Multiple party telephone control system

What is claimed is:

1. A multiple-party control system for use with a telephone facility to interface a primary terminal coupled with a multitude of remote terminals through said telephone facility, said system comprising:

an audio generator structure for providing audio signals to said remote terminals to cue callers at said remote terminals;

switching apparatus for bridging a multitude of said remote terminals under control of signals from said remote terminals;

coupling apparatus connected to said switching apparatus for connecting said multitude of said remote terminals to said primary terminal for receiving audio communication; and

control structure coupled to said audio generator and said switching apparatus and further including:

a memory for storing qualification reference data relating to said callers at said remote terminals for interfacing said callers to said multiple-party control system:

means for receiving signals from said callers at said remote terminals; and

means for testing said qualification reference data against said signals received from said remote terminals for authorized participation.

2. A multiple-party control system according to claim 1, wherein said qualification reference data consists of caller telephone number data.

3. A multiple-party control system according to claim 1, wherein said memory further stores caller telephone number data provided automatically from the telephone facility in the form of ANI signals.

4. A multiple-party control system according to claim 1, wherein said control structure further includes means for selectively enabling said remote terminals to communicate through said switching apparatus to said primary terminal.

5. A multiple-party control system according to claim 1, wherein said control structure enables digital communication between said remote terminals and said primary terminal.

6. A multiple-party control system according to claim 1, further including clock means coupled to said control structure for further controlling communication between said remote terminals and said primary terminal.

7. A multiple-party control system according to claim 1, wherein said control structure enables live and simultaneous communication between said primary terminal and said remote terminals.

8. A multiple-party control system according to claim 1, further including testing means coupled to said control structure for testing said signals from said remote terminals.

9. A multiple-party control system according to claim 1, wherein said coupling apparatus bilaterally connects said multitude of remote terminals to said primary terminal for receiving audio communication.

10. A multiple-party control system according to claim 1, wherein said control structure tests for authorized participation based upon a person's identification number.

11. A multiple-party control system according to claim 10, wherein authorized participation is based upon a personal identification number.

12. A multiple party control system according to claim 1, wherein said audio generator structure notifies persons at said remote terminals regarding a current status of live communication between said remote terminals and said primary terminal.

13. A multiple-party control system according to claim 1, further including:

gang holding structure for collectively communicating with said multitude of said remote terminals collectively as a group; and

controlled switch means for initially coupling said multitude of remote terminals to said audio generator structure during an engagement phase of operation, subsequently connecting said terminals to said gang holding structure during a pending phase of operation and thereafter connecting said gang holding structure to said primary terminal for bilateral communication between said primary terminal and said multitude of said remote terminals.

14. A process for interfacing a primary telephone terminal with a plurality of remote telephone terminals through a telephone facility, comprising the steps of:

receiving incoming calls from said plurality of said remote telephone terminals;

providing audio prompt signals to individually cue callers at said plurality of said remote telephone terminals responsive to said receiving step;

receiving digital signals from said callers at said plurality of said remote telephone terminals;

testing said digital signals received from said callers against qualification reference data for said callers stored in a memory;

after cueing and testing said callers, bridging said callers at said plurality of said remote telephone terminals;

communicating collectively via audio between said plurality of said remote telephone terminals and said primary terminal.

15. A process for interfacing according to claim 14, further comprising the step of:

controlling communication between said gang holding remote terminals and said primary terminal on the basis of time.

16. A process for interfacing according to claim 14, further comprising the step of:

testing for authorized participation responsive to a caller providing identification number data.

17. A process for interfacing according to claim 16, further comprising the step of:

testing for authorized participation responsive to a caller providing personal identification number data.

18. A process for interfacing according to claim 1, wherein said control structure further includes means for defining signals indicative of operating sequences including an engagement phase and a group communication phase.

19. A multiple-party control system for use with a telephone facility to interface a primary terminal coupled with a multitude of remote terminals through said telephone facility, said system comprising:

an audio generator structure for providing audio signals to said remote terminals to cue persons at said remote terminals;

switching apparatus for bridging a multitude of said remote terminals under control of signals from said remote terminals;

coupling apparatus connected to said switching apparatus for unilaterally connecting said multitude of said remote terminals to said primary terminal for receiving live and simultaneous audio communication; and control structure coupled to said audio generator and said switching apparatus and further including:

a memory for storing qualification reference data relating to said callers at said remote terminals for interfacing said callers to said multiple-party control system;

means for receiving signals from said callers at said remote terminals; and

means for testing said qualification reference data against said signals received from said remote terminals for authorized participation.

20. A multiple-party control system for use with a telephone facility according to claim 19, wherein said switching apparatus enables a bidirectional connection between said primary terminal and certain of said other terminals.

21. A multiple-party control system for use with a telephone facility according to claim 19, wherein said coupling apparatus includes vocal means to provide status messages to said remote terminals.

22. A multiple-party control system according to claim 1, wherein said control means comprises clocking capability to control a time period for said audio communication between said remote terminals and said primary terminal.

23. A multiple-party control system according to claim 1, wherein said qualification reference data relating to said callers comprises personal identification number data.

24. A multiple-party control system according to claim 1, wherein said audio generator further provides additional audio signals to said multitude of remote terminals after bridging said multitude of said remote terminals.

25. A multiple-party control system according to claim 1, wherein at least certain of said audio communication between said remote terminals and said primary terminal is bilateral.

26. A process for interfacing a primary telephone terminal according to claim 14, wherein said communicating step further provides unilateral communication between said remote terminals and said primary terminal.

27. A process for interfacing a primary telephone terminal according to claim 14, further comprising the step of:

digitally communicating from said remote terminals to said primary terminal.

28. A process for interfacing a primary telephone terminal according to claim 14, further comprising the step of:

providing additional audio signals to said plurality of remote terminals after bridging said multitude of said remote terminals.

29. A multiple-party control system for use with a telephone facility to interface a primary terminal coupled with a multitude of remote terminals through said telephone facility, said system comprising: p1 an audio generator structure for providing audio signals to each of said multitude of remote terminals to cue each of said callers at said remote terminals;

switching apparatus coupled to said audio generator and for bridging said multitude of said remote terminals under control of signals from said remote terminals, said audio generator collectively providing additional audio signals to said multitude of remote terminals after bridging said multitude of remote terminals;

coupling apparatus coupled to said switching apparatus for connecting said multitude of said remote terminals to said primary terminal for receiving unilateral audio communication; and

control structure coupled to said audio generator and said switching apparatus and further comprising:

a memory for storing qualification reference data in the form of caller personal identification number data relating to said callers at said remote terminals for interfacing said callers to said multiple-party control system;

means for receiving signals from said callers at said remote terminals; and

means for testing said personal identification number data against said signals received from said remote terminals for authorized participation.

30. A multiple-party control system according to claim 29, wherein said control structure further comprises:

a clock for controlling at least a portion of said audio communication between said remote terminals and said primary terminal.

31. A multiple-party control system according to claim 29, wherein at least a portion of said audio communication between said remote terminals and said primary terminal is bilateral.

32. A process for interfacing a primary telephone terminal with a plurality of remote telephone terminals through a telephone facility, comprising the steps of:

receiving incoming calls from said plurality of remote telephone terminals;

bridging callers at said plurality of remote telephone terminals for gang holding;

providing audio signals to inform said gang holding callers at said plurality of remote telephone terminals responsive to said receiving and bridging steps;

after informing said callers, bridging said primary telephone terminal with said gang holding callers at said plurality of remote telephone terminals for communication;

communicating unilaterally via audio from said primary terminal with said gang holding callers at said plurality of remote telephone terminals; and

communicating bilaterally via audio between said primary telephone terminal and select ones of said gang holding callers at said plurality of remote telephone terminals.

33. A process for interfacing a primary telephone terminal according to claim 32, further comprising the step of:

digitally communicating from said plurality of remote telephone terminals to said primary telephone terminal.

34. A process for interfacing a primary telephone terminal according to claim 32, further comprising:

controlling a time period for audio communication between said gang holding callers at said plurality of remote telephone terminals and said primary telephone terminal.

35. A process for interfacing a primary telephone terminal 32, further comprising the step of:

storing qualification reference data relating to said callers at said plurality of remote telephone terminals for interfacing said callers to said multiple-party control system.

36. A process for interfacing a primary telephone terminal according to claim 35, further comprising the step of:

receiving signals from said callers at said plurality of remote telephone terminals.

37. A process for interfacing a primary telephone terminal according to claim 36, further comprising the step of:

testing said qualification reference data against said signals received from said plurality of remote telephone terminals for authorized participation.

38. A process for interfacing a primary telephone terminal according to claim 32, further comprising the step of:

providing additional audio signals via a voice generator to said plurality of remote telephone terminals after bridging said plurality of said remote telephone terminals to said primary telephone terminal.

Description Submit all comments and votes

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

For a number of years, telephonic communication primarily involved singular conversations between individual persons. However in recent years, the applications and uses for telephonic communication have radically expanded. Currently, telephone facilities are widely used to communicate digital information in conjunction with various forms of computer apparatus. In a related context, fully automated central station equipment has been developed for effectively communicating with persons calling to: receive information, provide statistical data or even consummate various transactions.

Another area of expanded telephonic communication involves techniques for variously interfacing persons. For example, in contemporary telephone systems, a variety of conference call techniques and caller selection operations can be executed at an individual telephone terminal. Also, push buttons on telephone keyboards have been utilized to implement secondary connections as desired by a caller. However, in spite of various prior telephonic developments, a need has been recognized for further expansion in multiple party telephonic communication and particularly with regard to systems affording flexibility and control, and with the capability to interface a large number of remote terminals, e.g. thousands, as for example to receive information. Thus, the present invention enables vastly expanded telephonic communication, as to inform, entertain or poll a multitude of people, as per pending application Ser. No. 194,258.

In general, the present invention may be embodied to implement and control interfaces through a telephone network between a primary terminal and a large number of remote terminals. Typically, the interfaces will involve unidirectional communication flowing from the primary terminal to a multitude of remote terminals. However, limited bilateral communication may be provided for a few of the remote terminals. To consider an exemplary operation, a personage at the primary terminal might report "live" to a large, select group of individuals at remote terminals. Select bilateral conversations also could be communicated to the listening group. Furthermore, digital data may be collected from the remote terminals as in polling applications. The data would be formulated at the remote terminals by the telephone push buttons.

In accordance with the present invention, a selection structure screens individual terminals during a preliminary engagement phase of establishing communication with the multitude of people. During the engagement period, persons at individual terminals can be greeted, then qualified on the basis of digital communication provided from the individual terminals via the telephone touch keyboard.

As the engagement period proceeds, a growing group of qualified terminals are bridged for gang communication to receive call status information collectively. The group is thus synchronized preparatory to the live communication when the switching apparatus unilaterally couples the qualified group of terminals to the primary telephone terminal. Variations may then accommodate some bilateral communication, for example to enable limited conversations or polling.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, which constitute a part of this specification, an exemplary embodiment of the invention is set forth as follows:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a component portion of the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of the process executed in the system of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of another component portion of the system of FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENT

As indicated above, a detailed illustrative embodiment of the present invention is disclosed herein. However, elements in accordance with the present invention may be embodied in a wide variety of forms some of which may be quite different from those of the disclosed embodiment. Consequently, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative; yet in that regard, they are deemed to afford the best embodiment for purposes of disclosure and to provide a basis for the claims herein which define the scope of the present invention.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, a multitude of telephone terminals T1 through TN are represented at the left of the figure connected to a telephone network facility F. Essentially, the telephone network facility F comprises a comprehensive public telephone network or system through which any of the multitude of telephone terminals T1 through TN may be employed to call another terminal and establish telephonic communication. The telephone terminals T1 through TN may constitute a wide variety of instruments, typically including a handpiece (microphone and earphone) and a keyboard or punch pad (not shown).

In accordance with the present invention, a select group of the telephonic terminals T1 through TN are gang connected through the telephone network facility F and a control system CS to accommodate communication with a primary telephone terminal PT (lower right). To accommodate various operations, the terminal PT may comprise a display terminal incorporating a control panel or keyboard, a CRT display and a telephone headset (microphone and earphones). Accordingly, the primary telephone terminal PT can be used to communicate live with a large, but qualified group of persons at select of the terminals T1-TN.

To consider an exemplary operation of the system, a personage (as the president of a major concern) might give a live status report to a multitude of key people distributed over a large area. The operation might involve confirmed identification of the key people for qualification to participate followed by synchronization for the interconnect. Accordingly, the communication to the key personnel is simultaneous and live. During the communication, the personage at the primary terminal PT may interface bilaterally with a small number of the key people, as by talking to them so as to enhance the report. Furthermore, statistical polling data from the group can be received effectively, monitored and recorded at the control system CS in a digital format.

Considering the control system CS in somewhat greater detail, a large number of telephone lines L1 through LN are provided from the telephone network facility F through connection equipment 10 to a multiplexer switch 12. The equipment 10 may incorporate automatic dialers and audio response units (ARU's) as well known in telephone technology. The switch 12 also incorporates known telephonic technology to accommodate a multitude of lines L1-LN that may be variously connected for individual or group communication. Note that several available units might be ganged together in the equipment 10 and the switch 12 to accomplish the desired capability.

The multiplexer switch 12 and the equipment 10 (along with all elements at the central station CS) are controlled by a computer and memory unit 14 (top, left) through a cable 16. To preserve the drawing legible, only illustrative connections are shown.

Generally, the control unit 14 may comprise a minicomputer of varying capacity depending on the number of lines L1 through LN and the degree of flexibility desired for the interfaces. As illustrated, the unit 14 includes clocking capability and a printer. As a related consideration, it is noteworthy that in operating embodiments, the control unit 14 may incorporate certain of the structures that are shown separately in FIG. 1.

The unit 14 controls the entire system CS and in that regard provides a series of binary command signals I1, I2, I3, I4 and I5, along with subcommand signals t1, t2 and t3. The signals I1 and I2 are concurrent. Otherwise, the command signal I3 alone is high or it is high with one or both of the command signals I4 and I5. Accordingly, select intervals of the operation are defined. Generally, the command signals I1 and I2 concurrently define the engagement interval during which subjects are greeted, qualified and bridged into a select group to receive periodic status reports. During the command signals I1 and I2, the subcommand signals t1, t2 and t3 define specific stages for individual telephone connections.

The interval of live communication is defined by the command signal I3 with communication variations defined by command signals I4 and I5.

Under control of the command signal I1, an engagement processor 18 provides audio signals through the multiplexer switch 12, the equipment 10 and the telephone network facility F to individual telephone terminals T1 through TN. That is, the processor 18 incorporates audio response apparatus to provide voice signals to cue and inform. Accordingly, at a specific terminal, the voice or audio signals may instruct, advise or cue a person with regard to a pending group connection. During such operation (command signal I1) a person at the terminal may be tested for authorized participation in a select group.

The multiplexer switch 12 also is connected to a group synchronizer 20 which is controlled by the command signal I2. The synchronizer 20 also incorporates a voice synthesizer or audio capability to collectively advise persons at select of the terminals T1 through TN of the pending "live" communication. Specifically, the synchronizer 20 may incorporate an audio unit, as well known, to provide digitized audio signals through the switch 12, the equipment 10 and the telephone facility F to all qualified callers bridged at "on-line" terminals prompting a voice message, e.g. "Please continue to stand by. President Jones will be speaking to you live in approximately twenty seconds." Note that at the starting instant of such a message, the select group may be growing as additional persons are qualified at terminals T1-TN. The command signal I1 controls the inclusion of such late persons.

At a predetermined time, communication is complete between the select group at certain of the total telephone terminals T1-TN in the network and a person at the primary telephone terminal PT. In that regard, different specific operations then may occur as defined by the intervals of command signals I3, I4 and I5.

During the interval of signal I3, the primary telephone terminal PT is in unilateral voice communication with the select group of the terminals T1-TN. During the interval of the command signal I4, one or more select individual telephone terminals is provided with bilateral voice communication to the primary terminal PT. The remaining terminals continue in a unilateral or "listen only" mode. Essentially, during the command signal I4, the multiplexer switch 12 couples the few select lines of the lines L1-LN through the coupling 22 for bilateral communication with the terminal PT.

During the interval of command signal I5, digital data is received from the select group of terminals T1 through TN through the lines L1-LN, the equipment 10 and the switch 12 to a buffer memory 24. Data is then transferred from the buffer memory 24 to the control unit 14 for storage. Data also may be supplied from the unit 14 for display at the terminal PT. Specifically, digital signals are provided from select of the telephone terminals T1-TN by actuating the push buttons as well known in the prior art. Typically, in response to a query, digital data is provided from the active terminals T1-TN. For example, the group might be queried: "After much discussion regarding a shorter work week, we are considering the alternatives of a four-day week or a seven-hour day. If you favor a four-day week, please press `1`. If you favor a seven-hour day, please press `2`." Of course, voice code techniques are an alternative.

Recapitulating to some extent, the system of FIG. 1 generally has four phases. The two initial concurrent operations (designated by command signals I1 and I2) specify the first or engagement phase and involve: (1) interfacing through individual lines L1-LN with persons at specific terminals T1-TN to screen or qualify persons for connection with a select group, and (2) maintaining the select group in synchronization as by status reports of the pending communication. To consider an instant during these concurrent operations of the first phase, certain lines, as lines L1 through L475, might be in the operation of command signal I2 while other lines, as lines L476 through L1500, are still in the control of command signal I1.

After the initial phase (signals I1 and I2) the system interfaces the select group with the terminal PT. The various operations and associated structures are indicated in chart form below.

______________________________________ Operating Phases Designating Command Signal Operation Key Structure ______________________________________ I1 individually screen engagement calls on lines L1-LN processor 18 for connection to a select group for collective live participation I2 hold calls of select group synchro- (concurrent group pending live nizer 20 with I1) communication I3 couple the select primary tele- group to the primary phone terminal telephone terminal PT PT for unilateral live communication I4 I3 operation, plus coupling 22 (concurrent couple certain with I3) terminals for live bilateral communi- cation I5 I3 and/or I4 buffer 24 (concurrent operation, plus with I3) receive digital data from terminal group ______________________________________

The operations of specific phases may be variously programmed through the control computer and memory unit 14. Operation may involve "inbound" or "outbound" calling with use of various identifications, formats and controls.

To consider the illustrative operation of the system as controlled by the command signal I1 in somewhat greater detail, reference will now be made to FIG. 2 showing detailed structure of the engagement processor 18 for a single call in combination with the control unit 14. In that regard, a single call format is illustrated for purposes of explanation. However, a multiplexed parallel system would be implemented in an operating embodiment. Also, for ease of illustration in FIG. 2, the unit 14 is shown divided, specifically as a computer 14a and a memory 14b. The integral relationship between the two structures as the unit 14 is indicated by a dashed line 30.

In the disclosed embodiment, the control computer 14a provides the command signals II-I5 and the subcommand signals t1, t2 and t3 which subdivide the command signal I1 for three distinct operations. Those operations vary with "inbound" and "outbound" modes of operation. In both modes, the individual subject's terminal (telephone) number is set in a register 34 (FIG. 2, upper left). Similarly, the subject's name is set in an audio unit 36 to greet and cue the subject as an individual. In the same manner, the subject's identification number is set in a comparator 46 to be tested with a received identification number from a register 38. The memory section 14a (FIG. 2) incorporates a multiplicity of cells DS1-DSN from which data is supplied on individual callers.

Note that for outbound calls, the subject's number is worked from the register 34. For inbound calls, the subject's number is received from the facility F, as through ANI (automatic number identification equipment). From the register 34, during inbound operation the number is used to address a select one of the cells DS1-DSN. In the event ANI technology is not available, the caller may be asked to punch in his number to provide the digital information in the register 34.

In view of the above description with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a comprehensive understanding of the system may now best be perfected by assuming exemplary patterns of operation and explaining the process with reference to FIG. 3 while relating to the structures of FIGS. 1 and