U.S. patent application number 12/557633 was filed with the patent office on 2010-03-04 for telephone network messaging.
Invention is credited to David J. Luneau.
Application Number | 20100054427 12/557633 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 21902351 |
Filed Date | 2010-03-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100054427 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Luneau; David J. |
March 4, 2010 |
Telephone Network Messaging
Abstract
In a messaging system, a messaging server transmits signals over
the telephone network to be received by equipment at, e.g., the
customer premises. Upon receiving a specific signal, the receiving
equipment automatically signals the telephone network to connect
the call, such as by going off-hook or by performing a hook flash
sequence. In the connected state, the receiving equipment can
receive data over the network, such as data to provide the
recipient with notification information such as emergency
notification messages.
Inventors: |
Luneau; David J.;
(Hopkinton, NH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FISH & RICHARDSON PC
P.O. BOX 1022
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55440-1022
US
|
Family ID: |
21902351 |
Appl. No.: |
12/557633 |
Filed: |
September 11, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10336562 |
Jan 3, 2003 |
7602890 |
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12557633 |
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10038866 |
Jan 4, 2002 |
7418087 |
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10336562 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
379/48 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04M 2203/2016 20130101;
H04M 1/573 20130101; H04M 11/045 20130101; H04M 2203/4581 20130101;
H04M 3/4872 20130101; H04M 2242/04 20130101; H04M 3/465 20130101;
H04M 1/578 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
379/48 |
International
Class: |
H04M 11/04 20060101
H04M011/04 |
Claims
1. An emergency information communication apparatus for connection
to a telephone network having a caller-identification feature,
wherein the caller-identification feature communicates data to a
called party, the apparatus comprising: a data receiver receiving
data communicated by the caller-identification feature; a processor
processing received data to determine an emergency message.
2. The emergency information communication apparatus of claim 1
further comprising a speaker announcing the emergency message.
3. The emergency information communication apparatus of claim 1
further comprising a display displaying the emergency message.
4. The emergency information communication apparatus of claim 1
wherein the apparatus is integrated into telephone equipment for
receiving conventional telephone calls over the telephone
network.
5. The emergency information communication apparatus of claim 1
further comprising a database of pre-programmed emergency messages
wherein the processor is arranged to access the database to
retrieve emergency messages from the database.
6. The emergency information communication apparatus of claim 1
wherein the emergency message is not pre-programmed into the
apparatus.
7. The emergency information communication apparatus of claim 1
further comprising a detector that automatically signals the
telephone network to connect the call upon receipt of
pre-determined data.
8. The emergency information communication apparatus of claim 7
wherein the detector that automatically signals the telephone
network to connect the call by going off-hook.
9. An emergency information communication method for use in a
telephone network having a caller-identification feature, wherein
the caller-identification feature communicates data to a called
party, the method comprising: receiving data from the
caller-identification feature at recipient telephone equipment;
processing the received data to determine an emergency message.
10. The emergency information communication method of claim 9
further comprising announcing the emergency message.
11. The emergency information communication method of claim 9
further comprising displaying the emergency message.
12. The emergency information communication method of claim 9
wherein the emergency message is retrieved from a database of
pre-programmed emergency messages.
13. The emergency information communication method of claim 9
wherein the emergency message is not pre-programmed into the
receiving equipment.
14. The emergency information communication method of claim 9
wherein the telephone network automatically connects the call upon
receipt of pre-determined data.
15. An emergency information communication method for use in a
telephone network having a caller-identification feature, wherein
the caller-identification feature communicates data to a called
party, the method comprising: processing an emergency message to
generate transmit data; transmitting the transmit data using the
caller-identification feature to recipient telephone equipment.
16. The emergency information communication method of claim 15
further comprising sending data to the recipient telephone
equipment over the telephone network to instruct the recipient
telephone equipment to automatically signal the telephone network
to connect the call.
17. The emergency information communication method of claim 16
further comprising sending non-voice data to the recipient
telephone equipment over the telephone network after the recipient
telephone equipment automatically signals the telephone network to
connect the call.
18. The emergency information communication method of claim 15
wherein the caller-identification feature provides a telephone
number of an actual calling party.
19. The emergency information communication method of claim 15
wherein the caller-identification feature provides a telephone
number of a simulated calling party.
20. The emergency information communication method of claim 15
wherein telephone number information corresponds to an emergency
message in a database of pre-programmed emergency messages.
21. The emergency information communication method of claim 15
further comprising identifying plural recipients, each having a
respective telephone equipment and telephone number.
22. The emergency information communication method of claim 21
wherein the recipients are identified on the basis of geographical
location.
23. The emergency information communication method of claim 21
wherein the same emergency message is selected for each of the
plural recipients.
24. An emergency information communication apparatus for use in a
telephone network having a caller-identification feature, wherein
the caller-identification feature communicates data to a called
party, the method comprising: a processor processing an emergency
message to generate transmit data; a data transmitter transmitting
the transmit data using the caller-identification feature to
recipient telephone equipment.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of and claims priority to
U.S. application Ser. No. 10/336,562, filed Jan. 3, 2003, now
pending, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.
12/198,467, filed Aug. 26, 2008, now pending, which is a
continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/038,866, filed Jan. 4,
2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,418,087. The disclosure of the prior
applications are considered part of and are incorporated by
reference in the disclosure of this application.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to a messaging system for receiving,
interpreting, and acknowledging public safety, caller ID and/or
other messaging information signals over the telephone network.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Changes in the North American telephone network have opened
the door to new services available to business and residential
customers. In particular, CLASS (Caller ID, Return Call, Call
Block, Repeat Call, Priority Call, and Select Forward) services
have been made possible, in part, by the deployment of a common
channel interoffice signaling system called SS7, as well as
advanced equipment at the telephone central office that can send
data signals to end-user Customer Premises Equipment (CPE).
Analogous systems are also being built, upgraded, or improved
within wireless telephone networks and other paging and
telecommunications systems. These signaling systems bring
information about the call to points in the telephone network not
previously available. For example, the identity of the calling
party is made available, electronically, to the called party.
[0004] The Caller ID feature particularly promises a series of
novel and useful benefits to the telephone subscriber. The
telephone number of the calling party is made available such that
it can be presented to the called party. Data representing the
calling party number is transmitted in association with the
telephone call and before the called party has answered. The called
party can use the information to make a decision whether of not to
answer the telephone or how it is to be answered.
[0005] To date, the majority of devices used to receive and
interpret the data containing the calling party's number make use
of some sort of visual display to convey the information to the
user. Some devices do not display the data but make it available in
a form that can be accepted by a personal computer.
[0006] In U.S. Pat. No. 4,582,956, issued Apr. 15, 1986 to Carolyn
A. Doughty, a method is disclosed to display special information
about a call, such as the calling party's telephone number. The
method does not provide means for vocalized announcement of the
number or association with any other information about the
caller.
[0007] In U.S. Pat. No. 4,924,496, issued May 8, 1990 to Romek
Figa, an incoming call number display is described that permits the
called party to view the name or number of the caller. Although the
invention provides means to associate the caller's number with a
name, it does not provide means for vocalized announcement.
[0008] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,054,055, issued Oct. 1, 1991 to John P.
Hanle, a system is disclosed to pass the calling party's number
sent by the telephone office to a computer system. While common
hardware and software components are available to announce the
caller's identity, provision is not made for announcement over the
answered telephone set, nor is it an object of such to implement a
call announcement apparatus.
[0009] In U.S. Pat. No. 4,720,848, issued Jan. 19, 1988 to Tadahiko
Akiyama, a system is disclosed to render information about an
incoming call. While vocalized announcement is achieved over the
telephone set, a special telephone office switch or private branch
exchange (PBX) is necessary.
[0010] Similar implementations are cited in U.S. Pat. No.
4,899,358, issued Feb. 6, 1990, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,007,076, issued
Apr. 9, 1991, both to James R. Blakely. Such implementations
provide all vocalized announcement means via apparatus located at
the telephone office switch or PBX, and are not designed as small
business or residential premise equipment on trunks provisioned
with the Caller ID or other enhanced data service features.
[0011] A variety of systems do not utilize the Caller ID or other
enhanced data service features, but instead screen incoming calls
by querying the caller for a name or number after the telephone
connection has been established. U.S. Pat. No. 4,304,968, issued
Dec. 8, 1981 to Klausner et al., discloses such an apparatus that
answers the incoming telephone call and directs the caller to enter
his or her telephone number using the telephone set tone keypad.
Next, the device performs a search through a database of callers
before ringing the premise extensions and announcing the caller's
name. Such a device not only requires cooperation from the calling
party to enter the telephone number but may result in a billed toll
call since the call has actually been answered.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] One aspect of the present invention concerns a data
communication method for use in a telephone network having a
caller-identification feature, wherein the caller-identification
feature communicates data to a called party that includes data
corresponding to a telephone number of a calling party. Such a
network is the North American telephone network, which includes the
"Caller ID" caller-identification feature, where the data
communicated to the called party is the Incoming Caller Line
Identification (ICLID) signal.
[0013] In this aspect of the invention, a message recipient having
a telephone number on the telephone network is identified, and a
message for that recipient selected. A message code corresponding
to the selected message is provided, wherein the message code is in
the format of a telephone number, e.g., a ten-digit number in the
format (xxx) xxx-xxxx. A non-associated telephone call is then set
up to the recipient telephone number from a simulated calling party
having the same telephone number as the message code, such that the
telephone network uses the caller-identification feature to
communicate data corresponding to the message code to the recipient
telephone number. The data corresponding to the message code is
received at the recipient telephone number.
[0014] The term "non-associated telephone call" means a simulated
telephone call from a simulated calling party (having the same
telephone number as the message code) to the real recipient
telephone number. In the non-associated telephone call, the
caller-identification information for the simulated calling party
is communicated (e.g., using SS7) to the recipient telephone
number, but no actual call is provisioned.
[0015] This aspect of the invention allows for data communication
using the caller-identification feature. Because data is
communicated by setting up a non-associated telephone call that
does not require provisioning an actual call, this method consumes
little or no call bandwidth on the telephone network. For instance,
in the North American telephone network, ICLID data is communicated
on SS7, a portion of the network that is not presently used to
transmit any voice traffic. This technique is particularly
advantageous in that it puts minimal resource demands on the
circuit-switched telephone network, and does not require expensive
deployments of servers to each Central Office served.
[0016] This aspect of the invention allows messages other than
Caller ID information (e.g., the name of the calling party, their
telephone number, and/or their state) to be communicated to one or
many recipients, selected, e.g., on the basis of geographical
location. For instance, notification information, such as community
notification and/or emergency messages, can be communicated to
numerous households connected the telephone network. The
information is presented without requiring the recipient to answer
the telephone, and can be received while the phone line is not in
use ("on-hook") or in use ("off-hook").
[0017] Unlike radios, televisions, and computers, telephone
equipment is generally always in a state where it is ready to
receive information. Moreover, telephones and telephone services
are ubiquitous; nearly every home in the country is provisioned
with telephone service. Thus, a notification message, such as an
emergency message warning of severe weather conditions, can be
provided substantially instantaneously, and to substantially only
those households with a need for the information. For instance, a
hurricane warning in southern Florida can be communicated only to
those living in affected regions without disturbing on panicking
those outside the affected regions. A traditional general radio or
television broadcast warning is under-inclusive in some respects,
and over-inclusive in other respects: Namely, such broadcasts only
reach those who are watching television or listening to the radio
(under-inclusive), but the broadcast area is typically much larger
than the affected region (over-inclusive). If people outside the
affected area are constantly exposed to warning messages that are
not germane to them, there is a risk that they will be less
sensitized to warnings generally, and may take less notice of a
warning that does concern them directly.
[0018] Embodiments of this aspect of the invention can convert the
message code from its telephone number format to a more usable
form, such as a text display and/or an audible announcement. The
conversion feature is advantageous in reducing the amount of data
being sent, and reducing the burden on the sending entity to know
what format and/or language will best deliver the message to the
recipient. For example, a wake up call service could be implemented
by identifying a particular message code corresponding to a "wake
up" command. When this message code is received, it is converted
into an audible alarm, and/or announcement, e.g., "wake up." In the
context of emergency notification, a message code corresponding to
a tornado warning could be converted into a text display of the
words "Tornado Warning," and/or an alarm, and/or a verbal
announcement.
[0019] Alternatively or additionally, embodiments of this aspect of
the invention can be provisioned with the capability for the
telephone equipment to be remotely directed to go off-hook, e.g.,
to receive a message that was not pre-programmed into the
equipment. For instance, the telephone equipment could be
pre-programmed with a message code that does not correspond to an
announcement or message, but rather that commands the equipment to
go off-hook. Upon receiving such a message code, such as in ICLID,
the equipment goes off-hook and then monitors the telephone line
for a message (communicated over the portion of the network that is
used to transmit voice traffic, as opposed to SS7), which can then
be displayed or audibly announced at the customer premises. Thus,
if an unforeseen emergency were to arise, the system is robust
enough to allow a specific message, tailored to the emergency, to
be transmitted. Although this feature imposes greater resource
demands on the circuit-switched telephone network than one based
solely on SS7 communication, it has increased robustness and
versatility to deal with unforeseen situations, without requiring
expensive deployments of servers to each Central Office served.
[0020] In embodiments of this aspect of the invention that include
audio announcement (e.g., through a speaker, and/or via the
telephone handset), the equipment at the household-end can make
those present immediately aware of the nature and/or content of the
message, without the need to review or consult a display. This
aspect of the invention does not require the subscriber to be
within viewing distance of a display, nor does it require the
subscriber to purchase and install units for each extension
telephone. This aspect of the invention can serve all telephones on
the premises as well as being used with cordless telephones and
"speaker" phones.
[0021] Embodiments of this aspect of the invention can enable
people with visual or literacy difficulties to receive information
in a spoken verbal form. In addition, users can configure the
equipment so that the display and/or announcement of messages or
information are in their preferred language. Thus, embodiments of
this aspect of the invention can provide enhanced accessibility to
data messages to people with mobility, sight, literacy, language
skill, or other challenges to receiving standardized text
messages.
[0022] Embodiments of this aspect of the invention can also be
provisioned with the ability for the user to customize or program
the announcements to their own needs and purposes. For instance,
the receiving equipment can be provided with the ability for the
user to record an announcement corresponding to a received signal.
The recorded announcement is stored in a database, and recalled and
played back when that particular ICLID is received. When that ICLID
signal is subsequently received, the receiving equipment plays back
the prerecorded announcement.
[0023] In other embodiments, the identity of the caller is
announced, e.g., in synthesized or prerecorded human speech. The
Incoming Caller Line Identification (ICLID) signal sent by the
telephone company is captured, and used to announce the calling
party's identity, or other information, such as the geographic
origin of the call to the called party through a built-in speaker
and/or over the telephone receiver. It is thus possible to screen
incoming telephone calls without the aid of a special Caller ID
telephone set or auxiliary Caller ID display terminal. Receiving
equipment is typically installed in the customer premises, such as
a residence or office, between the telephone line demarcation point
and the telephone sets. Connection to a telephone set is not
required in order for the invention to function except to the
extent that processes directly involves a telephone set (such as
announcing information over the telephone handset). The equipment
is compatible with any standard telephone set and subscriber
trunks.
[0024] The receiving equipment is able to deliver a vocalized
announcement of the caller's identity over a standard telephone
set's receiver without the call having actually been declared
answered by the telephone company, and without the caller having
been cut through. The called party can elect to accept or reject
the call before the telephone company central office has connected
the two parties together. The call is not considered "answered" nor
is it billed by the telephone company unless the called party or a
telephone answering device, such as an answering machine, accepts
the call.
[0025] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although
methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described
herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present
invention, suitable methods and materials are described below. All
publications, patent applications, patents, and other references
mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.
In case of conflict, the present specification, including
definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and
examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.
[0026] The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are
set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below.
Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be
apparent from the description and drawings, and from the
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram illustrating functional
components of an embodiment of the invention.
[0028] FIG. 1A is a block diagram of a messaging system for
communicating over a telephone network.
[0029] FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing the microcontroller
processing software in the MAIN routine.
[0030] FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing the microcontroller
processing software for handling NEW CALL calls.
[0031] FIG. 3A is a flow chart showing the microcontroller
processing software for handling NOTIFICATION MESSAGES.
[0032] FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the microcontroller
processing software for handling CALL WAITING calls.
[0033] FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the microcontroller
processing software for SERVICE, such as adding a caller to the
name database.
[0034] FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing the microcontroller
processing software for remotely directing a customer's telephone
equipment to go off-hook.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0035] A messaging system 4 is shown in FIG. 1A. This system
includes a server 6 that transmits signals through the telephone
network 7 to a telephone central office (or technological
equivalent) 8 and then over a standard POTS telephone line 9 to be
received by receiving equipment 10 located, e.g., at the customer
premises. Optionally, one or more telephone set(s) 11 can be
connected to receiving equipment 10.
[0036] The server 6 effects the transmission of signals in
accordance with the format set forth in Bellcore GR-30-CORE,
Voiceband Data Transmission Requirements "GR-30." This is an open
standard that historically has been used for sending Caller ID
(ICLID) information to telephone customers, an enhanced subscriber
service offered by local telephone companies for a nominal monthly
charge. No special provisions are necessary at the telephone
company central office switching system other than for
Bellcore-standard GR-30 message types, which is now provided by
generic software packages from all major switching system
manufacturers.
[0037] For the most typical use of Caller ID protocols, the ICLID
information is associated with a particular telephone call, and is
transmitted at the time of the call during the "quiet period"
following the first ring, and is transmitted only to the customer
premises equipment of the called party.
[0038] The server 6 can transmit signals representing notification
information using the Caller ID system and the ICLID signal.
Notification information is information other than Caller ID
information, and can include community announcements, private
communications, commercial messages, emergency notification
messages, public safety notices, telephone network information, and
the like. The signals representing emergency notification messages
can be derived from the standard US Emergency Alert System (EAS)
codes.
[0039] To accomplish this, the server 6 is connected to the
Signaling System 7 Network (SS7) that connects telephone central
offices, and sets up a non-associated telephone call to the message
recipient(s), through the Central Office(s) 8 of that message
recipient(s).
[0040] Specifically, a block of, e.g., 100 telephone numbers is
reserved for use as message codes. Each number serves as a message
code corresponding to a specific message. For instance, in the
emergency notification context, one number could correspond to a
tornado warning (e.g., (555) 555-0001), and a different number
could correspond to a hurricane warning (e.g., (555) 555-0002). A
different number could correspond to a wake up message (e.g., (555)
555-0003).
[0041] To send a message, one or more message recipients, each of
whom has a telephone number on the network, is first identified.
For instance, if a hurricane warning is to be sent to everyone in
the Florida Keys, the telephone numbers of each household in that
region are identified. Then the system determines the telephone
number message code corresponding to a hurricane warning, e.g.,
(555) 555-0002. For each of the identified recipient telephone
numbers, the server sets up a non-associated telephone call. The
ICLID signal for this non-associated telephone call includes data
corresponding to the telephone number/message code corresponding to
a hurricane warning, e.g., (555) 555-0002. This signal is received
by each recipient, in the same manner as caller ID information.
However, there is no actual call being placed from this telephone
number, and thus no line is provisioned. If the recipient were to
"answer" the call, no actual end-to-end telephone circuit would be
established, and no call completion would take place. Thus, the
non-associated call is a simulated call from a simulated calling
party dialing from a telephone number that is identical to the
message code. Only the called party (the message recipient) is
real. This technique is particularly advantageous in that it puts
minimal resource demands on the circuit-switched telephone network,
and does not require expensive deployments of servers to each
Central Office served. One server 6 can be located anywhere on the
SS7 network.
[0042] The receiving equipment 10 is preprogrammed to recognize all
of the e.g., 100, telephone number/message codes. When it does,
rather than display the message code as a fictional incoming call
telephone number, the equipment 10 refers to a local database to
convert the information into a more usable form. For instance,
rather than displaying the hurricane warning code, e.g., (555)
555-0002, as an incoming telephone call, the equipment could
display the text "Hurricane Warning," and audibly announce that
warning as well. Particular message codes could also trigger
warning alarms. The same approach could be used with a single
recipient to provide personalize wake-up call service, by sending
the appropriate wake-up call message code/telephone number (e.g.,
(555) 555-0003).
[0043] Alternatively or additionally, the server 6 could transmit
signals other than ICLID information, also using the GR-30-CORE
standard. For instance, the server 6 can transmit signals that are
or that represent notification information. For example, in the
context of emergency notification, if the National Weather Service
issues a tornado warning for a given region, the server 6 could be
used to transmit the signal representing the characters "TOR" to
the receiving equipment 10 in all homes in the region. A code
transmitted within a properly formatted message by server 6 can
also indicate the level of urgency of the message.
[0044] To accomplish this, the server 6 could be connected to an
ordinary telephone line and configured to place an ordinary
telephone call, which would prompt the telephone network to ring
the recipient's telephone set 11. In the case where the recipient
is a subscriber to Caller ID service, the Central Office 8 would
deliver a GR-30 message containing caller ID information associated
with the calling trunk used by the server over the telephone line
9. Such Caller ID information can also be used to instruct the
receiving equipment 10 to answer the call automatically, even if
the called party's line is in use on another call. Once the call is
answered, an end-to-end circuit is allocated by the telephone
network connecting the server to the devices in the target
household. At this time, the server can transmit and/or receive
GR-30 or other data signals. A process for implementing this
feature is described in further detail in connection with FIG. 6,
below.
[0045] Alternatively, the server 6 could be located at the Central
Office 8, and configured to instruct the equipment at the Central
Office 8 to send a GR-30 message over telephone line 9 to the
receiving equipment 10 at the recipient's premises without placing
a call or making use of the SS7 network.
[0046] The receiving equipment 10 is typically installed in the
customer premises, such as a residence or office, between the
telephone service demarcation point and the telephone sets. The
receiving equipment 10 is compatible with standard telephone sets,
including cordless and speaker telephones. The receiving equipment
10 is also compatible with standard analog telephone subscriber
trunks. The receiving equipment 10 is also compatible with the
GR-30-CORE standard. The receiving equipment 10 decodes the
received data signals according to applicable standards related to
the message structure. In the case of Caller ID, the invention is
compatible with Bellcore technical documents TR-TSY-00031, Calling
Number Delivery, TR-TSY-01188, Calling Name Delivery, and
TR-NWT-000575, Call Waiting ID. After decoding the received data
signals, the receiving equipment 10 can convert the data into a
more meaningful form for the user. For instance, in the case of
Caller ID, the receiving equipment 10 converts the ICLID data to an
audible signal representative of the caller's identity. This could
be the caller's name, or phone number, or even the name of the
caller's state (e.g., "New Hampshire"). The caller's identity is
announced right away over a built-in speaker and/or the handset of
an attached telephone, identifying the caller prior to answering a
telephone.
[0047] In the case of an emergency notification, for instance, a
tornado warning in the form of "TOR," the receiving equipment can
convert that signal into a clear text message, e.g., "Tornado
Warning!" and can also audibly announces the message. A code
transmitted by the server 6 indicating a moderately urgent message
would cause the receiving equipment 10 to issue a moderate
indicator, such as a flashing light. A code indicating a highly
urgent message would cause the receiving equipment 10 to issue a
more attention-getting signal, such as an alarm bell and a flashing
light. The receiving equipment can be configured by the user to
display and announce messages in the user's preferred language.
Thus, the server 6 can send the identical signal to every home, but
the equipment in each home will convert that signal into each
user's preferred language.
[0048] The receiving equipment 10 also supports the receipt of data
signals that arrive while the subscriber's telephone set is engaged
with another call. Many telephone users subscribe to a service
called "Call Waiting" for handling incoming telephone calls while
the subscriber's telephone set is busy or engaged. In the case of
ICLID signals on telephone lines provisioned with "Caller ID with
Call Waiting" service, the receiving equipment 10 detects the
Caller ID information following the Call Waiting alerting tone, and
identifies the waiting call by announcing the waiting caller's
identity over the engaged telephone. Notification information
received by the receiving equipment 10 while the subscriber is
engaged with a call is likewise displayed and announced. Only the
called party hears this announcement.
[0049] The receiving equipment 10 is able to deliver messages
without requiring the recipient to "pick up" or "answer" the
telephone. A circuit-switch connection from the message sender (or
calling party) to the recipient is not required in order for the
device to receive, interpret, and present messages or
information.
[0050] The power ringing signal is provided directly by the
telephone company central office. The receiving equipment 10 does
not block or regenerate the ring signal. This attribute is
particularly important for subscribers of other custom calling
services, such as "distinctive ringing". The receiving equipment 10
detects a telephone off-hook condition and isolates the telephone
from the telephone company central office without interfering with
ringing. Data signals may be preceded by a ring signal and/or other
signals such as an FSK carrier signal commonly used to indicate the
start of data transmission.
[0051] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of the receiving
equipment 10. Equipment 10 is connected to the POTS telephone
network at connection point 12, typically an RJ-11 "modular"
telephone jack common to most telephones. All telephone sets served
by the invention are connected at point 14, also typically an RJ-11
jack. While in the idle or power-down state, double pole double
throw relay 38 is in the position that connects the Tip and Ring
leads at point 12 to the Tip and Ring leads at point 14. While the
unit is under power, the state of relay 38 is under microcontroller
26 software control. Microcontroller 26 is a general purpose
programmable embedded microcontroller such as an Intel 8051 and
includes the software stored in ROM. Microcontroller 26 has links
to telephone loop detector 34, ring detector 16, FSK decoder 28,
DTMF transmitter 94, microphone 58, keypad 56, relay 38,
pre-loading circuit 44, announcement circuit 30, LCD display 92,
LED array 93, and database 54. Database 54 contains audio records
keyed to ICLID numbers and any other message type relevant for the
specifically programmed purposes of the device. Database 54 is
stored in non-volatile RAM or "Flash" memory accessed by
microcontroller 26.
[0052] With respect to Caller ID message types, the messaging
server 6 at the telephone central office alerts the device to an
incoming call by applying either a ring voltage to Tip and Ring
leads at point 12, or transmitting an alerting tone used for Call
Waiting. Ring/signal detector 16 detects the ring voltage and
alerting tone as it is applied by the telephone central office and
indicates such to microcontroller 26. In the preferred embodiment,
Ring/signal Detector 16 consists of a Siemens model H11AA1
optoisolator for detecting bi-phase power ringing, and a MITEL
model MT8843 call waiting detector for detecting the new call
alerting tone.
[0053] With respect to other message types, the messaging server 6
at the telephone central office alerts the device to an incoming
call by using one or more techniques including ring voltage,
abbreviated ring voltage "ping ring", Open Switching Interval, or
alerting tone.
[0054] FSK Decoder 28 detects frequency shift keyed (FSK) signals
present at the Tip and Ring leads at point 12 (connected to the
telephone central office). The FSK data contains the ICLID
information or other data transmitted from the messaging server 6
at the telephone central office. The FSK data from the output of
decoder 28 is presented to microcontroller 26. MITEL's MT8843 is
preferably used as decoder 28.
[0055] Keypad 56 is provided for the user interface. In the
preferred embodiment, keypad 56 is a series of four tactile keys
used for selecting programming modes, recording audio to
corresponding Caller ID records, and reviewing calls or other
messages stored in a call log.
[0056] LCD Display 92 and Light Emitting Diode (LED) array 93 are
used to provide information to the user including the nature and
content of caller ID and other messages types; and cues to certain
operations of the invention, including alert status related to
public safety messages, error conditions of the device, and the
status of incoming or new calls.
[0057] Microphone 58 is used for receiving audio signals to be
stored by the microcontroller and associated with corresponding
caller id records. In the preferred embodiment, microphone 58 is an
electret microphone.
[0058] DTMF transmitter 94 transmits Dual Tone Multiple Frequency
(DTMF) signals onto the Tip and Ring leads at point 12 (connected
to the telephone central office). The DTMF signal transmitted from
the analog output of transmitter 94 is controlled by
microcontroller 26, and is used for interacting with telephone
company central office switching system protocols used during
Caller ID on Call Waiting and other messaging protocols. Mitel's
model MT-8888 is preferably used as transmitter 94.
[0059] Loop detector 34 detects the presence of loop current
through the telephone sets. The output of detector 34 is presented
to microcontroller 26. Siemens model H11AA1 is preferably used for
loop detector 34.
[0060] Announcement circuit 30 supplies a small signal announcement
into current source 40 and to speaker 32. Announcement circuit 30
is controlled by microcontroller 26. Announcement circuit 30 is
factory-programmed with static prompts representing the numbers
0-9, phrases "number unknown" and "number blocked", as well as the
names of the fifty US States and other voice alerts and/or prompts
related to a message type served by the system. Each of these
announcements, as well as announcements to be recorded by the user,
can be individually addressed by microcontroller 26. Information
Storage Devices' model ISD2575 is preferably used along with an
audio amplifier LM386 for announcement circuit 30. Advances in
speech storage and compression techniques make it possible to
integrate "off-the-shelf" speech devices to provide the audible
announcement of the caller's identity or other relevant message
content. It is not the object of the invention to promote a special
speech technology, but rather to be able to take advantage of such
generic technology, including text-to-speech technology, as it
becomes available.
[0061] Current source 40 amplifies the audio signal for playing the
caller's identity or other announcements into relay 38 for
announcement over the telephone set(s) 11 attached at point 14.
Current source 40 is preferably a current source LM317 biased to
provide a nominal 28 mA of current through an off-hook telephone
set attached at point 14.
[0062] Loading circuit 44 is used to hold the primary call stable
while call waiting calls are audibly identified over telephone sets
attached at point 14. A high voltage transistor such as MPSA42 is
used to selectively engage the line at point 12 by sinking 28 mA
from the telephone line.
[0063] FIG. 2 illustrates the main software process executed by
microcontroller 26. A Finite State Machine (FSM) process is used to
control the invention. The primary states of the FSM are STARTUP,
SERVICE, NEW CALL, NEW MESSAGE, and CALL WAITING states.
[0064] Process 200 is a startup routine for the selected
microcontroller 26 used to set up interrupt vectors, serial modes,
and hardware configuration. Process 200 is entered following
power-up or reset of the invention and sets the FSM to the STARTUP
state. Execution continues to process 202. Relays 38 and 44 are
de-energized. Dynamic call records are initialized and elements
about the last call are preserved. The number of calls or messages
stored in a call log, along with the local time and date, is
displayed on an attached LCD display 92.
[0065] Process 204 monitors the status of keypad 56. When a service
request is made by the user by pressing any of the keys, execution
branches to process 206 where the FSM transitions to SERVICE state
and branches to process 350. Otherwise execution continues at
process 210. Process 210 checks the result of polling ring/signal
detector 16 for a new call or new message indication. A new call is
indicated when detector 16 detects a power ring signal, whereby
execution branches to process 212 where the FSM transitions to the
NEW CALL state and branches to process 230. A NEW MESSAGE is
indicated when detector 16 detects a `ping ring` signal, open
switching interval, alert tone, or presence of an FSK carrier
signal commonly used to indicate the start of data transmission
whereby execution branches to process 412 where the FSM transitions
to the NEW MESSAGE state and branches to process 430 (FIG. 3A).
Otherwise, execution continues at process 216. Process 216 checks
the result of polling detector 16 for a call waiting indication. A
call waiting is indicated when detector 16 detects an alerting
tone, whereby execution branches to process 218 where the FSM
transitions to the CALL WAITING state and branches to process 300.
Otherwise, execution loops back to process 202.
[0066] FIG. 3 illustrates the NEW CALL state process. The process
begins at 230 where the ICLID signal is collected by FSK detector
28 and the data sent to microcontroller 26 for storage in the call
log of database 54. Process 232 searches database 54 for a match to
the collected ICLID number. Database 54 contains audio information
keyed with an ICLID number or a group of ICLID numbers. If the
ICLID data is not provided by the telephone company or the ICLID
number is blocked by the calling party, microcontroller 26
identifies the calls as "number unknown" or "number blocked"
respectively. Process 232 branches based on the status of the
search through database 54. If the search returned a zero value,
execution branches to process 234, where the area-code from the
ICLID number is cross-referenced with the name of a state and at
process 238 microcontroller 26 directs announcement circuit 30 to
speak the name of the state and the ICLID number, typically the
caller's telephone number. If the database 54 search was
successful, execution branches to process 236 and microcontroller
26 directs announcement circuit 30 to present the associated audio
(alert tones and/or words) returned from the search. Process 236
further directs display 92 and LED array 93 to display
corresponding text, symbols and lights. Process 240 checks the
state of loop detector 34 for an off-hook condition. If an off-hook
condition is detected before process 246 determines a timeout,
processing jumps to 242. If a timeout is detected, processing jumps
back to 202. Process 242 isolates the off-hook phone from the line
by engaging relay 38 and applying loop current 40. Process 244
causes circuit 30 to announce the caller's identity or other
message contents over the off-hook telephone set. Processes 248 and
250 look for the call to be accepted with a hook-flash or rejected
with a hang-up by checking loop detector 34 before disengaging
relay 38 and re-establishing connection to the line at process 252.
Finally, control is returned back to process 202
[0067] FIG. 3A illustrates the NEW MESSAGE state process. The
process begins at 430 where the data signal is collected by FSK
detector 28 and the data sent to microcontroller 26.
[0068] Process 464 validates the integrity of message and branches
upon determination of the state of validity. Where the message has
been determined to be invalid, the process branches to 460 where
microcontroller 26 commands the LCD to display "error", and then
continues to process 440 to store the message in the message
log.
[0069] Where the message has been determined to be valid, process
466 examines the message type to determine whether or if a message
acknowledgement signal is validly requested. Where the message
acknowledgement has been validly requested, process 450 commands
line load relay 44 to engage the line (go off-hook) for a
predetermined amount of time and/or commands the functions of DTMF
Transmit circuit 94 in conformance with the applicable message
acknowledgement standard. Where message acknowledgement has not
been validly requested, process 450 will be bypassed. In either
case, the FSM continues to process 432
[0070] Process 432 searches database 54 for a match to the
collected message contents. Database 54 contains audio and other
multi-media information (such as LED lighting sequence and
duration) keyed with message content.
[0071] Process 432 branches based on the status of the search
through database 54. If the search returned a zero value, execution
branches to process 438, where the text content of the message is
displayed on LCD Display 92. If the database 54 search was
successful, execution branches to process 436 and microcontroller
26 directs announcement circuit 30 to present the sequence of tones
and spoken audio information returned from the search and directs
LCD 92 and LED Array 93 to display and illuminate in the manner
specified in database 54.
[0072] Process 440 stores the message contents, date and time
information in database 54. Finally, control is returned back to
process 202. FIG. 4 illustrates the CALL WAITING state process. The
process begins at 300 after detecting the alerting tone, by
engaging load relay 44 to hold the line off-hook at process 310 and
then engaging isolation relay 38 in process 312. In process 314, an
ACK tone (typically DTMF-D) is transmitted back down the line
towards the telephone company switch to indicate that the device is
ready to receive ICLID data. In process 316, ICLID signal is
collected by FSK detector 28 and the data sent to microcontroller
26 for storage in the call log of database 54. Process 318 searches
database 54 for a match to the collected ICLID number. Database 54
contains audio information keyed with an ICLID number or a group of
ICLID numbers. If the ICLID data is not provided by the telephone
company or the ICLID number is blocked by the calling party,
microcontroller 26 identifies the calls as "number unknown" or
"number blocked" respectively. Process 318 branches based on the
status of the search through database 54. If the search returned a
zero value, execution branches to process 320, where the area-code
from the ICLID number is cross-referenced with the name of a state
and at process 324 microcontroller 26 directs announcement circuit
30 to speak the name of the state and the ICLID number, typically
the caller's telephone number. If the database 54 search was
successful, execution branches to process 322 and microcontroller
26 directs announcement circuit 30 to play the audio returned from
the search over the off-hook telephone. Process 322 further directs
display 92 and LED array 93 to display corresponding text, symbols
and lights. Process 326 releases loading relay 44 after the
announcement concludes. Processes 328 disengages relay 38 and
re-establishes conversation with the primary caller. Finally,
control is returned back to process 202
[0073] FIG. 5 illustrates the SERVICE state processes. The SERVICE
processes are used to add audio announcements to the database,
erase audio announcements, select previously recorded announcements
to be associated with a new telephone number, review the call log,
erase the call log, and to manually enter a telephone number for
further recording.
[0074] Process 350 checks keypad 56 for review call/message log
requests. Execution jumps to process 352 to review calls in the log
by recalling call log information from database 54 and displaying
the call/message log information on display 92. Execution then
returns to process 202.
[0075] Process 354 checks keypad 56 for manual entry requests.
Execution jumps to process 356 where the phone number is collected
using keypad 56. At process 357, the entered number is displayed on
display 92. Execution then returns to process 202.
[0076] Process 358 checks keypad 56 for record name requests.
Execution jumps to process 360 where microcontroller 26 allocates
memory in database 54 for storing an audio recording to be
associated with the presently displayed ICLID information. Process
362 enables microphone 58 to receive the audio signal and record
the audio signal in the allocated memory. Process 364 then adds a
record to database 54 that keys the displayed ICLID information
with the address of the newly recorded audio. Execution then
returns to process 202.
[0077] Process 366 checks keypad 56 for delete name requests.
Execution jumps to process 368 where microcontroller 26 searches
database 54 for stored audio associated with the presently
displayed ICLID information. Process 370 erases the database
reference to the displayed ICLID information. Execution then
returns to process 202.
[0078] Process 372 checks keypad 56 for select name requests.
Execution jumps to process 374 where the user selects from
previously recorded audio to be associated with the presently
displayed ICLID information. Process 376 directs microcontroller 26
to add a database record associating the displayed ICLID
information with the selected audio recording. This processing
enables multiple telephone numbers to be associated with the same
audio recording. Execution then returns to process 202.
[0079] Process 378 checks keypad 56 for erase call/message log
requests. Execution jumps to process 380 where microcontroller 26
clears the call log data stored in database 54 and the call log
counter is set to zero. Execution then returns to process 202.
[0080] In operation, when an ICLID signal is received with an
incoming call, the receiving equipment 10 does either or both of
two things. The receiving equipment 10 announces the caller's name,
telephone number, and/or other identifying information through
speaker 32. Additionally or alternatively, the recipient can pick
up a telephone handset to hear the Caller ID information announced,
before the call is actually connected. The telephone company
central office is unaware that the telephone was answered and
continues to return the ringback indication to the calling party
and ring voltage to the subscriber's service demarcation point.
[0081] The telephone company central office is prevented from
detecting the "off-hook" condition by isolating the telephone sets
from the telephone company central office at precisely the moment
the telephone set is engaged. In one embodiment, this is
accomplished by energizing the relay 38 to break the connection to
the central office after the telephone is answered but before the
central office has detected the off-hook condition. The receiving
equipment 10 can alternatively take advantage of common provisions,
such as the radio frequency (RF) interface in cordless telephones,
that physically isolate the remote handset from the telephone
network not otherwise intended for purposes of audible off-hook
Caller-ID delivery. While the off-hook telephone is isolated from
the telephone company central office, the telephone is connected to
the loop current source 40, which powers the off-hook telephone set
while providing the audible announcement over the receiver.
[0082] The called party can elect to accept the call by flashing
the telephone's hook switch or touching a specific key on the
telephone keypad. Once the call is accepted, the caller and called
parties are connected and normal telephone operation is
restored.
[0083] The called party can reject the incoming call by hanging up
the telephone. If the call is rejected, and the caller continues to
wait for an answer, ringing is restored, but the Caller ID is not
announced again. This provides an opportunity for telephone
answering devices to accept the call. It also gives the called
party another chance to accept the call.
[0084] Thus, the receiving equipment 10 is able to deliver an
audible announcement of the caller's identity over a telephone
without the call being "answered". The call is not connected nor is
it billed by the telephone company until the called party or a
telephone answering device, such as an answering machine, accepts
the call.
[0085] As noted above, Caller ID information transmitted on SS7 can
also be used to instruct the receiving equipment 10 to answer the
call automatically, even if the called party's line is in use on
another call. Once the call is answered, an end-to-end circuit is
allocated by the telephone network connecting the server to the
devices in the target household. The server can then transmit
and/or receive GR-30 or other data signals. For instance, these
data signals could communicate an unforeseen emergency (an
emergency that does not correspond to any of the pre-programmed
message codes), or a message specifically tailored to a particular
customer or event (such as a reminder to attend a specific meeting
at a specific time).
[0086] This is accomplished by having one of the 10-digit message
codes pre-programmed into the receiving equipment 10 correspond to
a "go off-hook" command. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the process used
when the equipment 10 receives ICLID information that corresponds
to a "go off hook" command. Process 602 checks if the received
ICLID data matches that of the 10-digit "go off hook" command,
indicating the equipment 10 should answer and be connected via the
telephone network to server 6. If the ICLID data does not match the
"go off hook" command, processing continues at process 202. Process
604 checks whether telephone set 14 is presently in the on-hook or
off-hook state, based on the status of loop detector 34.
[0087] If telephone set 14 is not in the off-hook state, process
620 engages relay 44 to place equipment 10 into the off-hook state,
thus answering the call. Process 622 calls the process beginning at
430 (FIG. 3A) as a subroutine used to receive the message sent by
server 6. Following the completion of process 440, the process
resumes at process 624, which releases relay 44 thereby placing
equipment 10 back to the on-hook state. The process then returns to
202.
[0088] However, if telephone set 14 is instead in the off-hook
state, process 606 initiates a "hook flash" sequence. Specifically,
the process engages relay 38 to isolate the off-hook telephone set
14 from the telephone line 12. Process 608 waits for 500 ms, then
process 610 engages line loading relay 44, which creates a hook
flash signal signaling the telephone network to connect the call
waiting call from server 6. Process 612 calls the process beginning
at 430 (FIG. 3A) as a subroutine used to receive the message sent
by server 6. Following the completion of process 440, the process
resumes at process 614 to release relay 44. Process 616 waits for
500 ms, then process 618 releases relay 38. This creates another
hook flash signal to the telephone network and disconnects the call
from server 6. Finally the process returns to 202.
[0089] Thus, using this embodiment, the recipient telephone
equipment automatically signals the telephone network to connect
the call upon receipt of the data corresponding to the "go off
hook" command, either by going off-hook or by performing a hook
flash sequence.
[0090] Other embodiments are within the scope of the following
claims.
* * * * *