WO1992003005A1

WO1992003005A1 - Telephone and facsimile message system

Info

Publication number: WO1992003005A1
Application number: PCT/US1991/005425
Authority: WO
Inventors: Edmond Cohen
Original assignee: Edmond Cohen
Priority date: 1990-08-02
Filing date: 1991-07-31
Publication date: 1992-02-20
Also published as: AU8316491A; CA2048288A1

Abstract

A telephone and facsimile message system for enabling an operator at an operator telephone station (12) of an office telephone number system to receive and prepare a message from a calling party, when there is no answer or a busy signal at a telephone station (14) for the called party, and to send the message to, and print the message on a small printer (20) at, the called party telephone station (14).

Description

TELEPHONE AND FACSIMILE MESSAGE SYSTEM

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of co¬ pending application Serial No. , filed

TITUTE SHEET BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to telephone systems, and more specifically to a message system for use with a telephone and/or facsimile system.

It is desirable for an operator of a telephone system, such as in an installed office system, to be able to prepare a message from a calling party at the operator station, when there is no answer or a busy signal at a telephone station for the called party, and to transmit the message to, and print the message on a small printer at, the called party telephone station.

It has been known to provide an electronic message unit and method of using same, as disclosed in Freeny U.S. Patent No. 4,837,797. The unit receives machine interpretable messages, and outputs an output ring signal for causing an audibly perceivable ring output indication in response to receiving a voice message.

A computer based information system is disclosed in Petriccione et al U.S. Patent No. 4,776,005. Modified character display phones provide internal data in an output signal interfaced with a conventional computer, and are

UBSTITU connected by conventional cabling to a large printer for printing large amounts of stored information.

A communication system having voice and data capability is disclosed in Hsia et al U.S. Patent No. 4,685,123. The system permits a voice call to be converted to a data call.

Various telephone message systems are disclosed in Smith U.S. Patent No. 4,291,200; River et al U.S. Patent No. 4,640,989; Great Britain Patent No. 2,111,349A; Japan Patent No. 072,603; System 12 ITT 5630 Business Communication System, Electrical Communication, Volume 59, page 179 (1985); and 286 Lapto Includes Printer, modem and telephone. Info World News, page 5 (4/25/88)X.

It has been further known to have a small printer adapted to be connected to the telephone lines and to have a telephone connected thereto, such as the "iXO Transparent Teleprinter" offered for sale by iXO, Inc. , Manhattan Beach, California. Such printer "eavesdrops" on incoming calls, looking for a modem tone on the line which would indicate that the caller is a computer, and interpreting the call if a tone is found. If there is no modem tone on the line, indicating that the caller is not a computer, the telephone connected to the printer will ring, and a ring signal will be sent back to the called party. However, such system does not transfer the call

STITUTE SHEET back to an operator telephone station in a Private Branch Exchange (PBX) to enable the operator to take a message, if after a pre-set number of rings the telephone is not answered.

These known devices do not enable printing on a small printer of a message prepared by an operator when there is no answer or a busy signal at the called party telephone station.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The telephone and facsimile message system of the invention is adapted to overcome the above problems, as well as others, associated with known telephone message systems.

It enables an operator of an installed office system to receive and prepare a message from a calling party, when there is no answer or a busy signal at a telephone station for the called party. It further enables the operator to send the message to, and print the message on a small printer at, the called party telephone station, in a convenient, efficient and effective manner.

In accordance with the invention, there is provided, in an installed system, an operator telephone station, a plurality of remote station telephones, and a network of telephone lines connecting incoming calls to the operator telephone station, and connecting the operator telephone station to the station telephones, for enabling attempted transfer of incoming calls, and for voice communication if the transfer is completed.

The system further includes an operator computer, connected to the operator telephone station, adapted to enable the operator to prepare the message from the calling party if there is no answer at the station telephone. User friendly software is provided to enable the operator to prepare the message.

The system still further includes a plurality of station printers, each adapted to receive and print a message, and each connected to a station telephone. Software is provided to enable each station printer to receive and print the message.

SUBSTIT BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGURE 1 is a block diagram of the telephone and facsimile message system in a first preferred embodiment of the invention for an on-line private branch exchange system;

FIGURE 2 is a block diagram of a portion of the system of the first preferred embodiment;

FIGURE 3 is a block diagram of an adapter and printer mechanism in the first preferred embodiment;

FIGURE 4 is a flow chart for a software application in the operator computer in the first preferred embodiment;

FIGURE 4A is a flow chart for a software application in a printing program;

FIGURE 5 is a computer screen display in the first preferred embodiment;

FIGURE 6 is a block diagram of a first version of the first preferred embodiment of the invention for a proprietary Key system;

SUBSTIT FIGURE 7 is a block diagram of the operator computer, the unit, and printer station in the first version of the first preferred embodiment;

FIGURE 8. is a block diagram of the printer station in the first version of the first preferred embodiment;

FIGURE 9 is a block diagram of the telephone message system in a second preferred embodiment for a local area network system;

FIGURE 10 is a block diagram of a portion of the system of the second preferred embodiment;

FIGURE 11 is a block diagram of a data bus and printer mechanism in the second preferred embodiment;

FIGURE 12 is a flow chart for a microprocessor which monitors and responds to conditions in the telephone line and at the called party telephone handset;

FIGURE 13 is a flow chart of a portion of the system adapted to process facsimile messages;

FIGURE 14 is a perspective view of an integrated telephone and printer device, in an embodiment of the invention;

SUBSTITUTE SHET FIGURE 15 is a perspective partly broken view of a telephone and printer system, in an embodiment of the invention; and

FIGURE 36 is an elevational view of a display screen in an embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The telephone and facsimile message system of the invention, as shown in Figures 1 - 11, and as described below, is adapted to enable an operator to receive and prepare a message from a calling party, and to send the message to, and print the message at, a station for the called party.

The message from the calling party may be of the "while you were out" type. The telephone message system may be used for such messages, for example, in offices, particularly multilevel offices, or to replace the small red light on a room telephone in a hotel, motel, or the like, or to allow answering services to immediately deliver messages to subscribers as they are received.

Such message may alternatively be of the "while you are in" type, to provide discreet means of communication when a called party does not want to be informed through the telephone intercom or does not want to be disturbed by a messenger, in regular business meetings, at negotiation tables, in doctor's consultation rooms, or the like.

A first preferred.embodiment of the invention, as shown in Figures 1-5, is adapted for use in an analog system, with a telephone system which includes a network of telephone lines 10, an operator telephone station 12, a plurality of telephone stations 14, and a private branch exchange 16 (PBX) for connecting telephone stations 14 to operator telephone station 12 through telephone lines 10, to enable the operator to complete calls or take messages.

The telephone message system in such embodiment is adapted to enable the operator to receive a call from a calling party for transfer to the telephone station of the called party, to attempt to transfer the call to the station, to prepare a message if there is no answer at the station, to send the message to the station, and to have the message printed out at the station.

It includes an operator computer 18, which may comprise a generic personal computer, a small computer, or a proprietary computer.

Operator computer 18 is adapted to be connected to operator telephone station 12, and is adapted to enable the operator to prepare the message if there is no answer at the particular telephone station 14.

A plurality of printer stations 20 are each adapted to be connected to an associated telephone station 14, and to receive and print the message sent to it. Each printer station 20 includes elements, as for example electronic logic or a microprocessor, to enable it to receive and print the message sent to it.

The overall dimensions of each printer station 20 are less then the overall dimensions of the associated telephone station 14.

Software adapted for use in operator computer 18, is adapted to be user friendly, and to enable the operator to prepare the message, redial the particular associated telephone station 14, send a signal and receive a response for enabling connection of operator computer 18 to the particular printer station 20 and send the message to the particular printer station 20.

Referring to Figure 2, operator computer 18 includes software application 24 for enabling the message to be prepared, and microprocessor bus 26, connected to modem/dialer 28 for enabling the message to be sent through private branch exchange 16 to printer station 20. Printer station 20 includes an adapter 30 for enabling the message to be received, and printer mechanism 32 for printing the message.

Referring to Figure 3, printer adapter 30 includes ring detector/counter 34 for detecting and counting the rings at associated telephone station 14. After ring detector/counter 34 detects the preset number of rings, a switch 36 closes the line and printer modem 38 receives the file of data after going through a standard modem communication protocol, the file including the message, at printer station 20, and printer controller 40 controls the operation of printer mechanism 32 for printing the message.

Referring to Figure 4, at operator computer 18, software application 24 for enabling the message to be prepared includes software for enabling identification of the called party, and software for enabling identification of the caller. It further includes software for enabling preparation of the message, and software for enabling the message to be sent to the particular printer section 20 for printing of the message.

The called party identification enabling software enables entry, at 44, of the station number or name of the called party, and issuing a request at 46, to an internal phone directory (IPD) for the other information, called party's name or station number, not entered at 44. The called party name and station number are then entered in the message 48.

The caller identification enabling software enables entry, at 50, of the first letters or name of the caller, issuance, at 52, of a request to a caller data base 54 to

TITUTE SHEET send information regarding the caller, and questioning, at 53, as to whether the caller is in the caller data base 54.

If the caller is in caller data base 54, the caller's information is entered in the message 48, If the caller is not in caller data base 54, the caller's information is entered, at 56, and sent to caller's database 54 to be entered in the message 48.

Prerecorded and instructed messages are available, at 58, for entry in the message 48. Computer clock, at 60, enters the date and time in the message 48. A printing program, at 62, enables receipt and printing of the message 48. The message 48 is then stored in message database 64.

In a version of the invention shown in Figure 4, printing program 62 includes a sub-program adapted to send a file to the modem of the computer, ask the modem to dial the extension number, and when the connection is established to dump the file on the line, and to receive an acknowledgement. Also, if the line is busy, it takes the file to be printed and puts it back in the queue at the top of the queue and retries the line when the latest file has been printed.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET Referring to Figure 4A, the foreground application consists of everything in Figure 4 except printing program 62. It interfaces with the background application 63 at a dedicated subdirectory 65 designated "files to be sent."

The background application 63 is printing program 62 in Figure 4. It is adapted, in such variation, to check, at 67, as to whether there is a file in dedicated subdirectory 65.

If there is a file in dedicated subdirectory 65, background application 63 will move the file in the queue of files and process the oldest file, at 69.

If there is no file in dedicated subdirectory 65, background application 63 will wait a period of time pre- selectable by the user, such as ten seconds, at 71, and then recheck at the preselected intervals, at 67, for a file in dedicated subdirectory 65.

If the file has been moved in the queue, at 69, background application 63 will then check as to whether there if a modem available, at 73.

If there is a modem available, at 73, background application 63 will then dial the called party's extension number, at 75, through the modem.

ITUTE SHEET If there is no modem available, at 73, background application 63 will recheck, at the pre-selected intervals, at 77, for an available modem.

When the line for the called party's extension number has been dialed, at 75, background application 63 will check, at 79, as to whether the line is busy.

If the line, at 79, is not busy, background application 63 will process the file to go through the regular procedure of connection, at 81, to send the file, at 83, and to check, at 85, as to whether an acknowledgement was received.

If the line, at 79, is busy, background application 63 then, at 87,' updates the time in the file and moves the file back in the queue, at 69, marked with a flag, such that it will be processed only after older files awaiting processing are processed.

When the line for the called party's extension number has been checked for receipt of the acknowledgement, at 85, if the acknowledgement has been received, background application 63 will hang up the modem connection and update the status of the file, at 89.

SUBSTITUTE SHE If the acknowledgement has not been received, background application 63 will hang up the modem connection, at 91, and return to move the file in the queue and process the oldest file, at 69.

The user is not aware of any of the operations of background application 63. When the message is ready, it is dumped in the sub-directory. The background application checks the subdirectory periodically as to whether there is a file to be sent to the called party's station for printing, and if there is, it processes the file for printing. When there is more than one file, it will process the oldest files first. If no modem is available, it will wait the preselected period of time and check again. If the modem is available, it will dial the extension. If the line is busy it will update the time when the file is put back in the subdirectory as one of the newest files, to be processed after the oldest ones are processed. If the line is not busy it will go through the regular procedure of connection. It will receive an acknowledgement, whereupon it will update the file status to state that the file was sent. If no acknowledgement is received, it will restart the process.

Referring to Figure 5, a screen 66 as seen on operator computer 18 is shown, with space provided for entry of the called party and caller information, the message, and the identity of the message taker. A first version of the first preferred embodiment of the telephone message system, as shown in Figures 6-8, is adapted for use in a proprietary version of a Key telephone system.

It includes a key system unit 68 in place of private branch exchange 16 in the first preferred embodiment.

Referring to Figure 6, in the first version, operator computer 18 is further adapted to enable the operator to prepare a message if there is a busy signal at telephone station 14, and printer station 20 is further adapted to receive the message if there is a busy signal at telephone station 14.

Telephone lines 10 are adapted to transmit voice and data signals. Each printer station 20 includes an address. The software adapted for use in operator computer 18 is further adapted to enable a data signal, comprising a packet of data, to be transmitted in the flow of data related to the telephone system. The packet of data comprises a file which includes the message and the address of printer station 20 connected to the particular telephone station 14 to which transfer of the call is attempted. Printer station 20 is further adapted to receive the data signal through telephone lines 10. In a variation of the first embodiment, adapted for use with an Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) or with a Digital PBX, all signals, including voice, data, and/or images are transmitted in digital form simultaneously over telephone lines 10. Each printer station 20 in such system is adapted to recognize which signals are for it, and which are not.

Referring to Figure 7, operator computer 18 includes software application 70 for enabling the message to be prepared, microprocessor bus 72, serial port 74, and calling station microprocessor 76, connected to data bus 78, central processing unit 80, and data bus 82 of key system unit 68 for enabling the message to be sent through key system unit 68 to printer station 20. Printer station 20 includes called station microprocessor 84, adapter 86, and printer mechanism 88 for printing the message.

Referring to Figure 8, printer 20 includes microprocessor 84, printer controller 90, and printer mechanism 88.

A second version of the first preferred embodiment of the telephone message system, as shown in Figure 1, is adapted for use in a proprietary version for a private branch exchange (PBX) . In the second version, operator computer 18 is further adapted to enable the operator to prepare a message if there is a busy signal at telephone station 14, and printer station 20 is further adapted to receive the message if there is a busy signal at telephone station 14.

The software adapted for use in operator computer 18 is further adapted in the second version to interrupt the telephone voice conversation for a fraction of a second to allow transfer of the message to the telephone system.

A second preferred embodiment of the invention, as shown in Figures 9-11, is adapted for use with a telephone system which includes a network of telephone lines 92, an operator telephone station 94, a plurality of telephone stations 96, and a system (not shown) for connecting telephone stations 96 to operator telephone station 94 through telephone lines 92, to enable the operator to complete calls or take messages.

The telephone message system in such embodiment is adapted to enable the operator to receive a call from a calling party for transfer to the telephone station of the called party, to attempt to transfer the call to the station, to prepare a message if there is no answer or a busy signal at the station, and to have the message printed out at the station. It includes an operator computer 98, which may comprise a generic personal computer, or a proprietary computer.

Operator computer 98 is adapted to be located proximate operator telephone station 94, and is adapted to enable the operator to prepare the message if there is no answer at the particular telephone station 96.

A plurality of station printers 100 are each adapted to be located proximate a telephone station 96, and to receive and print the message sent to it. Each printer station 20 includes elements, as for example electronic logic or a microprocessor, to enable it to receive and print the message sent to it.

A local area network (LAN) of cables 102, separate from and not connected to telephone lines 92, interconnect the communication port, usually the serial port, of operator computer 98 and the plurality of printer stations 100, using cabling in any type of cabling configuration, such as a bus, tree, daisy chain, or the like in a digital system. Separate network cables 102 directly connect station printers 100 to operator computer 98 for enabling direct transmission of the message. The overall dimensions of each printer station 100 are less than the overall dimensions of the telephone station 96 located proximate thereto.

Software adapted for use in operator computer 98 is adapted to be user friendly, and to enable the operator to prepare the message, and to issue to the network of printer stations 100 a data signal which comprises a packet of data to be transmitted over the network of cables 102 separate from telephone lines 92. The packet of data comprises a file which includes the message and the address of the particular printer station 100 located proximate the particular telephone station 96 at which there is no answer or a busy signal.

Software adapted for use in each printer station 100 is adapted to examine the packet of data issued by operator computer 98, ignore the packet if it does not include the printer's address, and pass the packet along for printing if it does include the printer's address.

Referring to Figure 10, operator computer 98 includes software application 104 for enabling the message to be prepared and microprocessor bus 106, connected through serial port 108 to network cable 102, and through an adapter 110, to printer station 100. Referring to Figure 11, each adapter 110 includes a microprocessor 112 for enabling the message to be received and a printer controller 114, and is connected to a printer mechanism 116 in printer station 100.

A first version of the second preferred embodiment of the telephone message system is adapted for use in an AC system which includes a network of alternating current power lines. Network cables 102 in the first version of the second preferred embodiment comprise the network of alternating current power lines, with filters from operator computer 98, and into printer stations 100.

In a further version of the LAN type AC system (not shown) the television/video cable network of the building constitutes the media for transmission of telephone messages.

A second version of the second preferred embodiment of the telephone message system is adapted for use in a data over voice or voice over data system. Telephone lines 92 are the message transmission medium, not network cables 102. Hardware adapted for use in printer stations 100 enables the telephone voice signals to be sent to telephone stations 96 and the packet of data to be sent to printer stations 100. In the second version, a hub (not shown) is adapted to enable simultaneous connection of all telephone lines 92, to insure connectivity for message transmission and to permit telephone voice communication to function independently on telephone lines 92, to filter out the telephone voice signal and enabling sending of the data signal to printer stations 100.

In another embodiment of the invention, each printer station 20 includes a microprocessor adapted to monitor the associated telephone station and telephone line.

The microprocessor is adapted, in such embodiment, to detect a number of different handset and line conditions, and to respond to each in a different mode.

Referring to Figure 12, the microprocessor monitors the handset and line at the same time, awaiting the occurrence of either the handset going off-hook, at 118, when the user picks up the handset to place a call, or a ring signal coming through the line, at 120, signalling an incoming call.

If the handset is off-hook, at 118, and the modem is not on line, at 122, the microprocessor will instantaneously pass the line to the phone interface, at 124, to enable the user to use the phone. With the line turned over to the phone interface, at 124, the user may use it for redialing or speed dialing, at 126.

The microprocessor monitors, at 126, to detect whether the user wants to redial or speed dial. If the user wants to redial or speed dial, the microprocessor will execute that command, at 128 — if not, the microprocessor will monitor the line until the user is finished with the conversation, and the handset goes back on hook, at 130.

When the handset goes on hook, at 130, upon the user hanging up, the microprocessor will disconnect the phone interface, at 132, and return to the initial monitoring condition, with the handset and modem inactive.

If the handset is off hook, at 118, and the modem is on line, at 122, and the printer has either started to print or is about to start to print, then the microprocessor will send busy signal tones on the line, at 134. The user will have taken the handset off hook and will hear a busy tone. The printer will start printing, and the user will then be aware that a message is coming through. The handset may then be placed back on hook, at 130, and the phone interface may then be disconnected, at 132. If the handset is not off hook, at 118, and a ring voltage is not detected, at 122, the system, at 136, returns to initial handset and line monitoring status.

If the handset is not off hook, at 118, and a ring voltage is detected, at 120, the microprocessor will close the line, at 138. If a modem tone is detected, at 140, then the microprocessor will answer, and will pass the line to the modem, at 142.

If a modem tone is not detected, at 140, the microprocessor will then activate the phone ringer, and send simulated ringer tones back down the line to the calling party, at 144. It will then count "X" number of rings on the line, at 146, "X" being a pre-set number. If the handset goes off hook before "X" rings are completed, at 1'48, with the called party picking up the handset, the microprocessor passes the line, at 150, to the phone interface, at 124, so the calling and called parties can converse. If after "X" rings, the handset has not been taken off hook, the microprocessor stops the ringing voltage at the called party station, and stops sending back simulated ringer tones to the calling party, at 152, and sends a "hook" flash on the line and dials "Y" at 154, "Y" being a programmable extension number, thereby transferring the call back to the message center where the message is taken and sent to the printer. The

SUBSTITUTE SHEET microprocessor then hangs up, at 156, and returns to its initial handset and line monitoring condition.

The user is not aware of any operations of the microprocessor. When the phone rings, it is for the user. When there is a message, the message comes through the line. When the user is not in, the phone rings, and after a while it transfers the call back to the operator. The operations of the microprocessor are efficient, effective, and completely transparent to the user.

In another variation of the invention, each printer station is integrated into a telephone casing, to constitute a telephone station comprising a combination telephone and integrated printer station. Each telephone station includes a telephone handset, which includes hook means, and an integrated printer system for printing the message. The size of the telephone handset with the integrated printer system is substantially the same as the size of a telephone handset without the integrated printer system.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the telephone station includes a "do not disturb" button, which, if pressed, will automatically prevent ringing of a call through to the telephone station. If there is a message, the microprocessor will instruct the printer station to print the message. If there is no message.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET the microprocessor will, transfer the call, automatically and without ringing at the telephone station, back to the operator where the message will be taken and sent to the printer station for printing.

Referring to Figure 13, in a further embodiment of the invention, the system is adapted for use in conjunction with a device adapted to receive and send facsimile messages (faxes), such as a fax server 158, which centrally prints facsimile messages for distribution to the intended recipient, an add-on board for a personal computer, or the like, so that the message system uses the facsimile as an input to each printer station.

An incoming fax 160 is received by fax server 158, which generates a file to be printed, at 162. The message system, at 164, converts the format of the file 162 to a format compatible with the system, and checks, at 166, to determine whether there is an extension number.

If there is an extension number, at 166, the system transfers the file to the printing program, at 168, for printing at the extension station.

If there is no extension number, an attendant inputs the extension number, at 170, and the system transfers

E SHEET the file to the printing program, at 168, for printing at the extension station.

Referring to Figure 14, in an integrated embodiment of the invention, an integrated telephone and printer device 172 is adapted to be connected to a communication line which is adapted to send and receive a telephonic version shown, to receive a telephonic message, or, in a facsimile version not shown, to receive a facsimile trans ission.

Integrated device 172 is further adapted to send or receive a telephonic transmission, and in the facsimile version simultaneiously and automatically, without interrupting the telephonic transmission, to receive and store the facsimile transmission, and to print or display the facsimile transmission as desired by the user.

Integrated device 172 may be substantially the same size as a standard telephone, and includes a telephone section 174 which includes a handset 176, a keypad 178, a function keypad 180, and function indicator lights 182.

Telephone section 174 is adapted to be connected to a communication line adapted to send and receive a telephonic transmission, and, in the version shown, to receive a telephonic transmission, or in a version not shown, to receive a facsimile transmission. In the telephonic version shown of integrated device 172, telephone section 174 is further adapted to send or receive the telephonic transmission, to receive and store the telephone message, and to print or display the telephonic message as desired by the user.

In the faxcimile version not shown of integrated device 172, the telephon section is further adapted to send or receive the facsimile transmission, to receive and store the facsimile transmission, and to print or display the facsimile transmission as desired by the user.

Intregrated device 172 further includes a printer section 184, intregrated and connected in telephon section 174.

Printer section 184, in the telephonic version shown, is adapted to receive and store the telephonic message, and to print or display the telephone message, as desired by the user.

In the facsimile version of the integrated device, not shown, the printer section of the integrated device is adapted, similtaneiously and automatically, without interrupting the telephonic transmission, to receive and

SHEET store the facsimile transmission, and to print or display the facsimile transmission as desired by the user.

Printer section 184 includes a printing element, printer buttons 186, and a printout, as 188.

Printer section 184 may comprise a graphic teleprinter, for printing facsimile transmissions.

Referring to Figure 15, in a component telephone and printer system embodiment of the invention, a telephone 190 is adapted to be connected to a communication line which is adapted to send and receive a telephone transmission and, in the telephonic version shown, to receive a telephonic message, or in a facsimile version not shown, to receive a facsimile transmission.

The component system is further adapted to send or receive a telephonic transmission, and in the facsimile version simultaneously and automatically, without interrupting the telephonic transmission, to receive and store the facsimile transmission, and to print or display the facsimile transmission as desired by the user.

Telephone 190 includes a handset 192, and a keypad 194. Telephone 190 is adapted to be connected to a communication line adapted to send and receive a telephonic transmission, and, in the version shown, to receive a telephonic transmission, or in a version not shown, to receive a facsimile transmission.

In the telephonic version shown of the component system telephone 190, is further adapted to send or receive the telephonic transmission, to receive and store the telephonic message, and to print or display the telephonic message as desired by the user.

In the facsimile version not shown of the component system, the telephone is further adapted to receive the facsimile transmission.

The component system further includes a printer 196, connected to telephone 190.

Printer 196, in the telephonic version shown, is adapted to receive and store the telephonic message, and to print or display the telephonic message, as desired by the user.

In the facsimile version of the component system, not shown, the printer is adapted, simultaneously and automatically, without interrupting the telephonic transmission, to receive and store the facsimile transmission, and to print or display the facsimile transmission as desired by the user.

Printer 196 includes a printing element, printer buttons 198, function indicator lights 200, and a printout, as 302.

Printer 196 may comprise a graphic teleprinter, for printing facsimile transmissions.

Referring to Figure 16, a display 204 is adapted to display a telephonic message or a facsimile transmission, and to be integrated in a printer, as printer 184 (Figure 14) or printer 196 (Figure 15) . Display 204 includes screen 206, and display buttons 208.

In operation, in the first preferred embodiment of the telephone message system, adapted for use in an on¬ line private branch exchange (PBX) telephone system, as shown in Figures 1-5, the operator, at operator station 12, receives a call from a calling party intended for a called party telephone station 14, and, with the intention of transferring the call, dials telephone station 14, at which there is no answer.

The operator then prepares a message on operator computer 18, fully assisted by the user friendly software application adapted for use in operator computer 18. Operator computer 18 then redials the previously called telephone station 14 with a signal comprising a specific sequence of rings.

The logic in the software in adapter 30 for printer station 20 then detects the rings, and closes the line from operator computer 18, through microprocessor bus 26, modem dialer 28, private branch exchange 16, and adapter 30, to station printer 20. Station printer 20 then sends an acknowledgement to operator computer 18.

Operator computer 18 then sends the message to modem 38 in printer 20 which receives the message and sends it to printer controller 40 and printer mechanism 42 in printer station 20 for printing.

The first version of the telephone message system adapted for use in a proprietary version of a Key system, as shown in Figures 6 - 8, is operable similar to the operation of the on-line PBX system in the first preferred embodiment.

With the assistance of software added to the Key system user's own software,- the system inserts the packet of data to be transmitted to printer station 20 through the data pair telephone lines 10 of the telephone system in the flow of data related to the telephone system, so

IT TE SHEET as to send the message to printer station 20 even when telephone station 14 is busy.

The second version of the telephone message system adapted for use in the proprietary version of a PBX system, as shown in Figure 1, is likewise operable similar to the operation of the on-line PBX system, as shown in Figure 1, in the first preferred embodiment.

It sends the message to printer station 20 even when telephone station 14 is busy. A piece of hardware, added to the user's own PBX system, interrupts the voice conversation in telephone line 10 for a fraction of a second and allows the transfer of the message to the system.

In operation of the second preferred embodiment of the telephone message system, adapted for use in a local area network (LAN) telephone system, as shown in Figures 9-11, the operator, at operator station 94, receives a call for a telephone station 96, and, with the intention of transferring the call, dials telephone station 96, at which there is no answer or a busy signal.

The operator then prepares a message on operator computer 98, fully assisted by the user friendly software application adapted for use in operator computer 98. Operator computer 98 then issues, through network cables 102, a packet of data comprising a file which includes the message and the address of printer station 100.

The logic in the software in adapter 110 for printer station 100 examines the packet consisting of the message and address, through microprocessor bus 106, serial port 108, and network cable 102. If it does not locate its address, it will ignore the packet. If it locates its address, it will pass along the packet to printer station 100 for printing.

The first version of the telephone message system adapted for use in an AC type system is operable similar to the operation of the LAN system in the second preferred embodiment, except that the network cable transmission medium 86 for the message is the network of alternating current electrical power lines in the electrical system.

The second version of the telephone message system adapted for use in a data over voice system is likewise operable similar to the operation of the LAN system in the second preferred embodiment, except that the network cable transmission medium 86 for the message comprises the network of voice pair cable telephone lines 76 of the telephone system, and the hub (not shown) simultaneously connects all voice pair cables. The telephone message system of the invention enables an operator operating an installed office telephone system to receive and prepare a message from a calling party, when there is no answer or a busy signal at the station telephone for the called party, and to send the message to, and have it received and printed out on a small printer at, the called party station telephone, in a convenient, efficient and effective manner.

In operation of the integrated embodiment of the invention, as shown in Figures 14 and 16, integrated device 172 is adapted to send and receive telephonic transmissions, it is further adapted in the version shown, to receive a telephonic message; and, in the version not shown, to simulataueoulsy and automatically with the sending and receiving of telephonic transmissions, to receive a facsimile transmission, including facsimile retrieving and faxtex applications.

Telephon section 174 of integrated device 172 is adapted to send and receive telephonic transmissions, through use of handset 176, and keypad 178, as indicated by function indicator lights 182. Function keypad 180 is adapted to enable various telephonic functions to be performed. Printer section 184 of integrated device is adapted to receive the telephonic message, to receive and store the telephonic message, and to print

Preferred embodiments of the invention have been set forth above, for the purpose of explaining the invention. However, it is to be understood that variations may be made in such embodiments, which variations may nevertheless be within the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth in the claims.

B TITUTE SHEET

Claims

I , CE-AJM;

1. A message system, for use with a telephone system which includes a network of telephone lines, an operator telephone station, a plurality of telephone stations, eaπh including a telephone handset, which includes hook means, and means for connecting the plurality of telephone stations to the operator telephone station through the telephone lines, comprising:

(a) an operator computer;

(b) means for connecting the operator computer to the operator telephone station;

(c) a plurality of printer stations each adapted to be associated with a telephone station; and

(d) means for enabling each printer station to be associated with a telephone station;

(e) in which the operator computer includes means for enabling the operator to prepare a message for, and send the message to, a particular printer station, each printer station includes means for receiving and printing a message sent to it, and each printer station includes a microprocessor adapted to monitor the associated telephone station handset and telephone line to detect the telephone handset hook and telephone line ring signal condition.

2. A system as in claim 1, in which the microprocessor is adapted to detect that the handset is off the hook, and that the modem is on line, and to then send a busy signal tone on the line.

3. A system as in claim 1, in which the microprocessor is adapted to detect that the handset is off hook, and that the modem is not on line, and to then turn the line over to the user.

4. A system as in claim 1, in which the microprocessor is adapted to detect that the handset is on hook, and that there is no line ring signal, and to then return to monitoring the handset and line.

5. A system as in claim 1, in which the microprocessor is adapted to detect that the handset is on hook, that there is a line ring signal, and that there is a modem tone, and to then turn over the line to the modem.

6. A system as in claim 1, in which the microprocessor is adapted, if the handset is on hook, and there is a line ring signal and no modem tone is detected, to activate the associated telephone station ringer and generate simulated telephone station ringer tones and send them to the calling party, and the system further comprises means for generating simulated telephone station ringer tones, and means for connecting the microprocessor to the simulated tones generating means.

7. A system as in claim 1, further comprising means for preventing ringing at the telephone station, adapted to be connected to the microprocessor and selectively activated by the user, such that if there is a message, the microprocessor will instruct the printer station to print the message, but if there is no message the microprocessor will transfer the call, automatically and without ringing at the telephone station, back to the operator where the message will be taken and sent to the printer station.

8. A system as in claim 1, in which all signals, including voice, data, and/or images, are transmitted simultaneously over the telephone lines.

9. A system as in claim 1, adapted to convert the format of an incoming facsimile message to the format of the system for printing the facsimile message at the particular printer station to which it is intended to be sent.

10. A system as in claim 6, in which the microprocessor is further adapted to count a pre-set number of rings on the line, and, if the handset goes off-hook before completion of the pre-set number of rings, to then stop the telephone ringer, stop sending ringing tones back to the calling party, and turn the line over to the calling and called parties for completion of the call.

11. A system as in claim 6, in which the microprocessor is further adapted to count a pre-set number of rings on the line, and, if the handset does not go off-hook before completion of the number of rings, to transfer the call back to the operator station, for taking the message and sending the message to the printer station, and to then hand up the line and return to monitoring the handset and line.

12. A message system, adapted for use with a telephone system which includes a network of telephone lines, comprising:

(a) an operator telephone station;

(b) a plurality of telephone stations, each including a telephone handset, which includes hook means, and an integrated printer system for printing the message;

(c) means for connecting the plurality of telephone stations to the operator telephone station through the telephone lines;

(d) an operator computer; and

(e) means for connecting the operator computer to the operator telephone station; (f) in which the operator computer includes means for enabling the operator to prepare a message for, and send the message to, a particular telephone station, each telephone station integrated printer system includes means for receiving and printing a message sent to it, and each telephone station includes a microprocessor adapted to monitor the telephone station handset and telephone line to detect the telephone handset hook and telephone line ring signal condition.

13. A system as in claim 12, in which the size of the telephone handset with the integrated printer system is substantially the same as the size of a telephone handset without the integrated printer system.