Method for managing a multilevel telephone directory

For contemporary communication systems many different performance characteristics are known, on the one hand increase the ease of use and offer other, on the basic functions of the exchange beyond connectivity. In addition to the number keys, the connected terminals to additional function keys to which different functions can be assigned by corresponding administration and maintenance instructions. Thus, the devices can be, for example, equipped with a redial function. In a redial memory at least the last number manually entered or selected by means of Dial keys or electronic voting aids shall be deposited. If the target is not reached or the page request is reset for any reason, then this is stored phone number can at a later stage, for example by pressing the redial button to retrieve. Tells the terminal a display device, so this number is the same with the selection made the participants displayed. With another phone number entered information originally present in the redial memory is overwritten. ie In a one-step memory is lost if it is not stored under a One Touch key or in an electronic electoral assistance. Remedy has a well-known in itself extended redial memory, having a plurality of stages. In initial actuation, for example, the redial button, the oldest dialed by the subscriber number is displayed and the selection information output if no re-operation of the redial key occurs. If this is the case, can be selected successively by each pressed again, each of the other numbers included in the memory. The actual selection of a selected number occurs only after a certain selection period. This selection is possible without further manual input.

The invention relates to a method for managing the contents of a multistage redial memory. In these, each dialing information produced at a terminal connected to a program-controlled communication system, storable. The contents of the memory locations are replaced by subsequently entered dialing information with total occupancy of the redial memory. After a redial-related input procedure, which takes place for example when operating a corresponding redial button, the contents of that memory location each in the intended predetermined sequence on the display device of the terminal is displayed. After a predetermined selection time corresponding to the respective content representing dialing information is output automatically.

Such a process is known for example from the European Patent EP 0463582 A2, which in the described process, the selection information is not automatically ausgegen after a predetermined selection period, but an explicit user input to output the selection information is necessary.

It is the object of the invention to enable a more flexible use of the feature "multi redial" and to improve the functionality. This is achieved by a specific influence is carried out depending on the choice of information already stored in the redial memory to the address stored in the redial memory or by program-related requirements on the basis of certain input procedures. This inventively provided influence, for example, in the updating of the display sequence in additions, corrections, and complete the overwriting of the stored dialing information exist. Another way this influence is to resist redundant dial information or in the defense of incomplete election information. Basically, the intended predetermined order can be defined either on the principle of index-memory or a chronological run memory. The number of storage levels, in each of which a dialed by the subscriber dialing information is stored, can generally include any number. However, it is usefully determined such that the clarity is guaranteed. Each time you press the redial key the displayed selection information can be read according to a Einspeichermechanismus cyclically from the redial memory and output automatically after the said selection period.

An advantageous embodiment of the invention is that, this content will be displayed in a subsequent redial-related input procedure (pressing the redial button) as first information in the cases where a displayed content of a memory location is output as dialing information. At each redial-related input procedure immediately following the contents of the other memory locations are displayed in their intended order given. In updating the chronology the selected and selected phone number information is inventively dumped in with the most recent entry to descriptive memory, the phone number information contained in the intermediate storage locations are shifted toward the vacant space in each case by a space. So it's not the time of entry, but the time of emitting dialing information for the classification of the dialing information in the redial memory prevail. It is inventively a chronological management of election information based on the timing of the election broadcast with updating the chronology on renewed select a phone number. There is therefore inventively review for a meaning of the election information instead, which arises because a number is repeated is selected and transmitted. In initial actuation of the redial key respectively the last transmitted dialing information is first displayed on the Anzeiegeeinrichtung and offered for re-election. This results in significant advantages in terms of usability. It is according to the invention, the ability to replace a currently displayed selection information by a begun during selection time dial a sequence of numbers, in which case the selection period will be canceled. This results in the same time the ability to override an option information in the redial memory by entering an arbitrary number to protect the phone number originally contained therein from misuse. The procedure implementing the invention offers the possibility of a telephone number contained in the redial memory from being overwritten by another selection information while protected to keep up typing this measure canceling procedure control information is performed. It is inventively also allows the chains of postdialled numbers to any selected from the redial memory dial information. In this way, then is then added to the election complete dialing information in the redial memory in a simple manner.

According to the invention the multistage Wahlwiederholungsspeeicher either in a terminal itself or in the system memory of the communication system that is accessible by the control panel, be realized. In the cases where the terminal is connected to a communication system that provides a Menüführuung, different and displayable on the display device feature-specific procedures are according to the invention according to each item displayed by key operation in connection with a redial-related input information introduced. There are so linked advantageously features with the redial button. In this context is to stop at an election information displayed from the memory of the expiry of the terms thereof selection time by pressing a function key. Then the menu items are then displayed, one of which can be confirmed by the subscriber. In the inventive method the defense is made possible by redundant electoral information. This means that an existing already in the redial memory dial information is not stored again. In cases detected where that entered dialing information is already part of an already stored dialing information, this new selection information is not stored. It is substituted according to the invention automatically stored incomplete dialing information for re-entry of the complete dialing information.

Further advantageous embodiments are disclosed in the remaining dependent claims.

The invention is illustrated below with reference to an embodiment represented in the figures.

1 shows a schematic representation of the structure of a communication system in which a redial memory is realized.

In the figure 2 memory populations are shown in connection with the importation or sales or withdrawal of election information in a schematic representation.

. From which the telephone terminals are FE1 and FEx schematically indicated - - A central component of the communication system KS, representing for example a so-called private branch communication system, a central switching network KF, via the terminals is another and to leading to a public switching system ÖN lines AL are connected. The central switching network KF is under the control of a central system controller ST that includes a storage device SPE and a clock unit TG next to the central processor CPU. The central processor controls all switching operations and ordered a preparation and allocation of the control data. These tasks can be divided among several processors. In the communication system KS line terminal equipment, symbolized by the line unit LT arranged. The subscriber terminals are connected via a connecting line ASL with her. An example of this is the telephone terminal FE1. On the connecting line ASL message transmission takes place as a news channel N and the signaling is transmitted via an additional signaling channel S.

As indicated for the telephone terminal FE1, has that terminal for the input of signaling and selection information on a keypad TF. This keypad TF contains the not shown in detail numeric keys WT for inputting dial information and function keys FT for entering additional functions. By pressing the function keys available each specific functional sequences can be activated. These include, for example, by means of the plant operating program realizable performance. Such function keys can be assigned fixed or alternatively be freely assigned to this particular functions. Examples of such function keys redial button WWT, a service key STA, a Speed ​​Dial NT and existing in connection with a menu confirmation key OK and a so-called "Next button" NEXT are shown symbolically. The individual keys of the keypad TF are coupled with an existing in each terminal to control its functions and as implemented by a processor control unit PE. With this control unit PE units IR, UD, Se and DL are also connected. The unit IR recognizes the actuation of individual keys, forms corresponding signaling information and outputs them via the signaling channel S of the line ASL to the switching system or to the terminal display device associated DL on. This display device is implemented by means of single or multi-line LCD display. This display device is generally provided for displaying digits, text and option information.

The unit UD registered the information that is supplied to the subscriber terminal over the signaling channel from the switching system KS for further processing. The unit is designed as Se memory and is used for example the recording of an operating program for the control unit PE and for the reception of data to cache. With the unit HA / SP, the speech circuit is indicated symbolically. It is used in connection with hearing or speech organ, for example, a handset HA implemented, the processing of the transmitted voice information and reports a line fault.

The example of the communication terminal FE1 transmitted digital voice information is passed to the switching network KF. are switching Technically controlled the line terminal equipment LT from the system controller ST. Here, each line terminal device via a signaling channel SK to the system controller ST is connected. Over this signaling channel, the information SK, for example using the known HDLC transmission procedure to be replaced. The clock signals formed in the central control system are distributed via a clock line TL to the line terminal equipment LT. The making available of the clock signals is symbolized by the unit TG.

The access to an outside line AL, on the - possibly as one of many - is connected, the communication system KS, for example, with the public network ÖN, via the interface LS. This interface includes, for example, an ISDN part, which can be designed as a standardized SO interface eg. The periphery of the communication system is supplemented by a signaling unit SE, which is available to supply characters of the communication system.

The central processor CPU of the central control system ST has access to the data stored in the memory means SPE. They typically consists of the storage parts PROM and RAM. In the program memory part PROM the plant operating program and the respect to the peripheral equipment, the operation and maintenance of security equipment and switching equipment belonging to it programs is stored. This is indicated by the module VT with respect to the switching technology. With LM one module is designated which is symbolic of the present for the realization of the individual performance program modules. By program component BOF the so-called. UI is controlled.

In the memory section RAM is indicated as a component unit of the database DB of the memory area KD. In this customer data, such as the individual terminals FE allocated allowances and the system configuration are stored. The memory section RAM serves inter alia recording temporary data for program flow control. There will also be transferred to him data retrieved during a call initiated by a communication terminal FE connection establishment or of service or service feature. Each terminal FE ... FEx is a storage area A1 ... Am allocated, in which the terminal-related data are stored. So it is from this example, the current switching condition, ie the information whether the subscriber in question has lifted the handset, or he is called so as removable memory information. In such a memory area A1 ... Am, which is to be regarded as a dynamic database for the individual terminals FE, the individual states are stored in predetermined storage areas, for example regarding the possible features or services.

For the communication system KS a tiered storage is provided for Redial. This may, for example, each participant location of the communication system assigned within the software. In the figure 1, this is characterized illustrates that indicated in a terminal-individual memory area A1 to Am of the managed by the system controller dial memory WWS. In memory area A1 of the Multistage redial memory is represented by the storage levels W1 to Wn. The number of memory stages is basically arbitrary. In order to ensure the clarity and to secure the flexibility, the number n of these memory stages should be chosen rather low. It can be implemented as a ring buffer, a "pointer" always refers to the to be displayed when pressing the redial key WWT storage stage. Write access to the multistage redial memory WWS takes place in such a way that, regardless of the cursor position first free storage levels, as described, for example, immediately after the first intervention. There can be basically two mechanisms of management of the redial memory differ. Firstly, the index-guided memory, in which the order of choice information when queried the redial memory by toggling the users seem arbitrary. This is the case when the step direction of the pointer, which addresses the storage stage, with rigid unchronologischer storage layer management in the case of the re-entry of dialing information and when you press the redial button is fixed. This can be done in a positive and negative sense. Secondly, the chronological run memory, is generally ensured by a re-storing the extension information and carry a date in which that the chronology of displayed on the display device DL of the terminal selection information is guaranteed by repeated pressing the redial key WWT. The pointer always points to the beginning of the procedure to the last selected number and this number is the content of the budget for the recent entry storage stage. In initial actuation of the recall button so the last selected option information on the display device DL of the terminal is always displayed and the pointer addresses the corresponding memory stage. This often used numbers are quickly retrievable. A phone number that has an older seniority, was therefore entered very early and is often selected and selected within the multistage redial is not overwritten at the expense of a phone number, which occupies a time rang recent memory - so that is entered later - but not again was selected. In the case of a three-stage redial memory this could be done simply by the step direction of the pointer is inverted when the redial button WWT is an even number operated times to select a storage stage and the associated phone number information. Inversion occurs at the moment of transmission of the dial information or the re-entry of dialing information within the prescribed time selection. With more than three tiers of storage is an update of the chronology of the entry and re-storing in the time ranking youngest, ie, current storage level required, the contents of the time struggled oldest memory stage is lost. In the procedure implementing the invention therefore not the time of entry, but the time of transmission of the dialing information for the chronology of an election information is evaluated in a memory stage.

The procedure implementing the invention provides that an election information that is entered from the keyboard, from the speed dial memory or different type dialers and already exists in the multi-stage redial memory is not stored there again. The memory stage in which the entered number has already been registered, but then the currently addressed storage stage. Furthermore, the invention provides that within a communication system, is differentiated in which between different external lines or directions that are kind of the external availability is updated. If so, a phone number x selected with a selective seizure of a line, then the same number with targeted availability of the line y, so the targeted assignment of line y is stored exclusively.

A renewed actuation of the redial key immediately after expiry of the selection period will lead either to terminal-or system-specific error handling or to a meaningful further processing of user input. In this way, the structure of a compound in terms of a query to an external subscriber by means of another stored in the redial memory information is possible. The prerequisite is that two compounds can be carried out for such a "fast switching", as is the case of an ISDN system. Meaningful is the possibility in particular at a compound pairing one internal and one external connection.

In a re-entry of dialing digits during the selection period of the selection process aborts. The dialing information so entered overrides the directly displayed previously from the current redial memory stage number and is therefore due to this implemented override mechanism in the future by pressing the redial key available. Thus it is also possible to protect telephone numbers against unauthorized access, by overwriting targeted with insignificant extension information. Entering a dialing information after the selection time causes a by-election, which is simultaneously chained in the current redial memory stage to the fact of election information. With a further choice they therefore stands zsätzlicih available. Basically, the selection time is set so that on one hand the selection information displayed on the display device by the subscriber sure is optically detected and on the other hand do not adversely affect the delayed selection the usual processes.

According to the invention can be ensured through a certain procedure that an election information already contained in the redial memory is saved resistant. It is therefore so long does not overwrite another choice information, to a corresponding change in input.

Within a menu-driven communications system, also provides the ability to link performance with the redial button. After the initial actuation of the redial key WWT currently addressed dial information is displayed on the display device DL. At the same time as could issue "next number information?" are displayed for the duration of selection period. If the redial button or the commonly known confirmation button OK is pressed again, the next election Information is displayed for one of the mentioned principles on the display device. After the selection period eliminates the display of the menu offering and the dialing information is selected.

Within the selection period certain procedures may be initiated in connection with the menu. For example, interrupts an operation of the mode button NEXT selection time. The user then has the option under different, displayed his menu items to choose. These are included in a corresponding menu table and display it. It is conceivable, for example, an input dial information in the corresponding stage of the redial memory to store deleted resists. If "protect phone?" For example, when viewing "Release number?" Or the confirmation button Ok operated so is protected by activating the control program currently displayed on the display device DL dialing information against arbitrary overwriting or the protection is canceled. Other menu items, for example, the "number take?", "Select a number as a speed dial destination?" affect. It takes place at the confirmation then the acquisition of the relevant election information under a one-touch key or the speed dial destination memory. It can also be set programmatically, for example, that the "next number?" is carried out without the selection period is started again. "Select a phone number?" If confirmed, the display example dial information is concerned and issued in confirming the display "End?" takes place leaving the procedure within the meaning of separating.

Some principles of the procedure for implementing a multistage redial memory are shown schematically in FIG. 2 As shown in Figures 2a-2d, to the redial memory WWS have memory levels W1 to Wn. It is assumed that all the memory stages include phones. The time ranking oldest number is the number RN₁ and zeitrangjünste number RN_n be.

2a shows the multiple actuation of the redial key WWT and the automatic selection is illustrated by the selection period. In the example, the selection period to t is equal to two seconds. It is assumed that the subscriber by triple pressing the redial button without allowing the selection time the space W_n-2 has addressed. The contents of the location, so the number stored therein RN_n-2 is selected after the selection period as dialing information. Now on the basis of this selection an update of the chronology of the selected number of information takes place. This means that this number RN_n-2 in the time-ranking recent memory W_n is re-stored, and that the zeitrangmä-larly underlying memory contents RN_n-1 and RNn each move one space in the direction of time rang older entries. This fact of re-storage and the shift is indicated by the dashed arrows. The number selected RN_n-2 is thus shifted to the space Wn for the time rang recent entry. This means that this number is displayed as the first in a subsequent activation of the redial key and offered for re-election. It is therefore based on advantageously the time of election broadcast for the administration of an election information. A phone number that is often selected and chosen within this multistage redial, remains in the memory. The existing after the selection of the number shown in FIG 2a memory allocation is illustrated in Figure 2b. It remains in the sense of a chronological run memory the chronology in the selection. Often repeated numbers are linked into the time-ranking recent memory stage again and not come out at the bottom of memory. 2b shows the case of the new registration of a selected by the subscriber number is illustrated in the redial memory. This number Rn_{n + 1} is entered into the time-ranking recent location Wn. The numbers contained in the memory are shifted by one memory location towards time-ranking older entries. This is indicated by the dashed arrows. The time ranking oldest entry, namely, the number RN1 is deleted.

In connection with the storage of a selected by a subscriber number in the redial memory is checked whether this number information is included in the memory. This applies not only to check for the completeness of this number, but also whether the newly dialed number represents a fragment of a phone number contained in the memory already. If this is detected in the comparison test, the newly entered dialing information is interpreted as invalid, which means that it is carried out a defense of incomplete election information. This newly entered dialing information is not included in the multistage redial memory. The memory level that includes the right to input fragment full (-re) number information is the currently addressed memory stage. In the embodiment of FIG to 2c. The entered dialing information .DELTA.R_n-2 a fragment of the number contained in the memory RN_n-2 represent. This number is thus stored in accordance with the previously described update the chronology in the zeitrangjünsten space Wn, and there is a shift in the underlying items. In a subsequent operation of the redial key then is this number RN_n-2 appears in the display of the relevant terminal. In an index-number redial memory, the process would differ in the way that the pointer points to the memory to be displayed level, jumps to that level that contains the full (-re) number.

The described procedure according to Figure 2c also enables rapid search of a certain number of information within the redial memory. If same a clearly definable number fragment entered via the input keyboard for the receiving device and canceled the election, then immediately the full phone number information is displayed on the display device of the terminal and selected phone number after the selection period by subsequent pressing the redial key.

Figure 2d illustrates the case where the stored number ΔRN_n-2 when reviewing the fragment entered by the subscriber number RN_n-2 is recognized. This comparative test is carried out, for example, when choosing demolition by disconnecting or replacing the handset. Then, the fragment ΔRN_n-2 deleted and the behind the time struggled recent memories numbers RN_n-2 re-stored and RNn, that is, shifted by one memory location. The full (-re) number RN_n-2 is stored at the time wrestled recent memory of the redial memory. You will be reported to the subsequent first pressing the redial key WWT. In the same will be the case when it is determined in comparison test that the newly entered phone number is included in the redial memory. The method in index-number redial memory is similar to the figure of 2d underlying chronological guided procedures. The difference is that the pointer moves to the memory stage, in which the fragment has been detected. The fragment is replaced by the complete (re) number.

By comparing a newly entered dialing information with the programs stored in the redial memory dial information (numbers) according to the principle described in the figure 2c and 2d is assured that as only complete and meaningful choice information is stored within the multistage redial memory. This allows the necessary number of memory planes at the same time ensuring the benefits reduce the user.

In the embodiment of the figure 1, the multistage redial memory in the system memory of the communication system KS is located. It is, as already mentioned also possible to provide these redial memory in the terminals.