WO1992016060A1

WO1992016060A1 - Telephone paging system

Info

Publication number: WO1992016060A1
Application number: PCT/AU1992/000103
Authority: WO
Inventors: Robert Arnold Lunn
Original assignee: Kelba Systems Pty. Limited
Priority date: 1991-03-08
Filing date: 1992-03-09
Publication date: 1992-09-17

Abstract

Paging adaptor (10) converts PABX (12) into equivalent of a wide area radio paging system in a manner transparent to the user by using a paging network already in existence having interface (20) and transmitters (22). Calling party (14) can automatically do a page by sending from PABX handset a single character code ('8') indicating a request for connection to the paging adaptor (10), and then specifying type of page request and the four-digit extension code corresponding to desired called party (16). Alternatively, party (14) can page party (16) via operator at PABX (12), supplying required details. In most PABX (12), party (14) is identified automatically. In either case, adaptor (10) converts the extension code of desired party (16) into required 10/12 digit code for the associated page responder using a look up table in memory (34) of microprocessor (32). Codes other than extension codes may be employed.

Description

TELEPHONE PAGING SYSTEM

The present invention relates to the integration of telephone systems and paging systems, and to improvements in paging systems per se.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In organizations such as hospitals and commercial undertakings where a large number of the staff are mobile and need to be accessible, paging systems are installed. Such paging systems may be based on a wired public address system, or may be radio local area paging systems. Local area radio systems are generally restricted by regulation to a maximum output power to limit the area covered which may extend to several hundred metres. Most page responders in such a local area paging network are identified by a two- or three-digit code, it being impractical to accommodate a larger number of responders.

Such organizations also have available an automatic telephone exchange such as a PABX which provides connections between local callers and also between local callers and external callers. In prior art systems, when one caller within the institution is unable to connect to another party, the caller will ask the operator at the PABX to "page" the required party. "Paging" may use a local area radio or inductive loop paging system, or a public address system. The called party once paged will then either have to consult the operator to determine whom to contact or the page responder itself in the case of a radio page will identify whom to call. This latter procedure is relatively cumbersome as the calling party has to know the page responder code of the called party or has to rely on obtaining the connection through the operator. A wired public address system has the disadvantage of being disruptive and annoying while offering little guarantee that the page will reach the sought party.

In a wide area network such as the Telefinder network operated by Telecom Australia, several transmitters are located about the metropolitan area to be covered. These transmitters operate at a much larger power than is allowed for a local area paging network and moreover, can accommodate a large number of page responders. Such networks allow much larger geographic coverage at much lower cost and without the need to maintain local transmission facilities. As the network handles a large number of page responders, each of these is represented by a large, normally ten to twelve-digit, code.

The limited range of the transmission facilities restricts paging operations to a given metropolitan area with separate facilities for different metropolitan areas. However, where provided for by the existing telephone service and the wide area paging networks available, the service should be understood as not restricted to a single metropolitan area. If the network includes information relating to the metropolitan area where the page responder is currently located, with this information being changed as required, then coverage is effectively extended over a wider area. The paging request would then be routed to the appropriate metropolitan area for transmission by the local wide area paging network.

An example of the prior art is US Patent 4,994,797 which describes a controller which processes paging requests from a PABX to a paging transmitter. The controller identifies the call source (normally by its telephone number) by requesting it from the caller or automatically (in exchanges having this facility) and tags the source if it can be identified with a predetermined message from a table of predetermined messages, normally to make the page request more "intelligible". That is, rather than just a telephone number the call source may be identified by name in addition to the caller generated message and call back telephone number.

In this prior art the caller must input the identification code ("address") of the page responder being paged. This code in a wide area paging network may be 10-12 digits long as stated above. Each page responder may also have several "addresses" corresponding to the functional capabilities of the responder viz. whether the message is alphanumeric, numeric, voice or tone only. The separate numbers corresponding to these functional capabilities are also input by the caller or can be generated by analysis of the type of the input signal. The utility of making paging requests therefore is impaired by the need to remember all these details.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a combined telephone system and paging network, said telephone system comprising a local automatic exchange having a plurality of local telephone handset stations capable of being interconnected through said exchange, each handset having a dialling code, said paging network comprising a plurality of page responders each having a responder address code and means transmitting data to responders selected by their address code in response to paging requests identifying responders by their address codes, characterised in that said telephone system and said paging network are interconnected by adaptor means which upon the reception from said exchange of a message including a said dialling code supplies to said network a paging request for the transmission of data in respect of the responder address code associated with said dialling code.

In a second aspect, the invention resides in a combined telephone system and paging network, said telephone system comprising a local automatic exchange having a plurality of local telephone handset stations capable of being interconnected through said exchange and having a dialling code, some of said dialling codes being a member of a group, said paging network comprising a plurality of page responders each having a responder address code and means transmitting data to responders selected by their address code in response to paging requests identifying responders by their address codes, characterised in that said telephone system and said paging network are interconnected by adaptor means which upon the reception from said exchange of a message including a code identifying said group supplies to said network a paging request for the transmission of data in respect of the responder address code associated with each member of said group.

In a third aspect, the invention resides in a combined telephone system and paging network, said telephone system comprising a local automatic exchange having a plurality of local telephone handset stations capable of being interconnected through said exchange, said paging network comprising a plurality of page responders each having a responder address code, characterised in that said telephone system and said paging network are interconnected by adaptor means which upon the reception from said exchange of a message including an identification code supplies to said network a paging request for the transmission of data in respect of the responder address code associated with said identification code.

The identification code may include codes relating to events, for example alarms or emergencies, or may correspond to handsets, or to remote devices operated by pagers, or to personnel.

The adaptor can be used with or interconnected to input devices other than (or in addition to) a PABX, for example a simple keypad or a computer keyboard may supply the encoded request.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided an adaptor for use in conjunction with a paging network, said paging network comprising a plurality of page responders each having a responder address code and means transmitting data to responders selected by their address code in response to paging requests identifying responders by their address code, said adaptor comprising means responsive to the reception of a message including an identification code and which upon said reception supplies to said network a paging request for the transmission of data in respect of the responder address associated with said identification code.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described with respect to the drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a block diagram of the components of a first embodiment of the invention in a first operational mode;

Figure 2 shows a block diagram of the embodiment of Figure 1 in a second operational mode; and

Figure 3 shows a block diagram of the components of a second embodiment of the invention.

PREFERRED MODES OF PERFORMING THE INVENTION

A paging network adaptor 10 embodying the present invention is connected by a n-umber (in this case 3) of twisted pairs 11 (standard a/b lines) with a private automatic business exchange (PABX) 12. The PABX 12 as is well known in the art provides interconnection between a plurality of handsets 14, 16. A tie line 18 connects the output of the paging adaptor 10 with a paging network interface 20 of known form which in the case of a wide area paging network is in turn connected to a plurality of transmitters 22 designed to cover the required geographic location.

The adaptor 10 includes a keyboard 30 for control of a microprocessor 32. Connected to the microprocessor 32 is a non-volatile memory storage unit 34 which stores the program control of the microprocessor 32 and the look-up table for translating input data into output data as will be more fully described below. The display 36 shows the data being transferred from the PABX 12 indicating the calling party, the type of paging request and the identity of the called party. The output to the paging network interface 20 is indicated in a panel 37 including status of the adaptor 10. The display 36 and panel 37 may each comprise a matrix of LED alphanumeric displays. In addition, a printer 38 may be provided to provide hard copy output of the operation of the adaptor 10 at any given instant or over a period of time.

The operation of the adaptor 10 will now be described. In a large organization, employees are in telephonic communication either within the institution or to an external caller 40 (see the description below) through interface 42 with the PABX 12. Each PABX extension, normally identified by a four or three-digit extension number enables the calling party to be directly connected to the called party by dialling the required extension number. Thus, extension 14 calling extension 16 would dial the four-digit number identifying extension 16. In the absence of a response from extension 16, the calling party at extension 14 could call the operator at the PABX 12 to request that the party 16 be paged, where the called party 16 has an associated page responder 17 accessible through the paging network. Once the calling party 14 calls up the operator at the PABX 12, the extension number of the calling party 14 is known automatically to the operator on a display at the PABX 12. The operator would then request the details corresponding to the extension sought and the type of request to be conveyed to the called party, for example, whether the request was routine or urgent. The operator at the PABX 12 then transfers the message and called party data which is then output from the PABX via the twisted pair 11 to the paging adaptor 10.

Alternatively, the calling party at extension 14 once unable to telephone the extension 16, can automatically initiate a paging operation by disconnecting and restarting a call. Firstly the caller sends a code (in this embodiment the digit '8' ) down the handset connection to the PABX 12, thereby indicating a request for connection to the paging adaptor 10. Extra code digits then specify the type of page request being made (the digit '1' indicates a routine request) and the four-digit extension n-timber corresponding to the called party 16. The processing inherent in the PABX 12 will then transmit the data received from the extension 14 via the twisted pair 11 to the paging adaptor 10. Where the PABX has call line identification, PABX 12 automatically identifies and forwards the extension code of the calling party 14. Where this facility is not available, the calling party 14 enters their extension number after entering the extension number of the desired party 16.

The PABX 12 thus transmits a 10-digit code to the paging adaptor 10. This code comprises a first digit indicating the paging function followed by the 4-digit code identifying the calling party, a single digit indicating the type of page request and the 4-digit code identifying the called party. Depending on the installation, the PABX 12 may transmit these coded signals either as pulses or as dual frequency tones, or the PABX 12 may translate a pulse dialling signal into a Dual Tone Multi Frequency (DTMF) signal.

Though the term "digit" has and will be used throughout the specification, it is to be understood that this term includes both decimal and hexadecimal encoding depending on the installation.

That is, where a push button handset (whether pulse or DTMF) is installed up to 16 possible "digits" may be available for encoding page requests or extension n-umbers (or equivalently page responders which can be paged) . Where a rotary dial handset is installed the encoding would be restricted to 10 "digits". If a keyboard is connected alphanumeric encoding and alphanumeric messages can be accommodated.

Once the data is received by the paging adaptor 10, its processor 32 processes the incoming data to translate it into the necessary form which can be utilized by the paging network interface 20. For example, in the case of a wide area paging network the processor 32 translates the 4-digit extension number of the called party 16 into the necessary 10/12-digit code required by the wide area paging network. The processor 32 consults a look-up table which converts the incoming data into the required output data which can then be transmitted over the tie line 18 to the paging network interface 20. The data transmission rates over both the twisted pair lines 11 or the tie line 18 is quite low requiring frequency band widths of respectively 10 tones per second and 300 baud.

The paging request is then handled by the paging network interface 20 in the usual manner and transmitted over the transmitter(s) 22 or 24. The called party's page responder signals receipt of the paging request in the usual manner by bleeping and displays the appropriate message. In its simplest form, it displays the extension number of the party initiating the page request.

Other modes of operation are possible. In a multi-tone paging system with the ability to provide a second tone specifying an emergency or urgent request this facility can be invoked by a page request type encoded by the digit "2".

A further mode as illustrated in Figure 1 is provided by a page request type encoded by the digit "3" and allows for the automatic identification of the calling party to be manually overridden when for example a PABX operator is paging on behalf of a caller 40 from an outside line 41 connected to the PABX 12 by external interface 42. It is possible to make a page request so that the specified page responder 17 displays an arbitrary sequence of numbers, rather than the calling extension number. Normally, this feature is used to allow paged parties to respond to outside lines, though any digit sequence is acceptable to the adaptor 10. This facility is accessed, as shown, by dialling:

8 3 6207 1234 . . . .

The sequence ('6207'') is the extension number of the desired party 16. Operation is as previously described, except that the n-umber entered ('1234...') is displayed on the specified page responder 17 rather than the calling extension number. If a number is not entered within a given time (usually five seconds) then the adaptor 10 defaults to displaying the calling extension 14, which in this case would be the operator or switch.

On some installations, a limit on the number of digits may be imposed by the PABX. In this embodiment, the adaptor 10 itself imposes a limit of 20 digits.

In a further mode, as shown in Figure 2, a group 43, or 45 or 47 can be paged together, for example for security, fire or other emergency services. In this mode, it is possible to activate multiple page responders 44, 46, 48, for example associated with group 43 with a single page request. Other responders (not shown) would be associated with group 45, or group 47.This is designed to allow rapid notification of groups of personnel. The page responder groups are entered into the adaptor 10 by the user administrator, and can then be accessed by dialling, for example, in a hospital environment:

8 4 1234 (Fire) 8 5 1234 (Security) 8 6 1234 (Cardiac Arrest Unit) 8 7 1234 (Intensive Care Unit) 8 8 1234 (Casualty Team) 8 9 1234 (Maintenance Group)

Thus, in this embodiment up to six different page responder groups can be supported. An individual page responder can belong to any, or all, of these page responder groups or a number of page responders (within one or several of the groups) can have the same page responder address code.

The adaptor 10 will sequentially access each page responder address code in the group, transmitting the number entered ('1234...') for display. If a number ( '1234... ' ) is not entered within a given time

(usually five seconds) then the adaptor 10 defaults to displaying the calling extension.

Any digit sequence is acceptable to the adaptor 10. Usually, appropriate codes will be assigned by the user and may additionally supply particular information to the group, for example "fire in block C".

If required group page operations will cause the target page responders 44, 46, 48 to emit the desired tone appropriate to the situation, for example an emergency tone.

The called party now responds to the page depending on the type of request by dialling the calling party's extension number (or whatever other n-umber may be displayed on the page responder readout) . In the former situation the PABX automatically interconnects the two parties.

The adaptor 10 and the paging network interface 20 operate in a handshake mode whereby the data transmitted from the adaptor 10 is verified as correctly received by the interface 20 over the tie line 18. The display 36 shows the current status of the information being transmitted over the tie line 18 as well as being received from the PABX 12.

In order to ensure reliability, a second tie line 19 may be employed in case of failure of the primary tie line 18 for which purpose the paging information is retained by the adaptor 10 for a suitable time interval.

This embodiment of the invention thus provides a means by which personnel may be paged without reference to or knowledge of page responder addresses, but rather by simple reference to an existing extension dial code.

If a person who needs to be paged does not have assigned an extension dial code, then an arbitrary identification code having the same (or fewer) number of digits as a dial code can be assigned. This aspect of the invention provides the convenience of paging using short 3 or 4 digit identification codes rather than long 10 or 12 digit page responder addresses.

The identification codes used may not explicitly refer to personnel. For example, a hospital will have at the PABX operator's console an alarm board with indicator lamps for each of a number of alarm conditions. These alarms will be numbered, say 01 to 99. According to the invention, the operator can respond to the alarm by using the alarm number directly. The required translation of the alarm number to page responder addresses is then performed as described above.

The alarm number may be converted to one or more page responder addresses. For example, a simple alarm such as a blood-bank thermostat alert may generate a page message to the duty engineer. A fire alarm may generate page messages to an entire fire response team.

The present invention therefore provides a simple adaptor which inexpensively converts the local telephone system into the equivalent of a wide area radio paging system in a manner transparent to the user by using the facilities of a wide area paging network already in existence.

It is to be understood that the invention has application not only to the paging of personnel but also to the communication with page responders per se, that is whether the responder is associated with a human recipient or not. A page responder may be connected to a remote device which the responder is used to control, for example to activate, deactivate, or initiate a particular function thereof as required. Several devices may be identified by a single code and therefore operated together, or each device may have a unique code and be operated singly, or several codes may be associated with each responder, to activate different responses. Any combination of these situations (suitable to a given application) can be employed. Any desired combination of personnel or remote devices can be associated with respective page responders accommodated by the combined telephone system and paging network.

For example, a simple one-way communication path can be established with trucks or cars in a fleet by installing a page responder in each vehicle. An embodiment of the present invention allows messages to be sent to individual vehicles using a short vehicle identification code, rather than long page responder addresses.

As a further example, a page responder can be attached to each of a network of pumps and valves. Messages can then be sent to the page responders to turn the pumps on or off, or to open and close the valves. Thus, simple and cheap wireless control of the network is achieved. An embodiment of the present invention allows the existing pump and valve identification codes to be used for paging, eliminating the need to introduce a second complete set of addresses.

In these examples, it is clear that the page request to the adaptor means can be generated by some control system, such as a computer, rather than from a PABX.

A simpler version of the invention is also possible for those organizations without a PABX, but who still need to contact mobile personnel through a paging system. In this case, the page requests can be generated by a simple keypad or terminal 60 connected directly to the adaptor 10 as shown in Figure 3.

Though the invention has been described above with respect to preferred embodiments thereof, it is of course contemplated that variations are possible within the knowledge of a person skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A combined telephone system and paging network, said telephone system comprising a local automatic exchange having a plurality of local telephone handset stations capable of being interconnected through said exchange, each handset having a dialling code, said paging network comprising a plurality of page responders each having a responder address code and means transmitting data to responders selected by their address code in response to paging requests identifying responders by their address codes, characterised in that said telephone system and said paging network are interconnected by adaptor means which upon the reception from said exchange of a message including a said dialling code supplies to said network a paging request for the transmission of data in respect of the responder address code associated with said dialling code.

2. A combined telephone system and paging network, said telephone system comprising a local automatic exchange having a plurality of local telephone handset stations capable of being interconnected through said exchange and having a dialling code, some of said dialling codes being a member of a group, said paging network comprising a plurality of page responders each having a responder address code and means transmitting data to responders selected by their address code in response to paging requests identifying responders by their address codes, characterised in that said telephone system and said paging network are interconnected by adaptor means which upon the reception from said exchange of a message including a code identifying said group supplies to said network a paging request for the transmission of data in respect of the responder address code associated with each member of said group.

3. A combined telephone system and paging network as claimed in claim 1 wherein said adaptor means include microprocessor means having means to translate said dialling code into said page responder address code.

4. A combined telephone system and paging network as claimed in claim 3 wherein said means to translate include a look-up table in a memory of said microprocessor means.

5. A combined telephone system and paging network as claimed in claim 4 further including codes, not dialling codes associated with handsets, identifying page responders which can merely be paged through the combined telephone system and paging network.

6. A combined telephone system and paging network as claimed in claim 2 wherein said adaptor means include microprocessor means having means to translate said dialling code into the page responder address code associated with each member of said group.

7. A combined telephone system and paging network as claimed in claim 6 wherein said means to translate include a look-up table in a memory of said microprocessor means.

8. A combined telephone system and paging network as claimed in claim 7 further including codes, not codes associated with handsets, identifying page responders which can merely be paged through the combined telephone system and paging network.

9. A combined telephone system and paging network, said telephone system comprising a local automatic exchange having a plurality of local telephone handset stations capable of being interconnected through said exchange, said paging network comprising a plurality of page responders each having a responder address code, characterised in that said telephone system and said paging network are interconnected by adaptor means which upon the reception from said exchange of a message including an identification code supplies to said network a paging request for the transmission of data in respect of the responder address code associated with said identification code.

10. A combined telephone system and paging network as claimed in claim 9 wherein said identification codes include codes relating to events or correspond to handsets, or to remote devices, or to personnel.

11. A combined telephone system and paging network as claimed in claim 10 wherein said adaptor means include microprocessor means having means to translate said identification code into said page responder address code.

12. A combined telephone system and paging network as claimed in claim 11 wherein said means to translate include a look-up table in a memory of said microprocessor means.

13. An adaptor for use in conjunction with a paging network, said paging network comprising a plurality of page responders each having a responder address code and means transmitting data to responders selected by their address code in response to paging requests identifying responders by their address code, said adaptor comprising means responsive to the reception of a message including an identification code and which upon said reception supplies to said network a paging request for the transmission of data in respect of the responder address associated with said identification code.

14. A combined telephone system and paging network as claimed in claim 13 wherein said identification codes include codes relating to events or correspond to handsets, or to remote devices, or to personnel.

15. An adaptor as claimed in claim 14 including input means to input said message.

16. An adaptor as claimed in claim 15 wherein said input means includes a keypad or keyboard.

17. An adaptor as claimed in claim 16 including microprocessor means having means to translate said identification code into the said page responder address code.

18. An adaptor as claimed in claim 17 wherein said means to translate include a look-up table in a memory of said microprocessor means.