Calling device in a digital communication network

0001The invention relates to a call system, such as those as emergency or nurse call in a nursing home, Nursing home or hospital is used.

0002apply for such a security-related call system special Safety requirements in the standard DIN VDE 0834 are set. There is in particular the ongoing monitoring the entire message path required. furthermore have parts of the room functions of the call even in a partial failure of the system network functioning for itself stay.

0003To fulfill these demands based conventional call systems often on a specially constructed network in addition to the already present in a hospital, etc. Telecommunications and data networks can be realized have to be. To the demand for continuous surveillance of the call meet, usually exchange any node or Endpoints of the system network constantly check data from, at their Failure or non-proper processing error alarm is given. The clock rates for the issue of such Test data are often in the range of seconds.

0004Conventional, used in nursing call systems, as they are known for example from DE 197 52 742 A1, are due to the sophisticated safety technology at comparatively low demand very costly. In view on the question of costs to be considered in particular, that due to the required parallel scaffolding the call system with other data networks for cabling and data transfer devices accumulating material costs significantly is.

0005To reduce this cost of materials is from DE 199 24 127 A1 is integrated into a computer network known paging. Because of the network technology used and the necessary peripherals is the known Call system also comparatively expensive.

0006The invention is based on the object, a low-cost specify call system that the given particularly to VDE 0834, necessary safety requirements.

0007This object is achieved by the features of claim 1. After the call system comprises a digital Switching system, on the one hand data transfer standard with a terminal, and on the other hand with an application server is connected, said terminal a Rufauslöseeinheit comprises generating an emergency call. The switching system is further connected to a monitoring unit, which periodically sends test data to the application server and if not properly acknowledging the test data a Error detector activated.

0008The invention proceeds from the consideration that a call system ultra-low on the basis of an ordinary digital telecommunications system (PBX), for example by IDSN- or U_{P0 / E} Standard, is to be realized. Such PBX as under example of the Fa. Siemens the type designation HiPath is prepared usually comprises several star-shaped with a switching system connected devices (eg telephones, fax machines, etc.) and one or more computers with application software. This or this application server take over as billing. Tk technique is for a relatively inexpensive, since such systems not only for the nursing field, but also in the private and industrial sector in large Numbers are used. On the other hand, in most Nursing homes, etc. A PBX provided anyway. though are of conventional PBX systems which according to VDE 0834 given safety requirements with respect to the monitoring the communication link is usually not or not completely satisfied, so that PBX systems were not previously More of a call system can be used. A remaining vulnerability even with digital PBXs is erkan purportedly at connections between the switching system and an application server. By the monitoring unit is expediently this portion of the Datapath monitored.

0009The switching system itself has characterized the by the VDE can not meet required safety standards and 0834 therefore by a comparatively inexpensive, conventional be switching system implemented. Besides functioning the management monitors the monitoring unit also Application server, especially as the test data only acknowledged be when the application server is running normally.

0010In preferred embodiments the Rufauslöseeinheit includes a Anschalteeinheit, which is connected to a call trigger. Under Anschalteeinheit a device is understood, the data Replacing without conflict with the digital switching system can and the means for generating and / or reproduction of such having data. Such Anschaltegerät is in principle available in a digital phone. For VDE-compliant Communication is this a D-channel feed for the Ringing add. The call trigger example a function key on the telephone, a whose operation Emergency or Pflegeruf is triggered. can Äquivalentermaßen However, the call trigger arranged externally and with the Anschalteeinheit a led out of the terminal calling line be connected. The Anschalteeinheit can continue be part of a so-called "Zimmeranschaltung", the call function, the including but not iA for voice recording and / or reproduction is provided.

0011Preferably, said calling line, and thus the call trigger, monitored by a loop current. That is, by the Calling line a continuous test current flows, indicating that the line is not interrupted.

0012A computer connected to the terminal pager is for a to indicate the emergency call directly. The pager is preferably by a well-known hospitals Room light realized. Alternatively or additionally, place an audible pager use. Further guarantees the Directly connected to the Anschalteeinheit pager, that the emergency call in case of failure of the switching system or the application server displayed at least locally, becomes.

0013Preferably, the switching system and the terminal are a digital telephone interface, eg U_{P0 / E} or S₀-Bus connected. These digital telephone interfaces are internationally standardized and serve as a standard interface for digital Terminals. Furthermore, due to the data transfer between the switching system and the application server advantageously on the TCP / IP standard. This protocol is for data transmission in computer networks well known. Conventional switching systems are often standard equipped with TCP / IP-capable interfaces.

0014An advantageous implementation of the monitoring unit by a second, connected to the switching system Anschalteeinheit allows easy connection to the monitoring unit to the switching system. A possible failure the monitoring unit and the connection is set by default detected by the switching system. In a inexpensive and extremely compact design is the monitoring unit by a microcontroller, ie by a Semiconductor chip can be realized. In particular, in this form, the monitoring unit preferably integrated directly in the terminal. This allows a particularly simple retrofitting of a ordinary PBX to a standardized call system, especially to the PBX only an inventive terminal and optionally, a server must be connected.

0015Appropriately, the call system includes a plurality of such devices, each of which a Rufauslöseeinheit and a monitoring unit contains.

0016The associated with the present invention consist, in particular, that by adding a low-cost monitoring unit to a conventional digital telecommunications system a call system is implemented, the high the meets safety requirements of the VDE 0834th this makes possible an extremely expensive implementation of the call. In particular, existing PBXs can already easily be upgraded.

0017An exemplary embodiment of the invention will be further explained. This reflects the sole figure is a block diagram a call system based on a digital telecommunications system.

0018The centerpiece of a call system shown in very simplified 1 is a digital switching system 2. The switching system 2 is a star-shaped 'connected with several terminals 3,3, forth in more detail of which only the terminal 3 is. The identical terminals 3 'are, for reasons of simplification only hinted at. The each terminal 3,3 'with the Switching system 2 interconnecting data lines 4 are in accordance with the usual case of a digital system technology by S_O or U_{P0 / E}Interfaces formed. The switching system 2 continues via a LAN line 5 an application server 6 in conjunction. The LAN line 5 is in for an ordinary LAN (local area network) Computer network common technique performed. Of the Data transfer between the switching system 2 and the application server 6 is based on the computer networks widespread TCP / IP standard.

0019The call system 1 in its basic function an ordinary digital Telecommunications (Tk) plant, in particular Siemens Hi-PATH-conditioning with U_{P0 / E}Interfaces. The terminal 3 is connected a first Anschalteeinheit 7 provided the data to the Switching system 2 can exchange, and data entry and data output on non-illustrated manner with a speaker, a microphone and a keypad connected is. may thus via the terminal 3 normal telephone calls be conducted. Alternatively, as a terminal 3 a so-called "Zimmeranschaltung" provided in which the Terminal 3 is equipped with a speakerphone.

0020To trigger an emergency or Pflegerufs the Anschalteeinheit 7 via a ring line 8 with a call trigger, which is formed by a push-button. 9 The Anschalteeinheit 7, the ring line 8 and the shutter button 9 thus form a Rufauslöseeinheit. The actuating button 9 can be one of the function keys of the terminal 3 or - as be located outside of the terminal 3 - represented. at Pressing the shutter button 9 is from terminal 3 first directly, not via the switching system 2, a Pager 10 is operated. When pager 10 thereby serves for a a common in hospitals and nursing homes room light. Optional are more light messages, for example in a Ward, and an audible ringing signal is activated. Furthermore, the Anschalteeinheit 7 sends a call signal the data line 4 to the switching system 2, where the forwarded call via the LAN cable 5 to the application server 6 becomes. An installed in the application server 6 Call routing system will now be triggered further steps such as the transmission of the emergency or Pflegerufs as call forwarding to a further terminal 3 '. Furthermore, Other detection systems such as DECT terminals, paging devices, on trunks accessible devices etc. activated.

0021To a fault in the connection to the shutter button 9 early to recognize the calling line 8 is loop current monitoring. That is, regardless of the current operating state of the shutter button 9, a continuous test by the calling line 8 and the shutter button is passed. 9 A loop current monitoring For example, realized technically, that the switch contact not shown the Release button 9, a high resistance is connected in parallel, through which the test current flows. A malfunction within the calling line 8 is detected by the Anschalteeinheit 7 thereto, that the test current is interrupted. In this case activates Anschalteeinheit 7 an error detector 11, the as the pager 10, by a light and / or sound signal can be realized and integrated in the pager 10th The Data line 4 is standardly in the PBX both by the Anschalteeinheit 7 and on the part of the switching system 2 continuously monitored by periodically telegrams between the Anschalteeinheit 7 and the switching system 2 be replaced. Improper acknowledgment the radiation emitted by the Anschalteeinheit 7 telegrams activated in turn the error detector 11, so that an interruption the data line 4, or a failure of the switching system 2 is displayed. Also activates the switching system 2 if not properly acknowledge the of the switching system 2 sent to the Anschalteeinheit 7 Telegrams associated with a mediation system 2 Error detector 12 to signal a break in the data line 4 or the failure of Anschalteeinheit. 7

0022For monitoring the connection between the switching system 2 and the application server 6 is located within the terminal 3 a second Anschalteeinheit 13. The Anschalteeinheit 13 is a also a digital telephone interface running test line 14 with the switching system 2. The Anschalteeinheit 13 as the Anschalteeinheit 7 according to digital PBX technology for data exchange provided with the switching system. 2 The Anschalteeinheit 13 in so-called "embedded technology" is designed as a microchip is configured to to periodically test data on the test line 14, the Switching system 2 and the LAN cable 5 to the application server 6 sends and acknowledgment of that test data monitored. The functions of the Anschalteeinheiten 7 and 13 can also operate as software modules on a single controller card be provided. The data line 4 and the test line 14 are in general not physically separated. The proper acknowledgment of the Anschalteeinheit 13 emitted test data requires that the test line 14, the switching system 2, the LAN cable 5 and the application server 6 function correctly. this is not the So, enabled the Anschalteeinheit 13 another Error detector 15. A failure of Anschalteeinheit 13 again By default detected by the switching system. 2 are malfunctions within the application server 6 Moreover, the application server 6 a with this related error detector 16 shown.

0023Thus, the whole communication path starting from the actuating button 9 via the Anschalteeinheit 7, the data line 4, the switching system 2, the LAN cable 5 to the application server 6 monitored redundantly. Specifically, meets the safety requirements of the VDE 0834th In case of an error is a part of the error detectors 11,12,15 and 16 in a characteristic Way enabled so that this characteristic Error display pattern the source of errors quickly locatable is.