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Claims  |
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What is claimed is:
1. A telecommunications system for connection to a telephone network
CHARACTERIZED BY
means for intercepting telephone calls to and from the telephone network,
the intercepting means connected between the telephone network and a
single pair of conductors to which one or more telephone station sets are
connected in parallel, the station sets having signal generating means,
said intercepting means comprising
means for receiving address and command signals from the telephone station
sets over the single pair of conductors,
data processing means responsive to the address of command signals
receiving means,
means responsive to said data processing means for controlling the
connection of the telephone station sets to the telephone network, and
means for powering the telephone station sets.
2. A telecommunications system as recited in claim 1
FURTHER CHARACTERIZED BY
means for providing a voice message, the data processing means selecting
the contents of the voice message responsive to the address and command
signals receiving means.
3. A telecommunications system as recited in claim 1
FURTHER CHARACTERIZED BY
means for holding an incoming telephone call, the data processing means
actuating the call holding means responsive to the address and command
signals receiving means.
4. A telecommunications system as recited in claim 1
FURTHER CHARACTERIZED BY
means for generating telephone signals,
the data processing means, responsive to the address and command signals
receiving means, actuating the telephone signal generating means for
placement of an outgoing call when the address and command signals
receiving means has received appropriate signals.
5. A telecommunications system as recited in claim 1
FURTHER CHARACTERIZED BY
means for generating telephone ringing signals for application to the
telephone station sets,
the data processing means, responsive to the address and command signals
receiving means, actuating the telephone ringing signal generating means
to apply distinctive ringing to the telephone station sets.
6. A telecommunications system as recited in claim 1
FURTHER CHARACTERIZED BY
means for detecting the flow of current to the telephone station sets,
the data processing means supervising the address and command signals
receiving means responsive to the current flow detection means.
7. A telecommunications system as recited in claim 1
FURTHER CHARACTERIZED BY
means for detecting the transmission of telephone ringing signals from the
telephone network toward the telephone station sets, the data processing
means providing one of a plurality of operating modes responsive to the
detection of telephone ringing signals, one operating mode involving the
actuation of relay means for controlling the connection of the telephone
station sets to the telephone network.
8. A telecommunications system as recited in claim 7
FURTHER CHARACTERIZED BY
a real time clocking means associated with the data processing means, the
data processing means providing the plurality of operating modes
responsive to the real time clocking means and to the address and command
signals receiving means.
9. In a telecommunications system for connection between a telephone
network and at least one telephone station set having means for generating
address and command signals
means for receiving address and command signals from both the network and
the telephone station set,
data processing means responsive to the address and command signals
receiving means, and
means responsive to the data processing means for controlling the
connection of the telephone station set to the telephone network.
10. The system according to claim 9 wherein the address signal includes a
security code and a destination code, the system further including
means associated with the data processing means for storing security codes
and destination codes accessible by each security code,
the data processing means comparing the security code and destination code
of the address signal with the stored codes and actuating the means for
controlling connections to the telephone network responsive to the
security code and the destination code of the address signal matching the
stored code, whereby the destination codes that may be accessed are
determined by the security code of the address signal.
11. The system according to claim 9 further including
means, responsive to the data processing means, for ringing the telephone
station set in a distinctive manner.
12. The system according to claim 9
further including
a peripheral device interface responsive to the data processing means for
interfacing with at least one peripheral device responsive to a particular
command signal.
13. In a telecommunications system, means for controlling connections to a
telephone network
CHARACTERIZED IN THAT
the controlling means has first and second modes of operation, a first mode
for controlling calls to the telephone network and a second mode for
controlling calls from the telephone network, the controlling means
including
a signal receiver for receiving address and command signals in both the
first and second modes of operation,
a data processor responsive to the signal receiver,
a memory associated with the data processor for storing precoded binary
data, the data processor converting the address and command signals to
binary data for comparison with the precoded binary data, and
an address or command signal generator responsive to the data processor.
14. A telecommunications system for connection to a telephone network
CHARACTERIZED BY
means for intercepting telephone calls to and from the telephone network,
the intercepting means comprising
data processing means having memory,
means for controlling connection to the telephone network,
means for receiving dial or other service request signals, and
peripheral device interface connecting the data processing means to
security and fire alerting devices, utility meters, thermostats,
appliances or other devices,
the data processing means actuating the means for controlling connection to
the telephone network, the data processing means being responsive to entry
at the dial or other service request signal receiving means of a
particular service request code or being responsive to data provided by
the peripheral device interface.
15. A telecommunications system for connection to a telephone network as
recited in claim 14
FURTHER CHARACTERIZED BY
a ring generator connectable to extension telephone sets of the
telecommunications system and
outcalling means for placing a telephone call to the telephone network from
the telecommunications system,
the outcalling means and ring generator being so electrically connected as
to be simultaneously actuable by the data processing means.
16. A telecommunications system for connection between a telephone network
and at least one telephone station set
CHARACTERIZED BY
a signal receiver for receiving signals from the network and the telephone
station set
a ring generator for applying a ringing signal to the telephone station set
and
a data processor having memory and an associated clock for controlling the
ring generator responsive to the signal receiver
means for entering data to data processor
the ring generator providing distinctive ringing of the telephone station
set responsive to a particular signal being received by the signal
receiver.
17. A telecommunications system for connection to a telephone network
CHARACTERIZED BY
means for intercepting telephone calls to and from the telephone network,
the intercepting means connected between at least one telephone station
set having signal generating means and the telephone network, said
intercepting means comprising
means for receiving address and command signals from the telephone station
set or the telephone network, at least one such command signal being
predetermined and comprising a service request code and a data entry
illegal as an address signal, and
data processing means responsive to the signal receiving means, the data
processing means in one mode recognizing the predetermined signal and
initiating a service corresponding to the service request code, and in a
second mode initiating a connection to the network. |
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Claims |
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Description |
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TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates generally to small capacity telecommunications
systems and, more particularly, to a user programmable system permitting
inter and intrapremises communications.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A number of residential telephone sets have been commercially introduced
which may be called feature telephone station sets. A feature telephone
station set is a telephone set having a data processor and providing a
host of features. These features may include, among others, repertory
dialing from a user programmable telephone directory; alpha-numeric
display of telephone numbers, time, and charges; automatic last number
redial; and automatic telephone answering and message storage. Such
telephone sets encourage undesirable duplication of certain common
elements as, for example, when more than one telephone extension set is
required to provide the same features.
Discussion of a "next generation" telephone set has centered around efforts
to break away from the mold of telephone set design of the past and to
provide new services and features in a new environment. In an article
entitled "Next Generation Telephone: Blue Sky or Solid Ground?" appearing
on pages 69-73 of the December 15, 1980 issue of Telephone Engineer and
Management, Paul Fleming, Technical Director of USITA, proposes that the
new residential environment include a multi-wire communications bus that
is accessible from any room within a residential premises. Telephone sets
as well as extraordinary devices like data sets, video displays, and
utility meters can be horizontally connected or vertically connected
through interfaces to the residential system bus. Such new services and
features as home banking, energy management, home security, intercom and
toll restriction can result from such an enhanced environment.
There are problems inherent in such a system. While the conventional
telephone set may be retained and employed by a telephone customer, their
residence or place of business must be rewired at considerable cost. In
addition, there still remains a necessity for duplication of common
elements as in the previously discussed example of two or more telephone
extension sets requiring the same features. While data and video links
suggested in the article tend to require the provision of additional
facilities such as coaxial or optical fiber cable, it is not clear in the
short term exactly when such facilities will be universally available. It
is urged by critics that the telephone wire and television radio frequency
inputs such as are employed for teletext services are already in place and
may be utilized very efficiently.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The problems and limitations of the commercially available feature
telephone sets and which remain unresolved by the "next generation"
telephone set are overcome by the principles of the present invention, a
data processor based telecommunications system. The present system
envisions no additional facilities and no rewiring of a residential or
small business premises. The present telecommunications system may be
functionally described as a telephone call interceptor. The system most
conveniently interfaces existing telephone equipment in the vicinity of
the telephone line connecting the premises to a telephone central office.
This interface location, then, is in the vicinity of the protector block
where all inside telephone wires terminate, connecting the telephone line
in series with extension telephone sets. The telephone call interceptor is
advantageously connected by means of customer convenience connector
hardware between the protector block and the telephone extension wires
and, thus, utilizes existing telephone wiring. It particularly comprises
four basic building blocks: a data processor; switching means such as a
relay for connecting existing telephone extension sets to the telephone
network; a means for receiving telephone address or command signals from
the telephone sets, typically either of a dial pulsing or dual tone
character; and a local power supply for powering the extension telephones
when the connection to the telephone network is broken.
With these basic elements, the present communications system offers a
number of features. One example is out-dialing restriction. The connection
to the telephone network is normally broken. Each member of a family or
employee of a business entitled to use the phone is given a code. To
access the telephone network, a user must first enter the code at a
telephone extension set. The data processor, recognizing the validity or
invalidity of the code, either provides or denies access to the telephone
network.
With the addition of other building blocks, the number of features may be
expanded. For example, a voice message synthesizer or speech processor can
inform a user of an invalid network access code. The addition of a means
for holding an incoming telephone call permits a user to hold the incoming
telephone call at any extension telephone set without that feature being
implemented in the construction of the set. The user accesses the system,
dials a particular hold feature command and, thus, signals the data
processor to actuate the call holding means.
Another example of feature addition is the provision of a telephone address
signal generator for signaling the central office. The memory of the data
processor may be employed to store any quantity of telephone numbers by
name, number, or any other known directory memory structure. For example,
the user who has forgotten a telephone number may access the system and
then begin to key in the name of the person in their telephone directory.
The data processor via the speech processor then may tell the user the
name of the person he has prestored in the directory, once a non-ambiguous
match is identified, frequently after entry of only a few characters. Upon
the entry of a further particular command code, the data processor may
automatically connect the extension set to the network. Thereafter, the
data processor triggers the telephone address signal generator to begin
transmitting signals toward the telephone central office.
A problem which the present invention solves is one of alerting the
telephone central office to an oncoming series of address signals when
telephone office signaling is not desired. The feature which solves this
problem may be described as an elastic store feature. In the placement of
an intrapremises call, connection to the central office remains broken.
Otherwise, the central office would be falsely triggered costing valuable
telephone switching equipment usage and precluding incoming calls during
the dialing interval.
The elastic store feature permits the temporary storage in random access
memory of dialed telephone signals until the data processor makes a
determination whether the call is to be an outgoing call. Should such a
determination be made, the data processor actuates the switching means to
connect the system to the central office and actuates the telephone
address signal generator. For this process, the system may either be
equipped with a dial tone detector circuit for detecting central office
dial tone or may delay sending address signals to the central office to
account for a reasonable dial tone delay interval.
The elastic store feature is also usable in the incoming call direction for
such features as call screening. An incoming call is automatically
answered. Voice synthesis means requests the caller to enter a personal
code or their telephone number into elastic storage. The data processor
matches the entered information against telephone directory data stored in
memory. If there is a match, the intercepting means proceeds to ring
extension telephone sets. Otherwise, the intercepting means may store the
telephone number of the caller and the time and date of the call.
Since the protector block and the present home communications system may
likely be in the vicinity of other utility inputs and metering devices,
the present telecommunications system may include a convenient emergency
service and energy management interface. Consequently, security devices,
utility meters, appliances and fire detectors may interface with the
present system in a convenient manner. Home banking or catalog ordering is
accomplished with a videotex service device where the video input may be
provided either by a wired connection or over radio waves to an existing
television antenna. Banking and purchasing are accomplished over the
telephone line. Thus, a number of services have been highlighted which may
be provided by a relatively simple, data processor-based communications
system in accordance with the present invention. While the present system
may be best employed as a home communications system, the present system
may be equally employed to advantage by a small business customer. Other
adjuncts and services of the present telecommunications system are
disclosed in detail in the forthcoming detailed description of the
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of the present invention, a
telecommunications system, showing many of the elements thereof in block
diagram form;
FIG. 2 is a depiction of a customer's premises showing how the present
telecommunications system may be installed;
FIG. 3 is a schematic drawing of one embodiment of a line current detector
which may be employed with the telecommunications system of FIG. 1; and
FIG. 4 is a schematic drawing showing the means for making and breaking the
connection to the telephone network under data processor control.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to FIG. 1, a detailed block diagram of one illustrative
embodiment of the present telecommunications system is shown. The system
is designed to be connected between the telephone network termination and
the termination of all existing extension telephone sets at a customer
premises location. In particular, the terminals designated T and R are for
connection to a protector block 201 (FIG. 2) customarily terminating a
telephone line to a telephone central office. The terminals designed CT
and CR are for connection to the customer premises wiring 204 (FIG. 2)
which ties all existing extension telephone sets in an electrically
parallel connection.
Customer convenience hardware 202 (FIG. 2) such as the Western Electric Co.
Model 635B connector block facilitates the installation and application of
the present telecommunications system. A plug comprising terminals T, R,
CT, and CR insertable into a jack of the customer convenience hardware
breaks the through connection between the telephone network and the
telephone extension sets. When the plug is withdrawn from the hardware,
the through connection is restored. In this manner, the present system may
be simply disengaged from the network for maintenance or other purposes.
Thus the present telecommunications system may be described as a means for
intercepting calls to and from the telephone network. In this regard, it
comprises a number of building blocks for the purpose of providing a
number of features which the existent telephone extension sets would not
be otherwise able to provide.
In particular, the building blocks include a ringing detector 140 for
detecting incoming ringing signals from the telephone central office. The
reception of these ringing signals is reported to a data processor 110
which takes action upon the receipt of ringing signals in any of a number
of ways.
On the telephone extension set end of the system, an address or command
signal receiver 115 is present for receiving through capacitor C100 any
telephone address or command signals generated by the telephone extension
sets, provided contacts RPM1 and RPM2 are closed. Likewise, the address
and command signal receiver is capable of receiving such signals from the
telephone network through transformer T100 provided contacts SHM1, SHM2,
COM, and PHM are closed. All reported command and address signal data are
reported to data processor 110.
Other data input devices include dial tone detector 160 for informing data
processor 110 when dial tone is present on the line and line current
detector 118 for informing data processor 110 when existing telephone
extension sets are in an off-hook switchhook condition and drawing line
current. Dial tone detection circuits are well known in the art and
generally comprise filter apparatus tuned for receiving certain
frequencies which are transmitted by the switching machine located at the
serving telephone central office. One line current detector 118 is more
particularly described in connection with the subsequent discussion of
FIG. 3.
Associated with line current detector 118 is a local source of direct
current or battery power 125 for operating existing telephone station
equipment when connection to the telephone central office is broken. The
presence of local battery also indicates system status. The customer,
hearing battery-provided side tone at an extension telephone set, is able
to identify the idle status of the present telecommunications system. As
an alternative to sidetone, a local source of dial tone (not shown) at
different frequencies than telephone central office dial tone may be
provided, if desired. The local dial tone may be employed to more clearly
distinguish system status to the user.
Before discussing data output devices, it is useful to mention certain
adjunct apparatus which may be employed with the present
telecommunications system. A peripheral device interface 114 serves as a
connecting vehicle for security devices, utility meters, fire detectors,
appliances and other such apparatus. Through interface 114, energy usage,
breach of security, fire detection, and other information can be input to
data processor 110 which may then act upon the information in any number
of ways.
Peripheral device interface 114 is also a data output device in that a
customer is able to interface, for example, with a particular appliance or
their heating and cooling system in order to control their operation from
a local telephone extension set or from some remote telephone. The
selection and design of peripheral device interface 114 is a function of
the choice of data processor 110 having particular data input and output
requirements and the devices to which it connects. It may or may not
comprise buffer memory, a parallel/serial data converter, or logic or
other control circuitry.
Other data output devices include speech processor 150, address or command
signal generator 116, and ring generator 119. These devices all interface
with the telephone line connecting terminals T and R with terminals CT and
CR.
Speech processor 150 is electrically connected in similar fashion as
address or command signal receiver 115. It is capable of outputting speech
information in either of two directions. It may output speech toward the
telephone central office through transformer T100 provided contacts CM,
COM, SHM1 and SHM2 are closed. It may output speech toward a telephone
extension set through capacitor C100 provided contacts CM, PHM, RPM1 and
RPM2 are closed. Responsive to data processor 110, speech processor 150
constructs and transmits appropriate messages in either direction.
Address or command signal generator 116 is also so connected that it may
output signals in either of two directions. With contacts CM, COM, SHM1
and SHM2 closed, telephone signals may be transmitted toward the telephone
central office at the behest and control of data processor 110. With
contacts CM, RPM1 and RPM2 closed, telephone signals may be transmitted
toward the existing extension telephone sets. Address or command signal
generator 116 may most conveniently be a dual tone frequency signal
generator known in the art.
The transmission of dual tone frequency or other telephone signals toward
existing extension telephone sets warrants further explanation. It is
assumed that in order for this feature to be useful the extension
telephone set must be capable of receiving such data and acting upon it.
Consequently, it is assumed in this instance that the extension telephone
set is a data processor based feature telephone set capable of receiving
and acting upon such data.
It is presumed in FIG. 1 that relays or other control means (FIG. 4) are
present for opening and closing contacts SHM1, SHM2, CM, COM, PHM, RPB1,
RPB2, RPM1, and RPM2. Data processor 110 responsive to telephone signal
receiver 115 or other data input means directly or indirectly operates
most of the contacts shown. By way of convention, the contacts are shown
in their normal or idle operating state.
Transformer T100 provides DC isolation between the telephone extension sets
and the telephone central office line. Because telephone battery 125 is
locally provided at line current detector 118, the present
telecommunications system is not dependent on telephone central office
provided line power. Capacitor C100 provides DC isolation as well and
permits alternating current energy to pass in the telephone extension set
direction.
Data processor 110 is a locally programmable computer. Data input device
117 facilitates user entry of, for example, personal directory
information. Typically, it is a keyboard having considerably greater data
input capability than is present at a telephone extension set limited
usually to a twelve button keyboard or a ten digit dial. Yet, it is not
inconceivable that data input device 117, and even address or command
signal receiver 115 will be replaceable in the short term future with
voice recognition circuitry whereby the spoken voice will serve as an
intelligible input to data processor 110.
A simple to use system access protocol permits human interaction with data
processor 110 from extension telephone sets or from the network if a voice
recognition circuit for data input is unavailable. The system access
protocol may comprise two separate languages, one for use from a standard
telephone set where a twelve button input capability is presumed
commercially attractive over voice recognition technology and a second
language for use from the expanded data input device 117 such as a large
keyboard. While the system access arrangement from extension telephones is
more particularly described in connection with the subsequent discussion
of certain features of the present telecommunications system, it is
appropriate here to discuss the arrangement in some detail.
A particular suffix or prefix, illegal to the telephone central office, may
be employed to distinguish system access. In dual tone frequency telephone
dials, the pound sign # is one example of such an illegal prefix or
suffix. A service request code such as H may be dialed with the prefix or
suffix # to uniquely identify, for example, a hold feature to the present
telecommunications system. Another prefix or suffix that might be employed
is a switchhook flash signal. In an alternative embodiment, the data
processor may simply delay acting until a predetermined period of time has
elapsed, the delay identifying the service request as such.
Data output device 113 is provided to give the user of the present
telecommunications system feedback at the location of data processor 110
about their interaction with data processor 110. One data output device
113 might be a loudspeaker. A user at the location of data processor 110
will get audible feedback from data processor 110 as it operates speech
processor 150. The speech processor, speaking for the data processor,
provides feedback of commands as they are received, provides instructions
to the user, and provides data output such as time, messages and so on.
Visual or other output devices 113, while more expensive, are equally
applicable. These may include, and are not limited to include, raster scan
display, light emitting diode display, or fluorescent display. In
addition, the present telecommunications system may operate in conjunction
with a customer provided television set, the display portion of the
television set being used for data output.
Data processor 110 is shown having external random access memory RAM 111.
It may also require an external read only or program memory (ROM) not
shown. However, data processor 110 is more likely a microcomputer having
inboard random access memory and read only memory.
Associated with data processor 110 is shown an external clock 112. While it
is shown to be external, it is equally feasible that an algorithm of data
processor 110 is fully capable of providing time and calendar data on a
real time basis for temporary storage in random access memory. Thus clock
112 is most likely an external oscillating means providing a regular
periodic signal to data processor 110. For call logging of incoming calls,
a record of time and date of an incoming call can be stored in random
access memory for subsequent retrieval and/or erasure.
What follows is a table showing commercially available or disclosed devices
which may be employed in construction of the present telecommunications
system. Some modification may be required of some circuitry which is
therein listed. Such modification, if required, is not beyond the
capability of one ordinarily skilled in the art.
TABLE I
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Device Commercially Available Unit
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Data Processor 110
Texas Instruments Model TMS
7040 Microcomputer
Speech Processor 150
Texas Instruments Model TMS5220
processor equipped with Model
TMS6100 Read Only Memory Circuits
Ringing Detector 140
Texas Instruments Model TCM1501
Ring Detector Driver application
Ring Generator 119
U.S. Pat. No. 4,239,935
Signal Receiver 115
Mitel Corp. Two Chip Tone/Dial
Pulse Receiver
Customer Convenience
Western Electric Model 635B
Hardware 202 connector block
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TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM INSTALLATION
Referring to FIG. 2, a typical customer premises 210 is shown having a
number of telephone extension sets dispersed about the premises. Set 205
may be located in the basement, set 206 on the first floor, and set 207 on
the second story. These sets normally connect to protector block 201 by
internal house wiring 204 in parallel fashion. Protector block 201
terminates line 200 to a remote telephone central office 200.
Customer convenience hardware 202 may be user installable. It is series
inserted between protector block 201 and the existing house wiring 204. A
four connector cord 208, terminated in a plug, connects to a jack of
customer convenience hardware 202 so as to interrupt and break the normal
through connection between telephone central office and telephone
extension set. Cord 208 then may be run through the premises to any
desired location for telecommunications system 203. In FIG. 2, it is shown
that telecommunications system 203 may be located on a piece of furniture
such as a table or desk.
TELECOMMUNICATION SYSTEM CIRCUIT DETAILS
As previously indicated, Table I provides a commercial equivalent for most
of the functional blocks or devices of FIG. 1 so that one ordinarily
skilled in the art may proceed to construct the present telecommunications
system. In addition are provided FIGS. 3 and 4 for additional circuit
details.
Referring to FIG. 3, a schematic drawing is provided of one embodiment of
the line current detector 118 of FIG. 1. Indications of the flow of
current in the telephone line are provided at outputs LCD and DPI. The
circuit of FIG. 3, thus, has a dual function. At output LCD, an output is
provided to data processor 110 that a telephone set is off hook or
providing a similar indication. At output DPI, the same output is provided
to address or command signal receiver 115, but here the indication is
interpreted as a dial pulse signal.
Isolating circuitry comprising diodes D100 and D101 and direct current pass
inductor L100 provide an indicator signal through resistor R302 to the
base of transistor T301. When the indicator signal is present, an output
is provided at LCD and DPI. When no signal is provided, there is no
output, and consequently no dial pulse or switchhook indication.
Referring to FIG. 4, means are shown by which the data processor 110 is
capable of controlling the reconfiguration of the telecommunications
system of FIG. 1. Typically, a positive output of the data processor is
amplified, inverted and provided for operation of a relay connected in
parallel with a diode. Relay CO operates responsive to signal CORL from
data processor 110. Upon relay operation, contact COM of FIG. 1 changes
from a normally broken to a closed or "made" state. Relay SH operates
responsive to signal SHRL to close normally open contacts SHM1 and SHM2.
Relay PH operates responsive to signal PHRL to close normally open contact
PHM.
Contact CM shown in FIG. 1 is assumed to be one analog switching
arrangement of a National Semiconductor Model CD4066BC integrated circuit
(not shown) which is commercially available and provides four such
arrangements for control by data processor 110.
Relay RPRL is provided for power down or in the event of a power failure.
Consequently, contacts RPM1, RPM2, RPB1 and RPB2 are shown in FIG. 1 in
their idle state in conformity with relay convention. However, normally
there is power; thus so long as there is power, RPM1 and RPM2 are made
while RPB1 and RPB2 are broken.
The normal state of relay RPRL is actuated; in a power down or power
failure situation, power VS fails; relay RPRL is deactuated. Consequently,
contacts RPM1 and RPM2 are broken and RPB1 and RPB2 made so that a through
connection from the telephone network to all stations within the
customer's premises is always provided in such an emergency.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM FEATURES
As discussed above, | | |
