EP0845183A1 - Data-transmission method and system for carrying out the method - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention concerns a method of transmitting data along several available transmission lines (40) from a starting point with at least one input device (31, 32) to a destination with at least one receiver (22). The starting point is characterized and selected by a first specific signal sequence which is available when the input device (31, 32) is actuated, and the destination is selected by means of the input device (31, 32) by inputting a second signal sequence specific to this destination. The method calls for at least the following steps to be carried out: As a result of selecting the destination by generating the second signal sequence, an optimization index in a device (1) located at the starting point is activated. The optimization index includes at least data, in particular data in tabular form, including data blocks, which are specific to the starting point and are related to the transmission line, the destination and real time, as well as a programme for the selection of one of the available transmission lines (40) in order to optimize the costs of the data transmission. From a central host (21) connected to the device (1), at least some of the data blocks are exchanged or updated, in particular by the host (21) being periodically called by the device (1).

Description

 METHOD FOR TRANSMITTING DATA AND SYSTEM FOR IMPLEMENTING THE METHOD

The present invention relates to a method for transmitting data according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a system for performing this method according to the preamble of claim 4.

In the context of the present invention, the term “data” denotes all possible data forms which can be transmitted via any line carrier and which, for example, are in the form of speech, writing, images or data in the narrower sense.

Conventional acoustic connections to other telephone subscribers can be established via telephone lines, image transmissions can be carried out as an addition, or data packets can be transmitted by means of a computer.

If data is transmitted from a certain point to another point, this starting point, to which a specific input device is assigned, for example in the form of a telephone or a fax machine, and the destination point, to which a specific receiving device in turn, are associated ¬ for example in the form of a telephone, a fax machine or even a computer, can be identified by a characteristic number. In addition to the pure identification of the input or receiving device, these numbers also give a geographical location determination of the starting and destination points in a known manner. Correspondingly, depending on the distance between the two devices from one another - the fee ranges specified by the management companies come into play - and / or the respective point in time in a known manner. such as the duration of the transfer process, the cost of the transfer process billed by the company providing the manager.

There is thus a country-specific, time- and distance-dependent charge for the time units used for data transmission - and this depends on the respective company.

Certain telephone companies now offer special services, which make much cheaper telephone connections possible. After dialing a telephone number available at the respective local tariff, a control center of this company asks for the access and possibly a personal code number of the caller, who is then connected inexpensively to the destination number he has entered via the control center.

Such services are offered by different companies under different conditions. However, it is hardly possible for the normal user to optimize the selection.

The telephone companies offer different prices for certain target areas, as care is taken to ensure that the lines are used evenly at all times of the day and night. They can also sell a certain, larger amount of telephone usage times at low cost to other major customers, who in turn can therefore offer the services described above, for example.

It may also be possible for the user in individual cases to make certain telephone calls or other data transmissions from the point of view of saving costs, for example by choosing an inexpensive time, but this will generally be denied to him, since he on the use of the manager provided by the respective telephone company is bound.

The present invention is based on the object 5 to provide a method and a system by means of which a transfer of data from a specific starting point to a specific target point is possible in a cost-optimized manner. At the same time, by means of the method according to the invention or the system according to the invention, a transmission can take place even if a line carrier is not available, for example due to overload.

This is achieved by realizing the characterizing features of claim 1 and claim 4. Further alternative or advantageous developments are described in the characterizing part of the dependent claims.

For this purpose, a device is assigned to the respective starting point, which is equipped with a so-called optimization index, i.e. Means that enable a start, destination and / or time-dependent optimization of the costs for the transmission of data.

25 This optimization index includes - if necessary in the form of a table - all information necessary for the transmission of data using the available line carriers - which are available, for example, from different line carrier companies - such as tariff areas or

30 rif time zones. Furthermore, this optimization index comprises an optimization program which uses the signal sequence entered by the user, which corresponds to the destination, and which may correspond to a telephone number, to select one of the destination and the time from the available line carriers.

35 point of the transmission-dependent, cost-optimized selection. Since this device - like others from a number of devices which are assigned to a corresponding number of starting points - can be connected to a central host computer, via which the respectively updated information relating to the individual line carriers is available, in certain, in particular periodically controlled by the program, an update or renewal of the optimization index take place. This means, on the one hand, the information which is essentially in tabular form or of certain parts of this information and, on the other hand, also of program parts for controlling the method, since in the course of time there will be requirements or prerequisites for the optimization or updating ¬ sation procedures could change. The functionality of these methods can also be checked from the host computer in this way.

Even in the event that the signal sequence characterizing the starting point, that is to say the telephone number, should change, the optimization index can be matched thereto via the host computer.

Because the optimization index comprises at least two modules, the device can be easily maintained via the host computer.

A module part contains the program parts for establishing contact with the host computer and for controlling the time and target point-dependent optimization index information. The corresponding transmission protocols are also fixed in order to exclude transmission errors as far as possible.

When the device according to the invention is started up for the first time, in addition to the starting point-specific signal sequence, for example the telephone number of the user at the starting point, a further device-specific identification number is sent to the host computer. A second module part contains the actual information, which is available, for example, in the form of tables, which essentially contains the access numbers for the individual line carriers, such as the numbers of the telephone companies providing these line carriers, time tables, area cost tables, regional and country-specific area codes and the like included.

Since the optimization is carried out in a table-controlled manner, this can take place particularly quickly. If no search algorithms are used to find out the cheapest line connection, but rather computational methods, then a particularly small amount of time is required for the optimization, and in principle a central processor with less power and therefore lower costs is found. In this way, the optimization process can already take place during the input of the second signal sequence characterizing the destination, such as the telephone number of the receiving device, since a step-wise narrower area coverage - and thus a corresponding cost coverage - already results from the selected part number sequence becomes possible.

On the one hand, the system according to the invention enables the selection of a cost-optimized, cheapest line, on the other hand it enables the establishment of a connection at all, since, for example, certain line connections can be occupied. Furthermore, the system according to the invention allows an overloaded line - for example noticeably from the data transfer being too slow - to be automatically rerouted to cheaper line connections.

A line connection to a subscriber can be busy at an unfavorable moment. The system according to the invention offers the possibility of automatic watch redial. The user can put the telephone receiver on after switching on the automatic redial and the system according to the invention searches for a free line until a connection is established. The user can be called back by the system according to the invention and connected to the other subscriber.

In order to save resources and to avoid throwing away additional telephone devices, since these may not only have a minor innovation, the system according to the invention can be programmed by these additional telephone devices.

For example, the system according to the invention can be activated by entering a special key combination on the telephone set - also on an older device.

The system according to the invention offers the possibility that both certain undesired callers are not put through to the user and that only very specific groups of subscribers can be reached from the user side. For example, children could only be allowed to dial certain subscriber numbers or incoming calls from certain unwanted neighbors could be blocked.

Since the system according to the invention can alternatively be equipped with speech recognition, there would be further advantages for a user with a telephone device that is no longer as new.

This telephone apparatus could also be used to name the system according to the invention, whereupon the system automatically begins to dial a specific - previously stored - subscriber number. The comfort for the user can be increased almost arbitrarily and he can do it continue to use old telephone devices and telephone accessories.

The system according to the invention can also react to an alarm system or a smoke detector installed in a building and this reaction can also be controlled by the user.

In this way, the present invention can be used to call a security service operator's specified telephone number in response to a triggered alarm until the security operator answers. Also, for example, when the user of the system according to the invention is absent - this could be, for example, on vacation - a given group of neighbors can be given a predetermined voice message by telephone if an alarm has been triggered.

The storage and transmission of these stored voice messages is also made possible by the system according to the invention, in spite of perhaps an older telephone set.

For example, a short text message can be transmitted to a pager - a radio telephone currently used with only ring tone reception or text reception - in that the user of the system according to the invention speaks this into his old telephone after pressing a special key sequence.

Since the present invention is alternatively equipped with a speech recognition, the voice message can be converted into a corresponding character string and a short text can be transmitted to the pre-programmed subscriber number of the pager.

After pressing another special key sequence on the telephone set, the system according to the invention can be a Send the voice message stored in the previously described way to, for example, a group of previously programmed subscriber numbers until they have received the message - that is, a line connection has been established.

In the system according to the invention, there is also the possibility of changing - in particular reducing - the sampling rate of an analog voice signal, so that during a telephone conversation, for example via the "Internet", which is current at the moment, faster data transport and thus a smoother and more economical handling would be guaranteed.

The system according to the invention can - as shown in the introduction - also be used for data transfer on so-called data highways as a line carrier, be it to select the most advantageous entry node to be assigned to the starting point and / or the destination point to be assigned, or to select to select the line carrier which is most advantageous from the point of view of cost optimization and / or rapid availability from among several available line carriers. So is that expected a widely-used transfer system so that, for example, the so-called "Internet" that the given via a modem access is temporarily impossible to the Internet due to possible overloads if necessary ^'. Such problems will increase with the number of users.

By using the system according to the invention, various line carrier systems are made available to the user of the Internet or other data networks and are made available for disposition by different companies. The access number of each of these companies is contained as information in the optimization index, the device according to the invention is connected to the modem which enables access to the Internet. If the user now has access to If the Internet wishes, the device according to the invention will dial one company after the other and check whether the available line carrier is overloaded or not. Then either the connection is established or the query continues until the connection becomes possible. After the user has entered his personal access number, the Internet services are then available. Since this query and dialing automatically on he find device according going on, the user is not even aware ^• even this process.

The invention is described below by way of example with reference to drawings.

1a and 1b show basic system components;

2 shows a detailed structure of a device according to the invention;

3 shows a detailed structure of a device according to the invention, but with a further possible addition;

4 shows a flow chart during the initial installation of a device according to the invention;

5a, 5b and 5c show a functional structure of data and program components of a device according to the invention;

6a shows a detailed, possible flow chart for the initial installation of the device according to the invention;

6b and 6c show possible examples of data packets and Fig. 7 additional, alternative system components.

In Fig. 1a and 1b components of the system according to the invention are shown in principle. At the starting point in FIG. 1a there is an input device 31, for example a telephone, at the destination point there is a receiving device 22, for example a. another phone. By choosing a specific line carrier from a plurality of existing line carriers 40, which is done, for example, by entering a telephone number of the target point on the input device 31, the costs per unit of time for the transmission of data to the target point 22 are determined.

1b shows the input device 31 at the starting point, the line carrier network 40 - for example a public or private telephone network - and a receiving device 22 at the destination point and still further systems:

A device (UNIT) according to the invention with optimization index 1 is introduced at the starting point between the input device 31 and the connection to the line carrier network 40. The connection to a receiving device 22 at the target point is now established via the device with optimization index 1. Optimization based on the target point is carried out, possibly to reduce the transmission costs. The device with optimization index 1 automatically selects the cheapest line from the existing line carrier network 40; as described below.

Optimization by the device with optimization index 1 is possible in two respects: depending on the time of day, the use of a specific line carrier will cause different costs. In addition, since the individual line carriers, which are generally operated by different telephone companies, in each case have different, possibly overlapping fee ranges, the cheapest line carriers can be selected. By choice The most appropriate line manager at that time must be taken into account. Furthermore, by means of a redial provided in the device with optimization index 1, it can be achieved that a connection to a specific receiving system 22 is established as quickly and at the same time inexpensively. The user of the input device 31 can save himself a multiple re-dialing of an entered telephone number if there is currently no line connection to the selected receiving system 22. In this case, the device according to the invention with optimization index 1 could - regardless of the aspect of line cost optimization - choose and choose from all possible line connections 40 until a free, inexpensive line is found. The option can also be specified that, when a certain line carrier is overloaded, a selection is made between the other freely available line carriers.

It is to be expected that the respective tariffs of the telephone companies will be changed at different times and at different times of the day according to certain time intervals.

For this purpose, the device or an i.a. Larger number of devices, each with its own location-specific optimization index, can be connected to a central host computer 21.

The host computer 21 - in each case related to line carriers - has the most current data and information available with regard to a starting point-dependent, target-point-dependent and time-dependent optimization of the choice of given line carriers 40.

The connection to the host computer 21 can be established by the user entering a specific code via the keyboard of the input device 31, with which the connection between the device and the host is activated and the information available to the optimization index is updated from the host.

The required data of the device with optimization index 1 at the starting point of the input device 31 are thus always up to date.

However, it is generally to be preferable if, at certain time intervals, the host computer 21 is automatically selected by the device 1, special program parts of the program provided in the optimization index are provided for such a call. If necessary, this can also be done via the host computer 21 itself, for example by sending an initialization signal to the device.

Figure 2 shows schematically the structure of a device according to the invention.

A device according to the invention with optimization index 1 has at least the following system components:

An interface 2 to the public or private line carrier network 40, to which the input device 31 with data input device 30, for example a keyboard, and further additional devices 32 selected by the user at the starting point, such as FAX devices, can be connected.

The device with optimization index 1 is arranged between the connection to the line carrier network 40 and the existing devices, such as input device 31 and / or additional device 32.

Incoming calls can go unhindered to the respective additional device 32 or to the (input) device 31 of the user.

Outgoing calls go via the device with optimization index 1, are processed there accordingly and then establish a connection to the receiving device 22 at the desired destination.

A connection possibility to a host computer 21 ensures that the information blocks and the program parts of the optimization index of the device 1 are updated.

A memory 3, for example a so-called RAM memory, serves as a working memory and as a buffer for the information required, such as that for the optimization index.

- A voltage source 8 serves to supply the device with optimization index 1 and can additionally contain a long-term battery, a rechargeable battery or solar cells. The latter would enable, for example, a battery-buffered RAM memory module as memory 3.

- A non-volatile, electrically erasable and changeable memory 4, for example in the form of an EEPROM

("electrical eraseable programmable read only memory") or a so-called FLASH memory module, is used to hold the program for processing the information.

A central processor 5 takes care of the processing of the data from the memory 3, controlled by the main program in the non-volatile, electrically erasable and changeable memory 4.

- A module 6 with an integrated tone generator and detector is used to quickly select the corresponding line carrier 40 and register incoming calls.

- A real-time clock 7 is used to control the processes in the device with an optimization index 1 with exact timing, so, if necessary, also to control the time at which the connection to a host computer 21 is established for example, guarz-controlled and thereby achieves a higher accuracy than clocks, which are generated, for example, via signals from components of the device with optimization index 1.

An integrated, program-controlled switch 9 is used - for example in the event of functional failures - to put the device into operation or to put it out of operation with optimization index 1. The device with optimization index 1 does not have to be disconnected from the connected lines again. When the device is switched off, outgoing and incoming calls via the line carrier network 40 are treated as if no additional device with optimization index 1 were present.

The present invention uses the possibility of programming the device with optimization index 1 via the data input device 30 of the input device 31 so that certain calls are not put through.

For example, such a call block can be achieved by first entering a key combination via said data input device 30, which is registered by the device with optimization index 1 and does not put through the telephone number subsequently entered, likewise via data input device 30.

A single or a whole group of telephone numbers can thus be impenetrable before being forwarded to the input device 31 or to the respective additional device 32 or, for example, receive a previously stored message from the memory 3.

Saving a said voice message in the memory 3 can take place, for example, in the same way as the call block. Via the data input device 30 of the device 31, for example, a certain key combination of the Device with optimization index 1 are registered so that the subsequent text spoken in the input device 31 of predetermined length is stored in the memory 3 for further use.

The present invention also gives direct direct dialing of certain special numbers (rescue etc.), as does the possibility of a selectable call block for certain ranges of telephone numbers.

Via the data input device 30 of the input device 31, for example, a key combination can first be entered, which is registered by the device with optimization index 1 and makes this programmable for the user.

For example, a said key combination can have the effect that telephone numbers or telephone number ranges subsequently entered - likewise via the data input device 30 - remain blocked for further selection by the devices 31 and any additional devices 32 until a further corresponding key combination via the data input device 30 reverses this.

The selection option - via the input device 31 or any additional devices 32 - can thus be restricted to certain groups of people, such as children, to only very specific telephone number ranges. Phone number ranges can be entered via placeholders, for example, as is done in a known manner when searching for files on a computer.

Said programmability of the present invention via the input device 31 also allows an automatic automatic redial through the device with optimization index 1.

For example, a user of the input device 31, who would rather make a call and receive a busy signal, can enter a specific key combination on the data input device 30 before hanging up the receiver. In the device with optimization index 1, this means that a line is searched until a free line to the receiving device 22 is available.

If this is the case, the user of the input device 31 can be called back by the device with optimization index 1 and connected to the subscriber on the receiving device 22.

Furthermore, said programmability of the present invention also permits an automatic selection to be carried out via the input device 31 using a speech recognition system alternatively built into the device with optimization index 1. This can be in the form of a program with corresponding data in the memory 3 or 4, for example.

As a result, the user of the input device 31 can, for example, speak a name into the telephone receiver, whereupon the device with optimization index 1 automatically dials a previously determined telephone number.

The predetermined telephone numbers to be dialed can be entered into the device with optimization index 1, for example, by the user actuating a specific key combination for voice recognition on the data entry device 30.

In the device with optimization index 1, this triggers speech recognition by means of a program (with the corresponding data) present in the memory 3 or 4.

Then, for example, the name of the corresponding person to be dialed is entered into the receiver of the input device 31. spoke and waited for a further detection signal from the device with optimization index 1 - for example an acoustic signal.

This recognition signal is used to notify the user of the input device 31 that the alternative built-in speech recognition of the device with optimization index 1 has correctly converted the acoustically pronounced name into a character string corresponding to this name and has stored it temporarily (in the memory 3).

The telephone number of the subscriber to be dialed afterwards can then be entered. The programming process can be ended or continued, for example, by means of a further key combination of the data input device 30.

3 shows a design variant of a device with optimization index 1 according to the invention. A device control interface 10 is provided. The device control interface 10 can be constructed, for example, in the form of a currently commercially available relay or in the form of programmable switching outputs and inputs. It is used to control connectable devices (for example without the option of scheduling) at the user's starting point. Thus, for example, a light source, a heater or a computer system, which is connected to the device control interface 10, can be switched on or off via an additional code to be entered by the caller (from FIG. 22) from the line carrier network 40.

Furthermore, the device can respond to a detector or sensor connected to device interface 10 with optimization index 1 such that, for example, a specific receiving device 22 is automatically called. In the case of a smoke detector connected to the device interface 10, this can be, for example, an automatic call to the fire brigade control center or, in the case of an alarm system connected to the device interface 10, an automatic call to the next security service center.

The user can use the data input device 30 on the input device 31 to program the respective reaction of the device with optimization index 1 to incoming signals at the device interface 10.

For example, this can be achieved in that a certain key combination - entered via the data input device 30 - causes a certain input or output of the device interface 10 to be controlled.

In response to a specific signal occurring at the device control interface 10, the device with optimization index 1 can then dial a telephone number - previously entered via the data input device 30.

In this case, a signal sequence can be transmitted from the device with optimization index 1 to a host computer 21, so that the latter is able, for example, to determine who called why and automatically searches an address database in order to forward the information to a central emergency call point . The latter can then, for example, call back the owner of the device with optimization index 1 in order to initiate any further steps.

For example, a microphone can also be connected to the device control interface 10. A corresponding reaction of the device with optimization index 1 can thus take place in response to a voice command.

For example, the voice recognition function of the device can be optimized with the acoustic voice command 'Help'. Action index 1 come into action and then a telephone number, for example the 'central help center 911', previously programmed via the data device 30 of the input device 31, is selected. This could then identify the caller and react accordingly.

Alternatively, the user can determine the quality of his transmission either via the device interface 10 or the programmability of the device with optimization index 1 via the input device 31.

The sampling rate and / or the compression rate with which, for example, an acoustic speech signal is implemented by the input devices 31 can be changed accordingly by the device with optimization index 1.

A key sequence entered via the data input device 30 of the input device 31 or a corresponding signal from a device connected to the device interface 10 can, for example, bring about a reduction in the sampling rate or an increase in the compression rate of the data transmitted from now on.

For example, the voice quality can be changed accordingly and the time of transmission - for example when transmitting on an alternative data line 41 (FIG. 7) - shortened. This would result in further cost savings, since higher sampling rates or smaller compression rates result in a longer transmission time.

4 shows the individual steps of the initial installation of a device with optimization index 1 according to the invention.

The device with optimization index 1 is inserted by inserting the corresponding line connections between the Input device 31 installed at the starting point and the connection of the line carrier network 40 and switched on. This corresponds to the designation 50 in FIG. 4.

A code, for example a specific sequence of numbers, is then entered via the input device 30 of the input device 31, see FIG. 3. This is designated 51 in FIG. The device with optimization index 1, activated by the code entered, establishes a connection to the host computer 21 via the connected line carrier network 40. In Figure 4, this is designated 52.

Following the establishment of the connection with the host computer 21, a serial number of the device with optimization index 1, the telephone number of the input device 31 at the starting point and / or a further authorization code are queried. This corresponds to the designation 53 in FIG. 4.

After the authorization check in 53 has taken place, the required information is transferred from the host computer 21 to the device with an optimization index 1. This corresponds to the designation 54 in FIG. 4.

55 terminates the connection to the host computer 21.

5a, 5b and 5c show a functional structure of data and program components of a device with an optimization index according to the invention.

The program parts and information parts stored in the memory 3 (FIG. 2) and in the non-volatile, electrically erasable and changeable memory 4 (FIG. 2) essentially consist of two module components: a communication module 60 (FIG. 5a) and a database module 70 (FIG. 5a). The communication module 60 in FIG. 5a contains a transmission protocol 61 in order to enable secure and rapid transmission of data from the device with optimization index 1 to the host computer 21 and vice versa.

For example, a possible transmission protocol could be structured as shown in Fig. 5b:

A protocol header 611, consisting of 2 bytes each of 8 bits and a data packet part 612, consisting of a byte for specifying the length of the following data 612a, the current data 612b consisting of as many bytes as the data length byte 612a mentioned above indicates, and a checksum 612c at the end, which can be used to determine transmission errors.

Furthermore, the communication module 60 in FIG. 5 a contains a command part 62 linked to the selected transmission protocol 61. The command part 62 is used in the protocol header 611 (FIG. 5 b) for communication control. A list with, for example, possible command parts 62 and their possible hexadecimal two-byte representation 62b with their meaning 62c is shown in FIG. 5c. The database module 70, likewise shown in FIG. 5 a, can be constructed, for example, from tables. Tables that appear include, for example, data entries consisting of various telephone numbers, access codes and time entries provided with corresponding cost information.

The database module 70 shown in FIG. 5 a is present in the form of a table, for example, for easier and faster processing by the central processor 5 (FIG. 2). 5a, the following tables are drawn in the database module 70, for example: A line carrier table 71 with the required telephone numbers and access codes for the inexpensive reaching of the receiving devices 22 at the various destination points.

A band table 72 which correlates with the line carrier table 71, the regional tables 73 and the international tables 74 in such a way that corresponding cost entries can be found at certain time of day.

Regional tables 73, which contain regional telephone numbers and any special numbers such as rescue, weather forecast, lottery service, etc.

- International tables 74 contain dialing numbers and access codes to various international countries.

6a shows a detailed, possible flow chart for the first installation of the device according to the invention with optimization index 1.

The possible sequence of the initial installation from FIG. 4 is shown in more detail in FIG. This concerns above all the events after the connection 52 (FIG. 4) has been established to a host computer 21. After step 52, a status packet 53a is first sent from the device with optimization index 1 to the host computer 21.

An example of such a status package 53a is shown in FIG. 6b. The command in the protocol header is 611

(see also Fig. 5c) entered the byte sequence which a

Sending serial number announces, here F20D (see also

Fig. 5c).

Subsequently, a length byte 612a, here 06, to indicate the length of the following data, the current data 612b, here the serial number consisting of 6 bytes, and a checksum 612c at the end, here 3F, is sent. This checksum 612c can be used to determine transmission errors.

After receiving the status packet 53a, the host computer 21 checks the transmitted serial number and, if this is registered, requests the device with optimization index 1 from its telephone number. This is designated 53b in FIG.

In step 53c, the host computer 21 receives this data packet with the telephone number mentioned and forwards it to a corresponding processor for registration. In step 53d, the host computer 21 sends time and date information, as shown for example in FIG. 7b, to the device with optimization index 1 for synchronization purposes.

The current callback number of the host computer 21 is then sent back in step 53e. Furthermore, the host computer 21 transmits the date and time information for the next automatic recall of the device with optimization index 1. This is designated 53f in FIG.

The required data tables are then sent to the device with optimization index 1. In FIG. 4, this is generally designated with step 54. In FIG. 6 a, this step is divided into:

54a indicative of the transmission of the line table 71, 54b indicative of the transmission of the band table 72,

54c is indicative of the transmission of the regional tables 73 and 54d is indicative of the transmission of the international tables 74. 54e denotes the transmission of the transmission termination code, see also FIG. 5c.

6c shows another possible example of a data packet to be sent: time and date information. As a command in the protocol header 611 (see also FIG. 5c) that byte sequence is entered which announces the sending of the time and date information, here F00F (see also FIG. 5c). Below is a length byte 612a, here 07, to indicate the length of the following data, the current data 612b, here consisting of 7 bytes with the respective meaning: seconds, minutes, hours, day, month, year and a checksum 612c on Conclusion, here E6, sent.

7 shows additional alternative system components according to the invention.

In addition to the basic system components from FIG. 1b, such as an input device 31, a receiving device 22, a device with optimization index 1, a central host computer 21 and a line carrier network 40 - for example a public or private telephone network - there are further so-called host switches 23 and 24 on the line carrier network 40, which are connected by alternative data lines 41 with, for example, higher data transmission performance than in 40.

The alternative data line 41 can be, for example, a computer network (possibly the currently known "INTERNET") or another transmission path with different data transport methods, such as an optical fiber line.

The host switch 23 is preferably placed in the geographical vicinity of the input device 31 and the host switch 24 in the geographical vicinity of the receiving device 22.

The task of the host switch 23 is to transport a connection request arriving from the device with optimization index 1 to the receiving device 22 via the alternative data line 41.

In general, we are converting data into a different transmission format - for example, with the "Internet" Known TCP / IP protocol - may be necessary. This is a further task of said host switch 23.

Furthermore, the host switch 23 determines a host switch 24 required for the said reasons of data conversion, for example in the geographical vicinity of the receiving device 22. This can happen, for example, from the destination telephone number of the receiving device 22.

Since the receiving device 22 is generally not connected to this alternative data line 41, the geographically closest host switch 24 has the task of effecting the corresponding retranslation of the data from the alternative data line 41 into a data format which the receiving device 22 can understand.

Since one goal of the device with optimization index 1 is a cost-optimized transmission of data from a certain starting point - here the input device 31 to a certain target point - here the receiving device 22 - the host switch 23 can for example also have several alternative data lines 41 and one establish a further host switch 24 with said receiving device 22.

For this purpose, the connection switch via the alternative data line 41 is first checked by the host switch 23, for example with regard to the expected transmission duration, which may vary depending on the load on the alternative data line 41, and reported back to the device with optimization index 1.

Due to the expected costs of the desired data transmission from the input device 31 - or from the possibly existing additional devices 32 (FIG. 2), such as a fax - to the receiving device 22 and / or for reasons of line overload, a connection can thus be established an alternative date Line 41 take place or via the usual line carrier network 40.

Conversely, the usual line carrier network 40 can also be used instead of an alternative data line 41 for the reasons mentioned. For example, a temporary impending overload of the currently known 'Internet' can thus be delayed or prevented.

If the receiving device 22 is connected directly to the alternative data line 41, for example, the host switch 24 is not required in the geographical vicinity of the receiving device 22, for example.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. Method for transmitting data by means of one of several available line carriers (40; 41) from a starting point with at least one input device (31, 32) to a destination point with at least one receiving device (22), the starting point being defined by a first specific signal sequence can be characterized and localized, which becomes available when the input device (31, 32) is actuated, and the target point is selected by means of the input device (31, 32) by entering a second signal sequence specific to this target point, characterized by the following Steps: - On the basis of the selection of the target point by generating the second signal sequence, an optimization index provided in a device (1) assigned to the starting point is activated, which comprises at least the following: - In particular, in table form, starting point-specific information blocks comprising information which is related to management board members, target points and real-time; a program for selecting one of the available line carriers with regard to the optimization of the costs and / or the availability for the data transmission. 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that - from a central host (21) which can be connected to the device (1) - the information blocks are at least partially exchanged or updated, in particular by periodic call of the host ( 21) through the device (1). 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized gekennzeich¬ net that program parts for controlling the optimization process and / or for controlling the host (21) current update process can be exchanged or updated via the host (21). 4. System for carrying out the method according to one of claims 1 to 3, with at least one input device (31, 32) at a starting point and with at least one receiving device (22) at a target point, the starting point being characterized by a first specific signal sequence - and can be localized, which becomes available when the input device (31, 32) is actuated, and a second, target-point-specific signal sequence via the input device (31, 32) becomes available when the target point is selected, characterized in that a device (1) assigned to the starting point is provided, which has an optimization index with information, in particular in the form of a table, starting point-specific, comprising information blocks ¬ mation, which is related to line bearer, target point and real time, and with - Includes a program for selecting one of the available managers with a view to optimizing costs and / or availability for data transmission. 5. System according to claim 4, characterized in that a with the device (1) connectable host (21) for exchanging and / or updating at least one information block and / or program parts is provided. 6. System according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the optimization index comprises at least two modules: - a communication module (60) for controlling the Contacting the device (1) with the host (21) and - a database module (70) as the basis for the optimization index.