CA2076366C - Telecommunication interface apparatus and method - Google Patents
Telecommunication interface apparatus and methodInfo
- Publication number
- CA2076366C CA2076366C CA002076366A CA2076366A CA2076366C CA 2076366 C CA2076366 C CA 2076366C CA 002076366 A CA002076366 A CA 002076366A CA 2076366 A CA2076366 A CA 2076366A CA 2076366 C CA2076366 C CA 2076366C
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- data
- host computer
- received
- command code
- port
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F13/00—Interconnection of, or transfer of information or other signals between, memories, input/output devices or central processing units
- G06F13/38—Information transfer, e.g. on bus
- G06F13/40—Bus structure
- G06F13/4004—Coupling between buses
- G06F13/4022—Coupling between buses using switching circuits, e.g. switching matrix, connection or expansion network
Abstract
An interface apparatus (12) and method for transmitting data between a host comp uter (16) and a telecommunication network (11) without requiring special host-based computer programs to communicate with the interface apparatus (12). The invention uses existing ports of the host computer (16), utilized in their standard method of operations, such as driving a printer (18) or communicating with a workstation. This reduces cost, simplifies use, and permits the use of the telecommunication interface apparatus (12) with any computer utilizing its existing programs. The interface apparatus (12) scans the beginning of a message for a command code comprising a string of special characters and the adressee number and/or code. If such a code is detected, the message is transmitted over the telecommunication network (11). Otherwise, the m essage is passed through the interface apparatus (12) unchanged to be printed or otherwise output.
Description
WO 91/13407 PCr/US91/01342 2~ ~ ~~~
T~;!T~QlsM~CATION IXI~!~RFACE: APPARl!~TIJ~ AND METHOD
ac~ ND OF T~ ;n..LON
1. Field of the Inventiorl The invention relates to a telec~ ~ni cation interface apparatus and method, and more particularly to an interface apparatus and method for transmitting data between a host computer and a teleco - ication network without requiring special host-based computer programs.
2. Description of the Prior Art Computers today are often used to communicate to other people and computer systems via telecommunication-networks and services such as telex, electronic mail, and facsimile (fax) transmissions. To perform this function, special communication programs (or "software") are required in the user's (or ''host") computer to meet the requirements of the ;
telec ~nication network.
In the present art, to connect a host computer to a telecommunication network, a physical connecticn of a c_ ~nication interface (such as a modem or network gateway module) to a port of the host computer is necessary. The communication interface is in turn con-nected to the telec- ;cation network (for example, ~ via telephone wires). The computer port is commonly an RS-232 serial interface port, communicating in ASCII, BSC, or SDLC codes with communication protocols varying depen~ing on the brand of computer. Such protocols are typically implemented~within the c n;cation . interface~in the form of ROM-resident software ("firmware"). The -- ication protocol~must include all of the nec~ss~ry-_ -n~c and controls to permit the handling of the interface and to transmit or receive data. Similarly, the protocol must include all nec~ ry controls to differentiate between status and control data coming from the interface and data forming WO91/1~07 PCT/US91/01342 2~".5~ _ ~2-a user's message. Higher level communication software uses the command and control structure of the protocol to effectuate telec~ ication sessions. An example of one such.protocol is the Hayes AT command protocol used in the microcomputer environment. On larger computers, no standard has emerged at this time.
.
Requiring special o. ~ication software resident in the host computer requirement presents an inconvenience.
for computer users, since not only must they purchase or write such software, but they also have to write or purchase compatible editing or word processing software to generate the messages or files to be transferred.
Alternatively, they can write additional soft~are to link such communication software to their existing word processing or editing software.
It is desirable to provide a method for connecting a computer to a telec~ nication interface which does not require any special software in the host computer to communicate with the interface. This would reduce the cost, simpli~y the use, and permit the installation of the telecommunication interface.in any host computer while utilizing the host computer's existing programs.
Consequently, the training time of users would be . dramatically reduced since they would communicate to . the telecommunication interface using their existing p~O~L ~.
The present invention achieves this.goal by linking a . transmission interface to the.printer port of a host ~ . ~omputer, and.optionally to a workstation port of the .30 .. ....- host.computer. The invention enables c~ nications to .~. be accomplished using existing-programs included in ~ most computers. The invention therefore eliminates the need for special host c. ~,u~er resident c 1n;catiOn software.
WO91/13407 PCT/US91/01~2 , ~U~ARY OF T~E lhv~,lON
The present invention is an apparatus and method for linking a word processor or editor of a host computer via a communication interface module to other S computers, telex machines, electronic mail services, or facsimile machines wikhout reguiring any special configuration or plv~l ; ng of the host computer.
In the case of a multi-station computer with available ports, communi ation from the host computer word process/editor to the communication interface module is performed by allocating one port of the host computer to the c~ ication interface module. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the outbound port is a printer port.
Optionally, communication from the communication interface module to the host computer can be performed by allocating a port of the host computer to the communication interface module. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the inbound port is a workstation port or a keyboard port.
A user generates an oùtgoing message (e.g., facsimile, telex, or electronic mail) by including in the docu-ment to be transmitted the type of c~ 1ication desired and an addressee number and/or code. The user then writes the message as usual. After preparation of the message, the user sends the message to the "printer" emulated by the communication interface module. The communication interface module scans the beginning of the message for a command code comprising a string of special characters and the addressee number and/or code. The c. ~ication interface module then performs the necesC~ry tasks ~o send the message to the desired network as electronic mail, a telex, a facsimile, etc.
, WO91/1~07 PCT/US91/01342 2~
If the user desires to take advantage of receiving ,ncr~ing messages into he host computer, the c~ - ication interface module emulates a workstation input and enters the incoming messages into the host computer via a workstation port in the host computer (or, in the case of a microcomputer, through the key-board port~. The user may elect whether or not to use the incoming message feature. In some cases, especially for the facsimile option, a user may elect to have incoming messages printed on a designated printer or fax machine rather than having them stored in the host computer.
The communication interface module may be connected in series with the printer and is transparent to any data not starting with the addressee command string (telex number, fax number, electronic mail network number, etc.). This permits the printer to be used in a normal fashion.
The details of the preferred embodiment of the present invention are set forth below. Once the details of the invention are known, numerous additional innovations and changes will become obvious to one skilled in the art.
BRI~F DB8CRIPTION OF T~E D~a~ING
FIGURE l is schematic diagram showing the present invention coupled between a host computer and an optional printer.
FIGURE 2 is block circuit diagram showing one implementation of present invention.
FIGURE 3 is diagram showing a preferred message format used with the present invention.
FIGURE 4A is flow chart showing the preferred embodiment of the method of the present invention.
:
FIGURE 4B is a continuation of the flow chart of FIGURE
4A.
FIGURE 4C is a continuation of the flow chàrt of FIGURE
4B.
Like numbers and designations in the drawings refer to like elements.
.
WO91/1~07 PCT/US91/01342 2~ J~$~ 6-DETA~L~D ~ PTPTI~N OF ~ hv~,~-lON
Throuqhout this description, the preferred embodiment and examples shown should be considered as exemplars, rather than limitations on the apparatus and method of the present invention.
The invention provides an apparatus and method for linking a host computer to a teleco nication interface module without reguiring any special software or hardware within the host computer. The invention uses existing ports of the host computer, utilized in their standard method of operation, such as driving a printer or communicating with a workstation. As shown in FIGURE 1, the input port 10 of the interface module 12 is connected in series to a printer port 14 of the host computer 16. If the host computer 16 has a printer 18 connected to the printer port 14, the interface module 12 is connected between the printer port 14 and the printer 18, as shown. Thus, the printer 18 is coupled to an output port 19 of the interface module 12. This connection allows the receipt of data by the interface module 12 from any software residing in the host computer 16 that is capable of sending data to a printer. The normal use of the printer 18 is not affected by the interface module 12. The interface module is also coupled to a telècommunications network 11 by means of a communication port 13.
If it is expected that the interface module 12 will upload data or other information to the host computer 16, the interface module 12 emulates a workstation in the preferred embo~i ~nt, and is coupled to a workstation port 20 of the host computer 16. Conse-quently, the interface module 12 is able to access the existinq pr~y ~ ~ of the host computer 16 (such as a word processor) to upload the received data into the host computer 16. If the purpose of the workstation W O 91/13407 ~ $'~ PCT/US91/01342 emulation is to upload messages and information to the host computer 16, the exchange of information over the workstation port 20 is normally bidirectional due to -hAn~h~ke, polling, or daisy-chain requirements.
Interaction between the host computer 16 and the interface module 12 is accomplished by the utilization of two different sessions in the preferred e~bodiment:
one for receiving data to be ~ransmitted to the interface module 12 via a printer port 1~, and one to upload data from the interface module 12 to the host computer 16 via a workstation port 20 (or, in the case of a microcomputer, the interface module 12 may emulate a keyboard). By the use of two sessions, àccess to the interface module 12 is available to all existing host computer programs capable of transmitting data to~a printer 18, or receiving data from a workstation port 20 or keyboard port.
FIGU~E 2 shows a block diagram of one configuration of the present invention. The interface module 12 comprises a CPU unit 22 (such as an Intel Corporation 8088 or 80286 microprocéssor), with associated random access memory 24 ("RAM"), read only memory 26 ("ROM"), interface drivers 28, and communication driver 30.
The interface drivers 28 include the circuitry, couplings, and ~U~L - ;ng necessAry to communicate over a particular type of port (e.g., an RS-232 serial port, a Centronics-type parallel port, or a coaxial connection). Such apparatus is well known in the art.
The software component of each driver simply provides the control functions for transferring data through its ' respective port. For exampie, the work station emulation driver shown in FIGURE 2 includes software that implements the protocol used by a particular workstation (such as an RS-232 signaling protocol).
Similarly, the communication driver 30 comprises W091/13407 PCT/US91/Ot342 2 ~ o~ ~ -8-circuitry, couplings, and programming for connecting the interface module 12 with a telecommunications network ll. The communication driver 30 therefore may emulate such ~ ~;cations standards as Ethernet, X.25, ~ell 202, V.21, etc. Such standards and the methods and apparatus for c -lication using such standards are well known in the art.
When receiving data on a printer port 1~ from a host .
computer 16, the interface module 12 scans the beginning of the message to see if the data from the port is normal data to be printed on the printer 18 (attached in series to the teleco~rt~nications interface module 12), or comprises messages to be sent through the interface module 12 to the telecommunication network 11. A control program residing in the interface module 12 scans the incoming.data to detect key words indicating the beginning of a message to be transmitted on the telecommunications network 11. If a key word is not detected near the beginning of the message, the control program will conclude that the message is a regular message to be printed and will transmit the received data to the printer 18. This permits shared-use of the printer port 14 on the host computer 16 by the interface module 12 and the printer 18. Further, the interface module l~ shares the printer 18 itself with the host computer 16 (for example, for printing inbound telec ication messages and/or status messages).
. When the interface module 12 has to transmit data from 30. ' the telecommunication network 11 to the host computer 16, a separate session emulating a workstation (or a keyboard in the..case of a microcomputer) accesses the workstation port 20 of the host computer 16. Utilizing existing programs of the host c ~er 16 that are capable of receiving data from the workstation port 20, the interface module 12 enters the required data into - 2~
_9_ the host computer 16 in the fashion required by the workstation port 20. Such information may be status or statistical information about the activity of the interface module 1~, or incoming messagas from the network, such as electronic mail, telex messages, fax transmittals, etc. Depending on the application, the information can be uploaded to the host computer 16 as described above, or transmitted directly to a printer 18 for printing. Alternatively, the interface module 12 may be operated as an outbound device only, and will not accept incoming messages. A user may also elect to have incoming messages printed directly on an attached printer 18 or a ~ax machine rather than having them first stored in the host computer 16. Implementation of such inbound message receiving and workstation/
printer/fax emulation is well known in the art.
FIGURE 3 is a typical example of a document to be transmitted through the host computer printer port 14 to the telecl ~nication network 11. Near the beginning (for example, within the first ten lines), an initial command key word is included, initializing the process of generating a telec~ lnications message.
Several key words (sùch as **LOGO**, **SIGN XXX**, *~END**) can be located anywhere within the message, but it is required that a first key word be recognized near the beginning of the message. The message preferrably ends with an explicit END c~ ~n~, but this is optional.
Following are examples of some key words:
KEY WORD COMMANDS MEANING
*~FAX 213 539 0324** fax message to telephone number 213 **FAX 213 539 9324,fine mode** fax message in fine mode ....
WO91/1~07 PCT/US91/01342 **TELEX 814350381** telex message to country 814, telex number 350381 **TELEX 814350381 A/B ACMECO** telex message to country 814, telex number 350381, with answerback ACMECO
**CO LOGO** insert the company logo (optionally, this may be made-. automatic) **SIGN XXX** insert XXX's signature **SEND TO MAILING LIST FIELD** send the message to the persons listed in the mailing list entitled "FIELD"
**CREATE MAILING LIST FIBLD** the names and numbers listed below will form the new mailing:list "FIELD"
**PRINT MAILING LIST FIELD** require the interface module to print the mailing list defined under "FIELD"
**PRINT ALL STATUS** cl ~nd to the interface module to print the status of messages **UPLOAD STATUS ALL** require the ~ interface module to upload, as an input from the emulated . workstation, the status of all traffic .. . .
**lNV~'l' 123** invert message 123 (received upside .. . . down):
.
~ .- **END** end of a document or - !
. . .
. session WO91/13407 PCT/US91/01~2 S,~;
In the preferred embodiment, the inventive method scans the incoming data stream from the host computer 16 for (l) two adjacent asterisXs t2) following a carriage return, and ~3) appearing in the first lO lines. If such a combination is found, then the characters following the asterisks are scanned to see if they match any permitted co ~n~ strings. If so, the command is executed to effectuate a communication with the telecl 1ication network ll. If no paired asterisks and valid command string are found, then the data is treated as being intended for output on the printer 18.
FIGURES 4A-4B illustrate a flow chart of the process of differentiating between a normal document ~o be passed through the interface module 12 (for example, for printing) and data that is to be intercepted and transmitted to the telec~ lni cation network ll.
Following is a description of each step:
Step lO/20: Start / Initialization:
Do to the routine initialization, plus ~et the following flags, buffers, and counters:
CRF = Carriage Return Flag PH = Port to Host computer CC = Character Counter CFIFO = Character FIFO
CMF = Cc ~n~ Flag (results of 2 asterisks) PP = Printer Port CMB = Cc ~n~ Buffer CMC = Command Counter (asterisk counter) CRC = Carriage Return Counter LC* = Last Character Asterisk Flag GWN = Gateway Flag Step 30: Scan the printer port of the host computer for ~ncoming data.
.
.
2~ J~.. c~.~. Step 40: Test if the data from the printer port comprises a printable character or a control character.
Step 50: If a control character, test if it is for an end-of-file character, - which will be equated to an **END**
command and loaded into the Command Buff r (Step 55).
Step 60/70: Test if the character is a carriage - lO return. If so, set the carriage return - flaq to 1, and increment the Carriage Return Counter. This will enable the recognition of the ** character pair at the beginning of a line, and also permit limiting sc~nning a message for a key word command to the first lO lines of a message.
Step 90: If the Cs ~nd Flag equals l (meaning 2 asterisks in a row have j been detected after a carriage return)~ analyze the content of the C -nd Buffer for commands, as de-scribed in FIGURE 4B.
Step 100: Test if the character is an asterisk.
Step llO: Test if the Carriage Return Flag equals l. This differentiates between an asterisk following a carriage return and an asterisk inside of a line of text.
.. . ....
.:
Step 120: Set the Last Character Asterisk Flag to 0 if the character is not an asterisk.
.
Step 130: If the preYious character was an asterisk, increment the Command counter by l (Step 150).
Step 140: If an asterisk follows a carriage return, set the Last Character Asterisk Flag on and increment the Command Counter by l (Step 150).
Step 160/l90: If the C~ ~nd Counter equals 2 (meaning 2 adjacent asterisks have been found), then set the Cl- -nd Flag to l.
Step 200: Set the carriage return flag equal to o, since the character received is not a carriage return.
Step 210: If the Carriage Return Counter is greater than lO, bypass the search for a command word, since it is a prerequisite that a key word command be within the first lO lines.
Step 220-240: Repeatedly test for a key word command, which has to be located within the first lO lines of the message coming from the host computer in the preferred e~ho~; ?nt. When such a key word is found, it is loaded into the Command Buffer (Step 250), and transmitted to a command data base, which manages the - ;cations session with the network.
- Step 245:- Test if the **END** key word is present.
This key word indicates the end of the message being transmitted to the network.
, 2~ S Step 260 or 270: Test for a command requiring status of information on the printer or on the workstation port. If found, execute the respective command (Step 280 or Stap 290).
Step 300: Clear all control buffers when done testing, printing, or uploading.
.
FIGURE 4c Step 310: Test if the character received is within the first lO lines of text. If not, load the character into the Character FIFO (Step 350).
Step 320: Test if the Gateway Flag i5 on when the incoming character is above the tenth line. If so, load the character into the Character FIFO (Step 350) with no additional action. If not (indicating that no key word command has been received), the character is loaded into the Character FIFO (Step 340).
Step 360 : If the printer is ready, the characters in the Character FIF0 are transmitted to the printer ~Step 380). If not, an error flag is set to indicate a problem with the printer (Step 370).
.
Thus, the present invention can link a word processor or editor of a host computer 16 via the interface module 12 to other computers, telex machines, electronia mail services, or facsimile machines without requiring any special configuration or programming of the host computer 16. A user need only add text strings comprising key word commands to documents to ..
~ , . . .. ... . .. ~ ..
%~?7$~
-15- , cause the documents to be routed to the telecommunication network 11. The interface module 12 is otherwise transparent to any data not containing such key word cn -n~c, thereby permitting the output port of the host computer 16 to be used in a normal fashion, such as transmitting data to a printer 18.
A number of embodiments of the present invention have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of tha invention.
For example, the initial key word command may be located within any desired number of lines from the beginning of the message. The key word designators may be defined as character combinations other than two asterisks following a carriage return. The ports used may be any type of port capable of operation in a manner similar to that described above for the printer port 14 and workstation (or keyboard) port 20, and may operate with parallel or serial data. The invention may be configured for communication using protocols and standards other than those set forth above as examples.
Accordingly, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited by the specific illustrated embodiment, but only by the scope of the appended claims.
, .. .
: .
'~
.
T~;!T~QlsM~CATION IXI~!~RFACE: APPARl!~TIJ~ AND METHOD
ac~ ND OF T~ ;n..LON
1. Field of the Inventiorl The invention relates to a telec~ ~ni cation interface apparatus and method, and more particularly to an interface apparatus and method for transmitting data between a host computer and a teleco - ication network without requiring special host-based computer programs.
2. Description of the Prior Art Computers today are often used to communicate to other people and computer systems via telecommunication-networks and services such as telex, electronic mail, and facsimile (fax) transmissions. To perform this function, special communication programs (or "software") are required in the user's (or ''host") computer to meet the requirements of the ;
telec ~nication network.
In the present art, to connect a host computer to a telecommunication network, a physical connecticn of a c_ ~nication interface (such as a modem or network gateway module) to a port of the host computer is necessary. The communication interface is in turn con-nected to the telec- ;cation network (for example, ~ via telephone wires). The computer port is commonly an RS-232 serial interface port, communicating in ASCII, BSC, or SDLC codes with communication protocols varying depen~ing on the brand of computer. Such protocols are typically implemented~within the c n;cation . interface~in the form of ROM-resident software ("firmware"). The -- ication protocol~must include all of the nec~ss~ry-_ -n~c and controls to permit the handling of the interface and to transmit or receive data. Similarly, the protocol must include all nec~ ry controls to differentiate between status and control data coming from the interface and data forming WO91/1~07 PCT/US91/01342 2~".5~ _ ~2-a user's message. Higher level communication software uses the command and control structure of the protocol to effectuate telec~ ication sessions. An example of one such.protocol is the Hayes AT command protocol used in the microcomputer environment. On larger computers, no standard has emerged at this time.
.
Requiring special o. ~ication software resident in the host computer requirement presents an inconvenience.
for computer users, since not only must they purchase or write such software, but they also have to write or purchase compatible editing or word processing software to generate the messages or files to be transferred.
Alternatively, they can write additional soft~are to link such communication software to their existing word processing or editing software.
It is desirable to provide a method for connecting a computer to a telec~ nication interface which does not require any special software in the host computer to communicate with the interface. This would reduce the cost, simpli~y the use, and permit the installation of the telecommunication interface.in any host computer while utilizing the host computer's existing programs.
Consequently, the training time of users would be . dramatically reduced since they would communicate to . the telecommunication interface using their existing p~O~L ~.
The present invention achieves this.goal by linking a . transmission interface to the.printer port of a host ~ . ~omputer, and.optionally to a workstation port of the .30 .. ....- host.computer. The invention enables c~ nications to .~. be accomplished using existing-programs included in ~ most computers. The invention therefore eliminates the need for special host c. ~,u~er resident c 1n;catiOn software.
WO91/13407 PCT/US91/01~2 , ~U~ARY OF T~E lhv~,lON
The present invention is an apparatus and method for linking a word processor or editor of a host computer via a communication interface module to other S computers, telex machines, electronic mail services, or facsimile machines wikhout reguiring any special configuration or plv~l ; ng of the host computer.
In the case of a multi-station computer with available ports, communi ation from the host computer word process/editor to the communication interface module is performed by allocating one port of the host computer to the c~ ication interface module. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the outbound port is a printer port.
Optionally, communication from the communication interface module to the host computer can be performed by allocating a port of the host computer to the communication interface module. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the inbound port is a workstation port or a keyboard port.
A user generates an oùtgoing message (e.g., facsimile, telex, or electronic mail) by including in the docu-ment to be transmitted the type of c~ 1ication desired and an addressee number and/or code. The user then writes the message as usual. After preparation of the message, the user sends the message to the "printer" emulated by the communication interface module. The communication interface module scans the beginning of the message for a command code comprising a string of special characters and the addressee number and/or code. The c. ~ication interface module then performs the necesC~ry tasks ~o send the message to the desired network as electronic mail, a telex, a facsimile, etc.
, WO91/1~07 PCT/US91/01342 2~
If the user desires to take advantage of receiving ,ncr~ing messages into he host computer, the c~ - ication interface module emulates a workstation input and enters the incoming messages into the host computer via a workstation port in the host computer (or, in the case of a microcomputer, through the key-board port~. The user may elect whether or not to use the incoming message feature. In some cases, especially for the facsimile option, a user may elect to have incoming messages printed on a designated printer or fax machine rather than having them stored in the host computer.
The communication interface module may be connected in series with the printer and is transparent to any data not starting with the addressee command string (telex number, fax number, electronic mail network number, etc.). This permits the printer to be used in a normal fashion.
The details of the preferred embodiment of the present invention are set forth below. Once the details of the invention are known, numerous additional innovations and changes will become obvious to one skilled in the art.
BRI~F DB8CRIPTION OF T~E D~a~ING
FIGURE l is schematic diagram showing the present invention coupled between a host computer and an optional printer.
FIGURE 2 is block circuit diagram showing one implementation of present invention.
FIGURE 3 is diagram showing a preferred message format used with the present invention.
FIGURE 4A is flow chart showing the preferred embodiment of the method of the present invention.
:
FIGURE 4B is a continuation of the flow chart of FIGURE
4A.
FIGURE 4C is a continuation of the flow chàrt of FIGURE
4B.
Like numbers and designations in the drawings refer to like elements.
.
WO91/1~07 PCT/US91/01342 2~ J~$~ 6-DETA~L~D ~ PTPTI~N OF ~ hv~,~-lON
Throuqhout this description, the preferred embodiment and examples shown should be considered as exemplars, rather than limitations on the apparatus and method of the present invention.
The invention provides an apparatus and method for linking a host computer to a teleco nication interface module without reguiring any special software or hardware within the host computer. The invention uses existing ports of the host computer, utilized in their standard method of operation, such as driving a printer or communicating with a workstation. As shown in FIGURE 1, the input port 10 of the interface module 12 is connected in series to a printer port 14 of the host computer 16. If the host computer 16 has a printer 18 connected to the printer port 14, the interface module 12 is connected between the printer port 14 and the printer 18, as shown. Thus, the printer 18 is coupled to an output port 19 of the interface module 12. This connection allows the receipt of data by the interface module 12 from any software residing in the host computer 16 that is capable of sending data to a printer. The normal use of the printer 18 is not affected by the interface module 12. The interface module is also coupled to a telècommunications network 11 by means of a communication port 13.
If it is expected that the interface module 12 will upload data or other information to the host computer 16, the interface module 12 emulates a workstation in the preferred embo~i ~nt, and is coupled to a workstation port 20 of the host computer 16. Conse-quently, the interface module 12 is able to access the existinq pr~y ~ ~ of the host computer 16 (such as a word processor) to upload the received data into the host computer 16. If the purpose of the workstation W O 91/13407 ~ $'~ PCT/US91/01342 emulation is to upload messages and information to the host computer 16, the exchange of information over the workstation port 20 is normally bidirectional due to -hAn~h~ke, polling, or daisy-chain requirements.
Interaction between the host computer 16 and the interface module 12 is accomplished by the utilization of two different sessions in the preferred e~bodiment:
one for receiving data to be ~ransmitted to the interface module 12 via a printer port 1~, and one to upload data from the interface module 12 to the host computer 16 via a workstation port 20 (or, in the case of a microcomputer, the interface module 12 may emulate a keyboard). By the use of two sessions, àccess to the interface module 12 is available to all existing host computer programs capable of transmitting data to~a printer 18, or receiving data from a workstation port 20 or keyboard port.
FIGU~E 2 shows a block diagram of one configuration of the present invention. The interface module 12 comprises a CPU unit 22 (such as an Intel Corporation 8088 or 80286 microprocéssor), with associated random access memory 24 ("RAM"), read only memory 26 ("ROM"), interface drivers 28, and communication driver 30.
The interface drivers 28 include the circuitry, couplings, and ~U~L - ;ng necessAry to communicate over a particular type of port (e.g., an RS-232 serial port, a Centronics-type parallel port, or a coaxial connection). Such apparatus is well known in the art.
The software component of each driver simply provides the control functions for transferring data through its ' respective port. For exampie, the work station emulation driver shown in FIGURE 2 includes software that implements the protocol used by a particular workstation (such as an RS-232 signaling protocol).
Similarly, the communication driver 30 comprises W091/13407 PCT/US91/Ot342 2 ~ o~ ~ -8-circuitry, couplings, and programming for connecting the interface module 12 with a telecommunications network ll. The communication driver 30 therefore may emulate such ~ ~;cations standards as Ethernet, X.25, ~ell 202, V.21, etc. Such standards and the methods and apparatus for c -lication using such standards are well known in the art.
When receiving data on a printer port 1~ from a host .
computer 16, the interface module 12 scans the beginning of the message to see if the data from the port is normal data to be printed on the printer 18 (attached in series to the teleco~rt~nications interface module 12), or comprises messages to be sent through the interface module 12 to the telecommunication network 11. A control program residing in the interface module 12 scans the incoming.data to detect key words indicating the beginning of a message to be transmitted on the telecommunications network 11. If a key word is not detected near the beginning of the message, the control program will conclude that the message is a regular message to be printed and will transmit the received data to the printer 18. This permits shared-use of the printer port 14 on the host computer 16 by the interface module 12 and the printer 18. Further, the interface module l~ shares the printer 18 itself with the host computer 16 (for example, for printing inbound telec ication messages and/or status messages).
. When the interface module 12 has to transmit data from 30. ' the telecommunication network 11 to the host computer 16, a separate session emulating a workstation (or a keyboard in the..case of a microcomputer) accesses the workstation port 20 of the host computer 16. Utilizing existing programs of the host c ~er 16 that are capable of receiving data from the workstation port 20, the interface module 12 enters the required data into - 2~
_9_ the host computer 16 in the fashion required by the workstation port 20. Such information may be status or statistical information about the activity of the interface module 1~, or incoming messagas from the network, such as electronic mail, telex messages, fax transmittals, etc. Depending on the application, the information can be uploaded to the host computer 16 as described above, or transmitted directly to a printer 18 for printing. Alternatively, the interface module 12 may be operated as an outbound device only, and will not accept incoming messages. A user may also elect to have incoming messages printed directly on an attached printer 18 or a ~ax machine rather than having them first stored in the host computer 16. Implementation of such inbound message receiving and workstation/
printer/fax emulation is well known in the art.
FIGURE 3 is a typical example of a document to be transmitted through the host computer printer port 14 to the telecl ~nication network 11. Near the beginning (for example, within the first ten lines), an initial command key word is included, initializing the process of generating a telec~ lnications message.
Several key words (sùch as **LOGO**, **SIGN XXX**, *~END**) can be located anywhere within the message, but it is required that a first key word be recognized near the beginning of the message. The message preferrably ends with an explicit END c~ ~n~, but this is optional.
Following are examples of some key words:
KEY WORD COMMANDS MEANING
*~FAX 213 539 0324** fax message to telephone number 213 **FAX 213 539 9324,fine mode** fax message in fine mode ....
WO91/1~07 PCT/US91/01342 **TELEX 814350381** telex message to country 814, telex number 350381 **TELEX 814350381 A/B ACMECO** telex message to country 814, telex number 350381, with answerback ACMECO
**CO LOGO** insert the company logo (optionally, this may be made-. automatic) **SIGN XXX** insert XXX's signature **SEND TO MAILING LIST FIELD** send the message to the persons listed in the mailing list entitled "FIELD"
**CREATE MAILING LIST FIBLD** the names and numbers listed below will form the new mailing:list "FIELD"
**PRINT MAILING LIST FIELD** require the interface module to print the mailing list defined under "FIELD"
**PRINT ALL STATUS** cl ~nd to the interface module to print the status of messages **UPLOAD STATUS ALL** require the ~ interface module to upload, as an input from the emulated . workstation, the status of all traffic .. . .
**lNV~'l' 123** invert message 123 (received upside .. . . down):
.
~ .- **END** end of a document or - !
. . .
. session WO91/13407 PCT/US91/01~2 S,~;
In the preferred embodiment, the inventive method scans the incoming data stream from the host computer 16 for (l) two adjacent asterisXs t2) following a carriage return, and ~3) appearing in the first lO lines. If such a combination is found, then the characters following the asterisks are scanned to see if they match any permitted co ~n~ strings. If so, the command is executed to effectuate a communication with the telecl 1ication network ll. If no paired asterisks and valid command string are found, then the data is treated as being intended for output on the printer 18.
FIGURES 4A-4B illustrate a flow chart of the process of differentiating between a normal document ~o be passed through the interface module 12 (for example, for printing) and data that is to be intercepted and transmitted to the telec~ lni cation network ll.
Following is a description of each step:
Step lO/20: Start / Initialization:
Do to the routine initialization, plus ~et the following flags, buffers, and counters:
CRF = Carriage Return Flag PH = Port to Host computer CC = Character Counter CFIFO = Character FIFO
CMF = Cc ~n~ Flag (results of 2 asterisks) PP = Printer Port CMB = Cc ~n~ Buffer CMC = Command Counter (asterisk counter) CRC = Carriage Return Counter LC* = Last Character Asterisk Flag GWN = Gateway Flag Step 30: Scan the printer port of the host computer for ~ncoming data.
.
.
2~ J~.. c~.~. Step 40: Test if the data from the printer port comprises a printable character or a control character.
Step 50: If a control character, test if it is for an end-of-file character, - which will be equated to an **END**
command and loaded into the Command Buff r (Step 55).
Step 60/70: Test if the character is a carriage - lO return. If so, set the carriage return - flaq to 1, and increment the Carriage Return Counter. This will enable the recognition of the ** character pair at the beginning of a line, and also permit limiting sc~nning a message for a key word command to the first lO lines of a message.
Step 90: If the Cs ~nd Flag equals l (meaning 2 asterisks in a row have j been detected after a carriage return)~ analyze the content of the C -nd Buffer for commands, as de-scribed in FIGURE 4B.
Step 100: Test if the character is an asterisk.
Step llO: Test if the Carriage Return Flag equals l. This differentiates between an asterisk following a carriage return and an asterisk inside of a line of text.
.. . ....
.:
Step 120: Set the Last Character Asterisk Flag to 0 if the character is not an asterisk.
.
Step 130: If the preYious character was an asterisk, increment the Command counter by l (Step 150).
Step 140: If an asterisk follows a carriage return, set the Last Character Asterisk Flag on and increment the Command Counter by l (Step 150).
Step 160/l90: If the C~ ~nd Counter equals 2 (meaning 2 adjacent asterisks have been found), then set the Cl- -nd Flag to l.
Step 200: Set the carriage return flag equal to o, since the character received is not a carriage return.
Step 210: If the Carriage Return Counter is greater than lO, bypass the search for a command word, since it is a prerequisite that a key word command be within the first lO lines.
Step 220-240: Repeatedly test for a key word command, which has to be located within the first lO lines of the message coming from the host computer in the preferred e~ho~; ?nt. When such a key word is found, it is loaded into the Command Buffer (Step 250), and transmitted to a command data base, which manages the - ;cations session with the network.
- Step 245:- Test if the **END** key word is present.
This key word indicates the end of the message being transmitted to the network.
, 2~ S Step 260 or 270: Test for a command requiring status of information on the printer or on the workstation port. If found, execute the respective command (Step 280 or Stap 290).
Step 300: Clear all control buffers when done testing, printing, or uploading.
.
FIGURE 4c Step 310: Test if the character received is within the first lO lines of text. If not, load the character into the Character FIFO (Step 350).
Step 320: Test if the Gateway Flag i5 on when the incoming character is above the tenth line. If so, load the character into the Character FIFO (Step 350) with no additional action. If not (indicating that no key word command has been received), the character is loaded into the Character FIFO (Step 340).
Step 360 : If the printer is ready, the characters in the Character FIF0 are transmitted to the printer ~Step 380). If not, an error flag is set to indicate a problem with the printer (Step 370).
.
Thus, the present invention can link a word processor or editor of a host computer 16 via the interface module 12 to other computers, telex machines, electronia mail services, or facsimile machines without requiring any special configuration or programming of the host computer 16. A user need only add text strings comprising key word commands to documents to ..
~ , . . .. ... . .. ~ ..
%~?7$~
-15- , cause the documents to be routed to the telecommunication network 11. The interface module 12 is otherwise transparent to any data not containing such key word cn -n~c, thereby permitting the output port of the host computer 16 to be used in a normal fashion, such as transmitting data to a printer 18.
A number of embodiments of the present invention have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of tha invention.
For example, the initial key word command may be located within any desired number of lines from the beginning of the message. The key word designators may be defined as character combinations other than two asterisks following a carriage return. The ports used may be any type of port capable of operation in a manner similar to that described above for the printer port 14 and workstation (or keyboard) port 20, and may operate with parallel or serial data. The invention may be configured for communication using protocols and standards other than those set forth above as examples.
Accordingly, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited by the specific illustrated embodiment, but only by the scope of the appended claims.
, .. .
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'~
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Claims (77)
1. A method for transmitting data between a host computer and a telecommunication network through an interface module without requiring special host-based computer programs to communicate with the interface module, comprising the steps of:
a. receiving data in the interface module from the host computer via a first port of the host computer, the data comprising a plurality of characters;
b. scanning in the interface module the plurality of characters in sequence, over a selected number of characters of the received data, for the presence of a first predetermined command code specified by, and embedded in, the received data by a user, the command code comprising a string of characters, and:
(i) transmitting at least part of the received data to the telecommunicationnetwork by means of the interface module if the first predetermined command code is detected within the selected number of characters of the received data; and (ii) terminating transmission of the received data to the telecommunication network is the data received from the host computer terminates or if a second predetermined command code is received from the host computer; and otherwise:
(iii) not transmitting the received data to the telecommunication network by means of the interface module if the first predetermined command code is not detected within the selected number of characters of the received data.
a. receiving data in the interface module from the host computer via a first port of the host computer, the data comprising a plurality of characters;
b. scanning in the interface module the plurality of characters in sequence, over a selected number of characters of the received data, for the presence of a first predetermined command code specified by, and embedded in, the received data by a user, the command code comprising a string of characters, and:
(i) transmitting at least part of the received data to the telecommunicationnetwork by means of the interface module if the first predetermined command code is detected within the selected number of characters of the received data; and (ii) terminating transmission of the received data to the telecommunication network is the data received from the host computer terminates or if a second predetermined command code is received from the host computer; and otherwise:
(iii) not transmitting the received data to the telecommunication network by means of the interface module if the first predetermined command code is not detected within the selected number of characters of the received data.
2. The method of claim 1, further including the step of transmitting the received data to a peripheral device of the host computer if the first predetermined command code is not detected within the selected number of characters of the received data.
3. The method of claim 1, further including the steps of:
a. receiving data from the telecommunication network; and b. selectively transmitting the data received from the telecommunication network to the host computer via a second port of the host computer.
a. receiving data from the telecommunication network; and b. selectively transmitting the data received from the telecommunication network to the host computer via a second port of the host computer.
4. The method of claim 3, further including the step of selectively transmitting the data received from the telecommunication network to a peripheral device of the host computer.
5. The method of claim 1, further including the step of selectively transmitting status data, indicative of the status of the interface module, to the host computer via a second port of the host computer.
6. The method of claim 1, further including the step of selectively transmitting status data, indicative of the status of the interface module, to a peripheral device of the host computer.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the first port of the host computer is a printer port.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the first predetermined command code includes a prefix comprising at least two non-alphabetic, non-numeric characters.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the first predetermined command code includes a prefix comprising at least two asterisks.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the first predetermined command code includes a command of the form * FAX n, m, where * comprises at least two non-alphabetic, non-numeric characters, n is a telephone number and m is an optional mode command.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein the first predetermined command code includes a command of the form * TELEX n a, where * comprises at least two non-alphabetic, non-numeric characters, n is a telex number and a is an optional answerback code.
12. The method of claim 1, wherein the first predetermined command code includes a command of the form * SIGN x, where * comprises at least two non-alphabetic, non-numeric characters, and x is a signature.
13. The method of claim 1, wherein the second predetermined command code includes a command of the form * END, where * comprises at least two non-alphabetic, non-numeric characters.
14. The method of claim 1, wherein the number of characters selected is determined by a selected number of carriage return characters.
15. A method for transmitting data between a host computer and a telecommunication network through an interface module without requiring special host-based computer programs to communicate with the interface module, comprising the steps of:
a. receiving data in the interface module from the host computer via a first port of the host computer, the data comprising a plurality of characters;
b. scanning in the interface module the plurality of characters in sequence, over a selected number of characters of the received data, for the presence of a first predetermined command code specified by, and embedded in the received data by a user, the command code comprising a string of characters, and:
(i) transmitting at least part of the received data to the telecommunication network by means of the interface module if the first predetermined command code is detected within the selected number of characters of the received data; and (ii) terminating transmission of the received data to the telecommunication network if the data received from the host computer terminates or if a second predetermined command code is received from the host computer; and otherwise:
(iii) transmitting the received data by means of the interface module to a coupled peripheral device of the host computer if the first predetermined command code is not detected within the selected number of characters of the received data.
a. receiving data in the interface module from the host computer via a first port of the host computer, the data comprising a plurality of characters;
b. scanning in the interface module the plurality of characters in sequence, over a selected number of characters of the received data, for the presence of a first predetermined command code specified by, and embedded in the received data by a user, the command code comprising a string of characters, and:
(i) transmitting at least part of the received data to the telecommunication network by means of the interface module if the first predetermined command code is detected within the selected number of characters of the received data; and (ii) terminating transmission of the received data to the telecommunication network if the data received from the host computer terminates or if a second predetermined command code is received from the host computer; and otherwise:
(iii) transmitting the received data by means of the interface module to a coupled peripheral device of the host computer if the first predetermined command code is not detected within the selected number of characters of the received data.
16. The method of claim 15, further including the steps of:
a. receiving data in the interface module from the telecommunication network;
and b. selectively transmitting the data received from the telecommunication networkto the host computer via a second port of the host computer, or to the peripheral device of the host computer, by means of the interface module.
a. receiving data in the interface module from the telecommunication network;
and b. selectively transmitting the data received from the telecommunication networkto the host computer via a second port of the host computer, or to the peripheral device of the host computer, by means of the interface module.
17. The method of claim 16, further including the step of selectively transmitting status data, indicative of the status of the interface module, to the host computer via a second port of the host computer, or to the peripheral device of the host computer, by means of the interface module.
18. An interface apparatus for transmitting data between a host computer and a telecommunication network through an interface module without requiring special host-based computer programs to communicate with the interface module, including:
a. host receiving means, coupled to a first port of the host computer, for receiving data from the host computer via the first port, the data comprising a plurality of characters;
b. scanning means, coupled to the host receiving means, for scanning a selected number of characters of the received data for the presence of a first predetermined command code specified by, and embedded in the received data by, a user, the command code comprising a string of characters; and c. network transmission means, coupled to the host receiving means and to the telecommunication network, for transmitting the received data to the telecommunication network if the first predetermined command code is detected within the selected number of characters of the received data, and otherwise not transmitting the received data to the telecommunication network, wherein the network transmission means terminates transmission of the received data if the received data terminates or if a second predetermined command code is received from the host computer.
a. host receiving means, coupled to a first port of the host computer, for receiving data from the host computer via the first port, the data comprising a plurality of characters;
b. scanning means, coupled to the host receiving means, for scanning a selected number of characters of the received data for the presence of a first predetermined command code specified by, and embedded in the received data by, a user, the command code comprising a string of characters; and c. network transmission means, coupled to the host receiving means and to the telecommunication network, for transmitting the received data to the telecommunication network if the first predetermined command code is detected within the selected number of characters of the received data, and otherwise not transmitting the received data to the telecommunication network, wherein the network transmission means terminates transmission of the received data if the received data terminates or if a second predetermined command code is received from the host computer.
19. The apparatus of claim 18, further including output means, coupled to the host receiving means and the scanning means, for transmitting the received data to a peripheral device coupled to the output means if the first predetermined commandcode is not detected within the selected number of characters of the received data.
20. The apparatus of claim 18, further including:
a. network receiving means, coupled to the telecommunication network, for receiving data from the telecommunication network; and b. switching means, coupled to the network receiving means and a second port of the host computer, for selectively transmitting the data received from the telecommunication network to the host computer via the second port.
a. network receiving means, coupled to the telecommunication network, for receiving data from the telecommunication network; and b. switching means, coupled to the network receiving means and a second port of the host computer, for selectively transmitting the data received from the telecommunication network to the host computer via the second port.
21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the switching means is coupled to a peripheral device, and further includes means for selectively transmitting the data received from the telecommunication network to the peripheral device.
22. The apparatus of claim 18, further including status reporting means, coupled to a second port of the host computer and to a peripheral device, for selectively transmitting status data, indicative of the status of the interface apparatus, to the host computer via the second port or to the peripheral device.
23. An interface apparatus for transmitting data between a host computer and a telecommunication network without requiring special host-based computer programsto communicate with the interface apparatus, including:
a. host receiving means, coupled to a first port of the host computer, for receiving data from the host computer via the first port, the data comprising a plurality of characters;
b. scanning means, coupled to the host receiving means, for scanning the plurality of characters in sequence, for a selected number of characters of the received data for the presence of a first predetermined command code specified by, and embedded in the received data by, a user, the command code comprising a string of characters;
c. network transmission means, coupled to the host receiving means, the scanning means, and the telecommunication network, for:
(i) transmitting the received data to the telecommunication network if the first predetermined command code is detected within the selected number of characters of the received data; and (ii) terminating transmission of the received data if the received data terminates or if a second predetermined command code is received from the host computer; and d. output means, coupled to the host receiving means and the scanning means, for transmitting the received data to a peripheral device coupled to the output means if the first predetermined command code is not detected within the selected number of characters of the received data.
a. host receiving means, coupled to a first port of the host computer, for receiving data from the host computer via the first port, the data comprising a plurality of characters;
b. scanning means, coupled to the host receiving means, for scanning the plurality of characters in sequence, for a selected number of characters of the received data for the presence of a first predetermined command code specified by, and embedded in the received data by, a user, the command code comprising a string of characters;
c. network transmission means, coupled to the host receiving means, the scanning means, and the telecommunication network, for:
(i) transmitting the received data to the telecommunication network if the first predetermined command code is detected within the selected number of characters of the received data; and (ii) terminating transmission of the received data if the received data terminates or if a second predetermined command code is received from the host computer; and d. output means, coupled to the host receiving means and the scanning means, for transmitting the received data to a peripheral device coupled to the output means if the first predetermined command code is not detected within the selected number of characters of the received data.
24. The apparatus of claim 23, further including:
a. network receiving means, coupled to the telecommunication network, for receiving data from the telecommunication network; and b. switching means, coupled to the network receiving means, the output means, and a second port of the host computer, for selectively transmitting the data received from the telecommunication network to the host computer via the second port, or to the peripheral device.
a. network receiving means, coupled to the telecommunication network, for receiving data from the telecommunication network; and b. switching means, coupled to the network receiving means, the output means, and a second port of the host computer, for selectively transmitting the data received from the telecommunication network to the host computer via the second port, or to the peripheral device.
25. The apparatus of claim 23, further including status reporting means, coupled to a second port of the host computer and to the peripheral device, for selectively transmitting status data, indicative of the status of the interface apparatus, to the host computer via the second port or to the peripheral device.
26. An interface apparatus for transmitting data between a host computer and a telecommunication network through an interface module without requiring special host-based computer programs to communicate with the interface module, including:
a. a host receiver, coupled to a first port of the host computer, for receiving data from the host computer via the first port, the data comprising a plurality of characters;
b. scanning apparatus, coupled to the host receiver, for scanning a selected number of characters of the received data for the presence of a first predetermined command code specified by, and embedded in the received data by, a user, the command code comprising a string of characters; and c. a network transmitter, coupled to the host receiver and to the telecommunication network, for transmitting the received data to the telecommunication network if the first predetermined command code is detected within the selected number of characters of the received data, and otherwise not transmitting the received data to the telecommunication network, wherein the network transmitter terminates transmission of the received data if the received data terminates or if a second predetermined command code is received from the host computer.
a. a host receiver, coupled to a first port of the host computer, for receiving data from the host computer via the first port, the data comprising a plurality of characters;
b. scanning apparatus, coupled to the host receiver, for scanning a selected number of characters of the received data for the presence of a first predetermined command code specified by, and embedded in the received data by, a user, the command code comprising a string of characters; and c. a network transmitter, coupled to the host receiver and to the telecommunication network, for transmitting the received data to the telecommunication network if the first predetermined command code is detected within the selected number of characters of the received data, and otherwise not transmitting the received data to the telecommunication network, wherein the network transmitter terminates transmission of the received data if the received data terminates or if a second predetermined command code is received from the host computer.
27. The apparatus of claim 26, further including an output circuit, coupled to the host receiver and the scanning apparatus, for transmitting the received data to a peripheral device coupled to the output circuit if the first predetermined command code is not detected within the selected number of characters of the received data.
28. The apparatus of claim 26, further including:
a. a network receiver, coupled to the telecommunication network, for receiving data from the telecommunication network; and b. a switch, coupled to the network receiver and a second port of the host computer, for selectively transmitting the data received from the telecommunication network to the host computer via the second port.
a. a network receiver, coupled to the telecommunication network, for receiving data from the telecommunication network; and b. a switch, coupled to the network receiver and a second port of the host computer, for selectively transmitting the data received from the telecommunication network to the host computer via the second port.
29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the switch is coupled to a peripheral device, and is further for selectively transmitting the data received from the telecommunication network to the peripheral device.
30. The apparatus of claim 26, further including status reporting means, coupled to a second port of the host computer and to a peripheral device, for selectively transmitting status data, indicative of the status of the interface apparatus, to the host computer via the second port or to the peripheral device.
31. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the first port of the host computer is a printer port.
32. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the first predetermined command code includes a prefix comprising at least two non-alphabetic, non-numeric characters.
33. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the first predetermined command code includes a prefix comprising at least two asterisks.
34. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the first predetermined command code includes a command of the form * FAX n, m, where * comprises at least two non-alphabetic,non-numeric characters, n is a telephone number and m is an optional mode command.
35. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the first predetermined command code includes a command of the form * TELEX n, a, where * comprises at least two non-alphabetic, non-numeric characters, n is a telex number and a is an optionalanswerback code.
36. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the first predetermined command code includes a command of the form * SIGN x, where * comprises at least two non-alphabetic, non-numeric characters, and x is a signature.
37. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the second predetermined command code includes a command of the form * END, where * comprises at least two non-alphabetic, non-numeric characters.
38. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the number of characters selected is determined by a selected number of carriage return characters.
39. A method for transmitting data between a host computer and a telecommunication network through an interface module without requiring special host-based computer programs to communicate with the interface module, comprising the steps of:
a. receiving print data in the interface module from the host computer via a printer port of the host computer, the print data comprising a plurality of characters;
b. scanning in the interface module a selected number of characters of the received print data for the presence of a first predetermined command code specified by, and embedded in, the received print data by a user, the command code comprising a string of characters; and c. transmitting at least part of the received print data to the telecommunication network by means of the interface module if the first predetermined command code is detected within the selected number of characters of the received print data.
a. receiving print data in the interface module from the host computer via a printer port of the host computer, the print data comprising a plurality of characters;
b. scanning in the interface module a selected number of characters of the received print data for the presence of a first predetermined command code specified by, and embedded in, the received print data by a user, the command code comprising a string of characters; and c. transmitting at least part of the received print data to the telecommunication network by means of the interface module if the first predetermined command code is detected within the selected number of characters of the received print data.
40. The method of claim 39, wherein the number of characters selected is determined by a selected number of carriage return characters.
41. The method of claim 39, wherein the first predetermined command code includes a prefix comprising at least two non-alphabetic, non-numeric characters.
42. The method of claim 39, wherein the first predetermined command code includes a prefix comprising at least two asterisks.
43. The method of claim 39, wherein the first predetermined command code includes a command of the form * FAX n, m, where * comprises at least two non-alphabetic, non-numeric characters, n is a telephone number and m is an optional mode command.
44. The method of claim 39, wherein the first predetermined command code includes a command of the form * TELEX n .alpha., where * comprises at least two non-alphabetic, non-numeric characters, n is a telex number and .alpha. is an optional answerback code.
45. The method of claim 39, wherein the first predetermined command code includes a command of the form * SIGN x, where * comprises at least two non-alphabetic, non-numeric characters, and x is a signature.
46. The method of claim 39, wherein the printer port is a parallel printer port.
47. The method of claim 39, wherein the printer port is a serial printer port.
48. An interface apparatus for transmitting data between a host computer and a telecommunication network through an interface module without requiring special host-based computer programs to communicate with the interface module, including:
a. a host receiver, coupled to a printer port of the host computer, for receiving print data from the host computer via the printer port, the print data comprising a plurality of characters;
b. scanning apparatus, coupled to the host receiver, for scanning a selected number of characters of the received print data for the presence of a first predetermined command code specified by, and embedded in the received ., print data by, a user, the command code comprising a string of characters;
and c. a network transmitter, coupled to the host receiver and to the telecommunication network, for transmitting the received print data to the telecommunication network if the first predetermined command code is detected within the selected number of characters of the received print data, and otherwise not transmitting the received print data to the telecommunication network.
a. a host receiver, coupled to a printer port of the host computer, for receiving print data from the host computer via the printer port, the print data comprising a plurality of characters;
b. scanning apparatus, coupled to the host receiver, for scanning a selected number of characters of the received print data for the presence of a first predetermined command code specified by, and embedded in the received ., print data by, a user, the command code comprising a string of characters;
and c. a network transmitter, coupled to the host receiver and to the telecommunication network, for transmitting the received print data to the telecommunication network if the first predetermined command code is detected within the selected number of characters of the received print data, and otherwise not transmitting the received print data to the telecommunication network.
49. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the number of characters selected is determined by a selected number of carriage return characters.
50. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the first predetermined command code includes a prefix comprising at least two non-alphabetic, non-numeric characters.
51. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the first predetermined command code includes a prefix comprising at least two asterisks.
52. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the first predetermined command code includes a command of the form * FAX n, m, where * comprises at least two non-alphabetic,non-numeric characters, n is a telephone number and m is an optional mode command.
53. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the first predetermined command code includes a command of the form * TELEX n a, where * comprises at least two non-alphabetic, non-numeric characters, n is a telex number and a is an optional answerback code.
54. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the first predetermined command code includes a command of the form * SIGN x, where * comprises at least two non-alphabetic, non-numeric characters, and x is a signature.
55. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the printer port is a parallel printer port.
56. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the printer port is a serial printer port.
57. A method for transmitting data between a printer port of a host computer and a telecommunication network using a printer interface protocol to communicate withan interface module, comprising the steps of:
a. receiving within the interface module print data from the host computer via a printer port of the host computer;
b. identifying from among a first predetermined amount of the received print data a first predetermined command code embedded in the print date, if such command code is present; and c. transmitting the received print data to the telecommunication network in response to the presence and identification of the first predetermined command code.
a. receiving within the interface module print data from the host computer via a printer port of the host computer;
b. identifying from among a first predetermined amount of the received print data a first predetermined command code embedded in the print date, if such command code is present; and c. transmitting the received print data to the telecommunication network in response to the presence and identification of the first predetermined command code.
58. The method of claim 57, further including the step of terminating the transmission of the received data if the data received from the host computer terminates.
59. The method of claim 57, further including the step of terminating the transmission of the received data if a second predetermined command code is received from thehost computer.
60. The method of claim 57, further including the step of transmitting the received print data to a peripheral device of the host computer if the first predeterminedcommand code is not present within the first predetermined amount of the received print data.
61. The method of claim 57, further including the steps of:
a. receiving data from the telecommunication network; and b. selectively transmitting the data received from the telecommunication network to the host computer via a second port of the host computer.
a. receiving data from the telecommunication network; and b. selectively transmitting the data received from the telecommunication network to the host computer via a second port of the host computer.
62. The method of claim 61, further including the step of selectively transmitting the data received from the telecommunication network to a peripheral device of the host computer.
63. The method of claim 57, further including the step of selectively transmitting status data, indicative of the status of the interface module, to the host computer via a second port of the host computer.
64. The method of claim 57, further including the step of selectively transmitting status data,indicative of the status of the interface module, to a peripheral device of the host computer.
65. A method for transmitting data between a printer port of a host computer and a telecommunication network using a printer interface protocol to communicate withan interface module, comprising the steps of:
a. receiving within the interface module print data from the host computer via a printer port of the host computer;
b. identifying from among a first predetermined amount of the received print data the presence of a first predetermined command code embedded in the print data;
c. if the first predetermined command code is present and identified within the predetermined amount of received data, then:
i. transmitting the received print data to the telecommunication network by means of the interface module; and ii. terminating the transmission of the received data if the transmission from the host computer terminates or if a second predetermined command code is received from the printer port of host computer;
d. otherwise, transmitting the received print data by means of the interface module to a peripheral device of the host computer if the first predetermined command code is not detected within the predetermined amount of received print data.
a. receiving within the interface module print data from the host computer via a printer port of the host computer;
b. identifying from among a first predetermined amount of the received print data the presence of a first predetermined command code embedded in the print data;
c. if the first predetermined command code is present and identified within the predetermined amount of received data, then:
i. transmitting the received print data to the telecommunication network by means of the interface module; and ii. terminating the transmission of the received data if the transmission from the host computer terminates or if a second predetermined command code is received from the printer port of host computer;
d. otherwise, transmitting the received print data by means of the interface module to a peripheral device of the host computer if the first predetermined command code is not detected within the predetermined amount of received print data.
66. The method of claim 65, further including the steps of:
a. receiving data in the interface module from the telecommunication network; and b. selectively transmitting the data received from the telecommunication network to the host computer via a second port of the host computer, or to a peripheral device of the host computer by means of the interface module.
a. receiving data in the interface module from the telecommunication network; and b. selectively transmitting the data received from the telecommunication network to the host computer via a second port of the host computer, or to a peripheral device of the host computer by means of the interface module.
67. The method of claim 66, further including the step of selectively transmitting status data, indicative of the status of the interface module, to the host computer via a second port of the host computer, or to a peripheral device of the host computer by means of the interface module.
68. An interface apparatus for transmitting data between a printer port of a host computer and a telecommunication network using a printer interface protocol to communicate with the interface apparatus, including:
a. host receiving means, coupled to a printer port of the host computer, for receiving data from the host computer transmitted by the host computer as print data via the printer port;
b. identifying means, coupled to the host receiving means, for identifying within a predetermined amount of the received print data the presence of a first predetermined command code embedded in the print data; and c. network transmission means, coupled to the host receiving means, the identifying means, and the telecommunication network, for transmitting the received print data to the telecommunication network if the first predetermined command code is present and identified within the predetermined amount of received print data, and otherwise not transmitting the received print data to the telecommunication network.
a. host receiving means, coupled to a printer port of the host computer, for receiving data from the host computer transmitted by the host computer as print data via the printer port;
b. identifying means, coupled to the host receiving means, for identifying within a predetermined amount of the received print data the presence of a first predetermined command code embedded in the print data; and c. network transmission means, coupled to the host receiving means, the identifying means, and the telecommunication network, for transmitting the received print data to the telecommunication network if the first predetermined command code is present and identified within the predetermined amount of received print data, and otherwise not transmitting the received print data to the telecommunication network.
69. The apparatus of claim 68, wherein the identifying means terminates the transmission of the received data if the received data terminates.
70. The apparatus of claim 68, wherein the identifying means terminates the transmission of the received data if a second predetermined command code is received from thehost computer.
71. The apparatus of claim 68, further including output means, coupled to the host receiving means and the identifying means, for transmitting the received data to a peripheral device coupled to the output means if the first predetermined commandcode is not detected within the predetermined amount of received data.
72. The apparatus of claim 68, further including:
a. network receiving means, coupled to the telecommunication network, for receiving data from the telecommunication network; and b. switching means, coupled to the network receiving means and a second port of the host computer, for selectively transmitting the data received from the telecommunication network to the host computer via the second port.
a. network receiving means, coupled to the telecommunication network, for receiving data from the telecommunication network; and b. switching means, coupled to the network receiving means and a second port of the host computer, for selectively transmitting the data received from the telecommunication network to the host computer via the second port.
73. The apparatus of claim 72, wherein the switching means is coupled to a peripheral device, and further includes means for selectively transmitting the data received from the telecommunication network to the peripheral device.
74. The apparatus of claim 68, further including status reporting means, coupled to a second port of the host computer and to a peripheral device, for selectively transmitting status data, indicative of the status of the interface apparatus, to the host computer via the second port or to the peripheral device.
75. An interface apparatus for transmitting data between a printer port of a host computer and a telecommunication network using a printer interface protocol to communicate with the interface apparatus, including:
a. host receiving means, coupled to a first port of the host computer, for receiving data from the printer port of the host computer;
b. identifying means, coupled to the host receiving means, for identifying within a predetermined amount of the received data a first predetermined command code embedded in the print data, if present;
c. network transmission means, coupled to the host receiving means, the identifying means, and the telecommunication network, for:
i. transmitting the received data to the telecommunication network if the first predetermined command code is identified and present within the predetermined amount of received data; and ii. terminating the transmission of the received data if the received data terminates or if a second predetermined command code is received from the host computer; and d. output means, coupled to the host receiving means and the identifying means, for transmitting the received data to a peripheral device coupled to the output means if the first predetermined command code is not identified or present within the predetermined amount of received data.
a. host receiving means, coupled to a first port of the host computer, for receiving data from the printer port of the host computer;
b. identifying means, coupled to the host receiving means, for identifying within a predetermined amount of the received data a first predetermined command code embedded in the print data, if present;
c. network transmission means, coupled to the host receiving means, the identifying means, and the telecommunication network, for:
i. transmitting the received data to the telecommunication network if the first predetermined command code is identified and present within the predetermined amount of received data; and ii. terminating the transmission of the received data if the received data terminates or if a second predetermined command code is received from the host computer; and d. output means, coupled to the host receiving means and the identifying means, for transmitting the received data to a peripheral device coupled to the output means if the first predetermined command code is not identified or present within the predetermined amount of received data.
76. The apparatus of claim 75, further including:
a. network receiving means, coupled to the telecommunication network, for receiving data from the telecommunication network; and b. switching means, coupled to the network receiving means, the output means, and a second port of the host computer, for selectively transmitting the data received from the telecommunication network to the host computer via the second port, or to the peripheral device.
a. network receiving means, coupled to the telecommunication network, for receiving data from the telecommunication network; and b. switching means, coupled to the network receiving means, the output means, and a second port of the host computer, for selectively transmitting the data received from the telecommunication network to the host computer via the second port, or to the peripheral device.
77. The apparatus of claim 75, further including status reporting means, coupled to a second port of the host computer and to the peripheral device, for selectively transmitting status data, indicative of the status of the interface apparatus, to the host computer via the second port or to the peripheral device.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
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|---|---|---|---|
| US48776690A | 1990-03-02 | 1990-03-02 | |
| US07/487,766 | 1990-03-02 |
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| CA2076366A1 CA2076366A1 (en) | 1991-09-03 |
| CA2076366C true CA2076366C (en) | 1998-05-26 |
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| CA002076366A Expired - Fee Related CA2076366C (en) | 1990-03-02 | 1991-02-26 | Telecommunication interface apparatus and method |
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| EP (1) | EP0524199B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH07113906B2 (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE193950T1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2076366C (en) |
| DE (1) | DE69132255D1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1991013407A1 (en) |
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- 1991-02-26 JP JP3506083A patent/JPH07113906B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1991-02-26 CA CA002076366A patent/CA2076366C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1991-02-26 EP EP91905745A patent/EP0524199B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1991-02-26 DE DE69132255T patent/DE69132255D1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1991-02-26 AT AT91905745T patent/ATE193950T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
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1992
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1995
- 1995-09-22 US US08/532,860 patent/US5557752A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
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| JPH05505266A (en) | 1993-08-05 |
| JPH07113906B2 (en) | 1995-12-06 |
| CA2076366A1 (en) | 1991-09-03 |
| DE69132255D1 (en) | 2000-07-20 |
| WO1991013407A1 (en) | 1991-09-05 |
| ATE193950T1 (en) | 2000-06-15 |
| EP0524199B1 (en) | 2000-06-14 |
| EP0524199A4 (en) | 1994-06-22 |
| EP0524199A1 (en) | 1993-01-27 |
| US5313580A (en) | 1994-05-17 |
| US5557752A (en) | 1996-09-17 |
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| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |