Telephonic communications – Emergency or alarm communications – Personal monitoring
Patent
1986-04-16
1987-08-25
Dwyer, James L.
Telephonic communications
Emergency or alarm communications
Personal monitoring
379 51, 379 46, 379214, H04M 354
Patent
active
046898115
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
FIELD OF INVENTION
The invention relates to a method and apparatus in a telecommunication system in which a number of subscribers have the possibility of connection to one or more centrally situated surveillance centers common to the subscribers.
BACKGROUND
In telecommunication systems of the kind mentioned above, more specifically in early care telephone systems, the subscribers, who are usually elderly with restricted mobility or otherwise disabled, have a need of being readily able to communicate, using their own telephone, with somebody who can quickly give them the help sought.
In systems where an automatic caller is used to ring, via the public telehpone network, a predetermined telephone number where a given function is to be automatically or manually executed, there are different known methods for getting the caller to select another telephone number if, for some reason, the first one cannot be answered. The systems may operate according to the following alternatives:
1. The caller is programmed for selecting another predetermined number at the next attempt at calling.
2. The call is answered and, via conventional call diverter equipment, is put through by ringing, via another telephone line, the telephone number where the function sought after can be provided.
3. The call is answered, and with the aid of a special signal the caller is directed to call up another predetermined telephone number.
4. The physical line is re-routed at the telephone exchange. The re-routing function is generally known as a diverter function.
The alternatives known to the prior art result in certain problems, however. Alternatives 1 and 3 require that the caller be programmed to ring the alternative telephone number. A change in the alternative number brings with it reprogramming of all the callers in the system. Alternative 2 requires expensive equipment, where it is required that two telephone subscribers are connected to the equiment. Alternative 4 requires switching equipment at the telephone exchange and extra wire pairs for controlling it.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
The method and apparatus in accordance with the invention are intended, for example, for implementation in an early care telephone system of the type illustrated in Swedish patent application No. 7801578-1.
It is an object of the invention to provide for an improved call diverter function especially with respect to early care telephone systems.
In order that the invention may be better understood, the basic principle of the function and use of the system in accordance with the mentioned application is summarized. As previously mentioned, people such as pensioners and disabled are sometimes in great need of being readily able to communicate with somebody who can quickly give them the help which is needed. The subscriber equipment of the system is connected to the public telephone network and is programmed to call one or a plurality of telephone numbers related to one or a plurality of duty centers.
When the pensioner wants to contact a duty center, the subscriber equipment operation is initiated with the aid of a built-in press button or with the aid of exterior key functions connected to the equipment. The telephone line, which is normally connected to the telephone apparatus of the pensioner, is switched to the subscriber equipment with the aid of a switching relay. The connection tone is detected and the calling sequence is initiated.
When the call is answered at the duty center, the latter sends an acknowledgement signal, which stops the caller from monitoring to insure that the call really has been answered by a duty center.
The acknowledgement signal also initiates the transmission of an identity code from the subscriber equipment so that the person seeking help can be identified at the duty centers. After this, the call function takes over, the duty centers sending voice control signals, for alternatively switching the microphone and loudspeaker in said subscriber equipment to the pensioner.
Many municipalities are building their pensioners' serv
REFERENCES:
patent: 3700813 (1972-10-01), Colman
patent: 3867581 (1975-02-01), Pommerening
patent: 4028499 (1977-06-01), Hovagimyan et al.
patent: 4064368 (1977-12-01), Dibner
Claeson Mats I.
Lennstrom Carl A.
Dwyer James L.
Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson
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