Dial pulse detector and method

Claim 2

For use with a remote control device for controlling electrically operated apparatus, using a telephone transmission line interconnected between said electrically operated apparatus and a dial-type telephone instrument, said transmission line constituting an a.c. coupling between said dEvice and said instrument while isolating the d.c. potential of said transmission line at said instrument from said device, the combination comprising: detecting means including means for establishing a series of different discrete threshold levels and a plurality of detector means, one for each said discrete level, for separately detecting on said transmission line the presence of dial pulses generated by a dial-type telephone instrument exceeding any of said discrete levels, in response to an instantaneous potential on said line of greater than a discrete level, counting means for counting the number of said pulses within a train of said pulses, output means for manifesting one of a plurality of output signals in response to the number of pulses in said train, and means connected to said output means and responsive to one of said output signals for disabling the detector means for the discrete levels below the highest discrete level which was exceeded during the counted train of pulses.

Claim 3

Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said detecting means includes means for establishing a predetermined number of levels corresponding to discrete potential levels of pulses on said transmission line, and means for selecting one such level for establishing a minimum threshold below which signals are rejected as spurious signals and above which signals are recognized as dial pulses.

Claim 4

Apparatus according to claim 2, including selecting means for establishing a preliminary period of operation, and means operative during said preliminary period for selecting one of said discrete levels for establishing said threshold level for rejecting spurious signals following said preliminary period.

Claim 5

For use with a remote control device for controlling electrically operated apparatus, using a telephone transmission line interconnected between said electrically operated apparatus and a dial-type telephone instrument, said transmission line constituting an a.c. coupling between said device and said instrument while isolating the d.c. potential of said transmission line at said instrument from said device, the combination comprising: detecting means for detecting on said transmission line the presence of dial pulses generated by a dial-type telephone instrument, in response to an instantaneous potential on said line of greater than a variable predetermined level, counting means for counting the number of said pulses within a train of said pulses, output means for manifesting one of a plurality of output signals in response to the number of pulses in said train, said detecting means including means for establishing a predetermined number of levels corresponding to discrete potential levels of pulses on said transmission line, means for selecting one such level for establishing a minimum threshold below which signals are rejected as spurious signals and above which signals are recognized as dial pulses, selecting means for establishing a preliminary period of operation, means operative during said preliminary period for selecting one of said discrete levels for establishing said threshold level for rejecting spurious signals following said preliminary period, said selecting means comprising a plurality of amplifiers, and biasing means for biasing each of said amplifiers at a different level, whereby each of said amplifiers produces an output signal only when an input signal applied thereto from said transmission line exceeds its respective level, a plurality of gate disabling flip-flops, and gate means interconnected between individual ones of said amplifiers and individual ones of said flip-flops for setting said flip-flops in response to the appearance of signals at the outputs of their respective amplifiers, and connecting means for interconnecting said flip-flops with certain ones of said gates for disabling selected ones of said gates during said preliminary period.

Claim 6

For use with a remote control device for controlling electrically operated apparatus, using a telephone transmission line interconnected between said electrically operated apparatus and a dial-type telephone instrument, said transmission line constituting an a.c. coupling between said device and said instrument while isolating the d.c. potential of said transmission line at said instrument from said device, the combination comprising: detecting means for detecting on said transmission line the presence of dial pulses generated by a dial-type telephone instrument, in response to an instantaneous potential on said line of greater than a variable predetermined level, counting means for counting the number of said pulses within a train of said pulses, output means for manifesting one of a plurality of output signals in response to the number of pulses in said train, said detecting means including means for establishing a predetermined number of levels corresponding to discrete potential levels of pulses on said transmission line, means for selecting one such level for establishing a minimum threshold below which signals are rejected as spurious signals and above which signals are recognized as dial pulses, selecting means for establishing a preliminary period of operation, means operative during said preliminary period for selecting one of said discrete levels for establishing said threshold level for rejecting spurious signals following said preliminary period, said selecting means comprising a plurality of amplifiers, and biasing means for biasing each of said amplifiers at a different level, whereby each of said amplifiers produces an output signal only when an input signal applied thereto from said transmission line exceeds its respective level, a plurality of gate disabling flip-flops, and gate means interconnected between individual ones of said amplifiers and individual ones of said flip-flops for setting said flip-flops in response to the appearance of signals at the outputs of their respective amplifiers, and connecting means for interconnecting said flip-flops with certain ones of said gates for disabling selected ones of said gates during said preliminary period.

Claim 7

Apparatus according to claim 4, including a control flip-flop, means for connecting an output of said control flip-flop to a common input of all of said gate disabling flip-flops, for resetting all of said gate disabling flip-flops at the beginning of said preliminary period, and means responsive to the detection and recognition of a predetermined number of pulses in one of said pulse trains for resetting said control flip-flop for signalling the end of said preliminary period and for preventing further setting of said gate disabling flip-flops.

Claim 8

For use with a remote control device for controlling electrically operated apparatus by employing a dial-type telephone instrument connected with said remote control device over a telephone transmission line, the combination comprising; detecting means for detecting a train of dial pulses generated by said instrument on said transmission line, counting means for counting said pulses to manifest the number of pulses in said train, and output means connected to said counting means for energizing one of a plurality of output signals in response to said number, said detecting means including sensing means for detecting a pulse by developing a control signal whenever the potential on said transmission line exceeds a predetermined variable threshold value, and control means connected to said sensing means for inhibiting subsequent operation of said sensing means for a predetermined first time interval, said sensing means being operative to produce an output pulse if no subsequent pulse is detected by said sensing means during a second interval following said first interval, and responsive to the presence of a subsequent pulse within said second time interval for inhibiting the production of said output pulse, said counting means comprising a counter connected with said sensing means for receiving said output pulse and for counting all of such output pulses.

Claim 9

For use with a remote control device for controlling electrically operated apparatus by employing a dial-type telephone instrument connected with said remote control device over a telephone transmission line, the combination comprising; detecting means for detecting a train of dial pulses generated by said instrument on said transmission line, counting means for counting said pulses to manifest the number of pulses in said train, and output means connected to said counting means for energizing one of a plurality of output signals in response to said number, said detecting means including sensing means for detecting a pulse by developing a control signal whenever the potential on said transmission line exceeds a predetermined variable threshold value, and control means connected to said sensing means for inhibiting subsequent operation of said sensing means for a predetermined first time interval, said sensing means being operative to produce an output pulse if no subsequent pulse is detected by said sensing means during a second interval following said first interval, and responsive to the presence of a subsequent pulse within said second time interval for inhibiting the production of said output pulse, said counting means comprising a counter connected with said sensing means for receiving said output pulse and for counting all of such output pulses.

Claim 10

Apparatus according to claim 6, including end detecting means for detecting the end of said pulse train, said end detecting means being responsive to the passage of a predetermined third time interval following one of said output pulses for developing an end signal.

Claim 11

Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said end detecting means comprises a retriggerable monostable multivibrator, said multivibrator having a period in excess of the interval between successive pulses in a pulse train generated by operation of a dial-type telephone instrument, whereby said multivibrator is retriggered by each of said output pulses produced in response to the pulses of said pulse train, said multivibrator returning to its stable state at the end of said pulse train, said end signal being developed by said multivibrator when it returns to its stable state.

Claim 12

Apparatus according to claim 6, including storage means for storing the state of said counter at the end of said pulse train, and means for clearing said counter preparatory to the receipt of a subsequent pulse train.

Claim 13

Apparatus according to claim 9, including means responsive to the detection of the end of said pulse train for developing first and second control pulses, means connecting said first control pulse to said storage means for actuating said storage means for storing the state of said counter at the time of said first control pulse, and means connecting said second control pulse to said counter for resetting said counter.

Claim 14

In apparatus for use in conjunction with a remote control device for controlling electrically operated apparatus over a telephone transmission line by use of a dial-type telephone instrument, the combination comprising detector means for detecting dial pulses transmitted over said transmission line, output means responsive to said detector means for manifesting one of a plurality of output signals in response to the number of pulses transmitted in a single pulse train over said transmission line, said plurality of output signals being adapted to be connected to said electrically operated apparatus for controlling said apparatus in response to the pulses transmitted over said transmission lIne, a terminal adapted to receive a signal from an external decoder whenever a touch tone signal is being detected on said transmission line, and means for connecting said terminal with said detector, said connecting means including a bistable device, means connecting an input of said bistable device with said terminal decoder to set said bistable device to one state in response to detection of a signal at said terminal, and means connecting said bistable device with said detector for disabling said detector in response to setting of said bistable device.

Claim 15

In apparatus for use in conjunction with a remote control device for controlling electrically operated apparatus over a telephone transmission line by use of a dial-type telephone instrument, the combination comprising detector means for detecting dial pulses transmitted over said transmission line, output means responsive to said detector means for manifesting one of a plurality of output signals in response to the number of pulses transmitted in a single pulse train over said transmission line, said plurality of output signals being adapted to be connected to said electrically operated apparatus for controlling said apparatus in response to the pulses transmitted over said transmission lIne, a terminal adapted to receive a signal from an external decoder whenever a touch tone signal is being detected on said transmission line, and means for connecting said terminal with said detector, said connecting means including a bistable device, means connecting an input of said bistable device with said terminal decoder to set said bistable device to one state in response to detection of a signal at said terminal, and means connecting said bistable device with said detector for disabling said detector in response to setting of said bistable device.

Claim 16

Apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said detector includes a counter for manifesting the number of pulses in a pulse train, means for connecting said bistable device with said counter for maintaining said counter in its reset condition, and means responsive to the end of said touch tone signal for resetting said bistable device to its other state.

Claim 17

Apparatus according to claim 1, including means responsive to the frequency components of signals on said transmission line representative of an operator''s voice or of touch tone signals present on said line for inhibiting the operation of said detecting means.

Claim 18

For use with a remote control device for controlling electrically operated apparatus, using a telephone transmission line interconnected between said electrically operated apparatus and a dial-type telephone instrument, said transmission line constituting an a.c. coupling between said device and said instrument while isolating the d.c. potential of said transmission line at said instrument from said device, the combination comprising: detecting means for detecting on said transmission line the presence of dial pulses generated by a dialtype telephone instrument, in response to an instantaneous potential on said line of greater than a variable predetermined level, counting means for counting the number of said pulses within a train of said pulses, output means for manifesting one of a plurality of output signals in response to the number of pulses in said train, said detecting means comprising a plurality of amplifiers connected with said transmission line, said amplifiers having individual threshold levels, means operative in response to signals appearing at the outputs of individual ones of said amplifiers for disabling amplifiers having lower threshold levels, and means connected with each of said amplifiers for lowering its threshold by a predetermined amount subsequent to a signal appearing at its output.

Claim 19

For use with a remote control device for controlling electrically operated apparatus, using a telephone transmission line interconnected between said electrically operated apparatus and a dial-type telephone instrument, said transmission line constituting an a.c. coupling between said device and said instrument while isolating the d.c. potential of said transmission line at said instrument from said device, the combination comprising: detecting means for detecting on said transmission line the presence of dial pulses generated by a dialtype telephone instrument, in response to an instantaneous potential on said line of greater than a variable predetermined level, counting means for counting the number of said pulses within a train of said pulses, output means for manifesting one of a plurality of output signals in response to the number of pulses in said train, said detecting means comprising a plurality of amplifiers connected with said transmission line, said amplifiers having individual threshold levels, means operative in response to signals appearing at the outputs of individual ones of said amplifiers for disabling amplifiers having lower threshold levels, and means connected with each of said amplifiers for lowering its threshold by a predetermined amount subsequent to a signal appearing at its output.

Claim 20

For use with a remote control device for controlling electrically operated apparatus, using a telephone transmission line interconnected between said electrically operated apparatus and a dial-type telephone instrument, said transmission line constituting an a.c. coupling between said device and said instrument while isolating the d.c. potential of said transmission line at said instrument from said device, the combination comprising: detecting means for detecting on said transmission line the presence of dial pulses generated by a dial-type telephone instrument, in response to an instantaneous potential on said line of greater than a variable predetermined level, counting means for counting the number of said pulses within a train of said pulses, output means for manifesting one of a plurality of output signals in response to the number of pulses in said train, a monostable multivibrator connected to a first of said plurality of outputs for operation in response to detection of a pulse train having a first predetermined number of pulses, and means connecting an output of said monostable multivibrator to a second of said plurality of outputs, whereby detection of a pulse train having said first predetermined number of pulses causes energization of said second output for the period of said multivibrator.

Claim 21

For use with a remote control device for controlling electrically operated apparatus, using a telephone transmission line interconnected between said electrically operated apparatus and a dial-type telephone instrument, said transmission line constituting an a.c. coupling between said device and said instrument while isolating the d.c. potential of said transmission line at said instrument from said device, the combination comprising: detecting means for detecting on said transmission line the presence of dial pulses generated by a dial-type telephone instrument, in response to an instantaneous potential on said line of greater than a variable predetermined level, counting means for counting the number of said pulses within a train of said pulses, output means for manifesting one of a plurality of output signals in response to the number of pulses in said train, a monostable multivibrator connected to a first of said plurality of outputs for operation in response to detection of a pulse train having a first predetermined number of pulses, and means connecting an output of said monostable multivibrator to a second of said plurality of outputs, whereby detection of a pulse train having said first predetermined number of pulses causes energization of said second output for the period of said multivibrator.

Claim 22

Apparatus according to claim 15, including means connecting a clear input of said monostable multivibrator with a terminal adapted to be connected to a touch tone decodeR and means connecting said second output to a terminal adapted to be connected to control a multiple backspace function of a dictating machine, whereby said multiple backspace function is repeated for the period of said monostable multivibrator, in response to detection of a pulse train having said first predetermined number of pulses, unless said monostable multivibrator is first reset by a signal from said touch tone decoder.

Claim 25

The method according to claim 17, including the step of providing a plurality of discrete levels below which signals on said transmission line are rejected as noise and above which signals are recognized as pulses produced by a dial-type instrument, and selecting one of said discrete levels during a preliminary period.

Claim 28

The method according to claim 19, including the step of recognizing the end of a train of pulses having a predetermined number of pulses, and thereafter rejecting pulses having amplitudes below said predetermined level, irrespective of the maximum amplitude of pulses detected following said train.

Claim 29

The method according to claim 20, including the steps of developing a first signal in response to the recognition of the end of a train of pulses having said predeterMined number of pulses, and developing a second signal in response to the recognition of the end of a train of pulses having fewer than said predetermined number of pulses, and using said second signal for extending said preliminary period.

Claim 30

The method according to claim 21, including the steps of rejecting pulses received during said preliminary period subsequent to the detection of a pulse having a greater amplitude than said rejected pulses, and reinitiating said preliminary period in response to said second signal, whereby pulses are not rejected until after the detection of pulses having greater amplitudes.