GB2374755A

GB2374755A - Remote data transfer without establishing a call connection

Info

Publication number: GB2374755A
Application number: GB0109460A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Kamran Mahmoudazeh
Original assignee: BOX TELEMATICS Ltd
Current assignee: BOX TELEMATICS Ltd
Priority date: 2001-04-18
Filing date: 2001-04-18
Publication date: 2002-10-23
Also published as: GB0109460D0

Abstract

A system is disclosed for transmitting data between a remote unit and a central data processor or storage device. The system comprises at least one remote transmitter unit 1, a central unit 2 having at least one line accessible by the or each said remote transmitter unit, a call logging unit 3 for registering and recording particulars of any incoming call, including a caller identification, without the establishment of a call connection, and a processor 3 for generating an output signal in response to an incoming call or a sequence of incoming calls from a said remote unit. The central unit may have a single incoming line in which case data is transmitted by monitoring the duration for which a ringing tone is allowed to subsist. Alternatively, the central unit may comprise a plurality of different lines in which case the data may be linked to the number of the line called and/or to the sequence in which several lines are called. Telephone exchanges and cellular units having appropriate call logging units are disclosed, as are processor units and data bearing media carrying algorithms for programming such units for use in connection with the system. Remote transmitter units in the form of cellular telephones or modems for use in the system are also disclosed.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO DATA TRANSFER SYSTEMS This invention relates to systems for transmitting data between a remote unit and a central data processor or storage device. The invention is particularly, but not exclusively concerned with applications in which small quantities of data are required to be transmitted, especially when such data is required to be transmitted at frequent intervals.

It is well known to transmit data from one of a group of remote transmitters to a unit which may be termed a"central unit", whether in response to polling by the central unit or as a remotely initiated transfer.

It is also known to use telephonic apparatus, for example telephones and/or modems as transmitters to transmit data over a telephone network.

Such a network may comprise land-lines, and the use of a cellular telephone network for this task is also known and has the advantage of not requiring the laying of a landline to all the locations from which data is to be transmitted.

Typical examples of uses for such systems are in relation to the monitoring of utility meters, principally gas, water and electricity meters. Thus it is known, for example from EP 0 527 072 A, to connect a telephone to a utility meter in order to arrange for the automatic transfer of meter reading data to a central unit. It is also known to initiate a call to the central unit in the event of an alarm condition such as tampering with the meter. Known systems are reasonably satisfactory when each remote unit is only required to transmit data rather infrequently. For example utility meters are typically polled on a quarterly basis. However, if the remote unit is required to transmit data, especially small amounts of data, on a frequent basis, the cost may become prohibitively high. The principal reason for this is that the use of telephone networks is subject to

a call charge which corresponds to a call duration which may be several or even many times the duration required for the transmission of the data. Such an elevated call charge may be due to a connection or"handshaking"time during which no data as such is transmitted, and or it may be due to some minimum call charge.

It is an object of this invention to alleviate this problem.

According to the present invention, there is provided a system for transmitting data between a remote unit and a central data processor or storage device, which system comprises at least one remote transmitter unit, a central unit having at least one line accessible by the or each said remote transmitter unit, a call logging unit for registering and recording particulars of any incoming call, including a caller identification, without the establishment of a call connection, and a processor for generating an output signal in response to an incoming call or a sequence of incoming calls from a said remote unit.

Because no call connection is established, no call charge is made. Data transfer may be made as often as desired without incurring any additional cost. Because no connection is made the amount of data that can be transmitted in any given call is limited, and the system is therefore especially appropriate for fairly low data transmission volumes. Typical applications envisaged at present are the monitoring of utility and other meters, and the notification of what may be termed alarm conditions at those and other installations remote from the central unit. Thus meter readings may be collected, and indications that some form of maintenance is required, or that unauthorised tampering has taken place may be transmitted rapidly to the central unit given appropriate programming of the remote unit.

The particulars of the incoming call will include a caller identification and this will typically be the telephone number of the unit making the call. This information is already presented to the line called unless expressly withheld, without the need for answering the call and thus establishing a connection.

The way in which the system works then depends at least in part on the number of incoming lines at the central unit.

In one aspect of the invention, some preferred embodiments provided that the call logging unit is arranged to register and record a caller identification for any incoming call and the duration and sequence of calls with a given caller identification, all without the establishment of a call connection. Such a system can be operated with a single incoming line at the central unit. The central unit may in that case be constituted by a cellular telephone. Data may be transmitted by correlating the duration over which the remote unit permits the ringing tone to subsist. A sequence of calls having same or different ringing tone durations may be used to transmit numerical data, or a single call of a predetermined duration may be used as a code indicating a general or specific alarm system. It is presently envisaged that these embodiments of the invention will find most frequent use in indicating the existence of a problem at a particular location to a cellular telephone carried by a patrol unit.

The invention accordingly includes a cellular transmitter incorporating a call logging unit which is arranged to record to a memory particulars of incoming calls including a caller identification, and a sequence of successive calls with a same caller identification, and a call duration, a memory which includes a look up table in which potential call particulars are associated with potential output signals and a processor arranged to

k up table in which potential call particulars output signals, said algorithm being arranged ate particulars of any incoming calls from a etermined time period, to compare such

access said memory and compld look up table and to generate an output access said memory and comp, up table and generate an outpu comparison.

The invention extends to a piention, preferred embodiments provide that logging unit arranged to regis an exchange having a plurality of lines call, particulars including a remote transmitter unit and said call logging successive calls with a same c without the establishment of includes a look up table in wt with potential output signals, an algorithm arranged to tabul given caller within a prede tabulated particulars with sai ( signal in dependence upon sucl 4 ) are incoming call particulars with said look The invention further extendlt signal in correspondence therewith. algorithm for programming a I transmitter having a call loggprocessor unit for incorporation into a call respect of any incoming call, ster and record, in respect of any incoming and a sequence of successive c caller identification, and a sequence of call duration, all without thecaller identification, and a call duration, all memory which includes a look a call connection, and a memory which are associated with potential ohich potential call particulars are associated cause said processor to tabula said processor unit being programmed with

given caller within a prelate particulars of any incoming calls from a tabulated particulars with sai (etermined time period, to compare such signal in dependence upon sucjd look up table and to generate an output : h comparison.

In a second aspect of the invl said central unit comprises is to a data bearing medium carrying an accessible by the or each said processor unit for association with a cellular ring unit arranged to register and record, in particulars including a caller identification, calls with a same caller identification, and a e establishment of a call connection and a

unit is arranged to register and record a caller identification in respect of any incoming call, and, in respect of calls having a same caller identification, a number of the called line, and the sequence in which those lines were called, all without the establishment of a call connection.

This increases the versatility of the system but at the expense of the size of the central unit. In contrast with the first aspect of the invention, data is transmitted by the fact that one line rather than another has been called.

Given a sufficient number of incoming lines, it will be appreciated that each of ten lines could be associated with a unique (base ten) digit for the transmission of numerical data. The provision of one hundred exchange lines would allow the transmission of two numerical digits with a single call. One or more lines, which might be in addition to any lines provided for the transmission of numerical data, could be associated with a particular message, for example"maintenance required".

In either aspect of the invention, it is preferred that said call logging unit is arranged to register and record the time of any incoming call in order to establish such sequence.

In either aspect of the invention, it is also preferred that the central unit processor is arranged to access a memory which includes a look up table in which potential call particulars are associated with potential output signals. This allows rapid, consistent and reliable generation of appropriate output signals.

In some preferred embodiments, the output signal is a telephonic signal. A said telephonic output signal may for example be transmitted to one or more of said remote transmitter units.

In some preferred embodiments of the invention, the output signal is used to generate a switching event. This may be a switching event under the control of the remote transmitter unit, or elsewhere.

In some preferred embodiments of the invention, the processor is arranged to generate an attention-seeking signal in response to a call having one or more predetermined duration or line number particulars. This is especially valuable in embodiments in which such predetermined duration or line number corresponds with an alarm signal. In such embodiments, it is suitable for said output signal to be a computer-generated voice signal.

For example the system of the invention could be used in conjunction with a burglar alarm signal in order to generate a telephone call to a patrol unit advising of a location where an alarm has been set off.

Advantageously, the processor is arranged to generate different numerical signals in response to calls having different predetermined duration or line number particulars. This simplifies the transmission of numerical data.

In some preferred embodiments of the invention, a said remote unit is operatively associated with a meter and a series of calls is made in dependence upon a reading of the meter and is used to generate a report corresponding to that meter and reading.

The system of the invention may be used to facilitate billing for utilities or other services if, as may be preferred, such a report takes the form of an invoice.

The invention includes a telephone exchange having a plurality of lines accessible by remote transmitter units and incorporating a call logging unit which is arranged to record to a memory particulars of incoming calls including an indication of call origin, a line number called and a call

sequence, a memory which includes a look up table in which potential call particulars are associated with potential output signals and a processor arranged to access said memory and compare incoming call particulars with said look up table and generate an output signal in correspondence therewith. Preferably, a transfer device is provided for forwarding said output signal to a printer.

The invention extends to a processor unit for association with a telephone exchange call logging unit arranged to register and record, in respect of any incoming call, a number of the called line, a caller identification, and a sequence of successive calls with a same caller identification, all without the establishment of a call connection, and with a memory which includes a look up table in which potential call particulars are associated with potential output signals, said processor unit being programmed with an algorithm arranged to tabulate particulars of any incoming calls from a given caller within a predetermined time period, to compare such tabulated particulars with said look up table and to generate an output signal in dependence upon such comparison.

The invention further extends to a data bearing medium carrying an algorithm for programming a processor unit for association with a telephone exchange call logging unit arranged to register and record, in respect of any incoming call, a number of the called line, a caller identification, and a sequence of successive calls with a same caller identification, all without the establishment of a call connection, and with a memory which includes a look up table in which potential call particulars are associated with potential output signals, said algorithm being arranged cause said processor to tabulate particulars of any incoming calls from a given caller within a predetermined time period, to compare such tabulated particulars with said look up table and to generate an output signal in dependence upon such comparison.

The present invention also provides and extends to a cellular telephone or modem which is arranged for connection to an installation to receive data therefrom, and which is programmed to call one or more of a plurality of telephone numbers, the number called or the sequence in which such calls are made being dependent upon the data received from the installation The invention allows frequent data transmission at low cost. It is therefore appropriate for use in some circumstances where automated data transmission has hitherto been ruled out on grounds of cost. For example water or gas flow along sections of mains water or gas supplies could be monitored at frequent intervals to give an early indication of a leak. In such circumstances, a said central unit could be arranged to generate an output signal to operate a system of valves to close off or by-pass and leaking section automatically in response to an alarm condition. This could for example be done by passing a signal via the respective remote unit or units involved.

Other uses include vehicle tracking. By associating a remote unit with a Global Positioning System or other position indicating system, the position of the unit could be transmitted to a central unit as often as desired. This could be done as often as every two to three minutes. The advantages of this are manifold for airlines, road hauliers and shippers, and indeed insurance companies, in monitoring the locations of vehicles and/or their cargoes. Other potential uses include: passenger information generation for public transport; monitoring and/or control of installations of many kinds, such as switchable advertising displays, street lighting, parking meters, electronic point of sale machines, bar code readers, environmental temperature controls.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawing which is a schematic layout of a system in accordance with the invention.

In the drawing, an array of remote transmitter units la, Ib, Ic,... In is represented as cellular telephonic apparatus. Each of these is connected to a device whose condition it is desired to monitor from time to time.

Those devices may be the same or different. The cellular telephones, or some of them, may be replaced by conventional telephones and/or by modems.

In operation, a remote transmitter unit I calls an exchange 2 which is depicted as having twelve lines numbered 20 to 31 each of which is connected to the input of a call logging unit and processor 3. The latter includes a memory register containing a look up table in which each line number 20 to 31 is associated with an output signal corresponding to the piece of data transmitted by a call to the particular line number. Thus for example a call to line 30 might indicate that a numerical data stream is about to follow, and a call to line 31 might indicate the end of that numerical data stream. Then, a call to one of the numbers 20 to 29 might represent the transmission of one of the digits 0 to 9 respectively.

Alternatively, a call to either of lines 30 and 31, or some additional exchange line, might correspond to an alarm condition of greater or lesser urgency. For example it might be set to indicate that a coin box associated with the remote unit was in imminent need of emptying or that unauthorised tampering was taking place. The various line numbers to be called may be pre-programmed into the remote transmitter units 1 for automatic dialling in response to the condition of the respective remote unit. Arrangements may also be made for automatic dialling by one or

more of the remote units in response to a polling signal emitted by the central unit 2.

The caller identification, telephone number, of the remote transmitter unit is passed to a memory register which logs the line called. The line number called is compared with line numbers recorded in the look up table and appropriate action is taken automatically. The line may be an alarm line in which case the processor will be arranged immediately to generate some kind of attention-seeking output signal, which may for example be passed via a telephone transmitter 4 to a mobile response unit 5. Alternatively, the central telephone transmitter 4 may be arranged to pass an output signal back to one or more of the remote transmitter units 1, for example to generate a switching event in the event of a leak or short circuit which prompted the call from the remote unit.

The line called may be associated with part of a numeric, or alphanumeric sequence. In the latter case, a succession of line numbers called by that remote will be stored in sequence in that same memory register.

When the appropriate number of entries has been made in that register, for example corresponding to a meter reading, the processor may pass a signal to a printer 6 for the printing of a report such as an invoice. The caller identification number will give an indication of the customer's name and billing address.

If a second or further remote unit calls in then its caller identification will be logged and recorded in a further memory register, one register for each remote unit, as will any succession of further calls from that remote unit, again in sequence, for appropriate action to be taken in respect of each further remote unit.

If a particular exchange line is busy when a remote unit calls in, nothing is registered, and the remote unit is arranged to redial until a call can be registered.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A system for transmitting data between a remote unit and a central data processor or storage device, which system comprises at least one remote transmitter unit, a central unit having at least one line accessible by the or each said remote transmitter unit, a call logging unit for registering and recording particulars of any incoming call, including a caller identification, without the establishment of a call connection, and a processor for generating an output signal in response to an incoming call or a sequence of incoming calls from a said remote unit.
2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the call logging unit is arranged to register and record a caller identification for any incoming call and the duration and sequence of calls with a given caller identification, all without the establishment of a call connection.
3. A system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said central unit comprises an exchange having a plurality of lines accessible by the or each said remote transmitter unit and said call logging unit is arranged to register and record a caller identification in respect of any incoming call, and, in respect of calls having a same caller identification, a number of the called line, and the sequence in which those lines were called, all without the establishment of a call connection.
4. A system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said call logging unit is arranged to register and record the time of any incoming call in order to establish such sequence.
5. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein said central unit processor is arranged to access a memory which includes a look up

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table in which potential call particulars are associated with potential output signals.
6. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein said output signal is a telephonic signal.

7. A system according to claim 6, wherein a said output signal is transmitted to one or more of said remote transmitter units.

8. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein said output signal is used to generate a switching event.
7. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the processor is arranged to generate an attention-seeking signal in response to a call having one or more predetermined duration or line number particulars.
8. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein said output signal is a computer-generated voice signal.
9. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the processor is arranged to generate different numerical signals in response to calls having different predetermined duration or line number particulars.
10. A system according to claim 9, wherein a said remote unit is operatively associated with a meter and a series of calls is made in dependence upon a reading of the meter and is used to generate a report corresponding to that meter and reading.
11. A system according to claim 10, wherein said report takes the form of an invoice.

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12. A telephone exchange having a plurality of lines accessible by remote transmitter units and incorporating a call logging unit which is arranged to record to a memory particulars of incoming calls including an indication of call origin, a line number called and a call sequence, a memory which includes a look up table in which potential call particulars are associated with potential output signals and a processor arranged to access said memory and compare incoming call particulars with said look up table and generate an output signal in correspondence therewith.
13. A telephone exchange according to claim 12, wherein a transfer device is provided for forwarding said output signal to a printer.
14. A processor unit for association with a telephone exchange call logging unit arranged to register and record, in respect of any incoming call, a number of the called line, a caller identification, and a sequence of successive calls with a same caller identification, all without the establishment of a call connection, and with a memory which includes a look up table in which potential call particulars are associated with potential output signals, said processor unit being programmed with an algorithm arranged to tabulate particulars of any incoming calls from a given caller within a predetermined time period, to compare such tabulated particulars with said look up table and to generate an output signal in dependence upon such comparison.
15. A data bearing medium carrying an algorithm for programming a processor unit for association with a telephone exchange call logging unit arranged to register and record, in respect of any incoming call, a number of the called line, a caller identification, and a sequence of successive calls with a same caller identification, all without the establishment of a call connection, and with a memory which includes a look up table in which potential call particulars are associated with potential output

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signals, said algorithm being arranged cause said processor to tabulate particulars of any incoming calls from a given caller within a predetermined time period, to compare such tabulated particulars with said look up table and to generate an output signal in dependence upon such comparison.
16. A cellular transmitter incorporating a call logging unit which is arranged to record to a memory particulars of incoming calls including a caller identification, and a sequence of successive calls with a same caller identification, and a call duration, a memory which includes a look up table in which potential call particulars are associated with potential output signals and a processor arranged to access said memory and compare incoming call particulars with said look up table and generate an output signal in correspondence therewith.
17. A processor unit for incorporation into a call logging unit arranged to register and record, in respect of any incoming call, particulars including a caller identification, and a sequence of successive calls with a same caller identification, and a call duration, all without the establishment of a call connection, and a memory which includes a look up table in which potential call particulars are associated with potential output signals, said processor unit being programmed with an algorithm arranged to tabulate particulars of any incoming calls from a given caller within a predetermined time period, to compare such tabulated particulars with said look up table and to generate an output signal in dependence upon such comparison.
18. A data bearing medium carrying an algorithm for programming a processor unit for association with a cellular transmitter having a call logging unit arranged to register and record, in respect of any incoming call, particulars including a caller identification, and a sequence of

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successive calls with a same caller identification, and a call duration, all without the establishment of a call connection and a memory which includes a look up table in which potential call particulars are associated with potential output signals, said algorithm being arranged cause said processor to tabulate particulars of any incoming calls from a given caller within a predetermined time period, to compare such tabulated particulars with said look up table and to generate an output signal in dependence upon such comparison.
19. A cellular telephone or modem which is arranged for connection to an installation to receive data therefrom, and which is programmed to call one or more of a plurality of telephone numbers, the number called or the sequence in which such calls are made being dependent upon the data received from the installation.
20. A data transmission system substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawing.