FR2693866A1 - Automatic data connection between two users across telephone network - has analogue signal detector allowing connection to information system on receiving recognised code, otherwise applies sound signal to telephone handset - Google Patents

Abstract

When a call is detected (140) on the line (115), a first switch (52) links the line (5) to an analogue signal generator (170), which sends out a multifrequency search signal. If the correct code is sent in response, a second switching system (53,54) links the information system (12) to the line via a modem (110). If no code is received, the handset (11) receives a sound signal (130), connected by a third switch (51). If the handset is detected to be off-hook by a module (150) or if a micro-controller (100) so orders, the telephone is again connected to the line. The communication circuit may be integrated into the information system with an electronic board on the base panel. ADVANTAGE - Transparent to user. Simple, reliable.

Description

AUTOMATIC COMMUNICATION PROCESS AND DISPOSFTlF
COMPUTER AND TELEPHONY DATA
The present invention relates to an automatic method and device for communication in computer data and in telephony allowing intelligent management of the connections between on the one hand an external telephone line and on the other hand both an internal telephone line and a computer or a network. IT-type, this management being carried out automatically without the intervention of an operator.

 The constant improvement in the performance of computers and in particular microcomputers has allowed the development of more and more sophisticated software which integrate very advanced functions such as database management or communications management for example.

 More specifically, communications management mainly covers access to the public switched telephone network, the microcomputer host of the management software being transformed into an answering machine or a telephone set by the use of suitable equipment. Incidentally, the use of a packet data transmission network enables the transfer of computer data between several microcomputers in a reliable and rapid manner.

The recent appearance of digital communication networks, such as
NUMERIS in France has made a new advance in this field by allowing simultaneous voice / data transport on the same physical link.

 However, the very youth of this technique means that it is not very widespread today, even in the most industrialized countries, and it is also very expensive. Its generalization will also prove to be long, particularly with a view to global coverage.

 This is why, the creation of a device allowing, via the only public switched telephone network, the transfer of all types of documents as well as voice messages responds to an important need of the users of microcomputers.

 An object of the invention is to implement such a device which is both simple and reliable and of a particularly low cost.

 Another object of the invention is to provide a completely "transparent" device for the user, that is to say the analog transmissions, for example voice, or digital, such as data transmissions, on the public network, are managed automatically.

 These objects are achieved by an automatic data communication device on a public switched telephone network comprising first switching means S2 which in a first state connect a telephone line to a module for generating analog signals which delivers a determined recognition signal, second switching means S3, S4 which connect the telephone line to a computer system via a modulator / demodulator, when a predetermined code has been received in response to the recognition signal transmitted, third switching means S1 which connect the line telephone to a telephone apparatus, when no predetermined code has been received in response to the recognition signal transmitted.

 The automatic management of these switching means or switches ensures total transparency of the device for the user who continues to use his telephone device or his computer system as in the past without having to resort to complex communication software. .

 This device comprises in particular an analog signal detector which decodes the signal received in response to the recognition signal previously transmitted and a ring generator which is activated when this signal does not correspond to the predetermined code to be received and then rings the telephone apparatus.

 Thus, the use of different codes makes it possible to define several operating modes, the change of which can be decided at the transmitter, the receiving telephone apparatus ringing only when the voice mode is implemented.

 Advantageously, the analog recognition or code signals are multifrequency signals.

 In addition, this device comprises a call detection module which indicates that access to the telephone line is requested, and modules for picking up the telephone set and detecting tones existing on the telephone line.

 The various switching means or switches are controlled by a connection management module, all of the modules being under the control of a micro-controller which manages the entire device.

 Preferably, the device of the invention is integrated at the level of an electronic card of the computer system, which may then no longer have a single external connector which can receive both the external telephone line and the telephone apparatus.

 This line, like the telephone, can be made up of the elements of the same private telephone network.

More generally, this device conforms to an automatic data communication method in which the process for receiving this data comprises the following steps: a) detection of the call sent by the transmitter assembly on the telephone line, b) in depending on the type of call received:
bl) when the call is a telephone communication, triggering of the ringing of a telephone apparatus of the receiving unit and automatic connection of this apparatus with the telephone line,
b2) when the call is a digital communication, automatic connection of the telephone line with a computer system of the receiver assembly via a modulator / demodulator integrated into this device.

 The method thus described makes it possible to use conventional telephone links as links between computer systems or networks and in particular makes it possible to simply carry out any exchange of documents between these systems.

Other characteristics and advantages will emerge more clearly from the description which follows, given, without implied limitation, with regard to the appended drawings in which:
FIG. 1 shows in a simplified manner a communication link between a transmitter assembly and a receiver assembly,
FIG. 2 represents the hardware architecture of the device according to the invention,
FIG. 3 shows an operating flow diagram of the device according to the invention,
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the device according to the invention in a document transmission / reception mode,
- Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the device according to the invention in a normal communication mode.

 Figure 1 shows a communication link between two communication devices according to the invention present at a transmitter assembly and a receiver assembly.

 On either side of a public switched telephone network 5 is disposed an assembly comprising a communication device according to the invention 10 to which are connected a telephone apparatus 11 and a computer system 12.

 The computer system 12 is advantageously a microcomputer of the personal computer type, but any other computer may be perfectly suitable.

 Likewise, this system can consist, for example, of a computer network.

 Preferably, the communication device 10 is integrated into the computer system 12 at the level of a standard format electronic card which can be plugged into a backplane of this assembly. This card may no longer comprise more than an external connection connector receiving two telephone sockets, male and female, for connections with the line and the telephone apparatus, an internal connector ensuring, at the backplane for example, the connection with the computer system processor 12.

 FIG. 2 shows in detail the hardware architecture of the communication device 10. The device is organized around a microcontroller 100 which ensures the command and control of several modules and switching means or switches, and of a modulator / demodulator (MODEM) 110 which allows the transfer of digital data over the telephone line 5.

 The different modules each provide their own specific function.

 The recognition and generation of the signals specific to the telephone line 5 are ensured by the following modules: a call detection module 120 connected to the telephone line 5 and which detects any external access to this line; a ring generation module 130 which can be connected, by a switch S1, to the telephone apparatus 11 and which activates the ringing of this apparatus; a tone detection module 140 which can be connected, by a switch S2, to the telephone line 5 and which identifies the presence of the tones on this line; and a module 150 for detecting a hang-up which can be connected, by the switch S1, to the telephone apparatus 11 and which indicates the position of the handset, in place or not, on this apparatus.

 The recognition and generation of multifrequency signals are provided by the following two modules: a module 160 for decoding multifrequency signals which can be connected, by switch S2, to the telephone line 5 and which allows the recognition of the various codes passing on this line; and a module 170 for generating multifrequency signals which can be connected, by the switch S2, to the telephone line 5 and which delivers various codes necessary for the exchange of information between communication devices 10.

 The transfer of digital signals on the telephone line 5 from the computer system 12 is carried out through the modulator / demodulator 110 which can be connected to the telephone line 5 by a switch S3, a switch S4 making it possible to establish the connection between this modulator / demodulator and the computer system.

 Finally, a connection management module 180 controls the various switches S1 to S4 to connect the external telephone line 5 to the telephone apparatus 11 or, through the modulator / demodulator 110, to a computer system or network 12. It It should be noted that the microcontroller 100 can also be deported to the computer system 12.

 This hardware architecture allows intelligent management of connections and interior and exterior telephone lines in order to allow the transmission of both digital signals (from the computer system 12) and analog signals (voice signal for example) and this automatically, " transparent "to the user. These interior and exterior lines can be formed by the telephone lines of several private telephone networks. The dialogue between the communication devices 10 disposed at each end of the telephone line 5 is carried out either on the basis of digital signals, for transmission from the computer system 12, or of analog signals, of the multifrequency type or of the voice type, for transmission from the telephone set 11.

 The operation of the device according to the invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5 which present, in the form of flowcharts, the different stages.

 In the absence of communication, qWclle either analog (telephone) or digital (IT), the device 10 is in a waiting loop 20 in which it scans the various changes of state that can occur at the level of the communication link. The two-state switches S1 to S4 are in the following positions: the switch S1 is in a first state connecting the telephone apparatus 11 to the ring generation modules 130 and hook detection 150; the switches S2 and S3 are in a second state corresponding to an unconnected state; and the switch S4 is in a first state connecting the computer system 12 to the microcontroller 100.

 In a step 21, the device detects by the ring detector module 120 if a call on the telephone line 5 is requested. In the event of a positive response, a step 22 of receiving the call is implemented. Otherwise, it detects in a step 23, by the hang-up detection module 150, if the telephone apparatus 11 which is directly connected to it is off-hook, that is to say if the user of the device wishes to make a call. telephone. In the event of a positive response, the communication is carried out in a step 24 whereas in the opposite case, the microcontroller 100 detects in a step 25 if this user seeks to send computer data from the set 12. If c 'is the case, the transmission of this data is carried out in a step 26. Otherwise, it is returned to step 21 for a new call detection. Similarly, when the steps 22, 24 or 26 are completed, a new call detection is also carried out.

 Figure 4 details the operation of the communication device according to the invention when it is used simply in a telephone communication mode which corresponds to the previous step 24.

 In this mode, in step 27, the connection of the telephone apparatus 11 to line 5 is established by the switch S1 which is placed in a second state by the connection management module 180 controlled by the microcontroller 100 and l he user can then dial his number on the dial and converse with his correspondent, if the latter is present, as with a conventional device. In step 28, the computer system 12 is informed of this communication by the microcontroller 100. The device then waits for the end of the communication and the hanging up of the telephone in step 29 for in step 30 disconnecting, when this end has arrived, the telephone apparatus of the line, again switching the switch S1 to the first state.

 FIG. 5 describes in detail the function of the device according to the invention in a mode of transmission / reception of computer data.

 In order to better understand the sequence and synchronization of the different stages constituting this mode, the transmission step 22 of a first communication device has been put in parallel with the reception step 26 of a second communication device communicating with the first.

 In a first step 31, the user of the sender system chooses his recipient or dials on his computer system 12, the telephone number of this recipient and at least one sender code E and an acknowledgment or good reception code R. n It is possible at this stage to ensure data confidentiality or to limit access to the telephone line by authorizing certain destinations or not.

When no prohibition is specified and this message thus acquired is correct, it is sought by the hang-up detection module 150, in step 32> if the telephone apparatus 11 of the transmitter is off-hook. In the event of a positive response, step 33 signals this error which can then be displayed at the level of the computer system 12 of the transmitter. Otherwise, in step 34, the line is taken up by switching to a first state of the switch S2 connecting the external telephone line 5 to the tone decoding module 140 and to the detection and generation modules. of multifrequency signals 160,170. The tone detection module 150 waits for the line tone in step 35 and possibly signals in step 33 an error in the reception thereof. If the tone is correct, it proceeds to step 36 to the dialing of the correspondent's number by the multifrequency signal generator 170.

 At the receiving device, the call from the sending system causes, in step 37, the generation of a ring signal intercepted by the call detection module 120 and then a seizure of the line by switching, in the first state , of switch S2. In step 38, a recognition signal is then produced by the multi-frequency signal generator 170, which is sent (path 39) on the line to the sending system. The latter, in a step 40, proceeds to decode this received signal, using the multi-frequency signal detection module 160. If the code received corresponds to that expected, the transmitter in a step 41 returns in turn to the receiver (path 42) the transmitter identification code E generated by the multifrequency signal generation module 170. Otherwise, an error 33 is reported to the computer system 12 of the transmitter.

The reception device then proceeds in a step 43 to decoding the transmitter identification code received via the multi-frequency signal detection module 160. If this code is validated by the receiver, the latter elaborates in a step 44, at the level of the multi-frequency signal generation module 170, the acknowledgment signal R which is transmitted (path 45) to the transmitter where the latter is decoded in a step 46 using the multi-frequency signal detection module 160. A poor reception of code in step 43 or in step 46 causes an error 33 to be displayed visible in the computer system 12.

 It should be noted that the correspondence between the codes transmitted and the valid codes is carried out at the level of the microcontroller 100.

The correct reception of the acknowledgment code R signals that the exchange between the two devices becomes possible, it is then carried out in a step 47 both at the level of the transmitter and of the receiver at the link of the modulator / demodulator 110 to the line telephone 5 by the switching of the switch S3 in a first state, thus establishing a link 48 between the MODEMs of the two devices 10. In a step 49, a message indicating this link is sent to the computer system 12 by the microcontroller 100 , then the connection 50 between the computer systems 12 is established by switching 51 of the switch S4 to a first state, thus connecting the modulator / demodulator 110 to the computer system 12. It is recalled that these various switches are managed by the microcontroller 100 via the connection management module 180. After detecting the presence of the carrier, the computer data are exchanged at step 52 between the modulators / demodulators 110 and therefore between the computer systems 12 until detection at
step 53 of an end of transmission code or else of a hardware signal signifying the end of the communication, which signals that all the data have been sent. The transfer is then complete and each device can disconnect in step 54 the modulator / demodulator 110 from the computer system 12 by again switching the switch S4 to the first state, then freeing in step 55 the telephone line 5 by switching again the switch S3 in its second state, all the switches S1 to S4 being in their initial state.

 Obviously, during the transfer of computer data between the two communication devices according to the invention, any error in the transmission is possibly displayed on the computer systems 12. An hourglass of a fixed duration can also be implemented during the transfer to avoid any monopolization of the communication link and thus secure the sending of computer data.

 it should be noted that, for educational purposes, the flowchart in Figure 5 has been simplified. Indeed, it was assumed that the receiver was available to respond to the transmitter and that it was also provided with a communication device according to the invention.

 In the case where the called party's line is busy, step 37 is not executed, the receiver remaining inactive and no multi-frequency signal 38 is sent to the transmitter. Step 40 then consists in listening to the line and noting, thanks to the call detection module 120 that the line is busy, an execution of step 54 then makes it possible to close the communication by flipping the switch S2. The microcontroller 100 may however carry out an automatic call back to the correspondent until his line is released and thus allows communication to be ensured.

 If the correspondent's line is free, the receiver may send a multifrequency signal not corresponding to a communication device similar to the transmitter but a different multifrequency signal, corresponding for example to a link of the teletel type. Then, the transmitter dispenses with sending back to the receiver at step 41 a confirmation signal E or waiting at step 46 for an acknowledgment signal R and directly executes step 47 as a continuation of step 40 , thus directly establishing the MODEM link and then the direct link between the computer systems 12.

 it can also be noted that the reception of data of the teletel type or of a simple telephone call has not been shown in FIG. 5 either. However, here again the adaptation to these two modes is very easy. In fact, after taking the line in step 37 and sending the recognition signal in step 38, waiting in step 43 for a code in response is limited by an hourglass to a fraction or a number seconds determined. If this time is exceeded, it means that the transmitter is a simple telephone device. The ring generator 130 is then actuated causing the telephone ringing of the receiver and in parallel the multi-frequency signal generator 170 control, after switching of the switch S2, the action of the ringing of the transmitter. by module 150, the switch S1 is toggled to the second state to allow communication. When this is completed, a new switchover of the switches S1 and S2 makes it possible to return to the initial state.

 Likewise, if the receiver is a computer unit different from the transmitter, the code received in response to the recognition signal transmitted in step 38 will be arbitrary signifying to the transmitter the need to go directly to steps 47 and following allowing '' establish a computer link between the transmitter and the receiver.

 Finally, it should be specified that, by the flexibility of the device provided by the software, the recognition codes can be easily modified, and it is thus possible between two pieces of equipment provided with a device according to the invention to allow automatic change mode such as the transition from a "data" mode to a "voice" mode and vice versa by previously defining a characteristic code which will be integrated into the message transmitted by the transmitter.

 The hardware and software implementation thus described is particularly suitable for mixed voice / data use. However, due to its intelligent management, the transfer of image data, in a compressed form for example, is perfectly conceivable with the device according to the invention. Preferably, this device is however used for the transfer of documents created by various applications such as word processors, spreadsheets, databases and CAD software for example, safely and reliably and worldwide.

Claims (20)

 1. Method for automatic communication of data between two transmission / reception sets through a public switched telephone network, characterized in that the reception of a call, by one of these two sets, constituting a receiver set , on a telephone line of this network, comprises the following steps: a) detection of the call sent by the other of these two sets, constituting a transmitter set, on the telephone line (5), b) depending on the type received call:  bl) when the call is a telephone communication, triggering of the ringing of a telephone apparatus (11) of the receiver assembly and automatic connection of this apparatus with the telephone line (5),  b2) when the call is a digital communication, automatic connection of the telephone line (5) with a computer system (12) of the receiver assembly via a modulator / demodulator (110) integrated into this device.  2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the detection of a call on the telephone line (5) causes at the level of the receiver assembly a switchover in a first state of first switching means (S2), putting in link this telephone line with an analog signal generation module (170) which sends on the line a determined recognition signal.  3. Method according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the automatic connection between the telephone line (5) and the computer system (12) is obtained by switching over at the receiver assembly of second switching means (S3, S4), this switching being carried out after a correct reception of a determined code, in response to the sending of the recognition signal.  4. Method according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the triggering of the ringing of the telephone apparatus (11) is obtained by a ring generator (130) connected by third switching means (S1) to the telephone apparatus (11), these third switching means (S1) being in a first state.  5. Method according to any one of claims 1, 2 or 4, characterized in that the automatic connection between the telephone line (5) and the telephone apparatus (11) is obtained at the level of the receiver assembly by tilting in a second state of the third switching means (S1), this switching being carried out after an absence of reception of a determined code, in response to the sending of the recognition signal if the handset of the device (11) is off the hook or by order of the microcontroller (100).  6. Method according to any one of claims 2, 3 or 5, characterized in that the analog recognition and code signals are multifrequency signals.  7. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the emission of a call, when the call is a telephone communication, causes the automatic switching of the third switching means (S1) in the second state in order to allow a direct connection between the telephone apparatus (11) and the telephone line (5).  8. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the emission of a call, when the call is a digital communication, causes the automatic switching of the first switching means (S2) in the first state and thus links the telephone line (5) with the analog signal generation module (170) which then dials the call number of the correspondent to be called.  9. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that the switching of the second switching means (S3, S4), in order to link the telephone line (5) with the computer system (12), is carried out automatically after reception correct of a predetermined code.  10. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that the predetermined code is the determined recognition signal.  11. Automatic data communication device on a public switched telephone network, characterized in that it comprises:  - first switching means (S2) which in a first state connect a telephone line (5) to a module for generating analog signals (170) which delivers a determined recognition signal,  - second switching means (S3, S4) which connect the telephone line (5) to a computer system (12) via a modulator / demodulator (110), when a predetermined code has been received in response to the recognition signal issued,  - third switching means (S1) which connect the telephone line (5) to a telephone apparatus (11), when no predetermined code has been received in response to the recognition signal transmitted.  12. Automatic communication device according to claim 11, characterized in that it comprises an analog signal detector (160) which decodes the signal received in response to the recognition signal previously transmitted and a ring generator (130) which is activated when this signal does not correspond to the predetermined code to be received and then rings the telephone apparatus (11).  13. Automatic communication device according to claim 11 or claim 12, characterized in that the analog recognition or code signals are multifrequency signals.  14. Automatic communication device according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that it further comprises a call detection module (120) which indicates that access to the telephone line (5) is request.  15. Communication device according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that it further comprises modules for detaching a hook (150) from the telephone apparatus (11) and for detecting tones (140) existing on the telephone line (5).  16. Automatic communication device according to any one of claims 11 to 15, characterized in that the control of the different switching means (S1 to S4) is carried out by a connection management module (180), all of the modules (120 to 180) being under the control of a microcontroller (100) which manages the entire device.  17. Automatic communication device according to any one of claims 11 to 16, characterized in that the computer system (12) consists of a network of microcomputers.  18. Automatic communication device according to any one of claims 11 to 16, characterized in that the telephone apparatus (11) and the telephone line (5) constitute elements of a private telephone network.  19. Automatic communication device according to any one of claims 11 to 18, characterized in that it is integrated at the level of an electronic card of the computer system (12), which then only has a single external connector capable of receiving both the external telephone line (5) and the telephone apparatus (11).  20. Automatic communication device according to claim 19, characterized in that the microcontroller (100) is remote at the level of the computer system (12).