JPH0340645A - Device and method for sorting telephone call - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To exclude calling undesired by a user and to quickly respond to calling desired by the user by requesting the code of a caller, allowing a calling signal to pass when the code is confirmed and instructing the caller to call again in a proper time when the programming of the caller is not processed. CONSTITUTION: A valid code is inputted from the telephone device of a user to a system for programming a coded index being the secret number of the other party whose calling is desired by the user. An incoming calling signal is received through a pair of chip and ring 105 and 107 and a telephone line, and a microcontroller 30 operates a relay 123 from a port 125 through an invertor 127, and indicates a response condition to an incoming telephone line. Then, the presence of a valid DTMF signal from a DTMF receiver 96 is searched in a port 135. When it is not found, a speech processor is instructed to transmit 'call back' or the other messages, and a telephone line is disconnected. When it is matched, a calling sound generator 148 is operated.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for screening telephones. More particularly, the present invention relates to apparatus and methods for screening telephone calls by caller selection code identification.

[Conventional technology]

Telephone screening devices are conventionally known devices that instruct users which telephones to answer. Such devices have traditionally incorporated a mechanical audio tape device within the membrane. However, some of these devices are cumbersome to operate, have a relatively short service life, and/or allow the user to quickly select between preferred and undesired calls. Unable to respond to:. Therefore, there was room for improvement.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

The present invention provides a telephone call screening device and method for eliminating calls that the user deems objectionable while allowing the user to quickly answer calls that the user would like to answer.

The present invention resides in the devices and methods described below, and more particularly in novel structures, combinations and arrangements of parts and devices as specified in the appended device claims, and in the detailed embodiments disclosed herein. It goes without saying that modifications are to be construed as falling within the scope of the device claims of the present invention.

[Structure and operation of the invention]

In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1, the telephone rejection/screening device 24 can be attached to a telephone currently in use. This device is equipped with an on/off switch 26. The box or case 28 of the telephone reject/sorter 24 is a square plastic molding according to specifications.

In particular, the device responds to a ringing signal before it is sent to the user's telephone device. Upon activation of the device, the device requests a confidential code from the caller.

If a caller is programmed into the device, upon receipt of the caller's secret code, the device searches and verifies the code. When the device verifies the code, it passes the ring signal and sounds the ring level. If the calling party is not programmed into the device, the device will not send a ringing signal to the telephone device and will instruct the calling party to call again at an appropriate time.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, which shows the arrangement and relationship of the circuit components of this device, and FIGS. 3 to 7, which show examples of the operation of this device, when powered up, the microcontroller 30 Initialize all internal resistors and jump to the main polling routine shown in FIG. The software program of the device 24 begins with a main or polling routine and quickly branches to a designated service routine upon request. Upon completion of the service request, the program returns to the program's main polling routine.

The polling routine continually checks for service requests on a given boat. When a request is accepted, the poll routine branches to the appropriate service routine, such as the "RINGIN" routine described in FIG. If there are no requests, loop back and restart the polling routine.

The polling routine continues to poll the selected boat, checking for a "high" condition. The “high” state is the boat 32 (a-call signal), the boat 34 (
response state), boat 36 (code input request), boat 3
8 (request to record the sent message) and boat 40 (! confirmation of the sent message) that the service is required. When the microcontroller receives input to any of these ports 19, it jumps to the appropriate service routine for processing.

Outgoing messages are recorded via microphone input 42. When you press the “REC” button, the microcontroller 3
The 0 port 38 goes high via the inverter 46. This action then initiates a branch to the microcontroller's "REC" service routine, described in FIG.

The "REC" service routine is used when exit messages are input to the speech processor. “RE
The "C" service routine checks the message number being entered, monitors that the message entry is complete, and returns to the polling routine.

When branching to the “REC” routine, the microcontroller 3
0 activates speech processor 48 via boats 50 and 52. Speech processor 48 receives recording commands via microcontroller boat bus 54.
Starting bit rate and phrase number. The microphone audio (analog) input is then digitized by speech processor 4BK, assigned a starting address, and sent to DRAM memory chip 56 and/or 5BK.
be remembered. Each message is stored at the next free memory address. Speech processor 48 stores the starting address of each phrase for retrieval and playback.

The "PLAY" routine shown in FIG. 7 is used to reconfirm the user's outgoing message entered by the "REC" routine.

The PLAY" service routine asks the user to reconfirm the outgoing message stored in speech processor memories 56 and 58, and then returns to the polling routine.

When the "REV" button 60 is pressed, the microcontroller boat 40 goes high via the inverter 62. ”
Microcontroller 3 branching to PLAY routine
0 activates speech processor 48. Speech processor 48 retrieves the transmitted message from DRAM memory 56 and/or 58, converts the quantified information into an analog signal, amplifies and filters it, and
The audio signal is output via resistor 64 and capacitor 66 to amplifier 68 and speaker 70 .

To program a coded indicator that is the confidential number of the person the user wants his phone to ring, the user enters such a right-hand code into the system from the user's telephone device. When the "PGM" button 72 is pressed, the boat 30 of the microcontroller 30 goes high via the inverter 74.

Upon receiving this signal, microcontroller 30 operates relay 76 in boat 7BK via inverter 80. When the user's telephone device enters the outgoing call response state, the signal is transmitted from the ground via the contact 84 and the user's telephone device (from the tip and ring set 86 and 8BK).
The opto-isolator 82 (loop detector) is also actuated via the V 1 to C 2 contact 90 . Diode 92 rectifies the signal. This causes the microcontroller port 34 to go high via inverter 94 and the program branches to the appropriate in-service routine to control the input of coded indicators from the user's telephone device.

Dual Transmit Multi Frequency (DTMF) communication transmissions are input from the station telephone equipment and the DTMF receiver 90 checks to ensure valid inputs. signal is true DT
Once determined to be an MF signal, the DTMF receiver 96 sends information to the microprocessor on the boat 98 and sends the digits to the microcomputer on the boat 100-10.
3 is expressed in binary coded decimal notation. These digits are then sequentially stored in the internal RAM within microcontroller 30 at the next free memory location. these,
By using the components listed in the bill of materials in Table 1, at least 64 individual 4-digit codes can be stored. When the local unit returns to the end of call state, the microcontroller returns to the polling routine where it waits for further operation.

Incoming ring signals are received through the telephone line via tip and ring pairs 105 and 107. Barista 109 is
Used to protect the network from possible temporary spikes. The call signal is capacitor 1
13 and resistors 115 and 117 to be detected by opto-isolator 111 (call detector), both of which function as a voltage divider circuit to reduce the voltage to opto-isolator 111. diode 119
is provided to rectify the signal. The opto-isolator 111 operates as described above and the inverter 1.21
The microcontroller 30's boat 32 is brought to a high level via the microcontroller 30. The microcontroller 30 then immediately programs the "RINGIN" shown in FIG.
″Branch to service routine.

The "RINGIN" service routine (shown in Motorola assembler code in FIG. 3) configures speech processor 48 to begin detecting and outputting previously stored messages.

The routine tells the speech processor 4BK which message to output and the bit rate at which the message should be sent. The microcontroller 30 controls the inverter 1
operate the relay 123 from the boat 125 via 26;
A response condition is indicated to the incoming telephone line via chip 105, contact 126, transformer 131 and ring ring 107. Microcontroller 30 can also operate speech processor 48 from boat 50 and
3 to the write state, and send the playback command and phase number to bus 54.
and then sent to the speech processor.

Speech processor 48 then retrieves the appropriate phase from DRAM memory 50 and 1 or 58.

This digital information is converted to an audio signal, multiplied and filtered in speech processor 48 as described above, and sent to the telephone line via resistor 64, capacitor 66, and transformer 131. Microcontroller 30 then D
Boat 1 indicates the presence of a valid DTMF signal from the TMF receiver.
Search on 35th.

Upon receiving the signal at the input terminal via capacitor 137 and resistors 139 and 141, DTMF receiver 96 checks to ensure that the signal is a valid dual launch step frequency input. When the signal is valid, port 98 of microcontroller 30 is configured to send the incoming digits (valid security code or random digits) to port 10.
It is sent to the microcontroller 30 in binary coded decimal form via 1 to 103. Microcontroller 30 stores these digits in temporary memory for comparison with user programmed coded indicators. When microcontroller 30 has received all digits of the code it is receiving over the incoming line, it begins searching its memory for a match with the code programmed by the previous user.

If no match is found, microcontroller 3
0 instructs the speech processor to retrieve from memory and send a "callback" or other message. Microcontroller 30 also includes relay 123
, thereby isolating the telephone line, and then returning to its polling routine.

If the match is successful, the microcontroller 30 sets 146 to activate the ring generator 148;
The user is alerted to an incoming call from a caller with a valid security code. “Response°” illustrated in Figure 5
The service routine handles the response state of the central office telephone equipment, determining whether it is a telephone call connection, a request for program code, or something else, and then returning the central office equipment to the "hanging up" state. returns to the polling routine.

After activating the ringer 148, the microcontroller 30 is ready to receive a response signal from the local telephone unit. When the device becomes responsive, the opto-isolator 82 is activated and drives the boat 34 of the 4 microcontroller 30 to a high level so that the microcontroller 30 remains idle until the local device becomes clear. . Microcontroller 30 then returns to its polling routine.

As shown in FIG. 1, the speech processor 48 can be a Toshiba T666B, whose specification data table shows the data sheet specifications for a large-scale CMO8 integrated circuit, which has low power consumption. Low cost, virtually non-mechanical operation (reliable and fast response to commands), large number of outgoing messages can be entered and selected, outgoing messages can be easily changed, and small size (60 bin SM)
T) Device 24 also includes a single-chip CMOS integrated circuit dual-transmission step frequency (DTMF) receiver and decoder (Ml
Part number M8870B) manufactured by TEL can be used. Its datasheet specifications include low power consumption (15
mW standard), the guard time to eliminate spurious signals is adjustable, and the form is small (DIP 18-pin package)
1 including asterisk) and “#” (octosorb)
All six DTMF frequency pairs were tested and twisted acceptance (
-8 dB to +4 dB standard), trip resistance, and tone tolerance (+22 dB base 11).

The single-chip microcontroller 30 can be a Motorola HCMOS microcomputer MC68HC05C4 (as shown in Table 1).

Its data sheet states that it has low power consumption, “5T
OP” and “WAIT” states are power saving types;
176 bytes of on-chip random access memory (RA, M), 4160 bytes of on-chip read-only memory (ROM), 24 points of bidirectional I10
A 5-point input-only port, internal clock, low voltage power supply requirements (V-5V reference), small size (40 bin SMT) C and 2.1 MHz internal operating frequency are shown.

As shown in the same table, the device 24 also includes a device for storing digitally encoded outgoing messages.
It has 28K DRAM memory, and therefore improves audio clarity, improves message length, and eliminates the need for conventional tape systems, which have relatively slow tape advance speeds and slow rewinding operations. You can perform high-speed searches.

〔Effect of the invention〕

The present invention can provide a telephone call screening device and method for eliminating calls that the user deems objectionable while allowing the user to promptly answer calls that the user would like to answer.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagonal diagram of the telephone screening device of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a schematic explanatory diagram of the circuit of the screening device, and FIG. Program code illustrating an example of a routine for operating the
FIG. 4 is a program code illustrating an example of a device polling routine; FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a routine for operating the device when the local telephone device answers; FIG. 1 of the routines for enabling input of outgoing messages into the processor
Flow Chart Showing an Example FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing an example of a routine for a user to re-examine an input message.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A device for selectively discriminating telephone calls arriving at a user's telephone device, comprising signal detection means for detecting a telephone call signal arriving at the telephone device; dual-output multi-frequency receiving and decoding means for receiving and decoding outgoing signals input by the caller initiating said telephone ringing signal; and means for digitally storing and reproducing signals representing voice messages. digital call processing means, said call processing means comprising storage means for digital storage of said signal representing a voice message;
an alarm means for selectively alerting a user; connected to the signal detection means, the receiving and decoding means, the call processing means, and the alarm means for screening and detecting incoming telephone calls; a control device comprising a storage means for storing coded indicators selected by the user for input into the storage means; The decoded ringing signal and the indicator are compared by the control device, and the user is alerted when the decoded calling signal and the indicator match, and at least one of the non-sending signals is 1. A device according to claim 1, wherein a user is not alerted when a non-matching outgoing signal is entered and a selected voice message is sent to said calling signal. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage means of the control device means has both a built-in RAM and a built-in ROM, and the control device means is an HCMOS microcomputer chip. device to do. 3. In the apparatus according to claim 1, when the user desires to input a voice message for subsequent transmission to the caller who initiates the telephone call signal, the control device and the digital call processing Apparatus characterized in that it has message input actuation means connected to said control device for actuation of said means. 4. The apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising message re-examination means connected to said control device means for re-examination of voice messages inputted by the user on the basis of a user's request. A device featuring: 5. Apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising programming means for inputting said selected coded indicators into said storage means of said controller means on the basis of a user's request. . 6. The device according to claim 1, further comprising response detection means for detecting a response condition of the local telephone device. 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said digital call processing means is a substantially non-mechanical CMOS integrated circuit characterized by low power consumption and compact form factor. 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said storage means of said digital call processing means is a DRAM memory. 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said storage means includes at least 12 BK of memory. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said dual-send multi-frequency receiving and decoding means is capable of detecting 16 pairs of dual-send multi-frequencies. 11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: the signal detection means; the dual-sending multi-frequency reception and decoding means;
An apparatus comprising said digital call processing means, said alarm means and said control means, said apparatus further comprising an on/off switch for selectively enabling and disabling the apparatus. Featured device. 12. A device for selectively discriminating telephone calls arriving at a telephone device of a user on an incoming telephone line, the signal detecting means for detecting a telephone ring signal arriving via the telephone line; a dual-output multi-frequency receiver for receiving and decoding outgoing signals inputted by at least one signal of a caller initiating said telephone ringing signal or by a user from said telephone device; and a decoder, digital call processing means for receiving and converting a signal indicative of voice into a digital signal, converting the digital signal into a signal indicative of voice, and amplifying and filtering said signal indicative of voice; a DRAM memory connected to said call processing means for storing signals; alarm means for selectively alerting users; said signal detection means, said receiver and decoder, said digital call processing means and said a microcomputer connected to the alarm means, said microcomputer having a built-in memory for storing the decoded outgoing signal selected for input from the user's telephone device; Comparing the decoded outgoing signal input by the calling party with the decoded outgoing signal input into the internal memory and alerting the user when a match is indicated and a non-match is indicated. a microcomputer, sometimes containing a microcomputer for transmitting selected voice messages from said call processing means to said caller, said detection means, said receiver and decoder, said call processing means, said DRAM memory, said alarm means, and said microcomputer; 1. A device characterized in that it has a small-sized housing means for storing the same. 13. The device according to claim 12, further comprising: a caller who initiates the telephone call signal; An apparatus characterized in that it has message input activation means connected to said microcomputer for activation. 14. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising means for re-examining the voice message entered by the user based on the user's request. 15. The apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising, based on a user's request, a programming request for inputting, by the user, the outgoing signal from the telephone for inputting into the built-in memory of the microcomputer. A device characterized in that it has means. 16. The device according to claim 14, further comprising response detection means for detecting a response condition of the local telephone device. 17. A method for selectively discriminating telephone calls arriving at a telephone device of a user, the method comprising: detecting a telephone ring signal arriving at said telephone; and inputting by a calling party initiating said telephone ring signal; processing the signal representing the voice message for digital storage in the first memory means; and storing the encoded indicia in the second memory means. , comparing the decoded transmission signal and the index; issuing a warning to a user when the decoded transmission signal matches the index; and comparing the decoded transmission signal and the index. 1. A method comprising: retrieving and processing said digitally stored signal representing a voice message when the signals do not match; and outputting said retrieved and processed signal representing a voice message. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the coded indicator is a decoded outgoing signal input by the user from the user's telephone device. 19. The method of claim 17, further comprising performing said processing to represent an audio signal and selectively varying said digitally stored signal, representing said audio message and performing said processing and storing said digitally A method characterized by inputting a signal from a user's telephone into the first memory. 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising retrieving and processing the digitally stored signals representing audio signals for re-examination by the user on the user's telephone device. how to.