Telecommunication system

Abstract

A telecommunication system for interconnecting a plurality of telephone communication trunks to a transmission network, the system including transmission apparatus at a first end of the transmission network including apparatus for detecting facsimile signals on the plurality of telephone communication trunks, apparatus for demodulating the facsimile signals, apparatus for transmitting along the transmission network, in demodulated form, the facsimile signal output from the apparatus for demodulating, and receiving apparatus at a second end of the transmission network including apparatus for modulating the facsimile signals received along the transmission network.

We claim: 
     
       1. A telecommunication system for interconnecting a plurality of telephone communication trunks, carrying voice, facsimile and non-facsimile voiceband data signals, to a transmission network, said system comprising: transmission means at at least a first end of said transmission network including;   means for detecting facsimile signals, as distinguished from other voiceband data signals, on said plurality of telephone communications trunks;   means for demodulating only said facsimile signals;   means for transmitting along said transmission network, in demodulated form, the facsimile signal output of the means for demodulating; and   receiving means at at least a second end of the transmission network including:   means for modulating said facsimile signals received along said transmission network.   
     
     
       2. A telecommunication system according to claim 1 and wherein said transmission means also comprises: means for detecting other signals;   means for compressing said other signals; and   means for transmitting said other signals along said transmission network; and     said receiving means also comprises: means for receiving said other signals transmitted along the transmission network; and   means for decompressing said other signals.     
     
     
       3. A telecommunication system according to claim 1 and wherein said transmission means also comprising means for determining the mode of operation of the detected facsimile signals. 
     
     
       4. A telecommunication system according to claim 2 and wherein said transmission means also comprising means for determining the mode of operation of the detected facsimile signals. 
     
     
       5. A telecommunication system according to claim 3 and wherein said transmission means also comprises means for transmitting to said receiving means over said transmission network an indication of the mode of operation of the detected facsimile signals. 
     
     
       6. A telecommunication system according to claim 4 and wherein said transmission means also comprises means for transmitting to said receiving means over said transmission network an indication of the mode of operation of the detected facsimile signals. 
     
     
       7. A telecommunication system according to claim 5 and wherein said receiving means comprises means responsive to a received indication of the mode of operation of the detected facsimile signals to cause said means for modulating to operate in a corresponding mode of operation. 
     
     
       8. A telecommunication system according to claim 6 and wherein said receiving means comprises means responsive to a received indication of the mode of operation of the detected facsimile signals to cause said means for modulating to operate in a corresponding mode of operation. 
     
     
       9. A telecommunication system according to claim 2 and wherein said transmission means also comprises means for transmitting to the receiving means an indication of the nature of the signals transmitted thereby as facsimile signals or other signals. 
     
     
       10. A telecommunication system according to claim 9 and and wherein said receiving means also comprises means for receiving said indication of the nature of the signals and for causing the operation of said means for modulating and said means for decompressing accordingly. 
     
     
       11. A system according to claim 2 and wherein said other signals comprise voice signals and voiceband data signals, said means for compressing comprise means for compressing said voice signals and means for compressing said voiceband data signals and said means for decompressing comprise means for decompressing said voice signals and means for decompressing said voiceband data signals. 
     
     
       12. A system according to claim 9 and wherein said other signals comprise voice signals and voiceband data signals, said means for compressing comprise means for compressing said voice signals and means for compressing said voiceband data signals and said means for decompressing comprise means for decompressing said voice signals and means for decompressing said voiceband data signals. 
     
     
       13. A system according to claim 10 and wherein said other signals comprise voice signals and voiceband data signals, said means for compressing comprise means for compressing said voice signals and means for compressing said voiceband data signals and said means for decompressing comprise means for decompressing said voice signals and means for decompressing said voiceband data signals. 
     
     
       14. A system according to claim 1 and wherein said facsimile signals are Group 3 facsimile signals. 
     
     
       15. A system according to claim 1 and wherein said means for detecting the presence of facsimile signals comprises means for detecting a sequence of flag characters in Group 3 facsimile binary coded signaling signals. 
     
     
       16. A system according to claim 3 and wherein said means for determining the mode of operation comprises: a plurality of facsimile demodulators, each being programmed to demodulate at least one expected modem signal according to the Group 3 facsimile standard;   means for initially supplying meaning selected facsimile signals simultaneously to said plurality of facsimile demodulators; and   means for determining which of said plurality of facsimile demodulators initially successfully demodulates an incoming selected facsimile signal.   
     
     
       17. A system according to claim 4 and wherein said means for determining the mode of operation comprises: a plurality of facsimile demodulators, each being programmed to demodulate at least one expected modem signal according to the Group 3 facsimile standard;   means for initially supplying incoming selected facsimile signals simultaneously to said plurality of facsimile demodulators; and   means for determining which of said plurality of facsimile demodulators initially successfully demodulates an incoming selected facsimile signal.   
     
     
       18. A system according to claim 16 and wherein said means for demodulating comprises: means for utilizing the facsimile demodulator which initially successfully demodulates an incoming selected facsimile signal for continuing demodulation of said incoming selected facsimile signal.   
     
     
       19. A system according to claim 17 and wherein said means for demodulating comprises: means for utilizing the facsimile demodulator which initially successfully demodulates an incoming selected facsimile signal for continuing demodulation of said incoming selected facsimile signal.   
     
     
       20. A system according to claim 16 and wherein said plurality of facsimile demodulators include V.29, V.21 and V.27 demodulators. 
     
     
       21. A system according to claim 17 and wherein said plurality of facsimile demodulators include V.29, V.21 and V.27 demodulators. 
     
     
       22. A system according to claim 20 and and also comprising a buffer providing a predetermined delay for receiving the outputs of said plurality of facsimile demodulators and wherein positive identification of the transmission rate of a V.27 modem signals by a V.27 demodulator takes place after said predetermined delay. 
     
     
       23. A system according to claim 21 and and also comprising a buffer providing a predetermined delay for receiving the outputs of said plurality of facsimile demodulators and wherein positive identification of the transmission rate of a V.27 modem signal by a V.27 demodulator takes place after said predetermined delay. 
     
     
       24. A system according to claim 22 and wherein upon detection of a V.27 modem carrier but before positive identification of its transmission rate, said buffer is operative to transmit at least part of said V.27 modem carrier. 
     
     
       25. A system according to claim 23 and wherein upon detection of a V.27 model carrier but before positive identification of its transmission rate, said buffer is operative to transmit at least part of said V.27 modem carrier. 
     
     
       26. A system according to claim 1 and wherein said demodulating means comprises facsimile signal demodulator and forward error correction means wherein said forward error correction means are operative to protect the output of said facsimile demodulator. 
     
     
       27. A telecommunication compressing system for interconnecting a first plurality of telephone communication channels, carrying voice, facsimile and non-facsimile voiceband data signals, to a transmission network comprising a second plurality of transmission channels, said system comprising: transmission means at at least a first end of said transmission network including:   means for detecting signals on said first plurality of telephone communication channels and means for assigning each telephone communication channel to an available one of the second plurality of transmission channels;   means for classifying said signals on said first plurality of telephone communication channels at least as selected facsimile signals and other signals;   first means for demodulating only said selected facsimile signals, as distinguished from other voiceband data signals;   second means for compressing said other signals;   means for connecting said demodulated facsimile signals and said compressed other signals to the second plurality of transmission channels;   means for communicating the assignment and the classification of said signals on said second plurality of transmission channels along said transmission network;   receiving means at at least a second end of the transmission network including:   means for receiving communications from said means for communicating for determining the assignment and the classification of said second plurality of signals received along said transmission network;   third means for modulating said selected facsimile signals received along said transmission network;   fourth means for decompressing said other signals received along said transmission network; and   means for connecting said signals on said second plurality or transmission channels to said third means for modulating and said fourth means for decompressing according to the classification thereof of said signals.   
     
     
       28. A system according to claim 1 and wherein said means for detecting facsimile signals is operative for detection of facsimile signals including signals which do not conform to CCITT recommendation T.30. 
     
     
       29. A system according to claim 2 and also comprising means responsive to said means for detecting facsimile signals and to said means for detecting other signals for switching signals received along the telephone communication trunks to either said means for demodulating facsimile signals or to said means for compressing other signals. 
     
     
       30. A system according to claim 29 and wherein said means for switching is operative during a silent period occurring during facsimile "handshake". 
     
     
       31. A system according to claim 29 and wherein said switching means is operative to switch signals received along the telephone communication trunks to said means for compressing other signals when said plurality of facsimile demodulators fail to make a positive identification of a facsimile signal over a predetermined interval. .Iadd. 
     
     
       32.  A telecommunication system for interconnecting a plurality of telephone communication trunks, carrying voice, facsimile and non-facsimile voiceband data signals to a transmission network, the system comprising: a transmitter at at least a first end of the transmission network including: at least one detector which receives signals from said plurality of communication trunks and which detects facsimile signals thereon, as distinguished from other voiceband data signals by detecting a signal unique to facsimile signals;   at least one demodulator which receives facsimile signals and demodulates at least some of the facsimile signals detected by the detector to produce demodulated facsimile signals; and   an interface which receives the demodulated facsimile signals and transfers them to the transmission network. .Iaddend..Iadd.33. A system according to claim 32 and further comprising:     a receiver at at least a second end of the transmission network including: a modulator which receives demodulated facsimile signals transmitted along the transmission network and modulates them to produce voiceband facsimile signals. .Iaddend..Iadd.34. A system according to claim 32, wherein the demodulator is operative to demodulate only facsimile signals. .Iaddend..Iadd.35. A system according to claim 32, wherein the detector detects a signal sequence characteristic of a plurality of facsimile modes of operation. .Iaddend..Iadd.36. A system according to claim 32 wherein the demodulator comprises:     a plurality of facsimile demodulators which receive a detected facsimile signal, each facsimile demodulator being programed to demodulate said facsimile signal according to a predetermined facsimile mode;   a second detector which receives the outputs of said facsimile detectors and detects which of the plurality of facsimile demodulators successfully   
     
     
        demodulates an incoming facsimile signal. .Iaddend..Iadd.37.  A system according to claim 36 wherein the plurality of facsimile demodulators includes V.29, V.21 and V.27 demodulators. .Iaddend..Iadd.38. A system according to claim 37 and also comprising a buffer providing a predetermined delay for receiving the outputs of said plurality of facsimile demodulators and wherein positive identification of the transmission rate of a V.27 modem signal by a V.27 demodulator takes place after said predetermined delay. .Iaddend..Iadd.39. A system according to claim 38, wherein upon detection of a V.27 modem carrier but before positive identification of its transmission rate, said buffer is operative to transmit at least part of the V.27 modem carrier. .Iaddend..Iadd.40. A system according to claim 32 wherein the transmission system also includes: a signal compressor which compresses signals other than those detected by said detector, and wherein said interface transmits said other signals along said transmission network. .Iaddend..Iadd.41. A system according to claim 40 and also comprising: a switch, responsive to the detector, which switches signals received along the telephone communication trunks to either said demodulator or said compressor. .Iaddend..Iadd.42. A system according to claim 36 and also comprising:   a switch, responsive to the detector, which switches signals received along the telephone communication trunks to either said demodulator or said compressor. .Iaddend..Iadd.43. A system according to claim 42 wherein said switch is operative to switch said detected signals to said compressor when the second detector fails to make positive identification of the mode   
     
     
        of a facsimile signal during a predetermined interval. .Iaddend..Iadd.44. A system according to claim 43 wherein said switch is operative to switch signals to said means for demodulating only during a silent period occurring during facsimile handshake. .Iaddend..Iadd.45. A system according to claim 40 wherein: the compressor is operative to compresses said other signals in accordance with their classification; and   the transmitter is operative to transmit said classification of the signals on the transmission network. .Iaddend..Iadd.46. A system according to claim 32, wherein the transmission network comprises a plurality of transmission channels, and further comprising:   a router which assigns at least one of the signals received by the transmission system from the plurality of communication trunks to one of the transmission channels, wherein the transmitter communicates the assignment and optionally other information regarding the signals along the transmission network. .Iaddend..Iadd.47. A method for interconnecting a plurality of telephone communication trunks carrying voice, facsimile and non-facsimile voiceband data signals, to a transmission network, the method comprising:   detecting facsimile signals, as distinguished from other voiceband data signals received from the plurality of telephone communication trunks;   demodulating only detected facsimile signals to form demodulated facsimile signals; and   transmitting the demodulated facsimile signals along the transmission network. .Iaddend..Iadd.48. A method according to claim 47 wherein the detection of the facsimile signals comprises detecting a signal sequence characteristic of a plurality of facsimile modes of operation. .Iaddend..Iadd.49. A method according to claim 47 wherein modulating only detected facsimile signals comprises determining the mode of operation of   
     
     
        the detected facsimile signals. .Iaddend..Iadd.50.  A method according to claim 49 wherein the determination of the mode of operation comprises: supplying an incoming detected facsimile signal simultaneously to a plurality of facsimile demodulators, each being programed to demodulate at least one expected modem signal according to a facsimile mode; and   determining which of the plurality of facsimile demodulators successfully demodulates an incoming selected facsimile signal. .Iaddend..Iadd.51. A method for interconnecting a plurality of telephone communication trunks carrying voice, facsimile and non-facsimile voiceband data signals, to a transmission network, the method comprising:   detecting facsimile signals, as distinguished from other voiceband data signals received from the plurality of telephone communication trunks by detecting a signal sequence characteristic only of facsimile signals;   demodulating at least some of said detected facsimile signals to form demodulated facsimile signals; and   transmitting the demodulated facsimile signals along a transmission network. .Iaddend..Iadd.52. A method according to claim 51 wherein the detection of the facsimile signals comprises detecting a signal sequence characteristic of a plurality of facsimile modes of operation. .Iaddend..Iadd.53. A method according to claim 51 wherein modulating only detected facsimile signals comprises determining the mode of operation of the detected facsimile signals. .Iaddend..Iadd.54. A method according to claim 53 wherein the determination of the mode of operation comprises:   supplying an incoming detected facsimile signal simultaneously to a plurality of facsimile demodulators, each being programed to demodulate at least one expected modem signal according to a facsimile mode; and   determining which of the plurality of facsimile demodulators successfully   
     
     
        demodulates an incoming selected facsimile signal. .Iaddend..Iadd.55.  A telecommunication system for interconnecting a plurality of telephone communication trunks, carrying voice, facsimile and non-facsimile voiceband data signals to a transmission network, the system comprising: a transmitter at at least a first end of the transmission network including: a demodulator which receives facsimile signals and demodulates at least some of the facsimile signals to produce demodulated facsimile signals, including: a plurality of facsimile demodulators which receive a detected facsimile signal said plurality of facsimile demodulators being programed to demodulate said facsimile signal according to different predetermined facsimile modes; and   a detector which receives the outputs of said plurality of facsimile demodulators and detects which of the plurality of facsimile demodulators successfully demodulates an incoming facsimile signal; and       an interface which receives the demodulated facsimile signals and transfers them to the transmission network. .Iaddend..Iadd.56. A system according to claim 55 wherein the plurality of facsimile demodulators includes V.29, V.21 and V.27 demodulators. .Iaddend..Iadd.57. A system according to claim 55 and also comprising a buffer providing a predetermined delay for receiving the outputs of said plurality of facsimile demodulators and wherein positive identification of the transmission rate of a V.27 modem signal by a V.27 demodulator takes place after said predetermined delay. .Iaddend..Iadd.58. A system according to claim 57, wherein upon detection of a V.27 modem carrier but before positive identification of its transmission rate, said buffer is operative to transmit at least part of the V.27 modem carrier. .Iaddend..Iadd.59. A system according to claim 55 and also including a facsimile detector which receives signals from said plurality of communication trunks and which detects facsimile signals thereon, as distinguished from other voiceband data signals by detecting a   
     
     
        signal unique to facsimile signals. .Iaddend..Iadd.60.  A system according to claim 59 wherein said facsimile detector is operative for detection of facsimile signals which do not conform to CCITT recommendation T.30. .Iaddend..Iadd.61. A telecommunication system for interconnecting a plurality of telephone communication trunks, carrying voice, facsimile, and non-facsimile voiceband data signals to a transmission network, the system comprising: a transmitter at at least a first end of the transmission network including: at least one detector which receives signals from said plurality of communication trunks and which detects facsimile signals thereon, as distinguished from other voiceband data signals;   at least one demodulator which receives facsimile signals and demodulates only facsimile signals detected by the detector to produce demodulated facsimile signals; and   an interface which receives the demodulated facsimile signals and transfers them to the transmission network. .Iaddend.