telephone control system wherein calls on the outside line can be processed by the system controller independent of the on/off-hook status signals on the system line, so that when a system telephone is off-hook it will not disable the system and the system can answer and process calls

Another object of the invention is a telephone control system that can distinguish between codes from the outside line and the system line to enable a limited set of functions to be available to the outside line

Another object of the invention is to provide a telephone control system that includes control of a facsimile machine without interference with the control system and with control by the user to allow overriding a facsimile communication Another object ot the invention is to provide tor a telephone system with mailbox and messaging functions, wherein calls can be processed differently based upon the incoming phone number or signals sent by the caller

Another object ot the invention is to provide for a telephone system with mailbox functions, wherein each mail box is distinguished to the user by a distinctive ring

Another object of the invention is to provide a telephone appliance control system comprising remote ringers for both appliance control and for ring signals, wherein the assignment of the controllers to a system controller and optionally into independent control groups is mostly automatic and requires no action by the user beyond assignment ot group code in the system controller

Another object ot the invention is to provide a telephone control system that provides a level of telephone service even in the event ot a power failure

Another object of the invention is to provide a user programmable system wherein most used functions are easily accessed and reviewed by use of a multilevel menu system

Other objects of the invention will become evident in the description that follows

Brief Description of Drawings Figure 1 is a block diagram of an overall system embodying features of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a block diagram of a controller according to the invention: Figure 3 is a block diagram of the interface of the system with the incoming and outgoing lines;

Figure 4 is a block diagram of the analog tone generation and switching; Figure 5 is a block diagram of the analog voice switch;

Figures 6 and 7 are diagrams illustrating the states of the analog switch of Figure 5;

Figure 8 is a flow diagram of programming of the analog switch states; Figure 9 is a block diagram of operation of the system in an Idle State; Figure 10 is a block diagram of a remote ringer; Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating security and access to the system; Figures 12A and 12B are flow sheets illustrating processing of incoming calls;

Figure 13 is a flow sheet illustrating processing of an incoming fax call; Figure 14 illustrates a custom selector cable and Figures 15A to 15H illustrate circuit diagrams of an embodiment of the invention.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

Reference is now made to Figure 1 which is a block diagram of a phone controller in a representative installation with remote ringer/appliance controllers and with system telephones. A system controller 100 is connected to an incoming or outside telephone line 102 by any suitable means, preferably through a standard connector 104, a standard modular jack or port mounted in the case of the controller 100 that mates with a plug on the outside line 102. The controller 100 is also connected to standard touch tone telephones 108A, 108B, and 108C. Three system telephones are shown in the figures, but essentially any number of system telephones, within limits of the power capacity of the telephone line, can be connected to the system. The system telephones may be connected to the controller 100 by any suitable means. The controller 100 requires 2 conductors for the outside line and 2 conductors for the system phone line. In the illustrated installation the connectors 104, 106 are standard 4-wire male/female modular connectors. In connector 104, the connection to the outside line is through line 1 , the inner red and green wires, and system phones 108B and 108C are connected to the controller through the same connector 104 through line 2, the outside black/yellow wires.

In the standard installation, the system phone line cable 103A is usually of the standard

4 conductor type is the internal telephone wiring for building, with standard telephone modular connectors 107 for connection to system phones with modular plugs. System phones may also be connected through a system line 103B connected to line 1 of connector 106. Line 2 of connector 106 is used for connection to a facsimile machine through line 105. To allow connection the system phone through connector 104 and a facsimile machine 110 through 106, a selector or adaptor cable 1 11 is required for connection to the system line 103A and facsimile line 105, which is further described below in Figure 14.

The system telephones 108A-C are compatible with a standard DTMF tone set. Telephones with extended DTMF tone generators may be used, but only the standard DTMF tone sequence is required.

The remote ringers/appliance controllers 113 provide two functions: (1) distinctive audible signals for incoming calls, remote ringer and controller system status, and other functions and (2) a system for remotely controlling a utility 115, such as a light or an appliance. The rings for incoming calls may be customized to indicate the party being called. The remote ringers 115 communicate with the controller 100 through any suitable method, such as through a modulated signal sent through the AC power system 117 or a wireless communication, for receiving signals for appliance control Optionally the remote ringers may be equipped to send signals to the controller 100, e g ot appliance status In a preferred embodiment, the ring signal from the outside telephone line is intercepted and processed Appropriate distinctive rings are provided by the remote ringers, dependent upon the result of call processing and call status Accordingly, there is no ring signal sent to nor does ringing occur at the extension telephones It is preferred that ringing will not interfere with and confuse the distinctive rings created by the remote ringers However, the system may provide for a ring-signal to be sent to the system phones, if desired Preferably, the ringers in the extension phones are enabled m the event of a power interruption so that at least a normal phone service can be maintained The System Controller

Reference is now made to Figures 2 and 3 The controller 200 is built around an integrated chip, referred to as Digital Telephone Answering Device (DTAD) chip 201 This chip 201 integrates many ot the circuits required for the controller 100 into one chip The DTAD chip 201 incorporates a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) 202, a central processing unit (CPU) 203, an optional Real Time Clock (RTC) 210, random access memory (RAM) 212, and read only memory (ROM) 211 Suitable digital ports 213 are provided to communicate with the other components of the controller through lines 258 An analog port 214 is used for analog communication through the analog switch array 219, as further described below

Figure 3 shows signal pathways Figure 3 also illustrates signals to and from the system and outside lines which pass through the power fail relay 222 and the analog voice switch matrix, both of which are explained in further detail below A ring detector

251 detects ring signals from the outside line, and the caller-ID interface 251 (Figure 2) takes the signal from the ring signal and directs it to the DTAD 201 for processing An automatic gam control (AGC) 230 buffers and conditions the signal for the DTAD input

Referring to Figure 2, power to the controller 100 is provided through the standard AC wiring circuitry of the building and a suitable power supply 224 The power may be optionally provided by any other suitable means The connection to the AC circuitry is provided through a standard 2 or 3 (grounded) conductor cable 257 Normally, the AC circuitry has other outlets into which various utilities are plugged The utilities can be controlled by remote ringers in the AC circuit into which the utilities are plugged The remote rmgers communicate with the controller 100 through the AC circuit A modulator or current carrier interface 225 provides the data link to the Remote-Ringers A pulse modulated RF signal, containing control data, is injected at the line side of the AC power source at a rate of about 1200 bits per second modulated on a 160 kHz carrier The signal enters the AC power circuit through the interconnected power supply line and AC plug The modulated signal is then received and processed by the remote ringer

Alternately, the communication between the controller and the remote ringers may be by other suitable methods that provides a communication link There are several methods that involve use ot modulated electromagnetic radiation such as RF, microwave, light, and the like These methods are generally wireless, involving modulated transmission into space and reception therefrom by the remote ringers Any radiation or energy sources that can be coded, transmitted, and received, such as suitable electromagnetic radiation and ultrasonic sound, can be used A particularly preferred method involves the use of UHF frequency modulation using high megahertz or gigahertz frequencies, e g those around 900 MHZ allocated for localized communication purposes AC Power Supply The AC power supply 224 provides the power for the various components of the system and the system telephones The power supply 224 preferably is efficient for low generation of heat, is of a low physical mass, and has a size small enough to be included in the case with the main controller Preferably, the power supply 224 also includes a constant current source for the system telephones On-Board Ringer

The on-board ringer 218 gives the controller 100 the ability to provide audio signals that are the same as those of the rings of the remote ringers and expanded audio signals The on-board ringer 218 can provide audible tones tor distinctive and general rings for incoming calls and provide tones indicating system status The on-board ringer 218 can also provide audible tones and prompts during programming of the controller 100 Ringer 218 is an integral part of the controller 100 and in the same enclosure It includes a speaker and amplifier with a connection to the DTAD chip 201 The DTAD chip 201 is the tone source tor the on-board ringer, the fax ring generator 255, and the AC current carrier interface 225. With the on-board ringer 218, it is not necessary to have a remote-ringer functioning. This allows use of a minimal system without remote ringers if desired. It is also a backup if communication with the remote ringers fails. The on-board ringer may also be used to provide audible prompts and signals to the user for the menu programming of the controller 100, and status of the system, and a change in incoming call status. Elements of the DTAD Chip

The CPU 203 controls the activities of the system according to programming stored in ROM 211 or 216. The DSP includes a DTMF decoder 204, a speech record/play controller 205, LPC-speech generator 206, DTMF tone generator 207, CPS/VOX detector 208, and a Caller-ID (CID) decoder 209.

The DTMF decoder 204 validates tones, as being DTMF tones received from a system phone (connected line 2 of the first port 223 or to line 1 of second port 227), or from the outside line (connected to line 1 of the first port 223). The valid key tones are then passed, for further processing, to the CPU 203 where actions are executed according to the key tones.

Speech record/play module 205 processes audio speech that is to be recorded and played (such as incoming messages, or user messages). The speech is encoded and stored in suitable read-write memory, preferably in AFLASH memory 215. The encoding method may be any suitable method, but is preferably one that reduces speech data storage requirements to reduce memory requirements and provide a longer recording time. A suitable encoding method is, for example, the Pegra Algorithm, Subband Compression Algorithm, or any other method that is known and available.

The LPC-speech generator 206 decodes data stored in ROM into audio speech signals. Any suitable encoding method such as ADPCM (Adaptive Differential Pulse Code Modulation) can be used, but preferably the encoding method is LPC (Linear Predictive Coding) for its high data compression and synthesis quality.

The DTMF generator 207 produces DTMF tones for automatic dialing, redialing, etc., of telephone numbers by the controller 100 or for remote control of other telephone devices.

CPS/VOX (Calling Party Signal/Voice switch(X)) 208 is used to authenticate and process audio signals from the outside line and the system line. Based upon programming, the CPU 203 can then respond appropriately, e.g. send a voice prompt, connect or disconnect audio inputs or outputs, generate a voice prompt, record or playback audio signals originating from the system or outside line. In addition, if the CPS/VOX detector 208 detects fax alert tone of 1 100 Hz on the outside line, instructions are sent to the fax switch to process the incoming call as a fax call. While not shown, the CPS/VOX detector 208 can also be programmed to respond to modem tones for processing of a computer call.

CID controller 209 functions with the CID interface in the outside line interface 220 to detect and process caller-ID signals that come from the outside line 240 if the user subscribes to that service. The signal, if present, is detected after the first and before the second power ring on the outside line. If a signal is detected, the signal is processed and the calling number is displayed on the LCD display 217.

The memory requirements are provided by ROM 211 or 216, RAM 212, and AFLASH memory 215. The separate AFLASH memory 215 is used to store record/play speech data. An RAM memory with battery backup or its equivalent may also be used, but AFLASH is preferred because it is cheaper, it can endure sufficient write/erase cycles, and it retains data under zero power for up to several years. This insures that data is preserved during a power failure without the use of backup batteries or power systems. The ROM 211 or 216 is provided to store the system software code and prerecorded voice prompts and phrases by the controller 100. The RAM 212 is used by the CPU 203 for non-critical volatile-parameter storage. The critical or non- volatile parameters, such as caller ID, voice ID, outgoing announcement, custom outgoing messages, and voice message speech are stored in the AFLASH 215. The DTAD 201 may be ROM-less with an external ROM 216, or have ROM in the chip. A ROM-less chip is a more expensive alternative but it provides more flexibility in changing and upgrading the system software for a field upgradable system. The LCD Module

The LCD module 217 displays current operation status information, options during programming of the system, phone numbers, and the like. Most of the operations and status prompts are through audio prompts. The LCD module 217 is to provide additional visual information where appropriate, to display prompts, menu location, and status in the setup operations, caller-ID information, status of incoming messages in the mailboxes, number to be dialed, general system status and status of incoming and outgoing calls, and the like. The module is sized appropriately. An LCD display 217 of 16 characters by 2 lines has been found satisfactory. Interface with System Lines

The interface with the system line 241 is physically achieved through line 2 of the first port 223 or the first line of the second port 227. A fax line 242 for connection to the fax machine is interfaced through line 2 of the second port 227. Interface with Outside Line

The outside line telephone interface is achieved physically through line 1 of the first port 223. In normal operation when there is AC power present, an incoming telephone signal is routed to the AC Power Fail Relay 222 and into an outside or incoming line interface 220. The signal is then routed through the analog switch 219 which then either routes the signal to the CPU 203 of DTAD 201 through analog ports 214 or to the system phones through the system phone interface 221 and the power fail relay 222.

A signal to or from the outside line may be between the DTAD 201 or between the system phone line 241 , as selected by the analog switch 219. The outside line may also be connected to the fax machine line 242 for a facsimile communication by operation of the fax switch 226. Power Fail Relay

If power is not present, the incoming signals from the outside line 240 are routed by a power fail relay 222 directly to the system phones through the system phone line 241 and the outgoing signals from the system phones is likewise directed from the system phone line 241 directly to the outside line 240. If there is an AC power failure normal conventional phone service will still be present, as the system phones will function as they would without the controller. This contrasts current phone systems that require AC to operate where system phones are disabled when power is interrupted.

With reference to Figure 3, which illustrates the audio processing of the system, the power fail relay 222 functions to preserve telephone function even when the power to the controller 100 is interrupted. When the power is on there is a constant two way connection between system line 241 and DTAD 201 , and enables the analog switch 219 to selectively switch analog signals as controlled by the DTAD 201.

When the power is off, there is a direct two way connection between the outside line and the system line, with no communication with the DTAD 201. This enables the system phones to function as they ordinarily would without power, but with some enhancement by the controller 100, such as its protection circuitry In a power failure, the remote ringers will not function to signal an incoming call, but the regular ringer in a system phone will ring as in conventional use Fax Switch Referring back to Figure 2, and with reference also to Figure 4 which includes a block diagram of the fax call processing, the fax switch 226 gives the controller the ability to share the single outside line with a fax machine connected through the fax line 242 The fax switch compπses two functions, a ring generator 255 and a fax interface 256 The ring generator 255 produces the high voltage ring that awakens a fax machine connected to the fax line The fax interface 256 monitors the answer status of the fax line and connects the outside line 241 to the fax line 242 A fax call on the outside line is first routed to the DTAD 201 and processed as a normal call as described elsewhere The call is determined to originate from a fax machine if a tax alert tone ot 1100 Hz is detected by the CPS/VOX (Calling Party Signal/ Voice swιtch(X)) detector 208 just after the outside line is connected

It a call is found to originate from a fax machine, the ring generator 244 of the fax switch 226 is directed to send a ring signal through fax line 242 and awaken the local fax machine connected to the fax line 242 The fax line 242 is monitored by the fax interface to determine if the local fax machine answers If the fax machine answers before a selected time-out period, the call is completed by connecting the outside line 240 through to the fax line 242 The connection is broken when either the calling machine interrupts the outside line 240 or the local fax machine interrupts the line by hanging up The connection is also broken by the controller if it receives a fax over-ride signal from a system phone A fax originating locally on the fax line is given the outside line if it is free for use and the off-hook state is detected by the fax interface of the fax switch 226 Normally an ongoing tax communication will take priority and the controller will guard against intervening commands from a system phone Thus, a fax communication is usually given priority to prevent interruption, but may be terminated by the over-ride signal in an emergency This contrasts with present systems where a user must physically disconnect, stop, or disable the fax machine to free the line for emergency use Analog Tone Generation With further reference to Figure 4, analog tones generated by the system are all generated by the DTAD chip, which are controlled by an analog switching system The tones tor the fax ring generator are controlled by the fax-ring gate and are selectively directed to the ring generator Rings and other audible signals directed to the on-board ringer 218 and the remote ringers through the current carrier interface 225 are directed through a speaker gate and CCI gate, respectively Audible signals may be selected for the on-board ringer or the remote ringers either individually or collectively by control of the CCI gate and the speaker gate Analog Input Processing Referring to Figures 2 and 5, audio signals between the DTAD 201 , the system line

241 , and the outside line 240 pass through the analog switch 219, which is further illustrated in Figure 5 The audio signal, under command from the CPU 203, is switched from an appropπate output to an appropriate input, depending on the current function and state of the system This process imparts flexibility to the system and allows for the incorporation of many features, such as allowing eavesdropping of the incoming call by the user, avoidance of lockout conditions that prevent intervention or delay operation of the system, and the ability to differentiate between signals coming in on the outside line and the system line (to process DTMF from the system lines differently than from the outside line) With reference also to Figure 5 which is a block diagram of the analog switch 219, the incoming and outgoing signals of the system line 241 and the outside line 240 are split into outgoing and incoming components by hybrid circuits H, and H₂, respectively Switches SWA, SWB, SWC, and SWD, are controlled by signals from the CPU 203, and in combination control how the various incoming and outgoing signals are switched Summing circuits SI , S2, and S3 are used to combine signals. Table A, below, is a matrix state table showing how the signals are switched for the various on/off states of the switches. The states shown in bold are those actually used in the present embodiment. Table A Analog Voice Switch Matπx State Table

No SWD SWC SWB SWA

Outside Line Isolated From System line

0 0 0 0 0 and DTAD - Idle State HOLD

1 0 0 0 1 NOT USED

Outside Line Talks to DTAD

2 0 0 1 0 Processing Caller-ID Data Stream

CID

3 0 0 1 1 NOT USED

4 0 1 0 0 NOT USED

Outside Line Talk/Listen with System Line

5 0 1 0 1 DTAD Isolated From Outside Line CONNECT

6 0 1 1 0 INVALID - NOT USED

7 0 1 1 1 INVALID - NOT USED

Outside Line Listens to DTAD only

8 1 0 0 0 Voice Prompt to both lines

PROCESS w/DTMF QUERY - "ON HOLD "

Outside Line Listens to DTAD and Talks to

9 1 0 0 1 System Line - Query as to DTMF Source EAVESDROP w/DTMF QUERY

Outside Line in Dialog w/DTAD

10 1 0 1 0 System Line Isolated REMOTE ACCESS - PROCESS CALL

Outside Line in Dialog w/DTAD

11 1 0 1 1 System Line Listens In PROCESS w/EAVESDROP

12 1 1 0 0 NOT USED

Outside Line in Dialog with system Line

13 1 1 0 1 DTAD talks to both Talk Time Beep STATUS PROMPTS

14 1 1 i 0 INVALID - NOT USED

15 1 1 1 1 INVALID - NOT USED

Figure 6 is a diagram showing how the switches control communication between the system line (S), DTAD (D), and the outside line (I) For example, when switch C is on communication from S to I is enabled and when switch B is on communication between I and D is enabled. Signals between DTAD (D) and the system lines (S) are always unobstructed to prevent system lockouts of the user.

The state of the system is controlled by programming which determines the state by events, e.g. , changes in status of a component of the system, off-hook detection, voice detection, etc. Figure 7 shows triangle switch-state diagrams for each valid switch state in Table A. These states are determined by programming of the CPU 203 for manipulations of the various functions. An illustration of the programming is shown in Figure 8 which is a flow-type diagram showing progression of the controller through the various states by use of the analog switch. State 0 and the Idle State are the same as far as the analog switch is concerned. In both the controller is in a standby mode with essentially no activity and the analog switch in State 0. The CPU 203 is monitoring the hook-off status of the system phones and the outside line for a ring signal. For the Idle State there are no system phones off-hook. For the 0 State in Figure 7 at least one system phone is off-hook. The system can answer and process incoming calls even if a system phone is off-hook. Thus, unlike conventional phone systems, a telephone that is inadvertently or accidentally left off-hook will not disable the system and block incoming calls.

Reference is now made to Figure 9 which shows a flow diagram of the system when it is an Idle State. As previously explained, the system by default is in an Idle State or where it awaits a transition event to begin an appropriate function. A transition event is an off-hook detection for receiving and monitoring commands from a system phone, scheduled event for appropriate task handling, or detection of a ring to process a call. A scheduled event may be a preprogrammed house-keeping routine such as deleting marked messages from the mailboxes, sending a hold prompt to a caller on the outside line, sending a time prompt to an off-hook system phone, or an autodial.

Referring again to Figures 7 and 8, the DTAD and the system phones are always connected which allows constant communication with the CPU 203 and control by the user, regardless of which state the controller is in. From the Idle state, when a system phone is picked up, the CPU 203 in response to the off-hook detection in the system phone interface 221 , switches to State 0. In State 0, the controller is in an Idle State with two way communication between the DTAD and the system lines. If the outside line is active, the caller is on a "hold" condition with no communication with either the DTAD or system line. If the caller is on hold and the programming directs that a prompt or inquiry or DTMF tone from the system controller be sent to the caller, the analog switch is changed to State 8 which allows one-way communication from the DTAD and the outside line This allows, for example, a periodic pre-recorded announcement to be played to the caller for assurance that the call has not been disconnected.

From State 0, the system also may go to the Idle State or to State 5 when the system phone is hung up. The CPU switches the analog switch to State 5 when the user connects with outside line to communicate with a caller. Accordingly, there is two way communication between the outside line and the system lines There is no communication between the outside line and the DTAD, which prevents the incoming caller from purposely or inadvertently gaining control of the system through DTMF tones From State 5, the analog switch is switched to either State 13, State 0 (disconnect by user or put on hold), or Idle State (user hangs-up) In State 13 there is two-way communication between the system and outside lines as well as one way communication from the DTAD to the outside line. In this mode, the DTAD can send signals to the outside line as in State 8, but the user on the system lines is also in full communication with the caller This mode is used when the controller 100 communicates status, control signals, or call time prompts to both the user and the caller during a call After the prompts are communicated the analog switch returns to State 5 To make an outgoing call, the user picks up a system telephone which switches the system from Idle State to State 0 The user indicates the desire to connect with a DTMF code from the system phone, e g. presses 9, which switches the analog switch to State 5 The system returns to Idle State when the call is terminated

When a call is coming in on the outside line, the ring detect circuit 254 qualifies the ring while the analog switch remains in State 0 If a Caller-ID data string is found in the incoming ring signal, the analog switch changes to State 2 State 2 is like State 0 but also provides for one-way communication from the outside line to the DTAD analog port, to allow processing by the CPU 203 which results in the incoming Caller-ID message being displayed on the LCD display 217 When the Caller-ID data has been leceived, the ring detection circuit 251 qualifies the ring and the controller answers the line and switches the analog switch to State 10 In State 10 there is two-way communication between the outside line and the DTAD and the system line and the DTAD. There is no communication between the system line and the outside line. In this state the controller (DTAD) processes the call, i.e. , sends vocal prompts and messages to the caller, receives DTMF commands from the caller, and records caller voice-ID and caller mailbox messages. From State 10 the controller, based on programming, switches to State 8 to switch the signal from the outside line to the DTAD. By momentarily switching to State 8 and interrupting only the received outside line signal momentarily, the DTAD can determine if a DTMF tone being received is from the system line (which is never interrupted) or the outside line. This enables the system to distinguish between control signals from the outside line and the system line and process each differently. This allows a level of security by limiting critical functions to local or system phones that would otherwise not be possible if the DTAD could not determine the originating line of the DTMF code.

State 11 is similar to State 10 in that it allows processing of the call, but also allows eavesdropping by the user on the system without being detected by the caller on the outside line. When a system phone is picked up in State 10 it switches to State 11 to allow eavesdropping. The "eavesdrop" states (11 and 9) allow the DTAD to process the call while allowing the user to overhear the process without being detected by the caller. State 1 1 is initiated from State 10 when the user picks up a system phone. In State 11, the user can determine from what is heard whether it is desired to connect. If connected, the appropriate DTMF code (9) is sent and the system switches to State 5. The user may also hang up the system phone, the system switches to State 10, and the call processing is continued. When the caller hangs up, the system returns to State 0 or Idle State depending upon the off-hook status of the system phones. State 9 works with State 11 the same way State 8 works with State 10, i.e. to determine if a DTMF tone is from the outside line or the system line. Thus, State 9 differs from State 11 only in that communication from the outside line to the DTAD is interrupted. State 9 is also an "eavesdrop" state that allows the user to monitor the DTAD response to a DTMF command from the caller. Remote Ringers/ Appliance Controllers The remote ringer has two basic functions (1) to provide an audible signal according to information sent from the controller when a outside call is processed and (2) to permit control of a utility, such as an appliance. The main audible signal is a "ring" indicating an incoming call. It may be a distinctive ring to indicate a call for a particular user (mailbox) or a indistinctive ring indicating a general call. The audible signal may also be an indication of system status, either of the controller 100 or the remote ringer 115. The utility control in the illustrated embodiment is for on or off control and may be any utility that can be so controlled through an AC power supply cord and within the power limits of the relay in the ringer. Typical utilities include lights, coffee makers, computers, televisions, radios, and the like. Optionally, the utility control may include other functions and incorporate infrared smart controllers and the like for TV control, remote phone control of entertainment devices, remote programming of VCR programming, and the like. Basically, the only modification that would have to be made to the main controller is in the programming, which can be easily upgraded. This illustrates the versatility and the ease of expanding the features of the present system.

Reference is now made to Figure 10. The remote ringer 300 is controlled by a microprocessing unit 307 that is a controller chip that carries out the programmed instructions for the ringer 300 and manages the ringer functions.

An appliance is controlled by an appliance relay driver 311 and power relay 312. The relay driver 311 receives a control signal from the MPU 307 that activates the power relay 312 which applies power from the AC plug 305 to the AC outlet plug 313. The appliance plugged in the AC outlet is thereby switched on. The appliance is, in a like manner, switched off in response to a command signal from the MPU 307. The on and off control signals are generated by the MPU 307 in response to signals sent from the controller 200 (Figure 2). A two position switch selects between a program mode and a lock mode. When the switch 301 is in the lock mode, the MPU is programmed to respond only to commands from the MPU that correspond to the stored controller-ID and ringer-ID stored in the ringer memory, EEPROM 303. Command signals modulated by the controller are received through the AC plug 305 and demodulated by the carrier demodulator 306 which passes them to the MPU. When in the program mode, the ringer may receive new controller-ID and remote-ID codes for storage in EEPROM 303. If the switch is in program mode for over a certain time, e.g. , one minute, the ringer will switch into mute mode. In mute mode, the controller will not "ring" , will not send an audible phone ringing signal to the speaker, and will not receive and store new controller-ID and remote-ID codes, however, it will still function as an appliance controller Thus, the ringer may function in three modes, (1) lock, (2) program, and (3) mute

A power supply 310 provides power tor the circuits in the remote ringer The power supply 310 preferably is particularly efficient tor low generation of heat, is ot a low physical mass, and has a size small enough to be included in the case with the main controller.

An LED indicator 304 is used to indicate to the user the ringer status The indicator can indicate, among other things (1) a noisy site or a weak signal from the controller by intermittent blinking, (2) the state of the program mode, by blinking at a regular rate when in program mode and not in lock mode, (3) the state of mute mode by remaining lit to indicate the speaker is in mute, (4) when m lock mode and in standby, ready to receive commands for appliance control from the controller by remaining off, (5) when the test function of the system controller is invoked, the ringers respond by beeping and the LED blinks out a number representing its πnger-ID (to show that the remote-ringer is communicating with the system controller)

As described further herein, each user of the system may have a custom ring by assignment of a mailbox which is generated by the MPU 307 and made audible through the speaker driver 308 and speaker 309 Other audible signals, as required, are also generated by the MPU 307 Ring tables for custom rings are stored in memory and are used by the MPU to generate the ring. The indistinctive and distinctive rings are preferably sounds lecognizable as a telephone ring, but may be any other suitable sound or warning In the illustrated embodiment, the ring tables are stored in EEPROM 303 (and also in ROM in the controller 100) Alternately, the rings may be downloaded to memory to be changed, customized, or upgraded by the user through the main controller and the communication link between the remote ringer 115 and the mam controller 100

Address Select System for System Controller and Remote Unit for Appliance Control

Each remote ringer 115 must be programmed to respond to a particular controller to prevent interterence with other controllers that may be on the same AC circuit or RF frequency. A controller-ID code is generated by the controller automatically The controller-ID allows a ringer to distinguish a valid data packet from noise or from communication from another controller The controller-ID code is sent by the controller and received for storage by any remote ringer that is in the program mode. The system requires no physical setting of switches in either the remote ringer or the main controller to create the link between the controller and the ringer. The Controller-ID code is generated by the system controller randomly upon a system reset of the controller system and stored in non-volatile AFLASH memory 215. The controller-ID is transmitted to the remote-ringer when the TEST key in level 1 (3) is pressed from any system phone

The ringer-ID allows remote ringers to be distinguished from other remote ringers in the same system for selective utility control. The Ringer-ID is selected by the system manager during setup (by pressing **21). A remote ringer will accept the new Ringer- ID (and also controller-ID) if its program switch is in the program position. The received Ringer-ID and controller-ID codes are then secured by the remote ringer 115 when its program switch is returned to LOCK position.

Ringer-ID allows the remote ringers 115 to divide into groups of up to 16 for independent utility control. From a system phone or a remote phone on the outside line, a user can enter a preselected 3 digit utility name associated with a Ringer-ID code to access on/off control of utilities assigned to the group. For example, the lights may be assigned to one group, the lawn watering system to another, and the coffee maker to still another. The assignment of the access codes is made in the setup routines. The present system is limited to 16 groups, but through programming the number of groups may be expanded to any desired number. Functions and Programming

The major interface for a user to the system is a DTMF telephone, particularly a telephone connected to the system line. Limited functions can also be accessed on a DTMF telephone connected through the outside line. No master phone with special functions, expanded DTMF keyboard or the like, is required. Thus, a user is not required to buy additional expensive accessories and can usually use the telephones that are already owned. Menu System

The features of the system are accessed using a three level menu supplemented by voice prompts generated by the controller and visual prompts displayed on the controller LCD display 217 for the higher level functions when desired. The menu system is designed to provide the necessary number of functions from a standard telephone keypad and remain simple to use. Three function key groups are formed and distinguished by access level. The menu system is divided into three levels with increased access with each higher level.

Reference is now made to Figure 1 1 which is a diagram illustrating system security and menu levels. Level 1 is the most frequently used level. This level is active for a system phone off-hook. The function selections are immediately implemented by pressing appropriate keys. For example, pressing Key-7 will redial the last number. Level 1 is unrestricted and accessible to all local users. A remote call-in phone through the outside line must first enter a password to access appropriate functions. The features in Level 1 are those usually associated with so-called "feature" phones, such as hold, redial, etc.

The limit dial feature is bypassed by a password. Limit dial is a method for preventing certain number strings from being dialed for outgoing calls and can be used to prevent long distance calls, or "900" and "976" calls, without a password. The strings and the password are stored in memory through setup in Level 3. If a prohibited string is dialed in an outgoing call, further processing is blocked until a password, e.g. ZZZ, is entered.

More advanced features are in Level 2, which is accessed by pressing the star key (*). Access to Level 2 is intended for users with assigned mailboxes which are accessed through the local system line or the outside line. A mailbox is assigned to a user by the system manager. Up to six separate mailboxes can be assigned. The mailboxes are designated by a 3 digit number (XXX or YYY), unique to each mailbox. The number is remembered by the mailbox owner and may be a mnemonic (e.g. , 546 for Jim). Each mailbox can be openly accessed or may be optionally assigned a password for privacy. Each mailbox is assigned a distinctive ring. For an incoming call from the outside line the caller is prompted for the mailbox number and the system then rings the distinctive ring. A person, therefore, can determine whether they are the intended recipient before answering the phone by listening for the distinctive ring. The distinctive rings are assigned in setup and stored in memory of the system controller and each remote ringer 115.

If the mailbox user does not answer the call, the call is processed to record an incoming message from the caller. From Level 1 and Level 2, the mailbox owner can access personal messaging functions (with optional password) to replay, erase, leave a memo in a mailbox, etc. From Level 1 any user can playback, step through, and erase their personal messages Level 2 gives access to further mailbox functions and to utility or appliance on/off control through the remote ringers From Level-2 a user can control utilities, create a custom outgoing message, change personal security code, and leave a memo in another mailbox without requiring its password Level 2 is also accessible from a call-in phone through the outside line with appropriate password protection

Level 3 is for the system manager who assigns resources and performs system setup Level 3 always requires a password for access Set up items include but are not limited to changing the OGM (out-going-messages), assignment of mailboxes and their distinctive ring tones, utility names, speed dial, and memory dial numbers Level 3 access is prohibited to call-in phones on the outside line to protect system integrity For the Level 3 functions, the manager dials a double star "**" and enters the Level 3 password when prompted Any phone with access to the system lines may be used Because of the complexity of the Level-3 features, prompts are also displayed on the LCD 217, so the system phone used by the manager is preferably within sight of the LCD display 217 Generally, the functions of Levels 1 and 2 do not require a LCD prompt but LCD prompts may be provided for Levels 1 and 2 through programming if desired The LCD 217 is also used for showing system status, Caller-ID display, and redisplay

Table B. below, is a list of the commands available upon entry into Levels 1 , 2, and 3 By varying the programming of the DTAD, the functions may be changed to a different level. For example, if a Level-2 function is frequently used, e g , "Memo" it may be interchanged with a Level- 1 Function, e g. , "Message" or added in an unused key stroke, e.g , "Key-4"

Table B Menu Functions

Level 1 Functions Level 2 Functions (*) Level 3 Functions (**)

(most frequent) (least frequent)

Key-1 Message Memo Mailbox Setup

Key-2 Auto Dial Utility View utility list, Utility Setup on/oft utility control Table B Menu Functions

Level 1 Functions Level 2 Functions (*) Level 3 Functions (**)

(most frequent) (least frequent)

Key-3 Test t — Self Test

Key-4 — Next Next

Key-5 — Back/View Last Call ID Back

Key-6 Memory Dial View Memory Dial Memory Dial Setup Name/Number List

Key-7 Redial View Redial Number View Redial Number

Key-8 Speed Dial View Speed Number Speed Dial Setup

Key-9 Connect - normal Playback Introduction Outside Line Setup phone access OGM

Key-0 Intercom/Page — Limit Dial Setup

Key-" Access Access Call Block Setup

Key-* Hold/Escape:): Escape Escape

÷ - Test beeps remote ringers. Also used to link and program remote ringers by sending Controller-ID and through AC-line.

÷ - /^*"# will enable hold if on-line, # will disable hold if active.

Security and Svstem Reset

In the preferred embodiment, a controller 100 arrives from the factory in the reset default condition. After a system reset all access restrictions are released, all system parameters assume their default selection and any messages present are deleted. A system reset is performed when level-3 access (**) is attempted within 1 minute of readiness after application of power to the system controller 100. A prompt will ask to confirm the intention to reset before the action. After reset a new level-3 password will be requested. The level-3 password is the only access code required by the system. All other local access restrictions (e.g. mailbox) are absent until set to an active status in setup. Remote call-in access is prohibited without an assigned access code and will remain inactive until assigned a password. Anyone who can interrupt power to the controller 100 could initiate a reset but no information will remain after the reset to protect. After a system is reset no phone line restrictions exist but removing power from the controller 100 also achieves the same thing.

Often when a password is assigned for access, it maybe forgotten. All passwords can be reassigned from Level-3, except the Level-3 access password. In this way, passwords can always remain private. If the system manager forgets the level-3 password, only a system reset will allow ievel-3 access again. Therefore the price to defeat level-3 access protection is the loss of all system information.

The system will not prompt for optional access codes, those for the mailboxes, unless they have been assigned. This allows the system to be configured for 'open access' without the hassle of default passwords.

Passwords are 4 digits in length using {1 ,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,0} as valid numbers. An invalid password is allowed one retry before aborting an access request cycle. The following passwords are assignable: (1) system Level-3 by the system manager, (2) private mailboxes by the local user, (3) remote access through the outside line by the manager, and (4) limit dial by the manager.

Table C, below, shows a detailed Menu Tree of the menu system.

Table C Detailed Menu Tree Table

Level- 1 Key-1 Message (Immediate) Key-1 Review current message. Key-4 Skip to Next message. Key-5 Back to previous message

Key-0 Delete current or all messages of mailbox if at end of list. Key-* Toggle Playback pause. Key-# Escape to end of list and return to main menu. On-Hook Abort message playback and return to Idle State.

Key-2 Auto Dial (Immediate) Activate automatic redial. Key-# Terminate Autodial

Long press of^" any key will override Autodial and perform function On-Hook - Autodial remains active unless terminated by user, an incoming call occurs or 15 minutes expires. (10 attempts every 90 seconds)

Key-3 Test (Immediate) Test Remote Ringer System

Key-4 -

Key-5 - Table C Detailed Menu Tree Table

Key-6 Memory Dial (Dialog "Enter 3 digit name") Keys - # Abort function

Key-7 Redial (Immediate)

Key-8 Speed Dial (Immediate)

Key-9 Connect (Immediate)

Key-## Enable Hold. Restrict Access to following Level- 1 Subset Menus

Key-1 Messages

Key-3 Test

Key-0 Intercom

Key-* LIMITED- (Limited Level-2 access while on hold.)

Key-** PROHIBITED- (No Level-3 access while on hold.)

Key-# Disable Hold

Key-## Disable Hold

On-Hook (While in hold Auto-hangup of no off-hook in 5 minutes) On-Hook (Hang-up and return to idle State)

Key-0 Intercom (Dialog)

"Enter Mailbox name"

Key-* Access Level-2 Menu Selections (Immediate)

Key-# -

On-Hook Abort current Function and return to Idle State

Level-2 Key-1 Memo (Dialog)

"Enter Mailbox name" (3-letter) Key-1 Leave a Memo (No Password required) Key-2 Create Custom Announcement / Call Directing Key-3 Change Security Code for Current Mailbox

Key-2 Utility (Submenu)

Key-0 Turn On a Utility

"Enter 3 letter Utility Name"

Key-1 Turn Off a Utility

"Enter 3 letter Utility Name"

Key-2 View Utility name list

Key-0 Turn Off currently viewed Utility Key-1 Turn On currently viewed Utility Key-4 View Next Utility name in list Key-5 View Backward through Utility name list. Key-# Escape from View Utility function

Key-# Escape from Utility function. v Key-3 - Table C Detailed Menu Tree Table

* Key-4 Next

* Key-5 Back / View Last Call ID

_e Key-6 View dial memory Key-4 Next in list Key-5 Move Back through list Key-6 Dial currently viewed name Key-# Escape from View Dial memory function

* Key -7 View Current Redial Number Key-7 Dial currently viewed number

* Key-8 View Speed Dial number

Key-8 Dial currently viewed number

Key-9 Playback Introduction OGM (Immediate)

Key-0 Nondescript (General) Intercom Page beep (Immediate)

* Key-* Access Level-3 Menu selections (Dialog) "Enter Password"

* Key-# Escape from Level-2 and return to Level- 1 main menu

On-Hook - Abort current function and return to Idle State

Level-3 Key-1 Mailbox Setup

Key-1 Assign a 3 letter Mailbox name. (6 Boxes available)

Key-2 Assign a Distinctive Ring Tone ( 16)

Key-3 Reassign a password

Key-0 reformat all message memory. Resets message system by deleting all messages and OGM's. s_ * Key-2 Utility Setup

Key-1 Assign Utility Name and Ringer-ID code (Dialog) "Enter Utility Name" (3 digit name) "Enter Ringer-ID code" (1-16) Key-2 View Utility name list

Key-2 Resend codes (controller-ID & ringer-ID) for programming currently viewed Utility ("TEST" Level- 1 "3" sends only controller-ID)

Key-4 View Next Utility name in list Key-5 View Backward through Utility name list. Key-# Escape from View Utility function Key-# Escape from Utility Setup function.

** Key-3 Self Test

#* Key-4 - Table C Detailed Menu Tree Table

** Key-5 -

** Key-6 Dial Memory Setup Key-1 New Entry (Dialog) Key-4 Next in list Key-5 Move Back through list Key-0 Delete currently viewed entry Keys-// Escape Dial Memory Setup function

** Key-7 View Current Redial Number (or dial history in enhanced version)

** Key-8 Speed Dial Setup Key-1 New Entry (Dialog) Key-0 Delete Current Entry Key-# Escape from Speed Dial Setup function

** Key-9 Outside Line Setup (Submenu) Key- 1 Introduction OGM Key-2 Remote Access Password (4 digit code) Key-9 Number of Rings to Answer (1-4) Ring through on Zero (Y/N) (for general call-in without mailbox)

** Key-0 Limit Dial Setup (Submenu) Key-1 New Entry (Dialog) "Enter Number" Key-4 Next in List Key-5 Move Back through list Key-0 Delete currently viewed entry Key-* Enter Password Key-# Escape from Limit Dial Setup function

** Key-* Call Block Setup (Submenu)

Key-1 New Entry (Dialog)

"Enter Number"

"Enter Action to Take" Key-1 Priority Ring Through Key-2 Affix Mailbox with Custom OGM Key-0 Maximum Call Block. Don't answer call.

Key-4 Next in List

Key-5 Move Back through list

Key-0 Delete currently viewed entry

Key-# Escape from Call Block Setup function

* * Key-# Escape Level-3 and return to Level-2 main menu

*# On-Hook Abort current function and return to Idle State Submenu Navigation

To navigate submenus for selected functions, four keys are of use.

From Any level: Key-* Access, to change-up in function-group level.

Key-# Escape, to abort a current selection and step-wise return to level- 1.

From Level 2 and 3 Only:

Key-4 Next, to proceed forward to the Next item of a list.

Key-5 Back, to proceed in reverse Back through items of a list. Almost always, On-Hook, i.e,. the hanging-up of the last system phone will abort the current function and return the system to the Idle State. The next system phone to go off-hook, will access level- 1 main menu.

General Selection Response Keys

When options are prompted for selection, the actions taken are: Key-0 No, Clear, Delete, Off

Key-1 Yes, Set, Save, On

Key-# Escape from current function and step-wise return to level- 1 main menu

On-Hook Abort, return to Idle State

Keys While Playing Messages

When messages are played back, navigation keys are:

Key-1 Review current message.

Key-4 Skip to Next message. Key-5 Back to previous message.

Key-0 Delete current message or all messages of mailbox if at end of list.

Key-* Toggle Playback pause.

Key-# Escape to end of list and step-wise return to level- 1 main menu.

On-Hook Abort message playback and return to Idle State. Keys In General

Long Press - Emergency Override if Fax or Autodial has seized the Line.

Normal Press - All selections unless special. Two Short Presses ## - While on-line will enable Hold. One press § will disable hold.

Messaging Prompts Voice Message Prompts A fixed set of phrases forming a vocal library (vocabulary) are concatenated together as complete messages. A single message can be used many times throughout the system Dialogs. Message points are fixed but not all phrases are fixed. The User of the system can inject custom voice phrases at various points. User voice phrases are optional but an introduction OGM is recommended. Some Message points are optionally active or inactive. Example, passwords are not prompted unless assigned active. Display Message Prompts

LCD messages are intended to visually aid the voice prompts. The messages display current status and selections to the nearby use. The display is invaluable for level-3 programming because details not conveniently voiced are visually provided.

Figures 12A, 12B, and 13 are flow sheets illustrating a typical programmed sequence for processing an incoming call. This represents a typical application of the programming, and it is evident that variations are possible, depending on setup from menu 3, and the responses of the caller and user. In addition, all contingencies are not shown in the flow sheet, but the same are within the skill of a practitioner to anticipate and modify the program accordingly. In these Figures the audio prompts are labeled as:

"U" prerecorded messages by the user stored in AFLASH memory;

"B" messages generated by the system, which are stored in ROM; "C" responses by the caller, some of which are recorded for replay by the user.

Reference is now made to Figure 12A. The system in is the Idle State and detects a ring. The incoming ring is qualified as a valid ring, and the outside line is connected to the system. Unless it is determined that it is a fax call, (Figure 13), the system plays a greeting message from the user and the system prompts the caller for identification. Using the VOX circuitry, the system determines if there is a response. If there is no response, the system replays the prompt and, thereafter, hangs up if there is still no response. Upon recording of a response, the system plays an acknowledgment message, after which an instructional message from the user is played. The system prompts for a mailbox number. Two tries are allowed for entry by the caller to enter a valid mailbox number before the system hangs up. If nothing or "0" is entered, that is qualified as a general call. If a general call, the system of a general mailbox is activated. Optionally, no general mailbox may be programmed, and the system will always require a 3-digit mailbox number. The system can be provided to accept the mailbox number before completion of the instructional OGM playback or before the "Enter Mailbox Number Prompt" without requiring the caller to wait.

Reference is now made to Figure 11B. For the general mailbox (0) the system rings the controller 100 and the remote ringers 115 with a general or indistinctive ring. If the call is a mailbox call, the distinctive ring assigned to that mailbox is triggered. During the ringing, the system plays the out-going message assigned to the mailbox, if any, that was pre-recorded by the user or mailbox owner. If a system phone is not picked up, the system plays a prompt to the caller to leave a message; the message from the caller is then recorded. The recording is terminated if the VOX detects no sound on the outside line, the caller hangs up, or the maximum length of the message is reached, which may be set at about 4 minutes or some other desired length of time. Thus, when recording is terminated, the message is stamped with date and time, using data from the system clock, and the system returns to Idle State. If caller-ID is available the message is also stamped with caller-ID data. During the recording, a user may pick up a system phone and eavesdrop on the processing of the call without being detected by the caller. When the user first picks up the system phone to eavesdrop, the voice ID recorded at the beginning of the call processing is played back to the user. The user may hang up during processing, or connect to the caller. If the user hangs up, the processing of the call is continued. The user may eavesdrop a second time or as many times as desired during the processing of the call. After each eavesdropping (the system phone toggling off- hook), the voice-ID message is replayed. If the caller is connected the processing is terminated and the user on the system line is connected to the caller on the outside line. The call is then monitored for status and is terminated when the caller or user hangs-up, at which point the system returns to Idle State.

The processing of fax calls is illustrated in Figure 13. The call is qualified as an incoming fax call if the fax alert tone is detected. Optionally, the system may process a call as a fax call upon command by the caller and/or user through a DTMF code. The system programming may also provide for setting up fax machine access in a manner similar to that of a mailbox. When an assigned three-digit code is entered, the system qualifies the call as a fax call. When qualified, the system sends a ring signal out through the fax line to awaken the fax machine. When the fax hook detection detects the answering of the fax machine a system flag connects the fax line to the outside line for a fax communication. The fax line is disconnected and the system returned to Idle State when the fax machine hangs-up, the call-in fax machine on the outside line hangs up, or the fax over-ride function is initiated. The fax over-ride allows the user to override control of the line by the fax machine and make an emergency call.

A computer-line may also be provided, qualified, and processed in a manner similar to that for the fax line. Examples of System Operation The following are examples of typical setups and operation for the control system of the invention. An example is given from the incoming caller's view. The source of each statement is also given. Messages in the ROM of the phone controller system is referred to as "Butler. " Pre-recorded messages by the owner are labeled "owner. " Key strokes are shown with no quotation marks, e.g. , 1-2-3, T-O-M. Example I

This example illustrates the preset default operation that occurs when the system is plugged in.

Butler: "Who's Calling Please?" Caller: "This is JIM, what's up Butler: "Thank You. " "Enter Mailbox Number. " "For a General Call, Press 0 Or Wait. "

Caller: 1-2-3

Butler: Rings for Answer To Selected Mailbox 123 ( ... no answer) Butler: "To Leave a Message Press 1. " Caller: 1 Butler: "Please Leave Message After Tone. " Caller: "JIM here. Call me when you get this message. Thanks. "

(...hang-up)

Example II

This is a custom setup suitable for a residence. Owner: "This is the BLANK residence. "

Butler: "Who's Calling Please?"

Caller: "This is JIM, what's up. "

Butler: "Thank You."

" Enter Mailbox Number. " Owner: "To speak with TOM, press 866. To speak with JON, press 566. "

Butler: "For a General Call, Press 0 Or Wait. "

Caller: T-O-M

Mailbox 866: "TOM here. Be back Tuesday 9AM. Thanks. "

Butler: Rings controller and remote ringers with distinctive ring for Mailbox 866. ( ... no answer)

Butler: "To Leave a Message Press 1. "

Caller: 1

Butler: "Please Leave a Message After Tone. " Tone

Caller: "Jim here. Call me. Thanks. " Example III

This example illustrates operation of a setup suitable for a business.

Owner: "You have reached Home Business. "

Butler: "Who's calling please?'

Caller: "This is JIM from Lake View calling. " Butler: "Thank You. " "Enter Mailbox Number. "

Owner: "For Service, press 680. Parts, press 681. Sales, press 682. Shipping, press 683. Manager, press 684. Receptionist, press 685. "

Butler: "For a General Call, Press 0 Or Wait. "

Caller: 6-8-4 Mailbox 684: "This is Tom Blank, the manager of Home Businesses. My hours are from 8AM to 6PM Mon. through Fri. "

Butler: Rings distinctive ring assigned to mailbox 684 (...no answer)

Butler: "To Leave a Message Press 1. "

Caller: 1

Butler: "Please Leave Message After Tone. " Caller: "Tom this is Jim from Big Corp. Everything went well. Thanks again. "

(. . Hang-up)

Example IV

This example illustrates a secure setup, for maximum screen of calls for the system controller. There is no general mailbox so that the caller must enter a mailbox number for the controller to ring.

Owner: "You have reached 555-1234. "

Butler "Who's Calling Please?"

Caller Caller"My name is Jim. "

Butler "Thank you" "Enter Mailbox Number" Caller T-O-M Mailbox: "TOM here. Be back Tuesday 9AM. Thanks. " Butler: Rings distinctive ring assigned to Mailbox 866 (... no answer)

Butler "To Leave a Message Press 1. " Caller 1

Butler "Please Leave Message After Tone. "

Caller "JIM here. Call me when you get this message. Thanks. " ...han -up Call Block The present system, based upon caller-ID data of an incoming call, can customize processing of calls originating from certain telephone numbers. A mailbox may be assigned not only for retrieving destination directed messages, but also to provide a customized message to a certain caller or class of callers. Caller-ID may be combined with the call block feature to provide a special message for preselected callers on the block list. The distinctive mailbox ring in this case indicates to the user that an incoming call is originating from a particular phone number. The call block feature may also be setup so that an incoming call from a certain number is blocked and not answered by the system. Adapter Cable Svstem

The adapter cable system of the invention allows the user to set up the system for a fax machine and system phones in different ways. The system has a special cable used in modern (phone-wired) homes. These homes are equipped with a 4-wire, or better, system. This cable uses the existing wiring and converts it for use by the system controller by simply replacing the phone cable from the wall to your existing phone. Figure 14 illustrates the custom cable where the normal cable is on the right and the system adapter cable is on the left. The figure shows the inner conductors of the plug on the upper end connected to the outer conductors of the plug on the lower end, and vice versa.

An adapter cable is used to connect an extension phone to the Butler system using the existing telephone wiring of a typical installation site. This is the second of three installations types described below.

The extension phones are connected to the system line of the system through the first port-line 2 . The outside line enters through the first port-line 1. The second port is for a phone and/or a fax. The second port is unique in that no adapter cable is required for extension/system phone use. If the second port is used for a fax, the adapter cable is required between the fax machine and the second port. If a two-line splitter is used with the second port, then the second port-line 1 will be for system phones and the second port-line 2 will be for fax.

Generally, the restrictions are that only certified touch tone phones (which connect via the inner conductors) be used with the system. Accordingly, if connected via port 1 , the system phones must use the custom cable. Variations in the cable use and connections to the outside line, system line, and fax line are illustrated by the below installation examples. Installation Example I

The best way to install the system is to access your phone box or common point of service for the extension phones you want managed. This procedure will work for all installations with a minimum of regard for the present phone wiring. This installation may not be the most convenient or accessible. In the most demanding cases where insufficient wiring exists, a separate four wire line may be needed to reach the Butler from the service point. The system is a controller and must be placed between an outside line and the phones you want service provided for. The most accommodating of installations would entail removing the outside line from the bus point (common binding point) and reconnecting it directly to the system controller's outside line (the first port-line 1 = inner pair). Then connect the remaining wire pair from the Butler (the first port-line 2 ^*= next outer pair) to the bus point which connects to the inner pair of the system lines to the extension phones. Now every phone serviced by this point will be managed by the system controller. Installation Example II

The adapter cable is used here. In this installation the following conditions should be met. This type of installation is shown in Figure 1 :

1) At least a four wire phone cable runs to desired connection points for system phones. 2) The connection points have a modular jack with at least two pairs of conductors wired in-common between the other connection points.

3) That the inner pair of conductors of the modular jack of the outside line is the active phone line you want the system to manage (line 1).

4) That the next outer pair of conductors of the modular jack of the outside line (line 2) are not in-use.

The system lines are connected through port 1 so that the lines to the system phones use the outer - line 2 conductor pair. To switch the connection to the inner pair compatible with the extension phone, the adapter cable is used between the system/extension phone and the modular phone plug. The adapter cable performs an interchange between the inner pair of conductors (line-1), of a modular plug/jack interconnect, with the next outer pair (line 2). When an adapter cable is used between a modular jack and an extension phone, that phone will become part of the system. Installation Example III

This is the simplest and easiest of all installations. This installation is applicable where duplex jacks are installed and wired in-common through-out. No adapter cables or phone service point access is necessary in general. If, for example, the top jack is your normal incoming phone line and the lower jack is unused, the installation will be almost effortless. To install the system controller, plug the first port into the top jack and then plug the second port into the lower jack. For every phone you want access to the system controller just plug that phone into the lower jack using a normal phone cable. For this installation to remain ideal, line 2 on the top jack, if it exists, should be open and not in use. This is the same as requirement #4 for Installation Example 2, but is less strict since its presence is not needed.

Many combinations of the installations are possible for any particular site. It may even be necessary for some installations to require expert assistance, but a site does not need to be wired specifically for the system but just wired up-to-date. Circuit Diagrams

Figures 15A to 15H are circuit diagrams of a controller and remote ringer according to the invention. The components are labels and are available on the commercial market. Figure 15A shows the DTAD chip Ul which is a Z8917520FSC from Zilog, the AFLASH memory chips U4, U5, a latch U2 and ROM U3, which contains the software which controls the system.

Figure 15B shows the interface with the telephone lines. Shown is the analog switch array, SWA, SWB, SWC, and SWD. The hybrid and summing circuits are combined together.

Figure 15C shows the AGC/Filter Amp, and the a/D Filter/ Buffer Amp (230 in Figure 3).

Figure 15D shows the current carrier interface circuit, the on board speaker and the fax ring generator circuits. Analog switches U 12a to U12c direct the analog signal that comes from a timer port on the DTAD chip. The Current carrier interface modulates the 160 kHz signal at 1200 bits per second. This circuit takes the square wave from the DTAD and converts it into a fairly clean sine carrier wave, which creates less harmonic emissions and therefore less interference and noise with other devices.

The on-board speaker circuit changes the DTAD timer generated signal into audible frequencies for tones. Basically this system avoids a separate "ringer" circuit by using a software derived tone generation system. The fax gate uses a DTAD generated signal of 6.8 kHz to pump a high voltage generator. The signal is sent to the fax interface as shown in Figure 15F.

Figure 15E shows the ring detector and the CID processor. Figure 15F shows the fax interface circuit, which is essentially a high voltage generator pumped by a 6 8 kHz signal from the DTAD, producing a DC signal of about 200 volts which is modulated by fax gate to produce a ring of 20 Hz The ring tone is then directed to the fax machine when a fax call is processed The relay K2 connects the outside line to the tax line when an incoming call is qualified as a fax call The tax line status is monitored using optical isolator U14 to isolate the line voltages from the electronics of the controller

Figure 15G shows the power supply for the controller This circuit provides a moderately regulated 15 volt power supply built around Q15 This provides a clean stable power source for the fax and CCI drivers The supply that drives all the remote system phones, relays, and speaker amplifier is created basically by U15, which is a very clean 12 volt regulated supply A 5 volt regulated supply is built around U16 for all digital and analog processing circuits

Figure 15H shows the circuitry for a remote ringer built around the MPU U4 and EEPROM memory chip U5 Also included are a reset chip U3, signal qualifier or noise isolator U2, and LED indicator DS1

The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof For example, the controller may be modified to accommodate 2 or more lines, each line may be processed as disclosed independently and concurrently as the single line system exemplified, with additional features that tie the lines together for conferencing, call forwarding, and the like The mailboxes may be assigned to one line or accessed from any of several lines

In a multi-line system, both lines may be processed independently and concurrently, or to prevent contention over resources of a system, the controller may not answer a second line if a first line is in use Simultaneous use of lines may be accomplished by time-sharmg, wherein one central processor manages all aspects of the system in manner to a single line system and switches seamlessly between the tasks for each line This system, however, would suffer from reduced system performance Alternately, some or subsystems disclosed for a single line may be replicated for each additional line with one central processor as a mam controller Each line, for example, could have its own DSP and AFLASH memory A memory controller could also be included or one central memory could be utilized Yet another multi-line embodiment would be to provide for separate and multiple control systems for each line, that are programmed with a collective strategy to take actions based upon requests from another controller assigned to a different line This option would be more costly, but with no loss ot performance and would be free from contention by the system resources

A preferred multi-line system would provide one dedicated master controller that manages a cross-point switch matrix and commands the present state of the whole system Each line would also have separate slave controllers that manage that line as in a single line system, but are coordinated by the master controller A computer line interface may also be provided allowing for incoming and outgoing modem connections The controller is not merely a telephone device, but is a household smart controller tor control ot communications and utilities in the household The telephone lines and the AC or wireless modulation are used tor communication between the various components of the system and the users, allowing communication between the outside and various points in the household with various users and utilities The three level menu system may be expanded to include more functions, and contracted if a similar system is desired In addition, an external interface for a PC may be provided tor the setup and programming functions and Level 3 optionally eliminated An interface may also be provided to a television system, for display of any appropriate information For example, caller-ID information can be displayed on the television screen when the outside line rings, since that is where user is frequently looking when the telephone rings

The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope ot the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein

What is claimed and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is

Claims

Claims

1. A telephone control system for connection to at least one outside line comprising: a connector for connection of the system to an outside telephone line for connection to a telephone service provider; a connector for connection of the system to a system telephone line for connection to at least one system telephone; a programmable system processor with an analog sound synthesizer for generating audio control signals and audio prompts with constant communication between the system line and the system processor allowing the system processor to be controlled at any time by signals sent from the system line and allowing an off-hook telephone on the system line to monitor audio signals generated by the sound synthesizer and sent from the system processor; a switch controlled by the system processor and responsive to incoming signals from the outside line, signals from the system line, or preprogrammed events, the switch selectively switching independently communication on or off (1) from the outside line to the system processor, (2) from the system processor to the outside line, (3) from the system line to the outside line, or (4) from the outside line to the system line.

2. A telephone control system as in Claim 1 wherein the switch, upon receiving a ring signal from the outside line, switches to allow two-way communication between the system processor and the outside line.

3. A telephone control system as in Claim 1 wherein the switch, based upon signals received by the system processor from the system line, allows one-way communication from the outside line to the system line to permit eavesdropping of communication between the outside line and the system processor from a telephone on the system line without detection from a telephone on the outside line.

4. A telephone control system as in Claim 1 wherein the switch, based upon signals received by the system processor, allows two-way communication between the outside line and the system line.

5. A telephone control system as in Claim 1 wherein calls on the outside line can be processed by the system controller independent of the on/off-hook status signals on the system line, so that when a system telephone is off-hook it will not disable the system and the system can answer and process calls.

6. A telephone control system as in Claim 1 wherein upon reception of a code and when communication between the outside line and the system controller is on, the switch momentarily switches signals from the outside line to off and then back to on to determine whether the code originates from the outside line or the system line.

7. A telephone control system as in Claim 1 wherein signals from the outside line or the system line include on/off-hook status signals, standard DTMF tone

8. A telephone control system as in Claim 1 wherein the analog sound synthesizer includes a speech synthesizer for producing audio prompts and a standard

DTMF tone generator for generation of control signals.

9. A telephone control system as in Claim 1 additionally comprising a connector for connection to a facsimile telephone line for connection to a facsimile machine, and a facsimile switch responsive to signals from the outside lines that connects for two way communication the facsimile line to the outside line and disconnects the facsimile line from the outside line when on-hook status on either the outside line or facsimile line is detected or when an over-ride signal from the system line is detected.

10. A telephone control system as in Claim 1 wherein there is more than one outside lines, each line may be processed concurrently by the system, the system provides communication between the lines, or communication of more than one line with an outside line

11. A telephone control system comprising: a connector for connection of the system to an outside telephone line for connection to a telephone service provider; a connector for connection of the system to a system telephone line for connection to at least one system telephone; a programmable system processor for processing incoming signals by executing selected preprogrammed operations in response to corresponding incoming signals, the system processor with a line discriminator for determining whether an incoming signal is from the outside line or from the system line, the system processor processing signals from a first set of signals if the signal is coming from the outside line, and processing a second set of signals different from the first set if the signal is coming from the system line, the first set of signals activating corresponding operations available to an outside caller, the second set of signals activating corresponding operations available to a user of a system telephone.

12. A telephone control system of Claim 11 wherein the first set of signals is a subset of the second set of signals.

13. A telephone control system comprising- a connector for connection of the system to an outside telephone line for connection to a telephone service provider; a connector for connection of the system to a system telephone line for connection to at least one system telephone; a programmable system processor; an audio ring generator under control of the system processor which produces more than one distinctive audio ring audible to a person in the vicinity of the ring generator; the system processor in response to a distinctive control signal from either the outside or system line activates the ring generator to produce a distinctive audio ring corresponding to the signal.

14 A telephone control system as in Claim 13 wherein the distinctive control signal is a series of DTMF tones corresponding to a user mailbox number and the audio signal is a distinctive telephone ring-like signal.

15 A telephone control system as in Claim 14 wherein the system processor processes the telephone call according to a programmed sequence which is selected by the user to whom the mailbox number is assigned

16 A telephone control system as in Claim 15 wherein the programmed sequence includes recording ot messages from the incoming line, instructional message from the mailbox user, a requirement for password access for mail retrieval functions.

17. A telephone control system as in Claim 14 wherein the system includes mail-box functions selected from the list recording incoming messages from the outside line, or the system line; play back of recorded messages; deletion of recorded messages.

18. A telephone control system as in Claim 13 wherein the audio ring generator comprises at least one remote ringer in electronic communication with the system processor.

19. A telephone control system as in Claim 18 wherein the remote ringer is in communication with the system processor by a system selected from the group consisting of: carrier modulation over AC wiring, radio-frequency transmission through space, modulated light signals.

20. A telephone control system as in Claim 18 additionally comprising an audio ring generator mounted in the same housing as the system processor.

21. A telephone control system as in Claim 13 additionally comprising a caller- ID signal processor for processing caller-ID signals from an incoming ring signal and a stored list of one or more telephone numbers where the system processor, in response to the incoming ring signal, processes the caller-ID by comparing the incoming caller-ID number with the list and, upon a match, activates a special function to process the call differently than a regular incoming call.

22. A telephone control system as in Claim 21 wherein the special function activates the ring generator to produce a distinctive audio signal indicating to a user that a caller-ID match has been made.

23. A telephone control system as in Claim 22 wherein the special function processes the call as a mailbox including any of the following call processing steps: a unique greeting message; recording of messages separately from other messages recorded by the system; separate password access to message retrieval functions.

24. A telephone control system as in Claim 21 wherein the special function allows the incoming call to be blocked by having the system not answer the call.

25. A telephone control system comprising: a connector for connection of the system to an outside telephone line for connection to a telephone service provider; a connector for connection of the system to a system telephone line for connection to at least one system telephone; a programmable system processor for processing signals from the system line and the outside line and controlling audio connections between the outside line, the system line, and the system processor; a power supply that receives electrical power from a power connector connected to an electrical service provider and directs electrical power signals to the system line and the system processor; a power fail switch responsive to power present at the power connector selectable between a direct connection of the system line and the outside line when the power is not present and connection between the outside line and the system processor when power is present.

26. A telephone control system comprising: a connector for connection of the system to an outside telephone line for connection to a telephone service provider; a connector for connection of the system to a system telephone line for connection to at least one system telephone; a user controllable and programmable system processor for processing signals from the system line and the outside line and controlling audio connections between the outside line, the system line, and the system processor, the system processor having a user interface menu system wherein user inputs are divided into multiple levels, the first level accessible immediately through the outside line or a system line upon off-hood status on either line, with each successive or higher level accessed by means of code, and a lower level is accessed from a higher level by a different code.

27. A telephone control system as in Claim 26 wherein there are two higher levels, the highest level is accessible only through signals from the system line, and the codes are each a distinctive series of one or more standard DTMF tones.

28. A method for electronically assigning a slave unit to a system controller such that a slave unit will respond to control signals from the assigned system controller and not respond to control signals originating from a controller to which it is not assigned, the method comprising: the system controller generating a distinctive system code; the system controller transmitting the code through a communication link that connects the system controller with one or more slave units; selectively placing each of the slave units in a program mode or a non-program mode; a slave unit in the program mode receiving the code and storing the system code in memory; a slave unit in the non-program mode receiving the code and not further processing the code; the system controller transmitting through the communication link a control signal including a signal system code; a slave unit receiving the command signal comparing the signal system code to the stored system code, the slave unit processing the command signal if the stored system code corresponds to the signal system code, and not processing the command signal of the stored system code does not correspond to the signal system code.

29. A method for electronically assigning a slave unit to a system controller as in Claim 28 wherein the system controller generates the distinctive system code by a random number algorithm.

30. A method for electronically assigning a slave unit to a system controller as in Claim 28 wherein there are at least two groups of slave units, each containing at least one slave unit, wherein each group is independently controlled by the assigned system controller, additionally having the steps: the system controller sending a group code over the communication link; a slave unit in the program mode receiving the group code and storing the group code in memory; a slave unit in the non-program mode receiving the group code and not further processing the code and wherein control signal transmitted the system controller also includes a signal group code, and wherein the slave unit receiving the command signal also compares the signal group code to the stored group code, the slave unit processing the command signal if the stored group code corresponds to the signal group code, and not processing the command signal of the stored group code does not correspond to the signal group code.

31. A method for electronically assigning a slave unit to a system controller as in Claim 30 wherein the group code sent by the system controller is provided by input from a user.

32. A control system comprising a system controller, one or more remote slave units, and a communication link between the system controller and remote slave units, the system comprising: a system code generator for generating and sending a system code through the communication link and a signal generator for electronically and automatically producing control signals encoded with the system codes and sending the control signal through the communication link; each slave unit comprising a system code processor for storing the system code when the system code is received through the communication link while in a program mode, a comparator for comparing the stored system code with coded control signals and for validating the control signals based upon the comparison.

33. A control system as in Claim 32 wherein the system controller additionally comprises a means for obtaining a group code and sending the group code over the communication link, and the system code generator encodes the control signal with the group code and each remote controller comprises a group code processor for storing the group code and the comparator also compares the encoded command signal with the stored group code and validates the control signal based upon the comparison of the signal group code with the stored group code.

34. A telephone control system comprising: a connector for connection of the system to an outside telephone line for connection to a telephone service provider; a connector for connection of the system to a system telephone line for connection to at least one system telephone; a programmable system processor that independently processes signals from the telephone lines and electrically isolates the outside line and the system line such that the system processor can connect with the outside line in response to a ring signal from the outside line and process an incoming call independent of the on/off-hook status of any telephone connected to the system line.

35. A telephone control system comprising a connector for connection to an outside telephone line and a standard four wire connector for connection to a system telephone line, the inner pair of wires for connection to one or more system telephones and the outer pair of wires for connection to a facsimile machine, and an adaptor cable connected between the system line and a facsimile that interchanges the wires such that the inner connector pairs on a proximate end of the cable are connected to the outer connector pairs on a distal end of the cable.

36. A telephone control system comprising a standard four wire connector for connection to an outside telephone line and a connection to a system telephone line where the inner pair of wires are for connection to the outside line, the outer pair of wires are for connection to one or more system telephones, and an adaptor cable connected between the outside line and a system phone that interchanges the wires such that the inner connector pairs on a proximate end of the cable are connected to the outer connector pairs on a distal end of the cable.