CA1252866A - Communication system having voice and data capability - Google Patents
Communication system having voice and data capabilityInfo
- Publication number
- CA1252866A CA1252866A CA000515767A CA515767A CA1252866A CA 1252866 A CA1252866 A CA 1252866A CA 000515767 A CA000515767 A CA 000515767A CA 515767 A CA515767 A CA 515767A CA 1252866 A CA1252866 A CA 1252866A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- data
- voice
- control module
- signal
- call
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M11/00—Telephonic communication systems specially adapted for combination with other electrical systems
- H04M11/06—Simultaneous speech and data transmission, e.g. telegraphic transmission over the same conductors
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M9/00—Arrangements for interconnection not involving centralised switching
- H04M9/002—Arrangements for interconnection not involving centralised switching with subscriber controlled access to a line, i.e. key telephone systems
- H04M9/005—Arrangements for interconnection not involving centralised switching with subscriber controlled access to a line, i.e. key telephone systems with subscriber controlled access to an exchange line
- H04M9/007—Arrangements for interconnection not involving centralised switching with subscriber controlled access to a line, i.e. key telephone systems with subscriber controlled access to an exchange line wherein the key telephone sets are star-connected to a central unit by a limited number of lines
Abstract
COMMUNICATION SYSTEM HAVING
VOICE AND DATA CAPABILITY
Abstract A communication system includes a plurality of station sets each connected over two pair communication facilities to a control module. An adapter unit switchably connects an external data or voice device via a station set to either facility in response to a control signal from the control module. A data mode is established by sending a data mode request signal from the station get to the control module. An off-hook signal from a connected data device is used to request a data call. The control module signals to which facility the adapter is to connect the data call and outputs a unique visual on the data call facility. The control module prevents other calls from bridging onto or interfering with the data call. The system also permits a voice call on a facility to be converted to a data call on the other facility. Furthermore, a user can make a voice call over one facility while a data call is in progress on the other facility.
VOICE AND DATA CAPABILITY
Abstract A communication system includes a plurality of station sets each connected over two pair communication facilities to a control module. An adapter unit switchably connects an external data or voice device via a station set to either facility in response to a control signal from the control module. A data mode is established by sending a data mode request signal from the station get to the control module. An off-hook signal from a connected data device is used to request a data call. The control module signals to which facility the adapter is to connect the data call and outputs a unique visual on the data call facility. The control module prevents other calls from bridging onto or interfering with the data call. The system also permits a voice call on a facility to be converted to a data call on the other facility. Furthermore, a user can make a voice call over one facility while a data call is in progress on the other facility.
Description
B~
COMM~NICATrON SYSTEM HAVING
VOICE AND DATA CAPABILITY
1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to telephone communication systems in general and, in particular, to a telephone communication system having station sets having simultaneous voice and data communication capability.
Back~round of the Invention Modern telephone systems increasingly offer a data communication capability. Typically, this data capability is provided by dedicating a separate system port for each connection of a mode~ or a data set, thereby reducing the number of system ports available for voice communications.
One prior communication system enables the user to connect a modem through a station set and substitute data communication for voice communications théreat. In that system each station set i5 connected to a control module over a two pair communication facility in which dialed voic~ or data connections can only be be made over one pair, the other pair being used ~or receive only voice communications or for two-way voice communications if a voice adjunct is connected to a port of the station set. When a data call, over a modem connected ~o the station se~ port, is made over the fir t pair, it prevents the station set from establishing a concurrent voice call over the second pair. What is desired is a method and apparatus for enabling station sets to concurrently establish both a data call and a voice call.
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Summary of th_ Invention A communication system haviny a plurality of station sets each connected over a t~70 pair communication facility to a control module is adapted to enable a user 5 to program each station set for either simultaneous voice/voice or voice/data communications over the two pairs.
According to the invention, a general purpose adapter (GPA) unit switchably connects an external device (a data modem) to either first communication pair Vl or second communication pair V2 of a general purpose port of a station set in response to a control module signal.
When a data call is desired the user connects a data modem to the GPA and sends a data mode ~equest signal to the 15 system control module. The data mode request signal is generated at a station set by entering a station programming mode and depressing a message button. The control module established the data mode in response to the data mode request signal and sends a visual si~nal to 20 the station set indicating that the data mode is established.
The user signals a request for a data call by going off-hook at the modem. In response thereto, the system sends a control signal causing the GPA to connect ~5 the data modem directly to pair V2, thereby leaving voice pair Vl available for a subsequent voice call. The control module sends a unique visual to the station set involved in the data call and prevents other users from bridging or interfering with the data call.
According to another feature of the invention, a voice call established on pair Vl during the data mode is converted to a data call over pair V2 by going off-hook at the modem.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention there is provided a communication system comprising a control module for controlling the communications of a - 2a -plurality of station sets each connected over a first and a second facility pair to said control module, each of said station sets being adapted for lnitiating calls over said first facility pair and Eor receiving calls over said second facility pairl said system further comprising adapter means connected to one of said station sets and including means for switchably connecting an external device to said first or second facility pair in response to a control signal and means for sending a data off-hook ~ignal to said control module indicating a data call request during a data operating mode; said station set including means operable by a user for signaling a data mode request signal to said control module to request said data operating mode when said external device is a data device connected to said connecting means, and means for displaying a data mode signal received from said con-trol module indicating when said data mode is established; and said control module including means responsive to said data mode request signal for establishing said data mode and for sending said data mode signal to said stati.on set and means for sending said control signal to said connecting means to establish a data call connection between said data device and said second facility pair in response to said data off-hook signal.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of providing a data call in a communication system comprising a control module for controlling the communications of a plurality of station sets each connected over a first and second facility pair to said control module, each station set operable for initiating calls said first facilit~ pair and operable for receiving calls over said second facility pair in response to a control signal; under direct control by a user at a station set, signaling a data mode request signal to said control module requesting a data operating mode when said . ~ ~
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- 2b -external device is a data device; establishing said data mode at said control module; sending a data mode signal to said station set from said control module; at said station set, displaying said data mode signal received from said control module indicating that said data mode is established; and sending a data off~hook signal fro~n said adapter means to said control module indicating a data call request during said data mode; sending said control signal to said adapter means to enable the switching of a data call during said connecting step from said data device to said second facility pair.
BEief--Descripti Qn- of-the- DEawing The characteristics and operation of the present invention will be more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with ,::
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the drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a telephone communication system useful for describing the present invention;
FIG. 2 shows an illustrative button arrangement of a station set which may be utilized ~ith the system of FIG. l;
FIG. 3 shows a flow chart for initialization of the data mode of operations;
FIG. 4 shows a flow chart for establishing a data call;
FIG. 5 shows a flow chart for converting a voice call to a data call; and FIG. 6 shows tables useful in understanding the flow charts.
Detailed Description _ _ _ In the following description, elements of each figure have reference designations associated therewith, the first number of which refers to the figure in which that element is located (e~g., 100 is located in FIG. 1).
Shown in FIG. 1 is an illustrative block diagram of a communication system useful for describing the operation of the present invention. The system includes common control module or unit 100 which connects to one or more central office (C0) or PBX
lines 105 via interface 108, and which connects via interface 107 a~d cables 110-119 to two or more station sets, such as 120-129. A data device, such as modem 130, connects to a station set 129 via a general purpose adapter (GPA), such as 131. The GPA connects to general purpose port 132 located on station set 129.
~lternatively, hand free answer ~nit 133 may also connect via port 132 to station set 129.
The general operation of the communication system shown in FIG. 1 is as follows. Control unit 100 establishes and controls all intercom and C0 and PBX
: .
and PsX line communications. Control unit 100 includes switch 104, central processor unit (CPU) 101, program memory 102 and data memory 103. Program memory 102 provides instructions to CPU 101 ~or controlling switch 104 and interface units 107 and 108 to enable the various operating features and functions of the system. Data memory 103 is utilized by CPU 101 for storing and accessing data associated with performing the various functions and features programmed in program memory 102.
In a preferred embodlment CP~ 101 i5 a microprocessor~
program memory 102 is read-only-memory (ROM), and data memory 103 is random access memory (RAM). The interface circuits 108 and 109 may include well known circuitry such as ring detector, switching matrix, network control, line circuits, and other circuitry required by the system to establish, maintain and terminate communications. One communication system which may embody the present invention utilizes interchangeable program cartridges to supplement program memory 102 and data memory 103, and is described in U.S. Patent No. 4,506,346 filed by Bennett et al and issued on March 19, 1985.
Before proceeding with the operating description of the present invention, it should be recognized that the present invention may be utilized in other telephone communication systems. Since such sys~ems utilize a variety of hardware and programming techniques, no attempt is made to describe the program used to control the communication system. However, the present invention must be blended into the overall structure of the system in which it is used and must be tailored to mesh with other features and operations of the system. Thus, in order to avoid confusion and in order to enable those skilled in the art to practice the claimed invention, this specification will describe the operation of the present invention using the block ~5~
diagrams and flow charts of FIGS. 1-5 and the tables of FIG. 6 which describe the logical steps and the various parameters required to implement the present inven~ion.
Shown as part of FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a station set 129 which opera~es under control of control unit 100. Statiorl set 12g connects to control unit 100 via cable ~19 which includes the facilities voice pair Vl, voice pair V2 and control pair Cl. Station set 129 includes a handset 133 which may be connected via amplifier circuit 134 and switch 135 to voice pair Vl. The station set 129 also includes a speaker 136, amplifier 137 and switch 138, which enables connection to voice pair Vl, voice pair V2 or neither.
Switches 135 and 138 operate under control o~ control circuit 139 which receives control signals from and outputs station status signals to control unit 100 via control pair Cl.
The GPA 131 includes a control unit 141 which is responsive to control signals received from control unit 100 over C2 for switchably connecting an external device such as modem 130 to voice pair V2 or voice pair Vl. Shown in FIG. 2 is an illustrati.ve button arrangement of a station set which may be utilized with the communication system shown in FIG. 1. The station set includes a Message button 201 with an associated green LED 202; CO line buttons 2~3, 204 with associated green LEDs 205~ 206 and red LEDs 207, 208; and intercom button 209 with associated green LED 210 and red LED
211; and other buttons and ~EDs which may provide features and function.s not relevant to the present invention. The key pad 212 provides dialing capability for station set 129. Program switch 213 has a program position 21~ and a normal position 215.
Returning to FIG. 1, the prior art communication system described in the previously-referenced ~ennett et al patent did not include modem 130 or GPA 1310 HFU 133 or a speakerphone (not shown) ` ' could only connect to voice pair V2 via port 132. Data calls required a modem acoustically connected to voice pair Vl handset 133 or connected directly to voice pair Vl in substitution for station set 129~
The operation of the prior art control unit 100 and station sets 120-129 of the communication system shown in FIG. 1 is such that control circuit 139 of station 129 receives control signals over control pair Cl and transmits control signals to control unit 142 o~
10 GPA 131 over lead C20 Control circuit 139 has complete signaling control over voice pair Vl and incomplete signaling control over voice pair V2. That is, only on-hook and off-hook (switch hook) signaling is available for voice pair V2 while signaling circuit 134 provides complete signaliny including line selection, dialing and switch hook signaling for voice pair Vl.
Hence a call can only be initiated on voice pair Vl and not on voice pair V2. A typical well-known operation for establishing a voice call by a user at station set 129 proceeds as follows. When station set 129 is idle, with no voice or data call active, switch 135 is in position SlA and switch 138 is in position S2A. Switch 1~1 in GPA unit 131 is in position S3A. When a user goes off-hook to originate a voice call on a CO line ~e.g., 203 of FIG. 2) or a intercom line (e.g., 209 of FIG. 2), switch 135 connects handset 133 and amplifier 134 via contact SlB to voice pair Vl while switch 138 is unchanged. The user proceeds to dial the called station number and control circuit 139 and the signals to control unit 100 to establish a connection over voice pair Vl.
During this voice call (on voice pair Vl) the user at station set 129 may receive a voice call on another line. Another party could answer that call and then dial the user at station set 129, over an intercom line via voice pair V2, and tell him or her of the second call, Control unit 100 receives this dial signal - 7 ~
prepares a voice connec~ion over voice pair V2 and sends a control signal over control pair Cl ~o station set 129~ In response to the control signal, control circuit 139 causes switch 138 to connect speaker 137 via contact S S2C to voice pair V2. Ihe user at s~ation set 129 then receives a voice message concurrently over voice pair V2 with the existing call on voice pair Vl being undisturbed.
If a data call i5 desired, the prior art communication shown in FIG~ 1 would include a modem connected through an adapter (not shown) to voice pair Vl via port 132. This adapter, however, did no~ permit access to voice pair V2. The call operation of this arrangement would proceed as follows. The data user at station set 129 would go off-hook at handset 133 and dial a connection over voice pair Vl, as with a voice call. When a carrier signal is received the user connects modem 130 through port 732 to voice pair Vl.
The user would then go on-hook at handset 133. ~t the conclusion of the data call either modem 130 or the other party would go on-hook to terminate the data call.
During the data call the communication system gives a busy indication to all calls to station set 129.
However, other users could interfere with such a call by attempting a conference connection theretoO The user at station set 129 could receive a voice message over voice pair V2 via speaker 136 in a mannex analogous to that described in the prior paragraphs. Since modem 130 is connected to port 132, HFU unit 133 could not also be connected to station set 129 and, hence, no two-way communications could exist over voice pair V2.
Moreover, the user would not be able to converse with the calling party using handset 133 since it connects only to voice pair Vl and not to voice pair Y2. Thus, according to the prior art operation of the communication system of FIG. 1, when station set 129 had a two-way data call in progress ~over voice pair Vl) it could not have a two-way connec~ion over voice pair V2.
In accordance with the apparatus and method of the present invention a GPA 131 is added and the operation of control unit 100 and station set 129 are adapted to enable the user to establis-n simultaneous two-way voice and data calls at station set 129.
~ccording to the present invention, before station set 129 may be used for a data only call or a simultaneous voice/data call, it signals a data mode request signal to control unit 100. To signal the reque~t to control unit 100, the user enters ~he station program mode by setting the program switch 213 to the program position 214. During the program mode the user can program various feature capabilities to station set 129.
With joint reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 6, after the station program mode is entered, (step 301) by operating the station program switch (step 300), on station set 129, the user then presses the Message button, 201, during step 302. The Message button activation is recognized by the system as a data mode request signal and the system checks (step 303) if the data mode flag is set for that station in table ~01 (e.g., no data mode flag is set for station 120). In response to the data mode request, if the mode flag is not set, control unit 100 makes an entry (step 304) in translation table 601 indicating that station set 129 has the Data mode aetivated. This indicates to control unit 100 that the general purpose port 132 is connected via GPA unit 131 to modem 130 rather than to a voice unit, such as HPU unit 133. Control unit 100 then sends a data mode indication signal which causes the LED 202 associated with Message button 201 to illuminate, confirming and displaying to the user that the Data mode has been entered. Note, if the mode flag is ~et for a station set and the message button 201 is pressed, control unit 1~0 cancels the data mode flag and turns off the message LED. ~lence, if a user want9 to return or cancel the Data mode the Message button 201 is pressed again (step 302) and -the system toggles back to the Voice mode while remainin~ in the progra~ mode.
Otherwise the user sets the program mode switch (213) to the normal position 215 (step 306), causing station set 129 to remain in the Data mode after the program mode is exited (step 307) and the message LED is restored to a condition it was before the program mode was entered.
Thus, the station set operating mode depends on the mode the station set is in when program switch 213 is returned to the normal position~ While the Data mode is described as being established by operations at station set 129 it is contemplated that the Data mode could also be established in other ways, e.g., using other combinations of button operations or by a centralized system administration terminal.
With joint reference to FIG. 1, 2, 4 and 6 and assuming that station set 129 has been programmed for the Data mode, the further operation of the present invention is described~ FIG. 4 assumes that there is not an active call at station set 129. In step 401, when a user desires to make a data call he or she goes off-hook at GPA 131. This sends a data off-hook signal to control unit 100 indicating a data call request. The user can select which facility ~CO line or interco~
line) at which go go off-hook or control unit 100 will select a CO line for the user. The red LED associated with the ~elected facility i5 turned-on.
In step 402, control unit 100 checks translation table 601 to determine if a Data mode has been activated or ~tation set 129. If the Data mode is active, step 403, then the off-hook from GPA 131 is a data off-hook and GPA 131 is connected to voice pair V2.
In step 404, since control unit 100 knows that modem 130 3S has touch-tone dialing capability it connects it directly to a tone capable CO-line. Because control unit 100 knows that the Data mode is activated, it does 1 ~5~ ?~
not attempt to connect modem 130 to a non-touch tone facility, such as the intercom. If no tone facilities are available the program exits at step 416 and the status of the green LE~ associa~ed with the selected facility does not change indicating this lack of a tone facility to the user at station set 129.
In step 405 the program checks if any other party if active on this call (e.g., has this user attemped to bridge the GPA 131 onto an existing call), since conference data calls are meaningless in this system. If another party is active the program exits at step 415. Thus, the system inhibits any connection to the data call by preventing a user at any station set from selectiny a button of a CO line having an active data call thereon. Moreover, in this data privacy mode control module 100 prevents any actions at any other station set, incluaing the station sets connected to the data call, from interfering with the existing data call.
This data privacy feature is similar to the voice privacy featur~ which prevents intrusions onto existing voice callsO
If no one else is active on the call then a data call is established, ~06, between modem 130 and voice pair V2. A data call ~lag is set in call record table 602 indicating, illustratively, that the call desiqnated as Zl is a data call on station set 129 which uses facility 143. In step 407 the red LED of the C0 line button (e.g., 205), which was turned-on in step 401! is now turned-off and the green LED ~e.g., 207) associated with that CO line button is turned-on to a unique interrupted flutter condition ~L~D-DAT~), indicating that data call is active. This interrupted flutter signal is a visual data call confirmation signal given to the user. The interrupted flutter condition occurs at a rate which is distinquishable from all other visual signals given by the station LEDS. Note that during an active data call the green LED of the C0 line button flutters only at the station or sta~ions active on that data call. Hence, the green LED for the CO line appearance at all other station sets is turned-on but does not have the interrupted flutter signal.
Since the connection of the data call is completed the station appears idle again in step 408 and the red LED is turned-on at the CO line selected to be the next idle line by the idle line preference circuit.
In step 409 modem dialing signals can be sent over pair V2. The progra~ then exits in step 415. A data call termination procedure will be discussed in a later paragraph.
Returning to step 402, if the Data mode was not enabled the system treats the request as a voice off-hook and, in step 410, GPA 131 or HFU 133 is connected to voice pair Vl. In step 411, if there is an existing call on voice pair Vl, the program checks, in step 412, if station set 129 can be bridged onto that call. If so then station set 129 is connected to the call in step 413, if not then, in step 415, the red LED
is turned-off indicating that the user cannot use the selected facility at this time. In step 411 if there is no existing call or in step 412 if the bridging of the call is permitted then station set 129 is connected, in step 413, via voice pair Vl to the C0 line of the call.
In step 414, control unit 100 turns-on the green LED for the CO line button associated with the call to indicate an active call on that CO lineO The program exits after steps 415 or 414 indicating the completion of the off-hook condition at GPA 131.
Note, if station set 129 was idle and an off-hook from handset occurred, i.e., a typical voice call, the sequence of steps 410 through 415 would occur exactly as described above except that the handset 133 rather than GPA 131 would be connected to voice pair Vl in step 410. This i5 accomplished by a station control signal sent to the station set 129 from control module 100 .
A data call termination occurs in otle of two ways. The called party can terminate a call by dropping the carrier tone causing modem 130 to go on-hook. When the control unit 100 detects a disconnect signal from a Co line (e.g., 143) it assumes that ~he modem 131 has failed to hang-up (since the CO call is being terminated) and proceed to tear down the call, thus freeing the CO line. However, the modem 131 must still hang-up on its own, since control unit 100 has no control over the secondary switch hook operation on voice pair V2.
The user at station set 129 can also terminate the call by going on-hook at modem 130. Control unit 100 detects the on-hook signal and terminates the data call in the same manner that a voice call is terminated.
At station set 129 the red and green LEDS are turned-off at the CO line button on which the call had been present.
With joint reerence to FIG. 1, 2~ 5 and 6 the operation of providing a concurrent voice and data call in accordance with the present invention is described.
Generally the operation of FIG. 5 is such that any off-hook of the secondary switch hook (i.e., for voice pair V2) at a station having an active Data mode is assumed to be from modem 130 and thus seizes voice pair V2.
Assume that the user is already active on a voice call, a further assumption is made that the user wants to convert this voice call into a data call. Thus, the off-hook modem 130 grabs the call away from handset 133 or the speaker 136, shutting off speaker 136 if the call was there. The green ~ED next to the facility button associated with the data call gets a unique indication;
an interrupted flutter signal.
For the duration of a data call, absolutely no user in the system may go off-hook to bridge onto this call. Furthermore, attempts to preselect or post-select , .
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the facili~y button of the active data call from this station are denied.
When the data session ends, it is expected that the modem 130 would hang-up the secondary switch hook automatically when it detects the loss of data carrier; otherwise, tne user must cause the modem to go on-hook. Or, if the data call is through a CO line and the CO signals a disconnect, the system disconnects the call; but the modem itself still must go on-hook~
FIG. 5 assumes that station set 129 has an active voice call on voice pair Vl and, hence, the facility red LED-ON and green LED-ON. In stép 501 GPA
131 goes off-hook. In step 502 the program checks translation table 601 for station set 129 to determine ~hether the Data mode is enabled. If enabled the system assumes a data call is requested and connects GPA 131 to voice pair V2 (i.e~, switch 141 connects to S3C) in step 503. Since the user is already active on a call, the system assl~mes that the user wants to convert this voice call into a data call which occurs on voice pair V2.
In step 504, the system check~ if the voice call is stableO An unstable call is an incompleted intercom call ~i.e., one not yet answered, busy signal, error signal, dial tone, or with incomplete dialing3 or dial access call (i.e., one which have yet to be completed). If the call is not stable, the call conversion request (voice-to-data call conversion) should be denied, since the voice call has not fully been convertedO Doing this enables the voice call on voice pair Vl to be completed prior to being converted to a data call on voice pair V2. Thus, if the e~isting call is not stable the program exits in step 515.
If the existing call is stable the program checks if someone else is on the call in step 505. If someone else is on the call the program exits in step 515, since the system does not permit conference data calls. If no one else is on the voice call, in step . .
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506, the voice call on voice pair Vl is moved to voice pair V2 and converted into a data call. The call type entry in the call record table 602 is changed accordingly to reflect this change7 In step 507, control unit 100 turns-off the red LED and turns-on the green LED associated with the active CO line button to an interrupted flutter state~ In step 508, if the voice call is using speaker 136 the speaker is disconnected (step 50g) otherwise proceed to step 510~ In st~p 510, if handset 133 was ofE-hook, control unit disconnects handset 133 leaving it dead. In step 511, since station set 129 is now idle, program performs idle CO line which is to be selected when station set 129 goes off-hook.
Thereafter, the program exits in step 515.
Returning to s~ep 502, if the Data mode is not enabled the off-hook signal from GPA 131 cannot represent a data call but is a voice off-hook signal.
Hence, GPA 131 or HFU 133 is connected to voice pair Vl in step 512. In step 513, the program checks if speaker 136 is connected, if so the speaker 136 is disconnected, in step 51~ The program exits in step 515 after determining that speaker 136 was off, step 513, or after turning-off speaker 136 in step 514.
While the disclosed system was described as including station sets having LED visual displays it obviously could be adapted for operation with station sets utilizing digital displays. Additionally, GP~ can be designed to be part of the station set without deviating from the present invention.
Thus, what has been described is merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. Other methods, sequences or circuits can be used to implement the present invention by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
COMM~NICATrON SYSTEM HAVING
VOICE AND DATA CAPABILITY
1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to telephone communication systems in general and, in particular, to a telephone communication system having station sets having simultaneous voice and data communication capability.
Back~round of the Invention Modern telephone systems increasingly offer a data communication capability. Typically, this data capability is provided by dedicating a separate system port for each connection of a mode~ or a data set, thereby reducing the number of system ports available for voice communications.
One prior communication system enables the user to connect a modem through a station set and substitute data communication for voice communications théreat. In that system each station set i5 connected to a control module over a two pair communication facility in which dialed voic~ or data connections can only be be made over one pair, the other pair being used ~or receive only voice communications or for two-way voice communications if a voice adjunct is connected to a port of the station set. When a data call, over a modem connected ~o the station se~ port, is made over the fir t pair, it prevents the station set from establishing a concurrent voice call over the second pair. What is desired is a method and apparatus for enabling station sets to concurrently establish both a data call and a voice call.
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Summary of th_ Invention A communication system haviny a plurality of station sets each connected over a t~70 pair communication facility to a control module is adapted to enable a user 5 to program each station set for either simultaneous voice/voice or voice/data communications over the two pairs.
According to the invention, a general purpose adapter (GPA) unit switchably connects an external device (a data modem) to either first communication pair Vl or second communication pair V2 of a general purpose port of a station set in response to a control module signal.
When a data call is desired the user connects a data modem to the GPA and sends a data mode ~equest signal to the 15 system control module. The data mode request signal is generated at a station set by entering a station programming mode and depressing a message button. The control module established the data mode in response to the data mode request signal and sends a visual si~nal to 20 the station set indicating that the data mode is established.
The user signals a request for a data call by going off-hook at the modem. In response thereto, the system sends a control signal causing the GPA to connect ~5 the data modem directly to pair V2, thereby leaving voice pair Vl available for a subsequent voice call. The control module sends a unique visual to the station set involved in the data call and prevents other users from bridging or interfering with the data call.
According to another feature of the invention, a voice call established on pair Vl during the data mode is converted to a data call over pair V2 by going off-hook at the modem.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention there is provided a communication system comprising a control module for controlling the communications of a - 2a -plurality of station sets each connected over a first and a second facility pair to said control module, each of said station sets being adapted for lnitiating calls over said first facility pair and Eor receiving calls over said second facility pairl said system further comprising adapter means connected to one of said station sets and including means for switchably connecting an external device to said first or second facility pair in response to a control signal and means for sending a data off-hook ~ignal to said control module indicating a data call request during a data operating mode; said station set including means operable by a user for signaling a data mode request signal to said control module to request said data operating mode when said external device is a data device connected to said connecting means, and means for displaying a data mode signal received from said con-trol module indicating when said data mode is established; and said control module including means responsive to said data mode request signal for establishing said data mode and for sending said data mode signal to said stati.on set and means for sending said control signal to said connecting means to establish a data call connection between said data device and said second facility pair in response to said data off-hook signal.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of providing a data call in a communication system comprising a control module for controlling the communications of a plurality of station sets each connected over a first and second facility pair to said control module, each station set operable for initiating calls said first facilit~ pair and operable for receiving calls over said second facility pair in response to a control signal; under direct control by a user at a station set, signaling a data mode request signal to said control module requesting a data operating mode when said . ~ ~
: ', , :
- 2b -external device is a data device; establishing said data mode at said control module; sending a data mode signal to said station set from said control module; at said station set, displaying said data mode signal received from said control module indicating that said data mode is established; and sending a data off~hook signal fro~n said adapter means to said control module indicating a data call request during said data mode; sending said control signal to said adapter means to enable the switching of a data call during said connecting step from said data device to said second facility pair.
BEief--Descripti Qn- of-the- DEawing The characteristics and operation of the present invention will be more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with ,::
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the drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a telephone communication system useful for describing the present invention;
FIG. 2 shows an illustrative button arrangement of a station set which may be utilized ~ith the system of FIG. l;
FIG. 3 shows a flow chart for initialization of the data mode of operations;
FIG. 4 shows a flow chart for establishing a data call;
FIG. 5 shows a flow chart for converting a voice call to a data call; and FIG. 6 shows tables useful in understanding the flow charts.
Detailed Description _ _ _ In the following description, elements of each figure have reference designations associated therewith, the first number of which refers to the figure in which that element is located (e~g., 100 is located in FIG. 1).
Shown in FIG. 1 is an illustrative block diagram of a communication system useful for describing the operation of the present invention. The system includes common control module or unit 100 which connects to one or more central office (C0) or PBX
lines 105 via interface 108, and which connects via interface 107 a~d cables 110-119 to two or more station sets, such as 120-129. A data device, such as modem 130, connects to a station set 129 via a general purpose adapter (GPA), such as 131. The GPA connects to general purpose port 132 located on station set 129.
~lternatively, hand free answer ~nit 133 may also connect via port 132 to station set 129.
The general operation of the communication system shown in FIG. 1 is as follows. Control unit 100 establishes and controls all intercom and C0 and PBX
: .
and PsX line communications. Control unit 100 includes switch 104, central processor unit (CPU) 101, program memory 102 and data memory 103. Program memory 102 provides instructions to CPU 101 ~or controlling switch 104 and interface units 107 and 108 to enable the various operating features and functions of the system. Data memory 103 is utilized by CPU 101 for storing and accessing data associated with performing the various functions and features programmed in program memory 102.
In a preferred embodlment CP~ 101 i5 a microprocessor~
program memory 102 is read-only-memory (ROM), and data memory 103 is random access memory (RAM). The interface circuits 108 and 109 may include well known circuitry such as ring detector, switching matrix, network control, line circuits, and other circuitry required by the system to establish, maintain and terminate communications. One communication system which may embody the present invention utilizes interchangeable program cartridges to supplement program memory 102 and data memory 103, and is described in U.S. Patent No. 4,506,346 filed by Bennett et al and issued on March 19, 1985.
Before proceeding with the operating description of the present invention, it should be recognized that the present invention may be utilized in other telephone communication systems. Since such sys~ems utilize a variety of hardware and programming techniques, no attempt is made to describe the program used to control the communication system. However, the present invention must be blended into the overall structure of the system in which it is used and must be tailored to mesh with other features and operations of the system. Thus, in order to avoid confusion and in order to enable those skilled in the art to practice the claimed invention, this specification will describe the operation of the present invention using the block ~5~
diagrams and flow charts of FIGS. 1-5 and the tables of FIG. 6 which describe the logical steps and the various parameters required to implement the present inven~ion.
Shown as part of FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a station set 129 which opera~es under control of control unit 100. Statiorl set 12g connects to control unit 100 via cable ~19 which includes the facilities voice pair Vl, voice pair V2 and control pair Cl. Station set 129 includes a handset 133 which may be connected via amplifier circuit 134 and switch 135 to voice pair Vl. The station set 129 also includes a speaker 136, amplifier 137 and switch 138, which enables connection to voice pair Vl, voice pair V2 or neither.
Switches 135 and 138 operate under control o~ control circuit 139 which receives control signals from and outputs station status signals to control unit 100 via control pair Cl.
The GPA 131 includes a control unit 141 which is responsive to control signals received from control unit 100 over C2 for switchably connecting an external device such as modem 130 to voice pair V2 or voice pair Vl. Shown in FIG. 2 is an illustrati.ve button arrangement of a station set which may be utilized with the communication system shown in FIG. 1. The station set includes a Message button 201 with an associated green LED 202; CO line buttons 2~3, 204 with associated green LEDs 205~ 206 and red LEDs 207, 208; and intercom button 209 with associated green LED 210 and red LED
211; and other buttons and ~EDs which may provide features and function.s not relevant to the present invention. The key pad 212 provides dialing capability for station set 129. Program switch 213 has a program position 21~ and a normal position 215.
Returning to FIG. 1, the prior art communication system described in the previously-referenced ~ennett et al patent did not include modem 130 or GPA 1310 HFU 133 or a speakerphone (not shown) ` ' could only connect to voice pair V2 via port 132. Data calls required a modem acoustically connected to voice pair Vl handset 133 or connected directly to voice pair Vl in substitution for station set 129~
The operation of the prior art control unit 100 and station sets 120-129 of the communication system shown in FIG. 1 is such that control circuit 139 of station 129 receives control signals over control pair Cl and transmits control signals to control unit 142 o~
10 GPA 131 over lead C20 Control circuit 139 has complete signaling control over voice pair Vl and incomplete signaling control over voice pair V2. That is, only on-hook and off-hook (switch hook) signaling is available for voice pair V2 while signaling circuit 134 provides complete signaliny including line selection, dialing and switch hook signaling for voice pair Vl.
Hence a call can only be initiated on voice pair Vl and not on voice pair V2. A typical well-known operation for establishing a voice call by a user at station set 129 proceeds as follows. When station set 129 is idle, with no voice or data call active, switch 135 is in position SlA and switch 138 is in position S2A. Switch 1~1 in GPA unit 131 is in position S3A. When a user goes off-hook to originate a voice call on a CO line ~e.g., 203 of FIG. 2) or a intercom line (e.g., 209 of FIG. 2), switch 135 connects handset 133 and amplifier 134 via contact SlB to voice pair Vl while switch 138 is unchanged. The user proceeds to dial the called station number and control circuit 139 and the signals to control unit 100 to establish a connection over voice pair Vl.
During this voice call (on voice pair Vl) the user at station set 129 may receive a voice call on another line. Another party could answer that call and then dial the user at station set 129, over an intercom line via voice pair V2, and tell him or her of the second call, Control unit 100 receives this dial signal - 7 ~
prepares a voice connec~ion over voice pair V2 and sends a control signal over control pair Cl ~o station set 129~ In response to the control signal, control circuit 139 causes switch 138 to connect speaker 137 via contact S S2C to voice pair V2. Ihe user at s~ation set 129 then receives a voice message concurrently over voice pair V2 with the existing call on voice pair Vl being undisturbed.
If a data call i5 desired, the prior art communication shown in FIG~ 1 would include a modem connected through an adapter (not shown) to voice pair Vl via port 132. This adapter, however, did no~ permit access to voice pair V2. The call operation of this arrangement would proceed as follows. The data user at station set 129 would go off-hook at handset 133 and dial a connection over voice pair Vl, as with a voice call. When a carrier signal is received the user connects modem 130 through port 732 to voice pair Vl.
The user would then go on-hook at handset 133. ~t the conclusion of the data call either modem 130 or the other party would go on-hook to terminate the data call.
During the data call the communication system gives a busy indication to all calls to station set 129.
However, other users could interfere with such a call by attempting a conference connection theretoO The user at station set 129 could receive a voice message over voice pair V2 via speaker 136 in a mannex analogous to that described in the prior paragraphs. Since modem 130 is connected to port 132, HFU unit 133 could not also be connected to station set 129 and, hence, no two-way communications could exist over voice pair V2.
Moreover, the user would not be able to converse with the calling party using handset 133 since it connects only to voice pair Vl and not to voice pair Y2. Thus, according to the prior art operation of the communication system of FIG. 1, when station set 129 had a two-way data call in progress ~over voice pair Vl) it could not have a two-way connec~ion over voice pair V2.
In accordance with the apparatus and method of the present invention a GPA 131 is added and the operation of control unit 100 and station set 129 are adapted to enable the user to establis-n simultaneous two-way voice and data calls at station set 129.
~ccording to the present invention, before station set 129 may be used for a data only call or a simultaneous voice/data call, it signals a data mode request signal to control unit 100. To signal the reque~t to control unit 100, the user enters ~he station program mode by setting the program switch 213 to the program position 214. During the program mode the user can program various feature capabilities to station set 129.
With joint reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 6, after the station program mode is entered, (step 301) by operating the station program switch (step 300), on station set 129, the user then presses the Message button, 201, during step 302. The Message button activation is recognized by the system as a data mode request signal and the system checks (step 303) if the data mode flag is set for that station in table ~01 (e.g., no data mode flag is set for station 120). In response to the data mode request, if the mode flag is not set, control unit 100 makes an entry (step 304) in translation table 601 indicating that station set 129 has the Data mode aetivated. This indicates to control unit 100 that the general purpose port 132 is connected via GPA unit 131 to modem 130 rather than to a voice unit, such as HPU unit 133. Control unit 100 then sends a data mode indication signal which causes the LED 202 associated with Message button 201 to illuminate, confirming and displaying to the user that the Data mode has been entered. Note, if the mode flag is ~et for a station set and the message button 201 is pressed, control unit 1~0 cancels the data mode flag and turns off the message LED. ~lence, if a user want9 to return or cancel the Data mode the Message button 201 is pressed again (step 302) and -the system toggles back to the Voice mode while remainin~ in the progra~ mode.
Otherwise the user sets the program mode switch (213) to the normal position 215 (step 306), causing station set 129 to remain in the Data mode after the program mode is exited (step 307) and the message LED is restored to a condition it was before the program mode was entered.
Thus, the station set operating mode depends on the mode the station set is in when program switch 213 is returned to the normal position~ While the Data mode is described as being established by operations at station set 129 it is contemplated that the Data mode could also be established in other ways, e.g., using other combinations of button operations or by a centralized system administration terminal.
With joint reference to FIG. 1, 2, 4 and 6 and assuming that station set 129 has been programmed for the Data mode, the further operation of the present invention is described~ FIG. 4 assumes that there is not an active call at station set 129. In step 401, when a user desires to make a data call he or she goes off-hook at GPA 131. This sends a data off-hook signal to control unit 100 indicating a data call request. The user can select which facility ~CO line or interco~
line) at which go go off-hook or control unit 100 will select a CO line for the user. The red LED associated with the ~elected facility i5 turned-on.
In step 402, control unit 100 checks translation table 601 to determine if a Data mode has been activated or ~tation set 129. If the Data mode is active, step 403, then the off-hook from GPA 131 is a data off-hook and GPA 131 is connected to voice pair V2.
In step 404, since control unit 100 knows that modem 130 3S has touch-tone dialing capability it connects it directly to a tone capable CO-line. Because control unit 100 knows that the Data mode is activated, it does 1 ~5~ ?~
not attempt to connect modem 130 to a non-touch tone facility, such as the intercom. If no tone facilities are available the program exits at step 416 and the status of the green LE~ associa~ed with the selected facility does not change indicating this lack of a tone facility to the user at station set 129.
In step 405 the program checks if any other party if active on this call (e.g., has this user attemped to bridge the GPA 131 onto an existing call), since conference data calls are meaningless in this system. If another party is active the program exits at step 415. Thus, the system inhibits any connection to the data call by preventing a user at any station set from selectiny a button of a CO line having an active data call thereon. Moreover, in this data privacy mode control module 100 prevents any actions at any other station set, incluaing the station sets connected to the data call, from interfering with the existing data call.
This data privacy feature is similar to the voice privacy featur~ which prevents intrusions onto existing voice callsO
If no one else is active on the call then a data call is established, ~06, between modem 130 and voice pair V2. A data call ~lag is set in call record table 602 indicating, illustratively, that the call desiqnated as Zl is a data call on station set 129 which uses facility 143. In step 407 the red LED of the C0 line button (e.g., 205), which was turned-on in step 401! is now turned-off and the green LED ~e.g., 207) associated with that CO line button is turned-on to a unique interrupted flutter condition ~L~D-DAT~), indicating that data call is active. This interrupted flutter signal is a visual data call confirmation signal given to the user. The interrupted flutter condition occurs at a rate which is distinquishable from all other visual signals given by the station LEDS. Note that during an active data call the green LED of the C0 line button flutters only at the station or sta~ions active on that data call. Hence, the green LED for the CO line appearance at all other station sets is turned-on but does not have the interrupted flutter signal.
Since the connection of the data call is completed the station appears idle again in step 408 and the red LED is turned-on at the CO line selected to be the next idle line by the idle line preference circuit.
In step 409 modem dialing signals can be sent over pair V2. The progra~ then exits in step 415. A data call termination procedure will be discussed in a later paragraph.
Returning to step 402, if the Data mode was not enabled the system treats the request as a voice off-hook and, in step 410, GPA 131 or HFU 133 is connected to voice pair Vl. In step 411, if there is an existing call on voice pair Vl, the program checks, in step 412, if station set 129 can be bridged onto that call. If so then station set 129 is connected to the call in step 413, if not then, in step 415, the red LED
is turned-off indicating that the user cannot use the selected facility at this time. In step 411 if there is no existing call or in step 412 if the bridging of the call is permitted then station set 129 is connected, in step 413, via voice pair Vl to the C0 line of the call.
In step 414, control unit 100 turns-on the green LED for the CO line button associated with the call to indicate an active call on that CO lineO The program exits after steps 415 or 414 indicating the completion of the off-hook condition at GPA 131.
Note, if station set 129 was idle and an off-hook from handset occurred, i.e., a typical voice call, the sequence of steps 410 through 415 would occur exactly as described above except that the handset 133 rather than GPA 131 would be connected to voice pair Vl in step 410. This i5 accomplished by a station control signal sent to the station set 129 from control module 100 .
A data call termination occurs in otle of two ways. The called party can terminate a call by dropping the carrier tone causing modem 130 to go on-hook. When the control unit 100 detects a disconnect signal from a Co line (e.g., 143) it assumes that ~he modem 131 has failed to hang-up (since the CO call is being terminated) and proceed to tear down the call, thus freeing the CO line. However, the modem 131 must still hang-up on its own, since control unit 100 has no control over the secondary switch hook operation on voice pair V2.
The user at station set 129 can also terminate the call by going on-hook at modem 130. Control unit 100 detects the on-hook signal and terminates the data call in the same manner that a voice call is terminated.
At station set 129 the red and green LEDS are turned-off at the CO line button on which the call had been present.
With joint reerence to FIG. 1, 2~ 5 and 6 the operation of providing a concurrent voice and data call in accordance with the present invention is described.
Generally the operation of FIG. 5 is such that any off-hook of the secondary switch hook (i.e., for voice pair V2) at a station having an active Data mode is assumed to be from modem 130 and thus seizes voice pair V2.
Assume that the user is already active on a voice call, a further assumption is made that the user wants to convert this voice call into a data call. Thus, the off-hook modem 130 grabs the call away from handset 133 or the speaker 136, shutting off speaker 136 if the call was there. The green ~ED next to the facility button associated with the data call gets a unique indication;
an interrupted flutter signal.
For the duration of a data call, absolutely no user in the system may go off-hook to bridge onto this call. Furthermore, attempts to preselect or post-select , .
':' ' , ~
~5~
the facili~y button of the active data call from this station are denied.
When the data session ends, it is expected that the modem 130 would hang-up the secondary switch hook automatically when it detects the loss of data carrier; otherwise, tne user must cause the modem to go on-hook. Or, if the data call is through a CO line and the CO signals a disconnect, the system disconnects the call; but the modem itself still must go on-hook~
FIG. 5 assumes that station set 129 has an active voice call on voice pair Vl and, hence, the facility red LED-ON and green LED-ON. In stép 501 GPA
131 goes off-hook. In step 502 the program checks translation table 601 for station set 129 to determine ~hether the Data mode is enabled. If enabled the system assumes a data call is requested and connects GPA 131 to voice pair V2 (i.e~, switch 141 connects to S3C) in step 503. Since the user is already active on a call, the system assl~mes that the user wants to convert this voice call into a data call which occurs on voice pair V2.
In step 504, the system check~ if the voice call is stableO An unstable call is an incompleted intercom call ~i.e., one not yet answered, busy signal, error signal, dial tone, or with incomplete dialing3 or dial access call (i.e., one which have yet to be completed). If the call is not stable, the call conversion request (voice-to-data call conversion) should be denied, since the voice call has not fully been convertedO Doing this enables the voice call on voice pair Vl to be completed prior to being converted to a data call on voice pair V2. Thus, if the e~isting call is not stable the program exits in step 515.
If the existing call is stable the program checks if someone else is on the call in step 505. If someone else is on the call the program exits in step 515, since the system does not permit conference data calls. If no one else is on the voice call, in step . .
l~S~B~
506, the voice call on voice pair Vl is moved to voice pair V2 and converted into a data call. The call type entry in the call record table 602 is changed accordingly to reflect this change7 In step 507, control unit 100 turns-off the red LED and turns-on the green LED associated with the active CO line button to an interrupted flutter state~ In step 508, if the voice call is using speaker 136 the speaker is disconnected (step 50g) otherwise proceed to step 510~ In st~p 510, if handset 133 was ofE-hook, control unit disconnects handset 133 leaving it dead. In step 511, since station set 129 is now idle, program performs idle CO line which is to be selected when station set 129 goes off-hook.
Thereafter, the program exits in step 515.
Returning to s~ep 502, if the Data mode is not enabled the off-hook signal from GPA 131 cannot represent a data call but is a voice off-hook signal.
Hence, GPA 131 or HFU 133 is connected to voice pair Vl in step 512. In step 513, the program checks if speaker 136 is connected, if so the speaker 136 is disconnected, in step 51~ The program exits in step 515 after determining that speaker 136 was off, step 513, or after turning-off speaker 136 in step 514.
While the disclosed system was described as including station sets having LED visual displays it obviously could be adapted for operation with station sets utilizing digital displays. Additionally, GP~ can be designed to be part of the station set without deviating from the present invention.
Thus, what has been described is merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. Other methods, sequences or circuits can be used to implement the present invention by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
Claims (9)
1. A communication system comprising a control module for controlling the communications of a plurality of station sets each connected over a first and a second facility pair to said control module, each of said station sets being adapted for initiating calls over said first facility pair and for receiving calls over said second facility pair, said system further comprising adapter means connected to one of said station sets and including means for switchably connecting an external device to said first or second facility pair in response to a control signal and means for sending a data off-hook signal to said control module indicating a data call request during a data operating mode;
said station set including means operable by a user for signaling a data mode request signal to said control module to request said data operating mode when said external device is a data device connected to said connecting means, and means for displaying a data mode signal received from said control module indicating when said data mode is established; and said control module including means responsive to said data mode request signal for establishing said data mode and for sending said data mode signal to said station set and means for sending said control signal to said connecting means to establish a data call connection between said data device and said second facility pair in response to said data off-hook signal.
said station set including means operable by a user for signaling a data mode request signal to said control module to request said data operating mode when said external device is a data device connected to said connecting means, and means for displaying a data mode signal received from said control module indicating when said data mode is established; and said control module including means responsive to said data mode request signal for establishing said data mode and for sending said data mode signal to said station set and means for sending said control signal to said connecting means to establish a data call connection between said data device and said second facility pair in response to said data off-hook signal.
2. The communication system of claim 1 wherein said data mode request signaling means includes two predetermined switching devices on said sation set which are successively operated to signal a request for said data mode.
3. The communication system of claim 1 wherein said displaying means is associated with a button not dedicated to said data mode.
4. The communication system of claim 1 wherein said control module includes means for inhibiting a connection of another station set to said data call.
5. The communication system of claim 1 wherein said station set further includes display means associated with a facility on which said adapter means has gone off-hook for displaying a unique visual signal indicating said data call.
6. The communication system of claim l wherein successive operations of said data mode request signaling means toggle the system between said data mode and a voice mode.
7. The communication system of claim 1 wherein said station set further includes means for signaling voice off-hook signal to said control module during said data call connection on said second facility pair indicating a voice call request from said station set and wherein said control signal sending means sends a station control signal to said station set enabling a voice call connection between said station set and said first facility pair in response to said voice off-hook signal.
8. The communication system of claim 1 wherein said station set further includes means for signaling voice off-hook signal to said control module during the absence of a data call connection indicating a voice call request from said station set and wherein said control signal sending means sends a station control signal to said station set enabling a voice call connection between said station set and said first facility pair in response to said voice off-hook signal and wherein said control module further includes means responsive to said data off-hook signal occurring during said voice call connection for converting said voice call connection on said first facility pair to a data call connection on said second facility pair.
9. A method of providing a data call in a communication system comprising a control module for controlling the communications of a plurality of station sets each connected over a first and second facility pair to said control module, each station set operable for initiating calls said first facility pair and operable for receiving calls over said second facility pair in response to a control signal;
under direct control by a user at a station set, signaling a data mode request signal to said control module requesting a data operating mode when said external device is a data device;
establishing said data mode at said control module;
sending a data mode signal to said station set from said control module;
at said station set, displaying said data mode signal received from said control module indicating that said data mode is established; and sending a data off-hook signal from said adapter means to said control module indicating a data call request during said data mode;
sending said control signal to said adapter means to enable the switching of a data call during said connecting step from said data device to said second facility pair.
under direct control by a user at a station set, signaling a data mode request signal to said control module requesting a data operating mode when said external device is a data device;
establishing said data mode at said control module;
sending a data mode signal to said station set from said control module;
at said station set, displaying said data mode signal received from said control module indicating that said data mode is established; and sending a data off-hook signal from said adapter means to said control module indicating a data call request during said data mode;
sending said control signal to said adapter means to enable the switching of a data call during said connecting step from said data device to said second facility pair.
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|---|---|---|---|
| US775,742 | 1985-08-13 | ||
| US06/775,742 US4685123A (en) | 1985-09-13 | 1985-09-13 | Communication system having voice and data capability |
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|---|---|
| CA1252866A true CA1252866A (en) | 1989-04-18 |
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000515767A Expired CA1252866A (en) | 1985-08-13 | 1986-08-12 | Communication system having voice and data capability |
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| US5838748A (en) * | 1993-02-24 | 1998-11-17 | Star Dynamic Corp. | Communication interface between computer and synchronous digital telephone line employing asynchronous data transmission format and having enhanced reliability |
| US5579378A (en) * | 1993-08-25 | 1996-11-26 | Arlinghaus, Jr.; Frank H. | Medical monitoring system |
| US5588045A (en) * | 1995-02-03 | 1996-12-24 | Siemens Rdm Communications Inc. | Voice/data transfer method and apparatus utilizing an alternate line |
Family Cites Families (12)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3597544A (en) * | 1969-04-17 | 1971-08-03 | Bell Telephone Labor Inc | Data switching system |
| US3803360A (en) * | 1972-06-02 | 1974-04-09 | Gte Automatic Electric Lab Inc | Switching apparatus for connecting a data terminal to a plurality of communications networks |
| US3997736A (en) * | 1976-01-16 | 1976-12-14 | Bell Telephone Laboratories, Incorporated | Parallel control of a telephone switching network |
| DE2837654A1 (en) * | 1978-08-29 | 1980-03-13 | Siemens Ag | CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENT FOR TELECOMMUNICATION SYSTEMS, ESPECIALLY TELEPHONE EXTENSION SYSTEMS, WITH ADDITIONAL DATA TRAFFIC, e.g. WITH TELEVISION |
| US4291200A (en) * | 1979-10-31 | 1981-09-22 | Bell Telephone Laboratories, Incorporated | Voice and data switching arrangement |
| US4306116A (en) * | 1979-12-03 | 1981-12-15 | Intertel, Inc. | Communications unit for voice and data |
| US4392023A (en) * | 1980-11-17 | 1983-07-05 | Transaction Technology, Inc. | Off-hook telephone sensing system |
| US4503288A (en) * | 1981-08-31 | 1985-03-05 | Novation, Inc. | Intelligent telephone |
| US4421951A (en) * | 1981-09-24 | 1983-12-20 | Bell Telephone Laboratories, Incorporated | Method and arrangement for signaling the transmission mode of a communication system |
| US4488002A (en) * | 1981-12-21 | 1984-12-11 | At&T Bell Laboratories | Line control of switched network data sets |
| US4524244A (en) * | 1983-08-05 | 1985-06-18 | Cygnet Technologies, Inc. | Digital and voice telecommunication apparatus |
| US4596021A (en) * | 1984-04-12 | 1986-06-17 | Prentice Corporation | Modem for switching between voice and data communications on a single telephone call |
-
1985
- 1985-09-13 US US06/775,742 patent/US4685123A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1986
- 1986-08-12 CA CA000515767A patent/CA1252866A/en not_active Expired
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US4685123A (en) | 1987-08-04 |
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