Communications module for controlling the operation of a private branch exchange
AssigneeGroup 3 Technology Limited
InventorGerald Winston Leighton
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A communications module for communicating between a computer network (1, 2, 3, 4) and a private branch exchange (5), where the communications module is arranged and adapted so as: a. to receive commands from the computer network (1, 2, 3, 4) (computer network commands 13)); b. if necessary to translate the computer network commands (13) into a form suitable for input into the private branch exchange (5) (private branch exchange commands (14)); and c. to send the private branch exchange commands (14) to the private branch exchange (5); to effect programming of the private branch exchange (5).
Claims49
A telecommunications system comprising a computer network (1, 2, 3, 4) a private branch exchange (5) and a communications module for communicating between the computer network and the private branch exchange, characterised in that the communications module is arranged and adapted so as:
- a. to store data representing the current state of programming of the private branch exchange (5);
- b. to receive commands (13) from the computer network (1, 2, 3, 4) relevant to the programming of the private branch
- c. to translate the commands (13) received from the computer network into commands (14) suitable for programming the private branch exchange (5);
- and
- d. to send the commands (14) suitable for programing the private branch exchange to the private branch exchange (5) so as to effect programing of the private branch exchange (5);
- whereby the data stored by the communications module is consistent with the data representing the current state of programming of the private branch exchange.
A telecommunications system as claimed in any preceding claim, characterised in that communication between the communications module and the private branch exchange (5) is effected using a network protocol.
A telecommunications system as claimed in any preceding claim, characterised in that data representing the current state of programming of the private branch exchange is stored on a server computer (1).
A telecommunications system as claimed in any preceding claim, characterised in that means are provided which allow a user to initiate the storage of a set of all or part of the data representing the current state of programming of the private branch exchange.
A telecommunications system as claimed in any preceding claim, characterised in that the data representing the current state of programming of the private branch exchange include data relating to the particular type of computer network in use.
A telecommunications system as claimed in any preceding claim, characterised in that the data representing the current state of programing of the private branch exchange includes data relating to the particular type of private branch exchange (5) in use.
A telecommunications system as claimed in any preceding claim, characterised in that the data representing the current state of programming of the private branch exchange includes data relating to features, user access levels, telephone settings, system speed dial tables, personal speed dial tables end group pickup tables.
A telecommunications system as claimed in any preceding claim, characterised in that means are provided for downloading from the computer network (1, 2, 3, 4) a file corresponding to the data representing the current state of programming of the private branch exchange, the downloaded file being transferred to a control device (11), editing of the file being effected using the control device (11), the edited file being transferred back to the private branch exchange (5), whereby the edited file is uploaded onto the private branch exchange (5) thereby effecting reprogramming of the private branch exchange (5).
A telecommunications system as claimed in any preceding claim, characterised in that a copy of the date representing the current state of programming of the private branch exchange is stored on the computer network.
A telecommunications system as claimed in any preceding claim, characterised in that a copy of the data representing the current state of programming of the private branch exchange is stored on a separate data storage means (17).
A telecommunications system as claimed in any preceding claim, characterised in that the system is adapted to store an updated copy of data representing the current state of programming of the private branch exchange is occasioned each time the programming of the private branch exchange is changed.
A telecommunications system as claimed in any preceding claim, characterised in that a copy of the data representing the current state of programming of the private branch exchange is stored periodically, each copy representing a periodic backup of the state of the private branch exchange (5).
A telecommunications system as claimed in any preceding claim, characterised in that means are provided for reading a selected stored set of the data representing the current state of programming of the private branch exchange.
A telecommunications system as claimed in any preceding claim, characterised in that means are provided for displaying all or part of the data representing the current state of programming of the private branch exchange.
A telecommunications system as claimed in any preceding claim, characterised in that means are provided for printing all or part of the data representing the current state of programming of the private branch exchange.
A telecommunications system as claimed in any preceding claim, characterised in that the private branch exchange (5) is connected to a number of telecommunications devices (6, 7, 8).
A telecommunications system as claimed in any preceding claim, characterised in that means is provided for allocating a particular computer (2, 3, i) and a particular telecommunications device (6, 7, 8) to a particular user, and in that means is provided to enable an allocated computer to program a respective allocated device.
A telecommunications system as claimed in any preceding claim, characterized in that means are provided for connecting or disconnecting the computer network (1, 2, 3, 4) from the private branch exchange (5).
A computer program comprising program code (12) for performing all the steps of any preceding claim when said program is run on a telecommunications system comprising a computer network (1, 2, 3, 4) and a private branch exchange (5).
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.