Voice and data telecommunications apparatus

• US 5,023,903 A
• Filed: 07/07/1989
• Issued: 06/11/1991
• Est. Priority Date: 05/09/1988
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Frederic W. Bowen
• Original Assignee: Frederic W. Bowen
• Inventors: Bowen, Frederic W.
• Primary Examiner(s): Brown, Thomas W.
• Application Number:
  US07/376,750
• Time in Patent Office: 704 Days
• Field of Search: 379/93, 379/96, 379/97, 379/98, 379/100, 379/102, 379/104, 379/105, 379/67, 379/88
• US Class Current: 379/67.1
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/00 Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers subscriber services or facilities provided at exchanges H04M3/00; prepayment telephone coin boxes H04M17/00; current supply arrangements H04M19/08
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 11/06 Simultaneous speech and data transmission, e.g. telegraphic transmission over the same conductors

Abstract

Apparatus for transmitting analog voice and data communications on a phone line utilizing a telephone, a data terminal and a modem, the modem being connected to the data terminal. The apparatus comprises a mode switch for connection to the phone line, to the modem and to the telephone, the mode switch having at least first and second positions. When in the first position, the phone line is connected to the modem and when in the second position the phone line is connected to the telephone. A controller is connected to the mode switch for placing the mode switch in the first position or in the second position. A data transition tone generator is connected to the controller and to the phone line, and an actuator is provided for actuating the tone generator to produce a tone signal on the phone line at substantially the time that the contoller changes the position of the mode switch. Apparatus may further include a record/playback unit connected to the telephone lead and controller such that the controller may direct it to answer a call, playback a message, record when the phone is connected to the phone line, and stop recording when the telephone is not connected to the phone line.

Claims

1. Apparatus for transmitting analog voice and data communications on a phone line utilizing a telephone, a data terminal and a modem, the modem being connected to the data terminal, said apparatus comprising:

(a) a mode switch adapted to be connected to the phone line, to the modem and to the telephone, said mode switch having at least first and second positions, when in said first position the phone line being connected to the modem and the telephone being disconnected and when in the second position the phone line being connected to the telephone and the modem being disconnected;

(b) a controller connected to said mode switch for placing said mode switch in said first position or in said second position;

(c) a data transition tone generator connected to said controller and adapted to be connected to the phone line; and

(d) a transition button means for actuating said tone generator to produce a unique tone signal other than modem carrier on the phone line just prior to the time that said controller changes the position of said mode switch.

2. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said transition button comprises an electronic or mechanical or optical actuator.

3. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, and further including a data state timer means for actuating said tone generator, said data state timer means repeatedly operable for the duration of the call connection.

4. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, and further including a tone detector connected to said controller and adapted to be connected to the phone line, said tone detector being operable to detect said unique tone signal other than modem carrier on the phone line and actuate said controller to change the position of said mode switch.

5. Apparatus as set forth in claim 4, wherein said tone detector is further operable to cause said tone generator to produce a unique confirmation tone signal other than modem carrier on the phone line.

6. Apparatus as set forth in claim 5, wherein said unique tone signal and said unique confirmation tone signal comprise dual-tone signals.

7. Apparatus for transmitting analog voice and data communications on a phone line utilizing a telephone, a data terminal and a modem, the modem being connected to the data terminal, said apparatus comprising:

(a) a mode switch adapted to be connected to the phone line, to the modem and to the telephone, said mode switch having at least first and second positions, when in said first position the phone line being connected to the modem and when in the second position the phone line being connected to the telephone;

(b) a controller connected to said mode switch for placing said mode switch in said first position or in said second position;

(c) a data transition tone generator connected to said controller and adapted to be connected to the phone line; and

(d) a transition button means for actuating said tone generator to produce a tone signal on the phone line just prior to the time that said controller changes the position of said mode switch,

said mode switch further having a neutral position, and said controller being operable to place said mode switch in said neutral position while said tone generator is producing said tone signal.

8. Apparatus for transmitting analog voice and data communications on a phone line utilizing a telephone, a data terminal and a modem, the modem being connected to the data terminal, said apparatus comprising:

(a) a mode switch adapted to be connected to the phone line, to the modem and to the telephone, said mode switch having at least first and second positions, when in said first position the phone line being connected to the modem and the telephone being disconnected and when in the second position the phone line being connected to the telephone and the modem being disconnected;

(b) a controller connected to said mode switch for placing said mode switch in said first position or in said second position;

(c) a data transition tone signal generator connected to said controller and adapted to be connected to the phone line; and

(d) said controller including a data state timer means for automatically causing said generator to produce a unique tone signal other than modem carrier on the phone line and causing said mode switch to move from said second position to the said first position, said data state timer means repeatedly operable for the duration of the call connection.

9. Apparatus as set forth in claim 8, wherein said unique tone signal comprises a dual tone signal.

10. Apparatus as set forth in claim 8, and further including a tone signal detector for responding to said tone signal other than modem carrier and moving said mode switch from one of said positions to the other of said positions, and a confirmation tone signal generator responsive to said tone signal detector for generating a unique confirmation tone signal other than modem carrier on said phone line in response to receipt of a transition tone signal, said confirmation tone generator repeatedly operable during the duration of the call.

11. Apparatus as set forth in claim 8, and further including

(e) a control means for maintaining known and compatible states in said data terminal and said modem during voice and data states and state transitions and while said modem is disconnected or connected to the phone line.

12. Apparatus for transmitting analog voice and data communications on a phone line utilizing a telephone, a data terminal and a modem, the modem being connected to the data terminal, said apparatus comprising:

(a) a mode switch adapted to be connected to the phone line, to the modem and to the telephone, said mode switch having at least first and second positions, when in said first position the phone line being connected to the modem and when in the second position the phone line being connected to the telephone;

(b) a controller connected to said mode switch for placing said mode switch in said first position or in said second position;

(c) a data transition tone signal generator connected to said controller and adapted to be connected to the phone line; and

(d) said controller including a data state timer means for automatically causing said generator to produce a tone signal on the phone line and causing said mode switch to move from one of said positions to the other of said positions,

said data state timer means comprising a data state timer for automatically moving said switch from said second position to said first position at a predetermined timing period.

13. Apparatus for transmitting analog voice and data communications on a phone line utilizing a telephone, a data terminal and a modem, the modem being connected to the data terminal, said apparatus comprising:

(a) a mode switch adapted to be connected to the phone line, to the modem and to the telephone, said mode switch having at least first and second positions, when in said first position the phone line being connected to the modem and when in the second position the phone line being connected to the telephone;

(b) a controller connected to said mode switch for placing said mode switch in said first position or in said second position;

(c) a data transition tone signal generator connected to said controller and adapted to be connected to the phone line; and

(d) said controller including a data state timer means for automatically causing said generator to produce a tone signal on the phone line and causing said mode switch to move from one of said positions to the other of said positions,

said controller further including a voice state timer for preventing said controller from moving said mode switch from said first position to said second position until after a predetermined timing period.

14. Apparatus for transmitting analog voice and data communications on a phone line utilizing a telephone, a data terminal and a modem, the modem being connected to the data terminal, said apparatus comprising:

(a) a mode switch adapted to be connected to the phone line, to the modem and to the telephone, said mode switch having at least first and second positions, when in said first position the phone line being connected to the modem and the telephone being disconnected and when in the second position the phone line being connected to the telephone and the modem being disconnected;

(b) a controller connected to said mode switch for placing said mode switch in said first position or in said second position;

(c) a data transition tone generator connected to said controller and adapted to be connected to the phone line; and

(d) a computer connected to said modem and to said controller for causing said generator to produce a unique tone signal other than modem carrier on the phone line and causing said mode switch to move from one of said positions to the other of said positions.

15. Apparatus as set forth in claim 14, wherein said computer causes said mode switch to be placed in said first position.

16. Apparatus as set forth in claim 15, and further including a record/playback means with said controller connected to said record/playback means and a control means for controlling said record/playback means to answer an incoming call, playback, record, and stop recording.

17. Apparatus as set forth in claim 14, wherein said tone signal comprises at least two tones.

18. Apparatus as set forth in claim 14, and further including a record/playback means with said controller connected to said record/playback means and a control means for controlling said record/playback means to answer an incoming call, playback, record, and stop recording.

19. Apparatus as set forth in claim 14, and further including

(e) a control means for maintaining known and compatible states in said data terminal and said modem during voice and data states and state transitions and while said modem is disconnected or connected to the phone line.

20. Apparatus for transmitting analog voice and data communications on a phone line utilizing a telephone, a data terminal and a modem, the modem being connected to the data terminal, said apparatus comprising:

(a) a mode switch adapted to be connected to the phone line, to the modem and to the telephone, said mode switch having at least first and second positions, when in said first position the phone line being connected to the modem and when in the second position the phone line being connected to the telephone;

(b) a controller connected to said mode switch for placing said mode switch in said first position or in said second position;

(c) a data transition tone generator connected to said controller and adapted to be connected to the phone line; and

(d) a transition button means for actuating said tone generator to produce a tone signal on the phone line just prior to the time that said controller changes the position of said mode switch,

said mode switch further including a neutral position wherein said phone line is disconnected from said telephone and said modem, and said tone generator produces said tone signal when said mode switch is in said neutral position.

21. Apparatus for transmitting analog voice and data communications on a phone line utilizing a telephone, a data terminal and a modem, the modem being connected to the data terminal, said apparatus comprising:

(a) a mode switch adapted to be connected to the phone line, to the modem and to the telephone, said mode switch having at least first and second positions, when in said first position the phone line being connected to the modem and when in the second position the phone line being connected to the telephone;

(b) a controller connected to said mode switch for placing said mode switch in said first position or in said second position;

(c) a data transition tone signal generator connected to said controller and adapted to be connected to the phone line; and

(d) said controller including a data state timer means for automatically causing said generator to produce a tone signal on the phone line and causing said mode switch to move from one of said positions to the other of said positions,

said mode switch further including a neutral position wherein said phone line is disconnected from said telephone and said modem, and said tone generator produces said tone signal when said mode switch is in said neutral position.

22. Apparatus for transmitting analog voice and data communications on a phone line utilizing a telephone, a data terminal and a modem, the modem being connected to the data terminal, said apparatus comprising:

(a) a mode switch adapted to be connected to the phone line, to the modem and to the telephone, said mode switch having at least first and second positions, when in said first position the phone line being connected to the modem and when in the second position the phone line being connected to the telephone;

(b) a controller connected to said mode switch for placing said mode switch in said first position or in said second position;

(c) a data transition tone generator connected to said controller and adapted to be connected to the phone line; and

(d) a computer connected to said modem and to said controller for causing said generator to produce a tone signal on the phone line and causing said mode switch to move from one of said positions to the other of said positions,

said mode switch further including a neutral position wherein said phone line is disconnected from said telephone and said modem, and said tone generator produces said tone signal when said mode switch is in said neutral position.

23. Apparatus as set forth in claim 22, and further including a record/playback means with said controller connected to said record/playback means and a control means for controlling said record/playback means to answer an incoming call, playback, record, and stop recording.

24. A method of transmitting data and voice communications over a phone line between a near end and a remote end, comprising the steps of

(a) connecting a mode switch, a controller, a modem and a telephone to said phone line at said near end, and a similar mode switch, a controller, a modem and a telephone to said phone line at said remote end;

(b) initializing communications between said near end and said remote end with said mode switch at said near end connecting said telephone at said near end to said phone line and disconnecting said modem at said near end, and said mode switch at said remote end connecting said telephone at said remote end to said phone line and disconnecting said modem at said remote end;

(c) actuating said controller at said near end to generate a unique transition signal other than modem carrier on said phone line and disconnecting said telephone at said near end from said phone line;

(d) detecting said transition signal by said controller at said remote end and generating a unique confirmation signal other than modem carrier on said phone line and moving said mode switch at said remote end to connect said modem at said remote end to said phone line and disconnecting said telephone at said remote end; and

(e) detecting said confirmation signal by said controller at said near end and moving said mode switch at said near end to connect said modem at said near end to said phone line.

25. A method of transmitting data and voice communications over a phone line between a near end and a remote end and recording the voice communications at said remote end comprising the steps of

(a) connecting a mode switch, a controller, a modem and a telephone to said phone line at said near end, and connecting a similar mode switch, a controller, a modem and a telephone, and a record/playback unit to said phone line at said remote end;

(b) at said near end originating a call to said remote end with said mode switch connecting said phone to said phone line and disconnecting said modem from said phone line;

(c) at said remote end said controller detects ringing and answers with said mode switch connecting said phone and said record/playback unit to said phone line and disconnecting said modem from said phone line, and actuating said record/playback unit to begin recording;

(d) at said near end actuating said controller to generate a unique transition signal other than modem carrier on said phone line and disconnect said telephone from said phone line;

(e) at said remote end detecting said transition signal by said controller and said controller generating a unique confirmation signal other than modem carrier on said phone line, moving said mode switch to connect said modem to said phone line and disconnect said phone and said record/playback unit from said phone line, and actuating said record/playback unit to stop recording; and

(f) at said near end detecting said confirmation signal by said controller and moving said mode switch to connect said modem to said phone line and disconnect said phone from said phone line.

26. Apparatus for transmitting analog and data communications on a phone line utilizing a telephone, a data terminal or computer and a modem, the modem being connected to the data terminal, said apparatus comprising:

(a) a mode switch adapted to be connected to the phone line, to the modem and to the telephone, said mode switch having first, second and third positions, when in said first position the phone line being connected to the modem, when in said second position the phone line being connected to the telephone and when in said third position the phone line being disconnected from the modem and the telephone;

(b) a controller connected to said mode switch for placing said mode switch in said first position, said second position or in said third position;

(c) a tone generator connected to said controller and adapted to be connected to the phone line;

(d) a first control means for causing said generator to produce a tone signal on the phone line and causing said mode switch to move from one of said positions to the other of said positions;

(e) a second control means for maintaining known and compatible states in said data terminal and the modem during voice and data states and state transitions, and while said modem is connected and disconnected from the phone line;

(f) a data state timer means for automatically returning from the data state to the voice state after a predetermined timing period;

(g) a voice state timer means for remaining in the voice state until a predetermined time interval has expired; and

(h) a tone detector connected to said controller and adapted to be connected to the phone line, said tone detector being operable to detect a tone signal on the phone line and actuate said controller to change the position of said mode switch and to cause said tone generator to produce tone signals on the phone line.