Self-contained apparatus and method of monitoring telecommunications equipment
First Claim
1. An apparatus for monitoring a telecommunications system comprising:
- a detachable communications module connected to a telecommunications line that is independent of said telecommunications system to be monitored;
a controller connected to a telecommunications switch of said telecommunications system and to said communications module, said controller having detector means for sensing one of a plurality of predefined operational failures of said telecommunications switch, said controller further having an auto-dialer means responsive to said detector means for triggering a call to a remote site via said communications module upon sensing one of said operational failures;
a primary power source connected to power said controller and said detachable communications module; and
a backup power source connected to power said controller and said detachable communications module in the absence of said primary power source, said backup power source including at least one battery.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus for monitoring a telecommunications system includes a detachable communications module, such as a modem, connected to a call line that is independent of the system to be monitored. A controller is connected to the monitored system and to the communications module. The controller includes at least one detector for sensing various off-normal conditions relevant to operating the monitored system. The controller also includes an auto-dialer that is responsive to the detectors for triggering a call to a remote site via the telecommunications module upon sensing the presence of one of the off-normal conditions. A backup power source is connected to power the controller and the communications module if a primary power source fails. Preferably, the backup source includes at least one battery and the backup source, the controller, and the communications module are contained in a housing that is separate from the monitored system. Inputs to the preferred self-contained unit include a cable from a telecommunications switch (e.g., CBX) and ancillary inputs from equipment such as servers and alarm equipment. A service port is included to allow on-site diagnostic servicing and reprogramming of either or both of the monitored system and the monitoring unit. Non-volatile memory is included and can be upgraded locally using the service port or remotely using the communications module. Because the communications module is detachable, the module can be upgraded as desired, without affecting the implementation of the controller logic and circuitry.
36 Citations
20 Claims
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1. An apparatus for monitoring a telecommunications system comprising:
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a detachable communications module connected to a telecommunications line that is independent of said telecommunications system to be monitored; a controller connected to a telecommunications switch of said telecommunications system and to said communications module, said controller having detector means for sensing one of a plurality of predefined operational failures of said telecommunications switch, said controller further having an auto-dialer means responsive to said detector means for triggering a call to a remote site via said communications module upon sensing one of said operational failures; a primary power source connected to power said controller and said detachable communications module; and a backup power source connected to power said controller and said detachable communications module in the absence of said primary power source, said backup power source including at least one battery. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. An apparatus for monitoring conditions related to operations of a telecommunications switch comprising:
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a housing; a modem removably contained within said housing, said modem including means for transmitting and receiving data to and from a remote site; an auto-dialer contained within said housing and connected to said modem to initiate a call in an absence of user intervention; a detector contained within said housing and connected to said telecommunications switch to detect an operational failure of said switch, said auto-dialer being responsive to said detector when said operational failure is detected; non-volatile memory contained within said housing, said non-volatile memory having stored parameters indicative of at least one said operational failure of said switch; and processor means contained within said housing and connected to said non-volatile memory for updating stored data in response to input signals from equipment exterior to said housing. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method of monitoring a telecommunications system located at local site comprising steps of:
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connecting a self-contained monitoring unit to said system, said unit having a detachable communications module and a controller; charging a backup battery supply within said unit using a primary power source for operating said unit; sensing a system malfunction occurring at said local site utilizing said controller; automatically triggering a connection to a remote support facility upon detection of said system malfunction, including utilizing said controller to initiate said connection via said communications module and a communications link that is independent of said system; identifying said detected system malfunction to said remote support facility by means of said communications module and a coded message indicative of said detected system malfunction. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification