Abstract:
A bi-directional Calling Identity Delivery (CID) system is disclosed, including a first CID unit of a destination phone set that receives, displays, and stores first CID data of a call and displays, stores, and transmits second CID data of a prior call. A call-originating terminal receives the corresponding second CID data in response to a CID data request signal. A second CID unit of a destination exchange transmits a CID data transmission control signal to the first CID unit, receives the corresponding second CID data from the first CID unit, and transmits the corresponding second CID data to the call-originating terminal. The first CID unit transmits the corresponding second CID data to the second CID unit in response to receiving the CID data transmission control signal, and the second CID unit transmits the CID data transmission control signal in response to receiving the CID data request signal initiated by the call-originating terminal.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0002]    The present invention relates to an additive service of a public phone communication system and, more particularly, to an apparatus and method for providing a bi-directional Calling Identity Delivery (CID) service.  
           [0003]    2. Background of the Related Art  
           [0004]    A CID service is intended to display a phone number and a name of a caller, before initiating a call communication or during a call communication, on a display terminal unit of a destination service subscriber. The CID service does this by utilizing an automatic number identification function of a phone network, which function is used for a special purpose such as billing for another provider&#39;s relay call.  
           [0005]    In addition to providing a data service to an analog subscriber, the CID service field anticipates a considerable technological and industrial effect for a terminal related to computer telephony integration (CTI), which has been recently activated.  
           [0006]    [0006]FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a CID service unit in accordance with a background art. The background CID service system includes a CID unit  100  of a destination phone set that displays caller information of a destination call. A CID data processing unit  210  generates caller information (termed ‘CID data,’ hereinafter), such as a caller phone number, a caller name, and a call date/time, and transmits the CID data to the destination telephone set.  
           [0007]    The CID unit  100  of the destination phone set includes a CID modem  130  that receives CID data from the CID data processing unit  210 ; an LCD panel  110  that displays the CID data received through the CID modem  130 ; a controller  140  that controls various signals, data transmission, and a display operation of the CID data; and a call circuit unit  120  that controls a call set-up related to the caller, according to a call control signal of the controller  140 . The CID unit  100  may be inserted in the destination phone set or may be installed separately from the destination phone set. The service operation of the CID system of the background art will now be described in detail.  
           [0008]    When the caller dials a subscriber number to be called, a pertinent intra-office exchange  300  generates a ‘call connection request signal’ and transmits it through a transmission line to the CID data processing unit  210  of a pertinent called party exchange. While receiving the ‘call connection request signal,’ the CID data processing unit  210  searches a CID service data base (DB) (not shown) to check whether the corresponding caller has been registered in the CID service DB. If the caller has been registered in the CID service DB, the CID data processing unit  210  generates CID data, such as a caller number, a name, or a calling date/time, and transmits the CID data when a ring signal is transmitted to the call circuit unit  120  of the destination phone set (between a first ring signal and a second ring signal). The transmitted CID data is transmitted to the CID modem  130 .  
           [0009]    The CID modem  130  performs a frequency-shift keying (FSK) demodulation and a predetermined signal-conversion for the received CID data and displays the CID data on the LCD panel  110 . Then, the subscriber can be aware of the caller, by checking the content displayed on the LCD panel  110 .  
           [0010]    Data transmission between the CID unit  100  of the destination phone set and the destination exchange  200  is made using the FSK method. The FSK method allows transmission of character data as well as the number and a data transmission in an ON-hook state and an OFF-hook state, so that it is suitable to provide the CID service.  
           [0011]    If a new call set-up is requested when the destination phone set is in the OFF-hook state, the CID data processing unit  210  of the destination exchange  200  transmits a specific tone signal to the destination phone set through a speech path of the previously established call. Then, the CID modem  130  recognizes the specific tone signal, according to a control signal of the controller  140 , and transmits a response signal to the CID data processing unit  210 . The CID data processing unit  210  transmits CID data of the call, which has requested a set-up, to the CID modem  130 . Then, the destination phone set performs an FSK demodulation and a signal conversion for the CID data and displays it on the LCD panel  110 . In this manner, the subscriber can identify the caller through the LCD panel  110 , even for a subsequently received phone call which is made while the subscriber is on a prior call communication, so that the subscriber can take a proper step for the other call.  
           [0012]    As stated above, the transmission form of the background CID service system is a uni-directional transmission from the CID data processing unit  210  to the CID modem  130  of the subscriber. Thus, it is limited in utilizing the CID more positively.  
           [0013]    In addition, since the CID data is stored in the memory of the destination phone set, there is no way for the subscriber to check the CID data without the destination phone set.  
           [0014]    This kind of spatial restriction for information and the low equipment use efficiency of the unidirectional transmission have been noticed as the major shortcomings of the CID service system.  
           [0015]    The above references are incorporated by reference herein where appropriate for appropriate teachings of additional or alternative details, features and/or technical background.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0016]    An object of the invention is to solve at least the above problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described hereinafter.  
           [0017]    Another object of the presentinvention is to provide a bi-directional CID service apparatus and method that enable an external communication unit to read CID data stored in a destination phone set.  
           [0018]    To achieve at least the above objects in whole or in part, there is provided a bi-directional CID service providing apparatus including: a CID unit of a destination phone set having functions of displaying, storing, transmitting, and receiving CID data of a destined call; a call-originating terminal unit that transmits a CID data request signal to the CID unit of the destination phone set and receives corresponding CID data; and a CID unit of a destination exchange that transmits a ‘CID data transmission control signal’ to the destination phone set, receives the corresponding CID data, and transmits the CID data to the call-originating terminal unit.  
           [0019]    To achieve at least these advantages in whole or in part, there is further provided a bi-directional CID service providing method including checking whether a ‘CID data request signal’ has been received, while receiving a call set-up request signal from a call-originating terminal unit; searching a CID service DB to check whether a destination phone number is a registered one, if the ‘CID data request signal’ has been received upon checking; transmitting a ‘CID data transmission control signal’ requesting transmission of CID data from the destination phone set, if the destination phone number has been registered in the DB according to the DB searching result; and transmitting the CID data to the call-originating terminal unit, when the CID data is transmitted from the destination phone set.  
           [0020]    The objects of the invention may be achieved in whole or in part by a bi-directional Calling Identity Delivery (CID) device, including a CID communication unit that converts received modulated signals to received baseband signals and converts transmit baseband signals to transmit modulated signals; a CID controller that determines whether a call is a general call or a bi-directional CID service call, based on the received baseband signals; a memory that stores a CID database; and a CID service manager that generates CID information, if a destination terminal identified in the received baseband signals is registered in the CID database, under the control of the CID controller. The CID communication unit converts the CID information to the transmit modulated signals for external transmission.  
           [0021]    The objects of the invention may be further achieved in whole or in part by a bi-directional Calling Identity Delivery (CID) method, including determining whether a call is a general call or a bi-directional CID call, based on a received call setup signal; transmitting originating party CID information to a destination terminal if the destination terminal identified in the call set-up signal is registered in a CID database; and transmitting answering party CID information received from the destination terminal to an originating terminal of the bi-directional CID call.  
           [0022]    The objects of the invention may be further achieved in whole or in part by a method of retrieving call information, including storing telephone call connection information at a first subscriber unit and retrieving the call connection information from the first subscriber unit through a telephone call using a second subscriber unit.  
           [0023]    Additional advantages, objects, and features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and in part will become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned from practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and attained as particularly pointed out in the appended claims. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0024]    The invention will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like elements wherein:  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 1 illustrates a uni-directional CID service providing apparatus in accordance with a background art;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 2 illustrates a bi-directional CID service providing apparatus in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 3 illustrates a flow chart of a bi-directional CID service providing method in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0028]    A bi-directional CID service of the present invention has a function of forwarding CID data, stored by a CID unit of a destination phone set, to a phone set, a computer, or a mobile communication terminal of a caller. That is, unlike the existing unidirectional CID service which allows only the destination phone set to check the CID data, the present invention enables a subscriber to check CID data destined and stored in his or her own phone set, using various communication units, even when the subscriber goes beyond a subscription area.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a bi-directional CID service providing apparatus in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The bi-directional CID service system of the present invention includes a CID unit  500  of a destination phone set having functions of displaying, storing, transmitting, and receiving CID data of a destined call; call-originating terminal units  810 ,  820 , and  830  for transmitting a CID data request signal to the CID unit  500  of the destination phone set and receiving corresponding CID data; a CID unit  600  of a destination exchange for transmitting a ‘CID data transmission control signal’ to the destination phone set, receiving corresponding CID data, and transmitting the CID data to the call-originating terminal unit.  
         [0030]    The CID unit  600  of the destination exchange includes: a CID data transmitting and receiving unit  610  for transmitting a CID data transmission control signal to the destination phone set and receiving corresponding CID data; a CID unit controller  620  for controlling the CID data, transmitted through the CID data transmitting and receiving unit  610 , and a transmission and reception state of a control signal; a call controller  640  for controlling a switch connection between the CID data transmitting and receiving unit and an external unit and controlling a signal related to a CID service call under the control of the CID unit controller  620 ; and a CID service information managing unit  630  for searching a CID service DB (not shown) and generating corresponding CID data under the control of the CID unit controller  620 .  
         [0031]    The CID unit  500  of the destination phone set includes: a CID modem  530  for transmitting and receiving CID data to and from the CID data transmitting unit  610 ; an LCD panel  510  for displaying the CID data received through the CID modem  530 ; a controller  540  for controlling various signals, controlling data transmission and reception, and controlling a display operation of the CID data; a memory  550 ; and a call circuit unit  520  for controlling a call set-up with a caller according to a call control signal of the controller  540 .  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 3 is a flow chart of a bi-directional CID service providing method in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. A control method of the bi-directional CID system of the present invention includes checking whether a ‘CID data request signal’ has been received (step S 2 ), while receiving a call set-up request signal from a call-originating terminal unit (step S 1 ); searching a CID service DB to determine whether a destination phone number is a registered one (step S 4 ), if the ‘CID data request signal’ has been received; transmitting a ‘CID data transmission control signal,’ requesting transmission of CID data, to the destination phone set (step S 5 ), if the destination phone number has been registered in the DB; and transmitting the CID data to the call-originating terminal unit (step S 6 ), when the CID data is transmitted from the destination phone set.  
         [0033]    An example of a subscriber retrieving CID data stored in his or her telephone using a communication device located outside his or her usual subscriber area will now be described. To set up a bi-directional CID service call, a subscriber may preferably approach a telephone network in a different way from that used for a general call. That is, the subscriber may attempt a call set-up to the intra-office exchange  700  by adding an additive code (a specific code such as # or *, etc.) or number to his or her own subscriber number and dialing it or by connecting to a supplementary service of a telephone network (i.e., 700-xxxx) and depressing his or her own subscriber number. Then, the exchange 700 of the corresponding call-originating place generates a ‘call connection request signal’ and a ‘CID data request signal’ and transmits them to the destination exchange  600 .  
         [0034]    As the destination exchange  600  receives the call connection request signal (step S 1 ), the CID unit controller  620  checks whether the CID data request signal has been received by the CID data transmitting and receiving unit  610  (step S 2 ). As mentioned above, the reason why the CID unit controller  620  checks whether the CID data request signal has been received is to determine whether the received call connection request signal is for a general call, of a simple call purpose, or for a bi-directional CID service call.  
         [0035]    In step S 2 , if no CID data request signal is received, the CID data controller  620  regards the call connection request signal as one for a general call and performs a general call processing procedure (step S 3 ). The general call processing procedure (step S 3 ) provides the background ‘uni-directional CID service,’ in which CID data such as a caller number, a caller name, a call date/time is transmitted to the CID unit  500  of the destination phone set.  
         [0036]    The CID unit controller  620  instructs the CID service information managing unit  630  to search the CID service DB, to check whether a corresponding caller has been registered in the CID service DB (step S 4 ). If the caller has been registered in the CID service DB, the CID service information managing unit  630  generates CID data, such as a caller number, a caller name, and a call date/time, and transmits the CID data to the CID modem ( 530 ) when the ring signal is transmitted to the call circuit unit  520  of the destination phone set (that is, between the first ring signal and the second ring signal).  
         [0037]    Under the control of the controller  540 , the CID modem  530  performs an FSK demodulation and a signal conversion for the received CID data, displays the CID data on the LCD panel  510 , and stores the CID data in the memory, so that the subscriber can output the stored CID data on the LCD window at any time, as desired.  
         [0038]    In the course of performing step S 3 , if the destination phone set  500  is in an off-hook state, the CID data transmitting and receiving unit  610  transmits a specific tone signal to the destination phone set  500  through a speech path of the previously established call and waits for a response signal. When the CID data transmitting and receiving unit  610  receives the response signal from the destination phone set  500 , it transmits the corresponding CID data. In the same manner as in the background art, the CID modem  530  of the destination phone set  500  is under the control of the controller  540 , performs the FSK demodulation and a signal conversion for the CID data, and displays it on the LCD panel  510 . Thus, the subscriber can check information of the caller as displayed on the LCD panel  510 , even while he or she is talking on the phone, and take a suitable step. The received CID data is stored in the memory  550  under the control of controller  540 .  
         [0039]    In step S 2 , if the CID data request signal is transmitted from the caller, the CID unit controller  620  initiates a bi-directional CID service. After identifying that the CID data request signal has been received, the CID unit controller  620  instructs the CID service information managing unit  630  to search the CID service DB, to check whether the destination subscriber number dialed by the caller has been registered in the CID service DB (step S 4 ). If the destination subscriber number is registered in the CID service DB, the CID unit controller  620  transmits a signal of a specific tone, which is different to a tone used for the background uni-directional CID service, to the CID modem  530  of the destination phone set (step S 5 ). The specific tone signal is the CID data transmission control signal. Under the control of controller  540 , the CID modem  530  reads the CID data stored in the memory  550  and transmits it to the CID data transmitting and receiving unit  610 . Then, the CID data transmitting and receiving unit  610  transmits the CID data to the corresponding caller  810 ,  820 , or  830  through the call-originating exchange 700 (step S 6 ).  
         [0040]     In step S 4 , if the phone number of the called party has not been registered in the CID service DB, the CID unit controller  620  terminates the bi-directional CID service and releases the CID service call.  
         [0041]    With the bi-directional CID service providing method, the subscriber can access the CID unit of his or her own phone set and check the stored CID data using a remotely located communication device. There are various terminals the subscriber can use to access the bi-directional CID service. Any terminal that interworks with a PSTN network, such as a mobile communication terminal, a computer, a general phone set, and a CID unit built-in phone set, can be used as the call-originating terminal unit.  
         [0042]    In the aspect that the mobile communication terminal or the computer connected to the Internet is a general unit, which can transmit or display character or number data, it has no problem receiving the bi-directional CID service. In addition, the general phone set also can convert the CID data, that is, the character data, into voice information to receive the bi-directional CID service. Thus, the service providing domain can be widened.  
         [0043]    As so far described, the bi-directional CID service providing apparatus and method has many advantages.  
         [0044]    For example, since the CID service can be bi-directionally provided, unlike in the background art where the CID service is uni-directionally provided, the use efficiency of the CID unit and the transmission line are improved.  
         [0045]    Since the use efficiency is increased without changing the existing equipment, the expense is relatively reduced.  
         [0046]    Also, since the bi-directional CID service is provided using various forms of terminals connected to a PSDN, a PSTN, or mobile communication network, the present invention presents the possibility for the development of a new supplementary service.  
         [0047]    The foregoing embodiments and advantages are merely exemplary and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention. The present teaching can be readily applied to other types of apparatuses. The description of the present invention is intended to be illustrative, and not to limit the scope of the claims. Many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures.