TELECOMMUNICATION SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATIC SWITCHING BETWEEN VOICE AND DATA COMMUNICATIONS

摘要

A telecommunication system provides voice and data communications over a conventional telephone line (16, 26) that can be dynamically switched from voice mode to any of a plurality of data modes (e.g., fax, modem, or VoiceView protocols) during a single conversation. Each station includes a telephone (12, 22) for voice communications and switching means (14, 24) for selectively connecting the telephone (12, 22) to the telephone line (16, 26) in voice mode and disconnecting the telephone (12, 22) while operating in one of the data modes. A modem (222) provides data communications over the telephone line (16, 26) in any of a plurality of data modes. Voice is the default mode of operation. Prior to switching into a data mode, the originating station first transmits a start signal over the telephone line (16, 26) that includes a mode signal indicating one of the data modes. If a station detects a start signal transmitted by a remote station, a controller (10, 20) directs the switching means (14, 24) and modem (222) to automatically switch from voice mode to the selected data mode in preparation for receiving data from the originating station. The stations also can query one another to exchange information on their respective capabilities.