Analogue keyboard telephone set for identifying the final director's number at the client's office.

The subject of the invention is an analog telephone keypad for identifying the final director number at the customer's premises, which is used in telephone communication for the implementation of the final called link identification (TLCID) with one or more called telephone stations as end units in response to an incoming call.

In known telecommunications communications systems, multiple director numbers (DNs) can be assigned to one link. When the call reaches the terminal communication device, the database is searched in that terminal device to determine the relationship between the incoming director call number and the device number (EN) of the link attached to the telephone. The call is then assigned to this link. In general, any number of social numbers can be associated with one link. The utility of having multiple directorship numbers associated with a single connection, however, is limited by currently available facilities at the customer's location to identify the called executive number before answering the call or preferably even before ringing the device at the customer's premises.

A well-known example of informing clients about called director numbers is a ringing or coded ringing (sometimes called a "teen" ringing). As a result, when multiple directional numbers are associated with a single link, up to four designated ringing rhythms can be associated with different directional numbers with different directional numbers. Before answering the telephone, but after at least one ringing cycle, the customer can determine which manager's number was dialed by the ringing rhythm. The implementation of this solution, however, requires special handling systems at a high level in the commutation circuit for the production of various rhythms or tones and appropriate operating software that are expensive compared to the number of lines using these operating systems.

A further example of a problem related to the identification of a director number at the client's premises is the scope of social connections. The goal is to build connection units and design software to control these units so that they can match the director's links. Some social links use the ringing described above so that each page on the social network has ringing marked. Other connection units have special circuits to provide private dialing or "selective ringing" for each telephone on a social link, as it is called in the prior art, by inverting the final ringing of one telephone on a social link. In addition, systems are known that encode a chew signal using various DC signals to provide private ringing for each party on a social link. For this purpose, special telephones are required to decode this kind of external signal. Coded ringing can also be obtained by varying the frequency of the external signal. All these systems require the use of special connection units and software.

In addition, one or more director numbers can be assigned to multiple phones. Telephone keyboards, which are an example of this, are an important element in the telephone equipment market when handling telephone traffic on a small to medium scale. Keypads, which are telephones that terminate a multiple link, have multiple buttons or "keys" that connect the handset to each link, and ensure that small businesses have multiple telephone links and multiple director numbers at their headquarters, without having to buy or rent expensive connecting equipment to the client’s premises. It should be noted that the term "buttons" refers to a two-tone, multi-frequency key pad that is found on all telephones with a speech synthesizer keyboard. "Keys" refers to the keys that connect your phone to a link. Some multi-key keyboards are, however, discussed as multi-key keyboards to suit the general application.

Most small businesses are served by analog connections, and until recently, each keyboards had a wiring harness containing a pair of end rings for each link service and intra-office circuit. The beam becomes thick as the number of links increases. Enterprises with more than one keyboard device are difficult to wire. Some manufacturers produce keyboards that require fewer connections, but these keyboards require out-of-band signaling and a special card on the link to trigger such signaling. These special cards are expensive for existing companies and take up a lot of space that could be used for more connections.

One solution to this problem is provided by digital keyboards attached to the digital communication system. Digital keyboards such as digital network cameras with integrated services (ISDN) are connected to the switching circuit via a two- or four-wire connection that provides two voice channels and a data channel. Using signaling out of band (messages in the data channel), the call is set to one of the phones and more than one phone can be sensitive to the input call. In this way, an enterprise may have several telephones with integrated services at its headquarters with several associated directional numbers and all telephone numbers sensitive to calls entering one of the directional numbers.

However, digital keyboards systems are not widely used today. Installing a digital keyboards system requires that the company has a digital link with a digital unit or with a unit with integrated services. Thus, operating telephone companies have significant expenses to provide this service to small customers. Telephone station apparatuses are expensive and for certain types of integrated services the links that connect the customer's headquarters to the switching circuit must in some cases be limited to four wired connections.

The essence of the analog telephone keypad according to the invention for identifying the final director number. at the client's premises, in which the client's premises have many keyboards, to which many managerial numbers are assigned, each of the keyboards is connected to the commutation circuit by means of

174 525 of an individual analog link, is that it includes indicator circuits connected to the commutation circuit via an individual analog link to indicate which of the many directors' numbers are called, and signaling circuits attached to the indicator circuits to the circuit of switching the call to the key apparatus through this individual link analog.

Preferably, the indicator circuits according to the invention comprise a signal processing circuit received from the switching circuit to a digital form and a microprocessor attached to the processing circuit, an acoustic device attached to the microprocessor informing the director of the user about the call.

The telephone keypad according to the invention is simple and inexpensive, and provides identification of the final director number at the customer's premises for the telephone link associated with multiple director numbers.

The invention will be explained in more detail on the basis of examples of solutions in which it is used, in conjunction with the drawings in which Fig. 1 shows a block diagram of a telephone switching circuit with end units connected via individual links and social connections, Fig. 2 - a block diagram of a connecting device for use in a telephone or facsimile, fig. 3 - block diagram of the telephone links system attached to many analog, multi-button keypads, Fig. 4 - block diagram of the analog telephone keypad according to the invention, Fig. 5 - block diagram of the solution containing the link of the final called call identification signals (TCLID) attached to the commutation circuit through one link, fig. 6 - block diagram of the next solution containing the TCLID signal link connected to the switching circuit through many links, Fig. 7 - block diagram of the switch controlled by the TCLID signals from Fig. 6, Fig. 8 - block diagram of another solution containing many keyboards connected to the switching circuit by many individual connections and fig. 9 is a block diagram of another solution in which the TCLID signal link is connected to multiple commutation circuits.

A block diagram of the system that provides end call line identification (TCLID) at customer premises when multiple director numbers are assigned to one link, is described herein in connection with a telephone link system as shown in Figure 1 having a switchboard circuit 1 that is connected to the public telecommunications network 2. The commutation circuit 1 can be a digital switching system with distributed control or an analog electronic switching system.

The commutation circuit 1 includes a communication module 3 connected to a connection module 5 and other connection modules (not shown in the drawing) and a management module 7 attached to it. The connection module 5 is terminated by analog and / or digital subscriber connections, such as analog connection 11, 13 and 15, via connection units, such as an analog connection unit 17. The connecting module 5 also has analog or digital long distance links, such as the connecting unit 18, which connects the switching circuit 1 to the public telecommunications network 2. The management module 7 ensures the coordination of the functional elements of the switching circuit 1 and provides a human / machine connection. The connecting module 5 also includes a processor 19 and a memory 21. The processor 19 controls the functioning of the connecting module 5 and uses memory 21 to store programs and data. The connection unit 17 provides a connection between the terminal units such as telephones 23-31, telefax 32 and telemetry unit 60 and the connection module 5 in the switching circuit 1. The connection unit 17 provides concentration, scanning and other services and also provides a high level service circuit (HLSC ) 33 for making calls (in this environment) and other types of service.

An exemplary application of the invention is illustrated in the interplay circuit between connection unit 17 and telephone 23 connected via analog link 11. Telephone 23 has, for example, two associated director numbers (DN). The telephone 23 has a display 35 that can display alphanumeric characters. Call is

174 525 directed to telephone 23 from the connecting module 5 through the connection unit 17. Processor 19 receives the director number (DN) for the telephone 23 performs a database search in memory 21 for the translation of the director number into link identification or equipment number (EN) can cause the connection unit 17 connections for analog connection 11 to the input call. The processor 19 then determines that analog link 11 is not occupied and causes the HLSC 33 circuit (or other service unit, such as the low current digital service unit in module 5) to produce a frequency shift keyed signal (FSK) for encoding the input DN number into an analog signal that can be sent via the analog link 11. Before the processor 19 rings on analog link 11, it sends a frequency shift keyed signal (FSK) to the telephone 23 on that link 11. Then, processor 19 can freely route the external signal through the HLSC circuit 33 to connection unit 17.

The processing system in the telephone 23, as will be described later in connection with Fig. 2, receives the FSK signal and demodulates it. The telephone control unit 23 then displays the demodulated TCLID signal on the display 35. In addition, the telephone control unit 23 could trigger an audible signal, such as recognition calling, depending on which director number was called, or take other action depending on the program . Therefore, the subscriber or user of the telephone 23 can determine which DNs are called during or before the first ringing cycle, and answer according to the call.

In the basic version, the telephone 25 is connected to the connection unit 17 via an analogue connection 13. The "T" connection 37 on connection 13 provides the connection for the transducer system 39, which will be described further in connection with Fig. 2. The transducer system 39 is the input call system Id (iCLID). ICLID receives the encoded FSK signal and displays it. The controller in the transducer system 39 receives the FSK signal, causes it to convert the FSK signal into digital form and displays the numbers in the display window. The call signal is then sent to the telephone via switch 1. The TCLID signal can be sent before ringing and the signal from the ICLID system can then be sent during periods of silence between the call signal. ICLID can display two DNs differently or display them in different areas of the display. Thus, the called DN is displayed before ringing.

Many new features can be implemented using the supplied TCLID signal without the need for expensive equipment in switching circuit 1 or connection unit 17. For example, you can implement a feature such as "teen ringing", where the telephone 23 rings differently, depending on the dialed number DN. Instead of using special resources as required in the prior art, the telephone 23 includes a transducer system connected to the analogue connector 11, a processor connected to the transducer and an acoustic instrument (all this is described in Fig. 2) attached to the processor. The transmitter receives the DN number and converts it to a digital form. The processor compares the numbers with the list previously stored in memory and causes the acoustic device to signal differently, depending on the incoming DN. In any manner, the processor may also display TCLID signal information as described above. Thus, the customer is warned acoustically and / or visually about which connection is ringing, without requiring the use of expensive control panel equipment.

In addition, an improved call waiting service can be implemented. In this exemplary embodiment, telephone 23 or 25 has two (or more) DNs assigned to it. For example, if the customer is talking on the telephone 23 and a call waiting tone is heard, the customer should know which DN is waiting for the call in order to make a selection after this information or to answer. In current telephone practice, the voice path is temporarily interrupted when a call waiting signal is given. Therefore, the FSK signal can be sent to the receiving person immediately after the interruption of the voice path, but before the acoustic signal of waiting for a call. In this case, the FSK signal is sent to the telephone 23 and displayed on the display 35 immediately before sending the waiting signal

174 525 per call. If the display 35 shows TCLID signal information, the client has more information before selecting the response to the expected call.

Another service is sending a call by a search group. Telephone clients 23 and 25 belong to the search group to describe this service. When the call is made to the telephone's analog link 13, the FSK signal (indicating the telephone's DN 23) is sent and decoded by the transducer system 39. In this way, the user of the phone 25 can determine to whom the call was initially directed before the first ring and answer as per on the phone.

Further implementation can be seen on the link that is attached to telephones 27.29 and 31 and fax 32. This example applies to both home and business use, with multiple extensions as shown, or to an individual link. In this implementation there are four director numbers assigned to analog link 15. For example, there may be one DN number associated with a home business, one DN number as a family number, one DN number for the fax machine, and another DN for family teens. Each telephone has a display arrangement 4143 and 45 associated with it and which can receive and process FSK signals and demodulate them as described above. When, for example, a call is received to the family Dn number, the call is set up as before and the FSK signal is sent via link 15. All display arrangements 4143 and 45 demodulate the signal and display it. The person answering any of the telephones 27-31 can then specify which DN is called during the first calling cycle.

In addition, the FAX 32 has a separate DN associated with it, as stated above. The fax 32 includes a processor and preetwomik, as described below in connection with Fig. 2. When a call arrives for the DN number associated with the FAX 32, the FSK signal is generated and sent on link 15 as described above. In response to the pre-programming, the transmitter in the FAX 32 receives the FSK signal, decodes the TCLID signal and specifies that the DN is directed to it. The FAX 32 immediately sends a handset pickup signal that responds to the call signal. Therefore, a fax machine such as fax 32 and other terminal units such as auto-answer modems. other non-voice terminals share the connection with telephones or other terminals.

Further new features can be implemented using equal combinations of the telephones in Fig. 1. Telephones on the analog link 15 can make internal calls by dialing a special code and interrupting program execution. Processor 19 recognizes a special code, sends an FSK signal via link 15 corresponding to the code, and makes a call on line 15. The called person knows that he is to answer the call because of the displayed code and the calling person can then also answer the phone. The power supply is therefore provided by the connection unit 17 for reverse call of the people line.

Each telephone number 27-31 can have one DN and special extended numbers associated with each telephone. If the calling person calls the feature code (i.e. # 7), recognized by the link, dials the Dn number and one of the extended numbers, only the telephone corresponding to the extended number can ring. In this way, for certain calls only the telephone in the teen room rings, while all telephones 25-31 ring when no extension is included in the FSK signal.

According to the illustrated solution, an improved analog split DN could be implemented by sending an FSK signal to multiple links, such as analog links 11, 13 and 15, before ringing. Each member of the group could then determine whether to receive the call or not by causing the call to be received, the call being received with information or other feature. In addition, special telephones could be used that would enable one or more connections in response to a specific DN.

The described solution can also be applied to a response device, such as a response device 50. In response device 50, many different messages can be digitally registered in electronic memory in four mailboxes. Mailboxes are selected by the calling party entering two-tone numbers

174 525 multi-frequency responding to software prompts provided by the response system. According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the FSK signal carrying the TCLID signal information is sent via a link 51. The response system 50 receives the TCLID signal and if no one answers the telephone, it reproduces the program prompt. Preferably the program hint is selected from many program hints (one per DN assigned to link 51) responsive to the TCLID signal. The messages are then stored (and searched) in the mailbox corresponding to the TCLID signal, without any input required from the calling party.

It is also possible to implement a telemetry system based on telephones. The telemetry unit 60 is installed on the telephone connection 61 at home. When a utility company wants to read the electricity meter 62 or water meter 63 at home, it dials the special feature code, DN of the home telephone and adds a special number at the end. Preferably, the special number may be a code known only to the utility company. Otherwise, a special trunk can be connected between the switching circuit 1 and the utility, which provides greater security for utility connections. The database may then control the connection on the link 61 through which the switching circuit 1 connects to the utility trunk. Switch circuit 1 then sends an FSK signal encoded to contain at least a special number. The telemetry unit 60, responding to a special number, reads the electricity meter 62 or water meter 63 and sends the data to the utility.

The next telemetry unit device, such as the alarm unit 64 connected to the telemetry unit 60, is connected to the security system. Periodically, the home security supervisor can check the functioning of the alarm unit 64 by sending a code. The telemetry unit 60 asks the alarm unit 64 and corresponds to the supervising establishment. Telemetry unit 60 via a feedback circuit ensures that the local telephone company can check the link. The telephone plant sends a special code as before, and the telemetry unit 60 responds in the feedback circuit. Another code may be sent on line 61 to restore the service.

A service that can use the described solution is a wide range of telephone input service, also known as the "800 or" 900 service. Several companies may have individual "800" numbers, but they all share a single link with the operator. When the call reaches the operator, the end link sends an FSK signal carrying the coded end DNs. The transmitter in the operator's station converts the FSK signal into a digital form that is displayed by the operator. The operator can then respond to the call properly for each company. This feature can also be used in multiple search operator positions.

Figure 2 is a block diagram of the connection device used in telephone 23, transducer 39, fax 32, response device 50 or telemetry unit 60 (Figure 1). Link 200 is connected between commutation circuit 1, Fig. 1, and one or more telephones 23-31 or fax 32 in Fig. 1. Transducer 210 is connected to link 200 and converts the FSK signals into a digital form for the computer. The processor 220 is connected to the transducer 210 and receives digital signals from the transducer 210. The processor 220 is controlled by programs stored in memory 230. One of the functions of the processor 220 may be the display of digits from the transducer 210 on the display 240. The processor 220 also controls the acoustic instrument 250. The processor 220 may perform a database search in the memory 230, which could contain a list of all or selected DN numbers and matching information, such as name, place or other code. The processor 220 may also control the acoustic device 250 by causing different signaling or ringing to occur for each different director number programmed in memory 230.

In addition, the processor 220 may control a connection device 260 (indicated by a dashed line) that may cause a connection on the link 200 when the processor 220 detects specific TCLID signals. Connection device 260 can be used

174 525, for example, to connect a fax 32 (FIG. 1) to connection 200 as soon as an external signal is fed on connection 200.

Connection device 260 can be manually controlled to position the output calls. The relay 262, which is polarized in an open state, is bridged by a high value resistor 264. The comparator 266 detects the pickup of the handset in the telephone or facsimile attached to the device 260 because the voltage on the 200 link will drop from approximately 48 volts to approximately 0. Relay 262 may then be closed to allow output calling. Therefore, the fax machine only answers calls of its own DN, but it can call at any time.

The device of Fig. 2 can be placed completely in facsimile 32 or it can be a separate box connected to the connection between the facsimile and commutation circuit 1. Otherwise, the device of Fig. 2 can be connected to a telephone, such as the telephone 23 of Fig. 1, or it can be a separate box, such as transducer box 39 with joints. 1. The device of Fig. 2 can also be used to connect a response device or other voice transmission system with a link.

Figure 3 shows an exemplary embodiment of a telephone key apparatus according to the invention, which can be seen in the interaction between the switching module 5 and key apparatus 323,325 and 327, which are connected by individual analogue links 311,313 and 315, respectively. The 323,325 and 327 apparatus represent multiple telephones at the headquarters client, for example in a real estate office or small law firm. The customer is a subscriber, for example, five director numbers (DNs) that all end in 323,325 and 327 devices at the customer premises connected via links 311, 313 and 315. Each individual link has one or more DN number connections and may have dependent numbers DN. The telephone-in connection is the one to which the input call is set up each time the DN is called. A dependent telephone link is the one to which alerting or signaling is made when a DN is being called, and can receive a DN call if required. Links 311, 313 and 315 are associated with five directorship numbers as per Table 1.

Table 1

<td></td><td>DN1</td><td>DN2</td><td>DN3</td><td>DN4</td><td>DN5</td>

<td>Connection 311</td><td>L</td><td>L</td><td>D</td><td>D</td><td> *</td>

<td>Connection 313</td><td>D</td><td> *</td><td>L</td><td>L</td><td> *</td>

<td>Connection 315</td><td>D</td><td> *</td><td></td><td> *</td><td>L</td>

In accordance with Table 1, link 311 is the lead link for director numbers 1 and 2, and a dependent link for director numbers 3 and 4. Link 313 is not at all associated with director number 5. Similarly, link 313 is the lead link for director numbers 3 and 4, a dependent link for director number 1 and is not associated with director numbers 2 and 5. After all, link 315 is the lead link for director number 5, a dependent link for director number 1, and is not associated with director numbers 2,3 and 4.

When the call arrives at switch circuit 1 for one of the director numbers associated with the customer's location, e.g. director number 1, the telephone call is delivered to the connecting module 5. Processor 19 performs a database search in memory 21 to determine which link or links are associated with a director number. In this case, processor 19 determines that link 311 is a telephone lead and telephone lines 313 and 315 are dependent telephone links for this director number. In response to the determination that link 311 is a lead link, processor 19 causes the connection unit 17 to set a call on link 311.

174 525

In the next step, the processor 19 causes the terminal unit 17 to generate an FSK signal, encoding the TCLID identification information into a signal, which is then transmitted on links 311,313 and 315. Then calling can be used in any way on one or more connections. Other data, such as extended numbers, special codes and the like can also be sent to the links, which can have the same effect as the TCLID signal.

At the customer site, all 323,325 and 327 cameras receive TCLID at approximately the same time. The transducer in telephone sets, as will be described later in connection with Fig. 4, receives the FSK signal and demodulates it. The control unit on cameras 323, 325 and 327 then causes the demodulated TCLID signal to be indicated on the camera. This indication can be made by displaying or could light up a lamp on the key or next to the camera key. The 323, 325 and 327 devices can then ring or otherwise warn users acoustically in response to FSK signal reception or in response to an external signal to 313113 and 315 lines. If the user of the 323 handset lifts the handset, the call is connected, and the switching circuit 1 eliminates the warning of the 323, 325 and 327 handsets. If the 325 or 327 user lifts the handset (for example, when the 323 phone is busy), other steps are taken. The user of the 325 device picks up the handset, which means that the 325 device gives the handset pick up signal to the connection unit 17. The connection unit 17 then delivers a tone of dial to the 325 device. This is important because the 325 user may wish to dial the number at this time instead of answering signal from the 323 apparatus. The connecting module 5 waits at this time for receiving the signaling from the 325 apparatus. The apparatus 325 signals to the connection unit 17 that the user wants to respond via a link to the signal of the apparatus 323. The signaling from the apparatus 325 to the connection unit 17 could be, for example, two-tone multi-frequency signaling (DTMF), as is usual for a telephone with a keyboard with a speech synthesizer. This signaling could be in the form of a special number sequence from keypad keys, for example * 7 as the sequence for recalling the call. Alternatively, the call signaling sequences can be reprogrammed for the 325 keys, and the commutation circuit signaling is obtained by pressing the key on the 325 keypad. For example, the key with the DN 1 telephone number sends a DTMF signal or other signaling to the connecting module 5. Alternatively, the coded key identification signal is sent to the connecting module 5, which can then perform a search to determine which DN is being reproduced.

This solution also ensures multiple calls for each link. If in the previous example the 323 device is busy for DN 1 and another call comes for this Dn 1 number, the connection unit 17 may provide the FSK coded TCLID signal to the 323 device and the call waiting tone for alerting the 323 device that there is another call for DN number 1. Connection unit 17 also sends a TCLID signal to the 325 and 327 devices that the call is waiting for DN number 1. Users of the 325 and 327 devices then decide whether to answer the call, as described above. Alternatively, the connecting module 5 may represent a second call for the 325 and 327 devices via the FSK signal and not the 323 device. Additionally, a lookup group feature may be used to provide a call as an alternative lead link, e.g., link 325, and link 327 is then a dependent link.

According to Table 1, the call for DN 2 will be presented only to the 311 telephone line and no TCLID signal is sent to either the 313 or 315 telephone line. This provides a private link for the 323 telephone that will not end with any other telephone. Similarly, DN 5 will only give a warning signal to 327 and no other apparatus in the office will be alerted. DN 3 and 4 have a telephone 313 connection and a 311 dependent telephone connection, and no FSK or warning signal is sent to the 327.

174 525

Figure 4 is a block diagram of an analog, multi-button key apparatus, such as keyboards 323,325 and 327 (Figure 3). One analog two-wire ring-terminal 400 pair connects the apparatus to the connection unit 17. The ring-terminal 400 pair provides signals via a security device 402 to the handset lift / position switch 404. The switch 404 provides an indication of the picked up receiver and the downed receiver to the connection unit 17. The signals are supplied from the switch 404 to the hybrid 406 system or the converter of two wires into four wires. The 406 hybrid circuit processes end-of-ring signals (full duplex connection to the telephone network) for the receiving and the transmitting acoustic lines. The receiving acoustic track and the transmitting acoustic track are connected to the 408 loudspeaker and handset respectively.

The handset lift / position switch 404 provides an indication of the position of the handset and the raised handset to the network controlled by the microprocessor 410. The microprocessor 410 also controls the acoustic device 412 to provide an acoustic warning signal when an input call is received. The microprocessor 410 is attached to memory 414, which remembers the programs and data used by the microprocessor 410. The microprocessor 410 receives the input signal from the keyboard buttons 416 and supplies the DTMF signal to the responsive network. The microprocessor 410 also communicates with the 418 keys. The microprocessor 410 can cause lamps to light up next to some keys in response to the input DN. Also, the microprocessor 410 can produce DTMF signals responsive to the user pressing one of the 418 keys.

The FSK signal processing circuit 420 is connected to the tip-ring pair 400 before the handset lift / position switch 404 so that it can receive FSK signals when the handset switch 404 is in the position corresponding to the position of the handset. The FSK signal processing circuit 420 receives the FSK signals and converts them to a usable form by a computer. The FSK signal processing circuit 420 then provides digital signals to the microprocessor 410.

Continuing the example in Fig. 3, the apparatus in Fig. 4 is a 325 key apparatus. Telephone connection 400 is equivalent to connection 313. When a call is made for DN 1 (Table 1), connection 400 is a dependent connection and connection 311 (apparatus 323) is a lead . The FSK signal is sent through a pair of ring-ending 400 and received by the FSK signal processing 420 on the 325 apparatus. The FSK signal processing circuit 420 receives the FSK signal, converts it into digital form and sends digital signals to the microprocessor 410. The microprocessor 410 takes the digital signals processed from the FSK signals and determines the appropriate response by the consultation programs in memory 414. If the DN number provided by the FSK signals is not for this apparatus, the microprocessor 410 illuminates the key on the key apparatus 418 corresponding to the number DN 1. The microprocessor 410 may also cause the acoustic instrument 412 to provide a warning sound.

If the user of the telephone set in Figure 4 decides to answer the call, he picks up the handset 408 from the cradle, which causes the processor 410 to deliver the pick up signal to the connection unit 17 (Figure 3). The connection unit 17 supplied a pair of end-ringing 400 tons of dialing number to listen to on a 408 handset. The user then presses the key on the keyboard 418 with a light signal, which causes the microprocessor 410 to send DTMF signaling to the connection unit 17 (Fig. 3). The connection unit 17 then provides a call to the 325 apparatus.

Figure 5 shows a different embodiment of an analog multi-button key apparatus. In this embodiment, the switching circuit 1 is connected via a single link 501 to the switch 510 controlled by the TCLID signal. The TCLID 510 controlled switch has a Kx1 line assembly, i.e. up to K DNs associated with the customer's premises. The TCLID 510 controlled switch is attached to many telephone sets at the customer's premises, 521-52K phones. Each of the 521-52K devices can be associated with different DN, DN1-DNK numbers. The solution according to the invention is not limited to each apparatus associated with a separate DN and multiple apparatus may be associated with the same DN (and vice versa).

It will be further explained, in connection with figure 7, that when the telephone call reaches switch circuit 1 for one of the DN 1-K numbers, switch circuit 1 first checks if link 501 is occupied. If link 501 is not occupied, switch 1 generates an FSK signal, coding the final called link identification (TCLID). The FSK signal is sent via a 501 link to a TCLID controlled switch 510. The TCLID-controlled switch 510 converts the FSK signal to a computer-readable form and, in response, connects the telephone apparatus associated with the director number to link 501.

Intra-office communication is facilitated by the fact that a TCLID-controlled switch 510 can, in response to programmable telephone code signals, connect one telephone with another telephone, for example the 521 telephone with the 522 telephone, without connecting to the switching circuit 1. This will described below in connection with Fig. 5. Therefore, for customers requiring more than one DN number but having devices and / or only one connection requirements, the internal communication system can be implemented by a small switch controlled by the TCLID signal at the customer's premises. The 521, 522-52K telephones can be analog, multi-button keypads, such as the keypad described in Fig. 4. The TCLID controlled switch can pass the FSK signal to any combination of 521, 522-52K devices. Alternatively, the 521, 522-52K phones can be ordinary telephone sets with a speech synthesizer keyboard.

Figure 6 shows a further embodiment in which the switching circuit 1 is connected via links 601, 602-60N via a switch 610 controlled by a TCLID signal. The TCLID switch 610 is connected to many analog, multi-button telephones 621,622-62N at the customer's premises. In this embodiment, the 621, 622-62N devices are associated with individual DN1, DN2-DNK numbers. There may be more, less or the same number of cameras as connections.

In a preferred embodiment, when a call arrives for a DN, for example DN2, connection unit 17 in circuit 1 looks for a link not busy in group 601-60N. Alternatively, the connection unit 17 could always route a specific DN to a specific connection. Once the connection unit 17 has determined which link to deliver the call to, it encodes the final called link identification (TLCID) in the FSK signal and sends the signal to the switch 610 controlled by the TCLID signal. The TCLID-controlled switch 610 receives the FSK-encoded TCLID signal, decodes it and attempts to provide a telephone call associated with the TCLID signal, in this example the 622 apparatus. In this embodiment, if the apparatus 522 is busy, the TCLID controlled switch 610 may provide a call to another apparatus, depending on the dependency scheme (as in Table 1 above), or may alert all apparatus in the area or group that a call is occurring for one of the devices by passing the FSK signal or generating other signaling. Therefore, a small customer headquarters can have all the beneficial features of a large private telephone exchange, with only minimal additional equipment at the customer headquarters.

Figure 7 is a block diagram of a TCLID controlled switch, such as 610 in Fig. 6. 601-60N connectors entering TCLID controlled switch 610 reach connection matrix 701. TCLID controlled switch 610 differs from TCLID controlled switch 510 that switch 510 (in fig. 5) has only one link to the connecting matrix 701, otherwise the operation is essentially the same, so only the switch 610 controlled by TCLID signals will be described. The FSK 703 signal converter chip is connected via a "T" connection to each 601-60N link. The 703 transducer circuit detects the FSK signal on each link as it is transmitted from switching circuit 1 (Fig. 3) and goes to processor 705.

174 525

Processor 705 determines, through programs and data stored in memory 707, which telephone connection 621-62N receives the call. The 705 processor determines if the destination telephone is already taken and, if so, is taking appropriate action. Otherwise, the processor 705 causes the connecting matrix 701 to connect the link with the input call to the destination telephone. The processor 705 may advantageously route the FSK signal or other signal to the display on the device or alternatively to all displays on all devices to indicate the input call.

The processor 705 is also connected to the signaling unit 709, which is operatively connected to all telephone links between the phones and the switching matrix 701. The signaling unit 709 receives information about the raised handset for the phones so that the processor 709 can connect the output telephone call via the switching matrix 701. The signal detection unit 709 may also receive DTMF signals from the 621-62N apparatus to implement, for example, internal connections, wherein the processor 705 causes the connection matrix 701 to connect one apparatus to another without connecting it to one of the connections coming to the switch.

Figure 8 shows the next example. Multiple input connections 801, 802-80N connected to connection unit 17 of circuit 1 can be all connected to each telephone 821, 822-82N at the customer's premises. The small switching unit, such as the switch controlled by the TCLID signal of Fig. 7, can be connected to each apparatus or alternatively can be connected near each apparatus to ensure the termination of multiple connections for each apparatus. An input call for one of the directors' numbers associated with the phones, e.g. DNI, could be on one of the links, e.g. 802. TCLID-encoded FSK signal is received from connection unit 17 on each of the telephones on the 802 link. A telephone set, as described in Fig. 7, determines that the call is for DN number 1. DN 1 number can for example be associated with telephone number 721. If the 721 is not busy, the switching unit causes the 721 to be warned as described above. One or more other telephones in the office may also be alerted according to the dependence scheme as described above. In order to answer the call, the key is pressed, which causes the camera to be attached to the link on which the signal was received.

With reference to Fig. 8, a different embodiment can be considered in which the 80N link is designed as a special signaling link. In this embodiment, apparatuses 821822-82N can signal to the connecting module 5 without interrupting anything on the link in use. For example, if the 821 were connected to the 801 connection and the user would like to add a third person to the normal analog connection, he activates the up / down receiver switch. In this embodiment, the user presses the key, which sends a signal to the 80N link. The signaling can be DTMF signal digits, special codes or even digital packages.

Figure 9 is a block diagram of another embodiment of the invention using an analog, multi-button telephone keypad. The apparatus 902 can also cooperate with the control unit 904. The control unit 904 is connected by the connection 906 to the switching circuit 1 and the connection 908 to the next switching circuit 2. Both circuits 1 and 2 are connected to the connecting circuit 909 via long-distance links. In this example, the connection switch provides calls for a special office code, e.g. 979, to both commutation circuits 1 and 2. The switch switch can provide these calls by alternating office changes or by an algorithm for load distribution. Commutation circuit 1 provides calls for the DN number associated with the 902 apparatus on link 906 and the second commutation circuit 2 provides calls for the N number associated with the apparatus 902 via link 908. When the call comes for apparatus 902, for example from circuit 1, the TCK-encoded FSK signal is sent to link 906. The FSK signal converter 910 receives the FSK signal, processes it and delivers it to processor 912. Processor 912 determines how to connect the connection matrix 914 through consultative programs and data stored in memory 916. Proce174 525 sor 912 configures the switching matrix 914, connecting link 906 to the apparatus 902, and causes the signaling unit 918 to trigger a warning signal fed to the apparatus 902.

To locate the output call from the 902, the user signals by picking up the handset or other means that it is detected in the signaling unit 918 directed to the processor 912. The processor 912 configures the switching matrix 914, connecting the 902 to one of the 906 or 908 connections. The 902 can be connected to link 906 and 908 by alternating both or by determining how fast a dial tone is received from the link. In this way, if one of the switching circuits 1 or 2 would be blocked, the user of the apparatus 902 can place the output calls and still receive the input calls.

In the illustrated solution, according to Fig. 9, the apparatus 920 with the converter 922 is connected to both commutation circuits 1 and 2, as well as the apparatus 924 through the transmitter 926. As in the embodiment of Fig. 3, when the call for the telephone from DN associated with 902, commutation circuit 1 or 2 sends FSK signals to 922 and 926, as well as 904. In this embodiment, if, for example, a 924 user wants to pick up or receive a call from 902, he should pick up the handset, and the processor in 926, after detecting the FSK signal, will cause the connection matrix to connect the 924 to the same commutation circuit that sent an FSK signal. The user of the apparatus 924 can then signal to the switching circuit to provide a call through this apparatus, as described above in connection with Fig. 3.

It should be understood that the above-described embodiments are merely exemplary for explaining the principles of the invention and that many variations may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

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FIG. 2

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FIG. 3

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FIG. 4

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FIG. 5

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FIG. 6

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FIG. 7

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FIG. 8

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FIG. 9

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FIG. 1

UP Department of Publications. Circulation of 90 copies

Price PLN 4.00