Telephone control module and user site network and methods of operation

A multi-station telephone system having a telephone control module (24) based user site network is provided. The system includes a plurality of electronic devices (26) located at a user site (12). A site telephone line (20) is coupled to a telephone line (16) provided by a telephone network (10) and extends through the user site (12). A plurality of telephone control modules (24) are coupled to the site telephone line (20) and to associated electronic devices (26). The telephone control modules (24) are operable to monitor telephone line communications (32) on the site telephone line (20) and to monitor associated electronic devices (26). The telephone control modules (24) are also operable to isolate associated electronic devices from and couple them to the site telephone line (20). Each telephone control module (24) is further operable to communicate with other telephone control modules (24) to form a user site (12) network for providing control of telephone line communications.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
This invention relates in general to the field of electronic systems, and 
more particularly to a telephone control module and a user site network 
and methods of operation. cl BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
A multi-station system can include one or more telephone lines connected to 
two or more electronic devices. In conventional multi-station telephone 
systems, a termination point located at the user site can be connected 
with a central office in a telephone network to provide the user site with 
one or more telephone lines. The termination point can be what is commonly 
called a "terminal strip." 
Within the user site, site telephone lines can emanate from the terminal 
strip and connect to telephone outlets. In this manner, the telephone 
outlets can provide access to the telephone line or lines provided by the 
telephone network. Individual telephones and key-sets as well as other 
electronic devices (e.g., facsimile machines, answering machines, modems, 
personal computers and peripherals, etc.) can be connected to the 
telephone outlets and thereby connected to the telephone line or lines. 
With respect to a telephone line, the topology of a multi-station 
telephone system is often a star configuration, although other topologies 
are possible. 
In conventional systems, telephone line communications between the various 
electronic devices of the multi-station telephone system and the telephone 
network can be ISDN (Integrated Service Digital Network) or POTS (Plain 
Old Telephone System) type communications. Telephone line communications 
may also be provided by other types of communications such as radio 
frequency or satellite based communications and, in the near future, cable 
systems. In many user sites, the site telephone lines that support 
telephone line communications include a number of pairs of wires. For a 
POTS type telephone line, for example, one pair of wires are used for 
standard telephone operation and are referred to as the tip and ring 
wires. Other types of communications use other configurations for the site 
telephone lines. 
It is advantageous for a multi-station telephone system located at a user 
site to be provided with control, communication and call processing 
features beyond those available using conventional answering machines or 
personal computer applications. 
Some user sites use PBX (Private Branch Exchange) systems which can provide 
call processing features such as automatic call answering, call 
forwarding, call transfer, conferencing, and voice mail as well as 
supporting intra-site telephone communication. PBX systems provide such 
features as part of an overall function to provide an interface between a 
larger number of individual telephone sets and a smaller number of trunk 
lines of the telephone network. Other user sites utilize conventional 
computer based systems to provide analogous call processing features. 
However, conventional PBX and computer based systems are too expensive and 
complex for many user sites, such as personal residences or small 
businesses, that have one or more telephone lines connected to multiple 
telephones, key-sets or other electronic devices. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
In accordance with the present invention, a telephone control module and 
user site network and methods of operation are provided that substantially 
eliminate or reduce disadvantages and problems associated with prior 
multi-station telephone systems. 
According to one aspect of the present invention, a telephone control 
module for use in a multi-station telephone system is provided. The 
telephone control module includes a telephone line interface operable to 
couple to and interface with a site telephone line located in a user site 
where the site telephone line is coupled to a telephone line provided by a 
telephone network. The telephone control module also includes an 
electronic device interface operable to couple to and interface with an 
electronic device located at the user site. The telephone control module 
further includes a logic/control unit coupled to the telephone line 
interface and to the electronic device interface. The logic/control unit 
is operable to monitor telephone line communications on the site telephone 
line and to monitor the electronic device. The logic/control unit is also 
operable to isolate the electronic device from and couple the electronic 
device to the site telephone line. The logic/control unit is further 
operable to communicate with other telephone control modules to form a 
user site network for providing control of telephone line communications. 
According to another aspect of the present invention, a multi-station 
telephone system having a telephone control module based user site network 
is provided. The system includes a plurality of electronic devices located 
at a user site. The system also includes a site telephone line coupled to 
a telephone line provided by a telephone network and extending through the 
user site. A plurality of telephone control modules are coupled to the 
site telephone line and to associated electronic devices. The telephone 
control modules are operable to monitor telephone line communications on 
the site telephone line and to monitor the associated electronic devices. 
The telephone control modules are also operable to isolate associated 
electronic devices from and to couple associated electronic devices to the 
site telephone line. Each telephone control module is further operable to 
communicate with other telephone control modules to form a user site 
network for providing control of telephone line communications. 
According to a further aspect of the present invention, a user site network 
supported by a site telephone line is provided. A plurality of electronic 
devices are located at a user site, and a site telephone line extends 
through the user site. A plurality of telephone control modules are 
coupled to the site telephone line and to associated electronic devices. 
The telephone control modules are operable to monitor a state of 
associated electronic devices and to couple associated electronic devices 
to and isolate associated electronic devices from the site telephone line. 
Each telephone control module is further operable to communicate with 
other telephone control modules using the site telephone line to form a 
user site network between the plurality of electronic devices. 
A technical advantage of the present invention is the transmission and 
reception of information between telephone control modules without 
limiting normal operation of the telephone line provided by the telephone 
network or the operation of the electronic devices coupled to the 
telephone control modules. 
The use of telephone control modules to establish a user site network for 
communications between telephone control modules and to provide call 
processing features is also a technical advantage of the present 
invention. 
The use of site telephone lines to support telephone control module 
communications is a further technical advantage of the present invention. 
An ability to uniquely identify telephone control modules such that they 
can be addressed separately is another technical advantage of the present 
invention. This allows telephone control modules to be treated uniquely as 
necessary to implement call processing features such as intra-site 
communication or selective ringing of a particular telephone or group of 
telephones. The use of telephone control modules to provide intrasite 
communication between telephones or key-sets of a multi-station telephone 
system is a further technical advantage of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
Telephone Control Module Based User Site Network 
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a multi-station telephone 
system having a telephone control module based user site network 
constructed according to the teachings of the present invention. 
A telephone network 10 can be coupled to a user site 12 and can include a 
central office 14. Telephone network 10 can be a local telephone network, 
cellular network, cable system based telephone network or other network 
providing telecommunications interconnectivity. 
Telephone network 10 can be coupled to user site 12 through a telephone 
line 16. Telephone line 16 supports telephone line communications 18 
between telephone network 10 and user site 12. Telephone line 16 can 
comprise a combination of copper wire, optical fiber, radio frequency 
transmissions, or other medium upon or through which telephone line 
communications 18 can be supported. Telephone line communications 18 can 
be based upon an ISDN, POTS or other telephone line communication 
protocol. 
User site 12 can include a site telephone line 20 which is coupled to 
telephone line 16 provided by telephone network 10. Site telephone line 20 
supports telephone line communications 22 in user site 12. Telephone line 
communications 22 can be based upon an ISDN, POTS or other telephone 
communication protocol as appropriate for user site 12. Site telephone 
line 20 can comprise copper wire, optical fiber, radio frequency 
transmissions, or other suitable medium upon or through which telephone 
line communications 22 can be supported. 
User site 12 includes a plurality of telephone control modules (TCMs) 24 
and a plurality of electronic devices 26. Each telephone control module 24 
is coupled to site telephone line 20 and can be coupled to an electronic 
device 26. Electronic devices 26 can comprise telephones, key-sets, 
facsimile machines, answering machines, modems, personal computers and 
peripherals, or other electronic devices. 
Telephone control modules 24 can communicate with one another via TCM 
network communications 28 to form a user site network. TCM network 
communications 28 can be supported by site telephone line 20, by electric 
power lines in user site 12, by electromagnetic transmissions (i.e., radio 
frequency or infra-red signals) or by another appropriate medium. 
TCM network communications 28 can be supported by site telephone line 20 
without limiting the operation of electronic devices 26, telephone line 
communications 22, telephone line communications 18, telephone line 16, 
central office 14 or telephone network 10. In order to do so, TCM network 
communications 28 can be implemented using a packet based protocol carried 
by a modulated high frequency signal communicated across site telephone 
line 20. An alternative is to identify periods of time during which TCM 
network communications 28 should be avoided. A third alternative is for 
one telephone control module 24 (such as a TCM master described below) to 
be coupled to site telephone line 20 via an isolation device (e.g., a 
conventional RJ-31 jack) such that the telephone control module 24 can 
control the isolation device to isolate site telephone line 20 from 
telephone line 16. This isolation would allow TCM network communications 
28 to occur in isolation from telephone network 10. 
In operation, telephone control modules 24 can provide benefits to any 
system in which a telephone line 16 is connected to two or more electronic 
devices 26. Each telephone control module 24 can interface with site 
telephone line 20. One or more telephone control modules 24 can also 
interface with an associated electronic device 26. 
Telephone control modules 24 collectively form a user site network to 
provide control and communication in the multi-station telephone system. 
In addition, telephone control modules 24 can implement call processing 
features for user site 12. Telephone control modules 24 can be arranged in 
a master/slave, peer-to-peer, or other appropriate topology to form the 
user site network. In a master/slave topology, a master telephone control 
module 24 may be different in structure from slave telephone control 
modules and may or may not be coupled to an associated electronic device 
26. 
Telephone control modules 24 can process incoming and outgoing calls and 
interact with one another via TCM network communications 28 to provide 
control, communications, call processing features or other desired 
functionality. Telephone control modules 24 can provide, for example, 
automatic call answering, call forwarding, call transfer, conferencing, 
voice mail as well as other call processing features. Among a wide range 
of call processing features, telephone control modules 26 also can use TCM 
network communications 28 to provide intrasite telephone communications 
between electronic devices 26 without requiring the use of or affecting 
telephone network 10. 
The use of telephone control modules 24 to enhance a multi-station 
telephone system located at user site 12 is a technical advantage of the 
present invention. Another technical advantage of the present invention is 
the use of TCM network communications 28 between telephone control modules 
24 to provide control, communication and call processing features. A 
further technical advantage of the present invention is the transmission 
and reception of information between telephone control modules 24 without 
limiting normal operation of telephone network 10 or electronic devices 
26. 
The use of site telephone line 20 to support TCM network communications 28 
between telephone control modules 24 is also a technical advantage of the 
present invention. The use of telephone control modules 24 to provide 
intra-site communication between telephones and key-sets of a 
multi-station telephone system is also a technical advantage of the 
present invention. 
Telephone Control Modules 
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a telephone control module 
24 constructed according to the teachings of the present invention. As 
shown, telephone control module 24 is coupled to site telephone line 20 
and to an electronic device 26. 
In the embodiment of FIG. 2, telephone control module 24 comprises a 
telephone line interface 25 which is coupled to site telephone line 20 and 
receives telephone line communications 22. A logic/control unit 27 is 
coupled to telephone line interface 25 and transmits and receives TCM 
network communications 28. Telephone control module 24 is also coupled to 
an electronic device interface 29 which is coupled to an electronic device 
26, as shown. 
In one embodiment of the present invention, telephone control module 24 
receives TCM network communications 28 via site telephone line 20. In 
other embodiments of the present invention, telephone control module 24 
receives TCM network communications 28 via a medium other than site 
telephone line 20 such as electric power lines or electromagnetic 
transmissions. 
In operation, logic/control unit 27 monitors telephone line communications 
22 on site telephone line 20 and monitors electronic device 26. 
Logic/control unit 27 operates to couple electronic device 26 to or 
isolate electronic device 26 from site telephone line 20. Logic/control 
unit 27 uses TCM network communications 28 to provide control, 
communication, and call processing features, including handling incoming 
and outgoing calls. TCM network communications 28 allow multiple telephone 
control modules 24 to create a user site network. Using the user site 
network, each telephone control module 24 can allow standard functional 
operation of electronic device 26 while also providing control, 
communication, and call processing features for a multi-station telephone 
system of which electronic device 26 is a part. 
Master/Slave Topology 
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of one implementation of a user site network 
having a master/slave topology according to the teachings of the present 
invention. As shown in FIG. 3, site telephone line 30 and site telephone 
line 31 are coupled to separate telephone lines 16 and support telephone 
line communications 32 and telephone line communications 33, respectively. 
Similar to the description above, telephone line communications 32 and 33 
can be based upon an ISDN, POTS, or other telephone communication 
protocol. In the illustrated embodiment, both telephone lines 16 provide 
access to the same telephone network 10. In other embodiments, telephone 
lines 16 can provide access to different telephone networks. For example, 
one telephone line 16 may connect to a local telephone network and the 
other to a cable system based telephone network. 
In the master/slave topology of FIG. 3, a telephone control module (TCM) 
master 34 is coupled to site telephone line 30 and to site telephone line 
31. A first plurality of telephone control module (TCM) slaves 36 are 
coupled to site telephone line 30, and a second plurality of TCM slaves 36 
are coupled to site telephone line 31. TCM master 34 and the first 
plurality of TCM slaves 36 communicate with one another via TCM network 
communications 38. TCM master 34 and the second plurality of TCM slaves 36 
communicate with one another via TCM network communications 38. Each TCM 
slave 36 is coupled to an electronic device 39. In other embodiments, TCM 
master 34 could also be connected to an electronic device, and one or more 
of TCM slaves 36 may not be coupled to an electronic device 39. 
In the embodiment of FIG. 3, TCM network communications 37 and 38 are 
supported by site telephone lines 31 and 30, respectively. TCM network 
communications 37 and 38 form a user site network between TCM master 34 
and TCM slaves 36. In the master/slave topology, the interaction between 
TCM master 34 and TCM slaves 36 is analogous to a client/server topology 
of a local area network of personal computers. In other embodiments, TCM 
master 34 and TCM slaves 36 can communicate across physical media other 
than site telephone lines 30 and 31, as described above. In addition, 
other embodiments may only include one telephone line 16, may only include 
one set of TCM slaves 36, or may have a peer-to-peer topology or other 
network topology. 
Telephone network 10 and central office 14 may not be isolated from TCM 
network communications 38 and 37 when supported by site telephone lines 30 
and 31 because site telephone lines 30 and 31 may be coupled directly to 
telephone network 10 (e.g., at the terminal strip). However, as mentioned 
above, according to the present invention, TCM network communications 38 
and 37 between TCM master 34 and TCM slaves 36 can be accomplished without 
limiting the operation or degrading the integrity of telephone network 10 
or central office 14. 
The user site network established by TCM network communications 38 and 37 
can be used to provide various control, communication, and call processing 
features for a multi-station telephone system located at user site 12. 
These features can be provided to a single-line or multiple-line 
multi-station telephone system having multiple telephones or key-sets as 
found in many small businesses. For example, incoming telephone calls can 
be answered and processed by TCM master 34, and outgoing telephone calls 
can be processed and placed by TCM master 34. TCM master 34 also can 
communicate with TCM slaves 36 to provide bridging between multiple 
telephone lines, call forwarding, voice mail, conferencing, and other 
desired call processing features. It should be understood that numerous 
control, communication, and call processing features can be implemented 
using TCM master 34 and TCM slaves 36 as well as using telephone control 
modules in other network topologies. 
In the embodiment of FIG. 3, TCM master 34 can operate, for example, to 
detect a caller ID of an incoming telephone call on one of telephone lines 
16. TCM master 34 could then select a TCM slave 36 that is associated with 
a telephone that is an appropriate telephone to ring based upon the caller 
ID. TCM master 34 could then send information to the selected TCM slave 
36, which in turn could cause the selected telephone to ring or otherwise 
indicate visually or audibly that an incoming call has been received. 
With respect to an outgoing call, for example, a user at user site 12 could 
pick up any telephone connected to a TCM slave 36 and access functional 
capabilities of the TCM slave 36, TCM master 34, or one of the other 
electronic devices 39. One such electronic device 39 could be a speech 
controlled dialing device accessed under the control of TCM master 34. 
In one implementation of the master/slave topology of FIG. 3, TCM master 34 
can comprise an integrated circuit based telephone answering device such 
as an MSP58C80 Digital Telephone Answering Device (DTAD), having an 
MS320C25 core, available from TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED. In this 
implementation, electronic devices 39 can comprise one or more telephones 
or key-sets located throughout user site 12, and each TCM slave 36 can 
comprise an integrated circuit based communication device such as an 
MC143120 Neuron Chip available from MOTOROLA, INC. The MC143120 Neuron 
Chips and MSP58C80 DTAD chip can be coupled via site telephone lines 30 
and 31 which can comprise the tip and ring wire of standard user site 
telephone lines. The MC143120 Neuron Chips and MSP58C80 DTAD chip can 
accomplish TCM network communications 38 and 37 across site telephone line 
30 and 31 using a LONTALK communication protocol built into the MC143120 
Neuron Chips or using other appropriate communication protocols. 
Telephone Control Module for Use With a Standard Telephone 
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a telephone control module 
for use with a standard telephone according to the teachings of the 
present invention. 
A telephone outlet 40, which can comprise a female RJ-11 outlet provides 
connection to the site telephone line of the user site. A telephone 
control module (TCM) 42 is connected into telephone outlet 40. A telephone 
connector 44 from an electronic device 45, which can comprise a male RJ-11 
connector, is connected to telephone control module 42. 
Although telephone control module 42 is shown as separate from electronic 
device 45, in other implementations, the two could be integrated into a 
single device. However, the illustrated embodiment shows the use of 
telephone control module 42 where equipment already in-place, including 
standard outlets and connectors, otherwise can remain unmodified. 
Telephone control module 42 can have telephones or key-sets connected to 
them as well as other electronic devices such as facsimile machines, 
modems, personal computers or personal computer peripherals. 
In the embodiment of FIG. 4, electronic device 45 comprises a standard 
telephone. Tip and ring wiring 46 extends from telephone connector 44 to 
ringer detection circuitry 48. Ringer detection circuitry 48 is connected 
to switch hook contacts 50 which in turn are connected to the remaining 
part 52 of the telephone. 
TCM network communications can be communicated between telephone control 
module 42 and other telephone control modules that are plugged into 
unmodified RJ-11 telephone outlets 40. In one embodiment, TCM network 
communications can be communicated across and supported by the tip and 
ring wiring that interconnects RJ-11 outlets of the user site. 
In operation of a standard telephone line, when telephone 45 is in a 
standby mode, telephone 45 is on-hook with switch hook contacts 50 open. 
In this standby mode, the central office of the telephone network supplies 
a 50 volt DC signal between the tip and ring wires 46. If there is an 
incoming call, the central office can provide a signal which is in the 
range of 85 to 100 volts AC to ringer detection circuitry 48. Ringer 
detection circuitry 48 detects this signal and causes telephone 45 to 
ring. If the call is answered, switch hook contacts 50 are closed and 
current is supplied to the central office. The central office then stops 
the ringing signal, and the calling party is connected to the called 
party. 
On the other hand, if a user wants to place a call, the user can pick up 
the telephone receiver of telephone 45 which causes switch hook contacts 
50 to close. Current is thereby supplied to the central office which then 
causes a dial tone to be generated to the caller. The caller can dial a 
phone number, and the phone number is processed by the central office to 
ring the desired called telephone. 
According to the teachings of the present invention, telephone control 
module 42 provides an interface between telephone 45 and telephone outlet 
40. Telephone control module 42 operates to provide control, 
communication, and call processing features through communication with 
other telephone control modules without limiting the function of telephone 
45. 
Master/Slave Topology for Use With Standard Telephones 
FIG. 5 is a block diagram of one embodiment of telephone control modules in 
a master/slave topology for use with standard telephones according to the 
teachings of the present invention. As shown, telephone network 10 is 
coupled to user site 12. Telephone network 10 can comprise a central 
office 14 that provides tip and ring signals across a telephone line to 
user site 12. 
In user site 12, site telephone line 60 is coupled to central office 14 and 
extends to a plurality of telephone outlets 62. Telephone outlets 62 can 
comprise standard RJ-11 wall outlets. Each telephone outlet 62 can be 
coupled to a telephone control module (TCM) 64. In a master/slave 
topology, one telephone control module 64 can be a TCM master and at least 
one other telephone control module 64 can be a TCM slave, as shown. 
TCM slave 64 can comprise a telephone line interface 66, an electronic 
device interface 67, and a logic/control unit 68. Telephone line interface 
66 provides an interface to telephone outlet 62, and electronic device 
interface 67 provides an interface to an electronic device 69. In the 
illustrated embodiment, electronic device 69 comprises a standard 
telephone. TCM slave 64 can comprise a telephone line interface 66 and a 
logic/control unit 68. TCM slave 64 can isolate telephone 69 from 
telephone outlet 62 and couple telephone 69 to telephone outlet 62. TCM 
master 64 can manage the operation of TCM slave 64 to provide the control, 
communication and call processing features. 
Each logic/control unit 68 is operable to monitor telephone outlet 62 and 
to control telephone line interface 66. Logic/control unit 68 in TCM slave 
64 is also operable to control electronic device interface 67. Each 
logic/control unit 68 is operable to receive and transmit TCM network 
communications across the tip wire and/or ring wire of site telephone line 
60. 
Telephone 69 comprises a telephone connector 70 which can comprise an RJ-11 
male connector. As mentioned above, in other implementations, telephone 
control module 64 and telephone 69 can be integrated into one device. 
However, the illustrated embodiment shows the placement of telephone 
control modules 64 where equipment, such as outlets and connectors, 
otherwise remain unmodified except for the addition of telephone control 
modules 64. 
Telephone 69 comprises ringer detection circuitry 72 which is coupled to 
telephone connector 70. Switch hook contacts 74 are connected to ringer 
detection circuitry 72 and to the remaining part 76 of telephone 69. 
Telephone 69 can operate according to standard telephone operation as 
described above with respect to FIG. 4. It can be seen from FIG. 5 that 
the tip and ring wires of site telephone line 60 provide a physical 
electrical path between telephone control modules 64. 
Telephone control modules 64 can communicate information with other 
telephone control modules 64 without degrading the operation of telephone 
69 or telephone network 10. For example, by use of allowable frequencies 
and power levels, telephone control modules 64 can send and receive 
information between one another other without disturbing telephone 69 or 
telephone network 10. Although the topology of FIG. 5 is a master/slave 
topology, other topologies such as a peer-to-peer topology are also 
possible. 
Process for Providing Call Processing Features 
FIG. 6 is a flow chart of one embodiment of a process for providing call 
processing features to a multi-station telephone system according to the 
teachings of the present invention. The process of FIG. 6 can be 
implemented using the telephone control module (TCM) based user site 
network described above. In one embodiment, the process of FIG. 6 is 
managed by a TCM master in a master/slave topology. 
In step 80, the TCM based user site network is in an idle state where no 
incoming call, outgoing call or non-call based call processing feature is 
in progress. In step 82, the network determines whether an incoming call 
is detected. If so, the network processes the incoming call in step 84. 
This incoming call processing is accomplished by communication between the 
telephone control modules. Incoming call processing can comprise routing 
the call to a selected electronic device, answering the call, providing 
access to voice mail or providing other appropriate control, communication 
or call processing feature. After processing the incoming call, the 
network returns to the idle state of step 80. 
In step 86, the network determines whether an outgoing call is detected. If 
so, the network processes the outgoing call in step 88. Outgoing call 
processing is also accomplished by communication between the telephone 
control modules. Outgoing call processing can comprise providing voice 
dialing, conferencing or other appropriate control, communication or call 
processing feature. After processing the outgoing call, the network again 
returns to the idle state of step 80. 
In step 90, the network determines whether a non-call based call processing 
feature is detected. If so, the network processes the non-call based call 
processing feature in step 92. Non-call based call processing features can 
comprise features such as accessing voice mail functions, modifying or 
defining parameters of the telephone system, and recording messages for 
incoming calls. 
In step 94, test messages are sent periodically to check the integrity of 
the network. In one embodiment, a TCM master sends test messages to each 
TCM slave. Each TCM slave receives the test message and returns a status 
message to the TCM master. The TCM master thereby monitors the integrity 
of the network. In step 96, the network determines whether there has been 
a loss of integrity. If not, the network returns to the idle state of step 
80. If integrity has been lost, the network can isolate itself from the 
multi-station telephone system to ensure no interference with normal 
operation. 
In one implementation, for example, a user site can have at least one 
telephone connected to a TCM slave and a speech dialer connected to a TCM 
master. One example of detecting and processing an outgoing call is the 
use of the speech dialer. The process could be initiated by a user picking 
up the telephone and pressing an appropriate key sequence. The attached 
TCM slave could detect this key sequence and communicate with the TCM 
master. The TCM master and TCM slave can then cooperate to provide user 
access to the speech dialer while remaining essentially transparent to the 
user. The TCM master and TCM slave can allow the user to use the speech 
dialer to place a telephone call, for example, to another electronic 
device located in the user site or to an external number. 
Example of Call Processing 
An example of processing of an outgoing call and an incoming call in the 
context of a standard telephone line having tip and ring wiring should be 
helpful. 
For an outgoing call in such an environment, the telephone switch hook is 
closed when the user picks up the telephone receiver. However, a TCM slave 
can keep the telephone isolated from the telephone line. This means that 
the central office of the public telephone network would not immediately 
detect the off-hook state. 
Upon detecting the off-hook state, the TCM slave can communicate an 
information packet to a TCM master identifying itself as the originating 
TCM slave and notifying the TCM master of the off-hook status of the 
associated telephone. The TCM master can receive the information packet 
and direct the TCM slave to play an informational prompt to a user. For 
example, the user might hear: "Please dial a number or speak the name of 
the person you wish to call." If the user dials a number, the dialing can 
be detected by the TCM slave which, in turn, can connect the telephone to 
the telephone line to allow normal dialing operation of the telephone. 
On the other hand, the user can state the name of the person to call. The 
TCM slave can send an information packet to the TCM master identifying the 
stated name, and the TCM master can forward that name to a speech dialer. 
The speech dialer can then indicate that the name was recognized by its 
voice recognizer and provide the telephone number to be dialed. At this 
point, the TCM master can issue an information packet to the TCM slave 
directing the TCM slave to connect the telephone to the telephone line. 
After connection, the central office then can detect the off-hook state 
and provide a dial tone. In response to the dial tone, the TCM master 
would dial the telephone number for the stated name. 
If the name provided by the user is associated with a party located 
interior to the user site, the TCM master can identify the number as 
associated with another telephone located at the user site. The TCM master 
can then direct the TCM slave attached to the other telephone to ring that 
telephone. If the called interior party answers, the TCM master and 
respective TCM slaves can provide a path between the user and the called 
interior party allowing communication within the user site without needing 
additional site telephone lines. 
The ability to uniquely identify each telephone control module such that it 
can be addressed separately from other telephone control modules is a 
technical advantage of the present invention. This allows telephone 
control modules to be treated uniquely as necessary to implement call 
processing features such as intra-site communication or selective ringing 
of a particular telephone or telephones. 
For an incoming call in a standard environment, the calls can be detected 
by a TCM master by monitoring the site telephone line such as tip and ring 
wiring. The TCM master can be set, for example, to answer all incoming 
calls after a predetermined number of rings. By communicating with TCM 
slaves, the TCM master can direct the call to a selected telephone or can 
direct the call to all of the telephones at the user site. The TCM master 
also can simply allow each TCM slave to determine on its own whether to 
connect an attached electronic device. In addition, if available, the TCM 
master can collect and process caller ID information transmitted by the 
telephone network. This caller ID information can be useful for processing 
an incoming call based on stored knowledge concerning the calling party. 
After answering an incoming call, the TCM master can be programmed to 
provide an automated attendant function. Initially, the TCM master can 
cause a prompt to be played to the caller that could direct the caller to 
speak a name or enter a number identifying the party the caller wants to 
reach. After receiving a response, the TCM master can inform the caller 
that the call is being processed, place the call on hold, and perform one 
of many functions. 
For example, the TCM master could send an information packet to a selected 
TCM slave directing the TCM slave to cause an attached telephone to ring. 
In this manner, the call can be directed to a telephone associated with 
the called party. The TCM master could send an information packet to all 
TCM slaves directing each to cause an attached telephone to ring a 
distinctive ringing pattern unique to the called party. 
The TCM master also could send an information packet to a TCM slave that is 
attached to a speaker/microphone. The TCM slave could play the recorded 
response of the caller. The called party could then be prompted to respond 
whether the called party wanted to accept or reject the call. If the call 
is accepted, the TCM slave could connect the attached telephone. If the 
call is rejected, the TCM master could take control and direct the call to 
a voice mail system for accepting a message from the caller. 
Although the present invention has been described in detail, it should be 
understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made 
hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as 
defined by the appended claims.