Method for managing a multilevel telephone directory

For modern communication systems, many different features are known, which on the one hand increase the ease of use and on the other hand provide beyond the basic functions of the switching beyond connecting possibilities. In addition to the number keys, the connected terminals have additional function keys to which different functions can be assigned by appropriate operational instructions. For example, the terminals can be equipped with a redial function. In a redial memory at least the last manually entered or dialed with the help of speed dial keys or electronic dialing assistance number is deposited. If the destination is not reachable or the call request is reset for certain reasons, then this stored telephone number can be called up at a later time, for example by pressing the redial key. If the terminal has a display device, then this call number can be displayed to the subscriber at the same time as the selection made. With another entered phone number information, the original in the redial memory is overwritten. In the case of a single-stage memory, it is therefore lost if it is not filed under a one-touch dial key or in an electronic dialing aid. Remedy offers a well-known extended redial memory, which has several stages. At the first operation, for example the redial key, the oldest number dialed by the subscriber is displayed and then output as dialing information if the redial key is not pressed again. If this is the case, each of the other telephone numbers contained in the memory can be selected one after the other by pressing each time again. The actual selection of a selected phone number takes place only after a certain selection time. This selection is therefore possible without another manual input.

The invention relates to a method for managing the content of a multi-stage redial memory. In each of these, election information which is generated on a terminal connected to a program-controlled communication system can be stored. The contents of the individual memory locations are replaced by subsequently entered election information with full occupancy of the redial memory. After an election repetition-relevant input procedure, which takes place, for example, as actuation of a corresponding redial key, the content of the respective memory location can be displayed on the display device of the terminal in each case in the predetermined order. After expiration of a predetermined selection time, the election information representing the respective content is automatically output.

It is the object of the invention, a more flexible use of the feature <img file="EP0903910A2_D0001.tif" />multi-stage redial "and to improve the functionality. This is achieved by program-specific determinations on the basis of certain input procedures, a targeted influence on the already stored in the redial memory or depending on the already stored in the redial memory dialing information is feasible. This influencing provided according to the invention can consist, for example, in updating the display sequence, in additions, corrections, completing and overwriting the stored selection information. Another possibility of this influence is the defense against redundant election information or in defense of incomplete election information. In principle, the order predetermined according to the order can be defined either on the principle of an index-guided memory or a chronologically guided memory. The number of memory stages in each of which an election information dialed by the subscriber is stored can in principle comprise any number. However, it is usefully determined so that the clarity is guaranteed. Each time the redial button is pressed, the selected dialing information can be cyclically read from the redial memory in accordance with a pop-up mechanism and automatically output after the specified selection time has elapsed.

An advantageous embodiment of the invention is that in the cases in which a displayed content of a memory space has been output as election information, this content is displayed as the first information in a subsequent choice as derholungsrelevanten input procedure (pressing the redial button). In each immediately subsequent redial-relevant input procedure, the contents of the other memory locations are displayed in their intended order of preference. In updating the chronology, the selected and selected telephone number information according to the invention is re-stored in the memory to be described with the most recent entry, wherein the telephone number information contained in the intermediate memory locations are shifted in the direction of the freed memory space in each case by one memory location. It is therefore not the input time, but the time of sending out election information for the classification of the election information in the redial memory prevail. According to the invention, a chronological management of election information is carried out on the basis of the time of the election broadcast with updating of the chronology when a call number is selected again. Accordingly, according to the invention, an evaluation takes place according to a meaning of the dialing information which arises because a telephone number is repeatedly selected and transmitted. When first pressing the redial key, the last sent election information is first displayed on the display device and offered for re-election. This results in significant benefits in terms of usability. According to the invention, it is possible to replace a currently displayed dialing information with a dialing sequence of a number sequence started during the selection time, in which case the selection time is aborted. This simultaneously results in the possibility of overwriting an election information in the redial memory by entering an arbitrary number to protect the originally contained therein phone number from misuse. The procedure procedure according to the invention offers the possibility of keeping a call number contained in the redial memory protected from being overwritten by another dialing information until the entry of a procedure control information canceling this measure takes place. It is also possible according to the invention the chains of selected digits to any selected from the redial memory dialing information. In this way, then the complete choice information added to the by-election in the redial memory is then available in a simple manner.

According to the invention, the multi-stage redial memory may be implemented either in a terminal itself or in the system memory of the communication system to which the system controller accesses. In the cases in which the terminal is connected to a communication system which offers a menu guide, different feature-specific procedures that can be displayed and displayed on the display device can be introduced according to the respective option displayed by pressing a key in conjunction with a retry-relevant input information. Thus, features are advantageously linked to the redial key. In this context, in an election information displayed from the memory, the sequence of the selection time linked thereto is to be stopped by the actuation of a function key. Subsequently, then various menu items are displayed, one of which can be confirmed by the participant. In the method according to the invention, the defense of redundant election information is made possible. This means that an election information already in the redial memory is not stored again. In cases where it is recognized that an input dialing information is already part of an already stored dialing information, this new dialing information is not stored. According to the invention, a stored incomplete dialing information is automatically substituted when the complete dialing information is entered again.

Further advantageous embodiments can be found in the remaining subclaims.

The invention will be explained below with reference to a figuratively illustrated embodiment.<ul id="ul0001" list-style="none"><li>FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of the structure of a communication system in which a redial memory is implemented.</li><li>FIG. 2 shows, in a schematic representation, memory allocations in connection with the input or the re-storage or withdrawal of selection information.</li></ul>

Central component of the communication system KS, eg a so-called Representing PBX system is a central switching network KF, via the terminals - of which the telephone terminals FE1 and FEx are indicated schematically - with each other or be connected to a public switching system ÖN leading lines AL. The central switching network KF is under the control of a central system controller ST, which in addition to the central processor CPU includes a storage device SPE and a clock unit TG. The central processor controls all switching operations and handles the preparation and allocation of the control data. These tasks can also be split among multiple processors. In the communication system KS line connection devices, symbolized by the line connection device LT arranged. The subscriber terminals are each connected via a connecting line ASL with her. An example of this is the telephone terminal FE1. On the connection line ASL the message transmission takes place, for example via a message channel N and the signaling is transmitted via an additional signaling channel S.

As indicated for the telephone terminal FE1, this terminal has a keypad TF for the input of signaling and dialing information. This keypad TF contains the non-illustrated numerical keys WT for inputting selection information and function keys FT for entering additional functions. By activating the available function keys certain functional sequences can be activated. These include, for example Performance features that can be realized by means of the plant operating program. Certain functions may be permanently assigned to such function keys or, alternatively, freely assigned to them. As an example of such function keys, a redial key WWT, a service key STA, a name key NT and the confirmation key OK present in connection with a menu guidance and a so-called "continue key" NEXT are represented symbolically. The individual keys of the keypad TF are available with a in each terminal to control their functions and eg coupled by a processor realized control unit PE. Furthermore, the units IR, UD, Se and DL are connected to this control unit PE. The unit IR detects the operation of individual keys, forms corresponding signaling information and transmits them via the signaling channel S of the connection line ASL to the switching system or to the terminal device associated with the display device DL. This display device is realized for example by single or multi-line LCD display. This display device is generally provided for the display of digits, text and election information.

The unit UD registers those information which are supplied to the subscriber terminal via the signaling channel from the switching system KS for further processing. The unit Se is designed as a memory and serves, for example, to receive an operating program for the control unit PE and to record data to be buffered. With the unit HA / SP the speech circuit is symbolically indicated. It serves in connection with the hearing or Speech organ, for example, realized by a handset HA, the processing of the transmitted voice information and reports a line fault.

The eg from the communication terminal FE1 transmitted digital voice information is passed to the switching matrix KF. The line connection devices LT are mediated by the system controller ST. In this case, each line connection device is connected via a signaling channel SK to the system controller ST. The information is exchanged via this signaling channel SK, for example using the known HDLC transmission procedure. The clock signals formed in the central system control are distributed via a clock line TL to the line connection devices LT. The provision of the clock signals is symbolized by the unit TG.

The access to a trunk AL via which - possibly as one of several - the communication system KS, for example, connected to the public network ÖN, via the interface LS. This interface includes, for example, an ISDN part, which may be designed as a standardized SO interface, for example. The periphery of the communication system is supplemented by a signaling unit SE, which is present for character supply of the communication system.

The central processor CPU of the central system controller ST has access to the data stored in the memory device SPE. It basically consists of the memory parts PROM and RAM. The program memory program PROM stores the system operating program and the programs belonging to it with regard to the peripheral technology, the operating technology of the safety technology and the switching technology. This is indicated with respect to the switching technology by the module VT. LM denotes a module symbolically representing the program modules available for the realization of the individual features. By the program component BOF the so-called. User interface controlled.

In the memory part RAM, the memory area KD is indicated as a subunit of the database DB. In this are the customer data, such as the permissions assigned to the individual terminals FE and the system configuration are stored. The memory part RAM is used inter alia the recording of temporary data for program flow control. It also data are taken in him, during a connection initiated by a communication terminal FE connection setup or when using a service or Feature to be queried. Each terminal FE ... FEx is assigned a memory area A1... Am, in which the terminal-related data are stored. It is therefore for example the current call processing state, ie So the information whether the participant has lifted the handset, or he is called, etc. as storage information removable. In such a memory area A1 ... Am, which is to be regarded as a dynamic database for the individual terminals FE, are, for example, with respect to the possible performance characteristics or Services the individual states stored in predetermined memory areas.

For the communication system KS a multi-stage memory is provided for redial. This can for example be assigned to each subscriber location of the communication system within the software. This is illustrated in FIG. 1 by indicating in a terminal-specific memory area A1 to Am the dial memory WWS managed by the system control. In the memory area A1 of the multi-stage redial memory is represented by the memory stages W1 to Wn. The number of these memory levels is basically arbitrary. In order to ensure clarity and to ensure flexibility, the number n of these storage levels should be rather low. It can be realized as a ring memory, wherein a <img file="EP0903910A2_D0002.tif" />Pointer "always points to the memory level to be displayed when the redial key WWT is pressed. The write access to the multi-level redial memory WWS is done in such a way that independent of the pointer position first free memory levels, such as immediately after the first power-on, will be described. There are basically two mechanisms for managing the redial memory. On the one hand, the index-guided memory, in which the order of the selection information on request of the redial memory by repeatedly pressing a key to the user may appear arbitrary. This is the case when the pacing direction of the pointer addressing the memory stage is fixed in the case of rigid non-chronological memory level management in the case of re-entry of an election information and on actuation of the redial key. This can be done in a positive and negative sense. On the other hand, the chronologically guided memory, which generally ensures by restoring the dialing information and carrying a date, ensures that the chronology of the dialing information displayed on the display device DL of the terminal is ensured by repeatedly pressing the redial key WWT. At the beginning of the procedure, the pointer always points to the last dialed telephone number and this number is the content of the memory level intended for the most recent entry. When first pressing the redial button so the last selected dialing information is always displayed on the display device DL of the terminal and the pointer addresses the associated memory level. As a result, frequently required telephone numbers are available very quickly. A phone number that has an older time-rank, so was entered very early, and is often selected and selected within the multi-level redial is not overwritten at the expense of a phone number, which takes a zeitschuljüngeren memory space - that is so later entered - but not reselected. In the case of a three-stage redial memory, this could be realized simply by inverting the stepping direction of the pointer when the redial key WWT is pressed an even number of times to set a memory level or to select the corresponding telephone number information. The inversion takes place at the moment of transmission of the election information or during the new entry of an election information within the designated selection time. With more than three memory levels, updating the chronology of the entry and restoring into the most recent, that is, most recent, storage level is necessary, with the contents of the oldest-ranking storage level being lost. In the procedure of the invention, therefore, not the input time, but the time of sending the election information for the chronological classification of an election information is evaluated in a memory stage.

The procedural guide according to the invention provides that dialing information entered via the keypad, from the speed-dialing memory or by other optional aids and already present in the multistage redial memory is not stored there again. The memory level in which the entered phone number has already been entered will then become the currently addressed memory level. Furthermore, it is provided according to the invention that within a communication system in which differentiated between different external lines or directions, the type of external assignment is updated. Thus, if a number is first dialed with a specific assignment of a line x, then the same number with specific assignment of the line y, so only the specific assignment of the line y is stored.

A renewed actuation of the redial button immediately after expiration of the designated selection time leads either to a terminal-specific or system-specific error handling or to a meaningful further processing of the user input. In this way, it is possible to set up a connection in the sense of a query to an external subscriber with the aid of another information stored in the redial memory. The prerequisite is that for such<img file="EP0903910A2_D0003.tif" />Fast switching "two connections are feasible, as is the case with an ISDN system.Possible sense is the possibility especially for a connection pairing of an internal and an external connection.

When a new number of dialing digits is entered during the selection time, the selection process terminates. The dialing information thus entered overwrites the telephone number displayed immediately before from the current re-dialing memory stage and thus, in the future, can be called up by the operation of the redial key due to this implemented overwrite mechanism. This also provides the option of protecting telephone numbers against unauthorized access by deliberately overwriting them with inconsequential dialing information. The input of an election information after the elapse of the selection time causes a by-election, which is chained simultaneously in the current redial memory level to the election information present therein. With a new selection, it is thus zetzlicih available. Basically, the selection time is set so that on the one hand the election information displayed on the display device by the participants is certainly optically detectable and on the other hand, the delayed selection does not adversely affect the usual processes.

According to the invention, it can be ensured by a specific procedure that an election information already contained in the redial memory remains resistant. It is therefore not overwritten by any other election information until a corresponding change is made.

Within a menu-driven communication system, it is also possible to link features with the redial key. After the first actuation of this redial key WWT, the currently addressed dialing information is displayed on the display device DL. At the same time as a question<img file="EP0903910A2_D0004.tif" />If the redial key or the usually existing confirmation key OK is pressed again, the next dialing information is displayed on the display unit according to one of the principles mentioned above the election information is selected.

Within the selection time certain procedures can be initiated in connection with the menu navigation. For example, pressing the NEXT key interrupts the selection time. The user then has the option of choosing from various menu items displayed to him. These are contained in a corresponding menu table and are displayed to it. It is conceivable, for example, to store an entered dialing information in the corresponding stage of the redial memory. For example, when viewing <img file="EP0903910A2_D0005.tif" />Protect phone number? " <img file="EP0903910A2_D0006.tif" />If the confirmation key OK is pressed, then by activating the corresponding program control, the dialing information currently displayed on the display device DL is protected from arbitrary overwriting or the protection is canceled <img file="EP0903910A2_D0007.tif" />Take over phone number?<img file="EP0903910A2_D0008.tif" />. <img file="EP0903910A2_D0009.tif" />If the confirmation then takes over the relevant dialing information under a direct-dial key or in the abbreviated dialing destination memory It can also be programmatically determined that, for example, the display <img file="EP0903910A2_D0010.tif" />next number? "without the selection time being restarted. For example, when the display confirms <img file="EP0903910A2_D0011.tif" />Dial the number? ", The relevant dialing information is displayed and when the display is confirmed <img file="EP0903910A2_D0012.tif" />exit? "is the exit of the procedure in the sense of a separation.

Some principles of procedure management in a multi-stage repeat memory are shown schematically in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 2a to 2d, the redial memory WWS should have the memory stages W1 to Wn. It is assumed that all memory levels include phone numbers. The longest-running phone number should be the phone number RN₁ and the most timely phone number RN_n his.

FIG. 2a illustrates the multiple actuation of the redial key WWT and the automatic selection after the selection time. In the example, the selection time t should be two seconds. It is assumed that by pressing the redial key three times without exceeding the selection time, the subscriber will save the storage space W_n-2 addressed. The content of the memory `so the stored therein phone number RN_n-2 is selected as electoral information at the end of the selection period. Based on this selection, an update of the chronology of the selected telephone number information now takes place. This means that this phone number RN_n-2 in the least recently accessed storage space W_n is re-stored, and that the temporally underlying memory contents RN_n-1 and RNn are shifted by one space in the direction of Zeithaltälterer entries. This fact of restoring and shifting is indicated by the dashed arrows. The selected phone number RN_n-2 is thus moved to the memory location Wn for the zeitrangjüngsten entry. This means that this number is displayed first and offered for re-election on a subsequent press of the redial key. It is therefore based on the time of the election broadcast for the management of an election information in an advantageous manner. A phone number that is frequently selected and selected within this multistage redial remains in memory. The memory allocation present after the selection of the telephone number according to FIG. 2a is illustrated in FIG. 2b. It remains in the sense of a chronologically run memory, the chronology in the selection obtained. Frequently repeated numbers are chained back in the least recently stored memory stage and not pushed out at the lower end of the memory. FIG. 2 b illustrates the case of the new entry of a telephone number dialed by the subscriber into the redial memory. This phone number Rn_{n + 1} is entered in the zeitrangjüngste memory location Wn. The phone numbers contained in the memory are each shifted by one space in the direction of zeithaltälterer entries. This is indicated by the dashed arrows. The longest-standing entry, namely the number RN1 is deleted.

In connection with the storage of a number dialed by a subscriber in the redial memory is checked whether this number is already included in the memory. This not only concerns a check for the completeness of this number, but also whether the newly dialed number is a fragment of a number already contained in the memory. If this is detected in the comparison test, the newly entered election information is interpreted as invalid, that is, there is a defense against incomplete election information. This newly entered election information will not be included in the multistage redial memory. The memory stage containing the full (-re) number information appropriate to the inputted fragment becomes the currently addressed memory level. In the embodiment of FIG. 2c is the eingegeben election information .DELTA.R_n-2 a fragment of the call number RN contained in the memory_n-2 represent. This number is thus stored according to the already described update of the chronology in the zeitrangjünsten space Wn, and there is a shift of the underlying entries. In a subsequent operation of the redial key then this number RN_n-2 displayed in the display device of the relevant terminal. In an index-controlled re-memory, the method would be different in that the pointer pointing to the memory level to be displayed jumps to the level containing the full (-re) number.

The described procedure according to FIG. 2c also makes it possible to quickly search for specific telephone number information within the redial memory. If the same one clearly assignable telephone number fragment entered via the keyboard input of the respective terminal and the choice aborted, then the complete call number information to the display device of the terminal immediately displayed by pressing the redial button immediately and this number selected after expiration of the selection time.

FIG. 2d illustrates the case where the stored telephone number ΔRN_n-2 when checking as a fragment of the number entered by the subscriber RN_n-2 is recognized. This comparison test is performed, for example, in case of elimination by disconnecting or hanging up the handset. Then the fragment ΔRN_n-2 deleted and in the zeitrangjüngeren memory locations behind it phone numbers RN_n-2 and RNn re-stored, that is, each shifted by one space. The complete (-re) number RN_n-2 is stored at the most recent memory location of the redial memory. It is displayed on the subsequent first press of the redial key WWT. The same procedure is used if it is determined during a comparison check that the newly entered telephone number is already contained in the redial memory. The index-indexed replay procedure is similar to the chronologically-led method used in Figure 2d. The difference is that the pointer jumps to the memory level in which the fragment was detected. The fragment is replaced by the full (re) number.

By comparing a newly entered election information with the stored in the redial memory dialing information (phone numbers) according to the principle described in Figures 2c and 2d ensures that as far as possible only complete and useful choice information is stored within the multi-stage redial memory. This can reduce the necessary number of memory levels while ensuring the benefit for the user.

In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1, the multistage redial memory is arranged in the system memory of the communications system KS. It is, as already mentioned, also possible to provide this redial memory in the terminals.