JPH0239147B2 - RUSUBANDENWASOCHI - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION (a) Field of Industrial Application The present invention relates to an answering machine that, when an incoming telephone call is detected, uses voice synthesis to utter and send a message in response to the caller.

(b) Prior Art A conventional answering machine is equipped with a response tape for sending a response message to a caller, and a recording tape for recording a message from the caller, and a telephone answering machine that detects an incoming call. When a call is received, a response tape is run to play a pre-recorded response message on a playback device, and the response message is sent to the caller. Recording is common. This type of answering machine was first introduced in the 1970s.
-Described in Publication No. 16987.

(C) Problems to be Solved by the Invention However, the conventional answering machine requires two drive mechanisms, one for answering tape and the other for recording tape, making the mechanism complex and increasing the overall size of the device. It also has the disadvantage of becoming larger. Therefore,
An answering machine has been developed that fixes the phrases of the response message and sends it to the caller using voice synthesis. This answering machine is equipped with multiple function keys for controlling operations and numeric keys for inputting telephone numbers, but conventionally, when a key is operated, it is difficult to determine whether the operation was valid or not. In order to notify users of this issue, a beep sound using a single frequency was output regardless of the type of key. Furthermore, since the beep sound was created using a beep sound oscillation circuit, frequency dividing circuit, etc., there was a problem in that the number of parts constituting the circuit increased.

(d) Means for solving the problem The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned points, and includes voice data for uttering a preset message and for uttering the numbers 0 to 9. and an audio data memory that stores audio data for emitting a beep sound of a predetermined frequency for a predetermined period of time, and a voice is synthesized based on the audio data retrieved from the audio data memory, and the synthesized voice is It is equipped with a voice synthesis means that is sent to a telephone line or a speaker, and is specified with voice data that emits a beep sound when the keyboard's function key operation is valid, and when the numeric key operation is valid, it is not activated. The system specifies audio data for uttering numbers corresponding to the pressed keys, and the effectiveness of the key operation is notified by a voice-synthesized beep sound and the utterance of the numbers.

(E) Effect According to the above-mentioned means, when the operation of the function key is valid, a beep sound is synthesized into voice, and when the operation of the number key is valid, the number is uttered by voice synthesis. This allows the type of key to be determined aurally.

(F) Embodiment FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a terminal connected to a telephone line, and a line interface 2 connected to the telephone line via terminal 1 is used to close the line when receiving a call and input and output audio signals; In addition, incoming and disconnection detection means 3 similarly connected to the telephone line
The system detects the arrival of an incoming signal, that is, a calling signal, and also detects a disconnection signal generated when the calling party disconnects the line. The keyboard 4 is equipped with a number of switches for operating the answering machine, from 0 to 9.
The numeric keys up to , the space key to create spaces between numbers, and the PIay key, FFWD key, REW key, and REC key to operate the tape recorder 5.
keys and function keys for specifying the mode, such as the AUTO key for auto-answer mode, which automatically answers incoming calls, and the S/E key for memory mode, for entering phone numbers.
Alternatively, a STOP key or the like is provided to switch from all modes to standby, and the closing of these key switches is detected by the key input means 6.
The code corresponding to the closed key is stored in the key input means 6. The function control means 7 takes in the code of the closed key from the key input means 6 as necessary, performs an operation to realize the function instructed by the key, and controls each part means, circuit, etc. It is. The modes realized by the function control means 7 include, for example, an initial mode executed when the power is turned on, a memory mode for storing a telephone number, an auto-answer mode for automatically answering an incoming call, and others. tape recorder 5
There are teleco control modes for playback, fast forwarding, rewinding, etc.

The amplifier 8 includes a line interface 2, a tape recorder 5, a voice synthesis means 9, and a speaker 10.
These input/outputs and the input/output of the amplifier 8 are switched and controlled by the function control means 7. That is, when an incoming call is detected and the line is closed, the voice signal output from the voice synthesis means 9 is amplified by the amplifier 8, sent to the telephone line via the line interface 2, and then transmitted from the line. The transmitted audio signal is amplified by an amplifier 8 and recorded on a tape recorder 5. Furthermore, in the playback mode, the audio signal from the tape recorder 5 is amplified by the amplifier 8 and applied to the speaker 10, and in the remote control playback mode, the audio signal from the tape recorder 5 is sent out to the line.

The remote control signal detection means 11 is connected to the line interface 2, and after an incoming call is detected, it operates to record a message from the caller, and detects whether a remote control signal has arrived via the telephone line. At the same time, it determines the content instructed by the incoming remote control signal and issues the instruction to the function control means 7. For example, playback, rewinding, etc. using the remote control.
Instructs to fast forward, etc. The operation of the tape recorder 5 is controlled by a mechanism control means 12 that controls a plunger, a motor, etc., and the mechanism control means 12 inputs the closing of a key on the keyboard 4 related to the control of the tape recorder 5 by the key input means 6. or when the remote control signal detection means 11 detects a remote control signal, it operates based on instructions from the function control means 7.

The voice data memory 13 is stored in the voice synthesis means 9.
In the case of PARCOR method, K for voice synthesis
A memory that permanently stores audio data such as parameters, pitch, subtraction, etc. For example, ROM
Consists of. As shown in the layout diagram of FIG. 2, this audio data memory 13 has an area from address numbers "1" to "10" as a first area,
The area from address numbers “11” to “23” is the second area.
In the first area, address numbers "1" to "10" are divided into numbers 1 to 0.
In the second area, audio data for uttering sentences or phrases is stored. Here, the sentences or phrases stored in the second area are, in addition to the sentences and phrases that respond to the caller when a call arrives, a division or phrase suitable for informing the caller of the recipient's telephone number. In addition to words and phrases, address number "15" stores silent data, address number "16" stores beep sound data, and address numbers "20" to "23" store "rewind" and "rewind" data.
"Playback", "Skip", and "Repeat" are memorized. The silent data with address number "15" has a period of 0.5 seconds and is inserted between words or sentences. Further, the beep sound of the address number "16" is used as a notification sound when a key of the keyboard 4 is closed, indicating that the key has been input, and
It is sounded at the break of modes or functions controlled by . On the other hand, the phrases stored in address numbers "20" to "23" are phrases used to inform the operator on the telephone of the operation when operating the tape recorder 5 using the remote control.
The address number of this voice data memory 13 is specified by the function control means 7, and depending on the way it is specified, the text to be uttered can be edited.By changing the way, the recipient side can You can choose between a text that informs the caller of your phone number and a text that does not.

On the other hand, the function control means 7 includes a telephone number memory 1
4, an instruction flag 15 indicating that a telephone number has been set in the telephone number memory 14, and a number of incoming calls memory 16 are connected. Phone number memory 14
has a capacity to store 16 digits of numeric code consisting of 4 or 8 bits, and has an instruction flag of 1.
5 has a capacity of 1 bit, and an incoming call count memory 16 has a capacity to count and store up to 99, and these memories 14, 15, and 16 are RAM
A part of the area is used. Keyboard 4 S/E
When the numeric key is closed when the memory mode is entered by key operation, the numeric code corresponding to the closed numeric key is sequentially stored in the telephone number memory 14, and the space key is also closed. In this case, a code indicating that it is a space key is stored. The space key separates phone numbers, i.e.
Used to mark a break between area code and area code. When the telephone number has been memorized and the S/E key is operated, the instruction flag 15 is set.
If the instruction flag 15 is set when an incoming signal is detected, the second
Respond by specifying the area of Specify the address number of the first area in which to pronounce. At this time,
If the code indicates that it is a space, specify the address number "15" of the second area,
Create a silent period of 0.5 seconds. Further, the incoming call count memory 16 is incremented by "1" when a message from the caller arrives in the recording mode after an incoming call is detected and a voice is uttered in response to the incoming call. Furthermore, the contents of the incoming call count memory 16 are read out by the function control means 7 and displayed on the display means 17 consisting of a two-digit figure-eight segment.
When the remote control signal detecting means 11 detects an instruction to play the remote control, the address number of the first area of the voice data memory 13 for uttering the number stored in the number of incoming calls memory 16 is specified, and the voice synthesis is performed. The number of incoming calls is notified to the remote control operator at the telephone end.

Next, the operation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 will be explained with reference to the flowcharts in FIGS. 3 and 4.

First, when the power is turned on, it enters the initial mode, and the function control means 7 stores the telephone number memory 14,
The instruction flag 15 and the number of incoming calls memory 16 are cleared, and each means is set to its initial state, that is, a state in which no operation is performed. Thereafter, the function control means 7 specifies the address numbers of the second area of the audio data memory 13 in a predetermined order and combination in order to check each means, controls the amplifier 8, and controls the speech synthesis means 9. A predetermined sentence that has been uttered, for example, a sentence when the telephone number is not to be sent to the caller, that is, a sentence to the effect that a message will be recorded following the greeting, is uttered from the speaker 10, and the mechanism control means 12 is further instructed. The tape recorder 5 is run in the reproducing state for a predetermined period of time, for example, about 8 seconds, and at this time, the rotation of the tape recorder 5 is detected to check whether there is any abnormality. If normal, the system enters the standby mode in the auto-answer mode shown in FIG. 4, that is, the mode for detecting incoming calls and key inputs. Further, in the initial mode, the key input means 6 determines whether or not the closing of the STOP key is detected, and when the STOP key is closed,
It stops the operation that is currently being executed and enters standby mode, which does not perform any operations and only detects key inputs.

Therefore, when the S/E key of the keyboard 4 is closed in the standby mode or standby mode, the telephone number memory mode shown in FIG. 3 is entered. In this mode, the key input means 6
Based on the data from , it is determined whether the numeric keys, space key, S/E key, and STOP key are closed. Here, enter your phone number, for example "03-456
-7890'', when the numeric key ``0'' is first closed, the function control means 7 stores the 4-bit or 8-bit numeric code indicating ``0'' applied from the key input means 6 into the telephone number memory. 14
Thereafter, the address number "10" of the audio data memory 13 is designated and the amplifier 8 is controlled to emit "zero" synthesized by the audio synthesizing means 9 from the speaker 10. Next, when the number key "3" is closed, the number code "3" is stored in the second digit of the telephone number memory 14, and the address number "3" of the voice data memory 13 is stored. The designated and voice-synthesized "san" is emitted from the speaker 10. Also, if there is a space between the area code and the city code, it will be easier to hear when the voice is transcribed, so close the space key at this time. When the space key is closed, a code indicating that it is a space is stored in the third digit of the telephone number memory 14, and a code is stored in the voice data memory 13 to indicate to the operator that the space key has been input. Specify the address number "16" and make the speaker 10 emit a 1250Hz beep for 0.5 seconds. Similarly, enter the remaining numbers in the phone number memory 14.
are stored sequentially. When the telephone number key input is completed and the S/E key is closed, the address number "16" of the audio data memory 13 is designated, a beep sound is emitted from the speaker 10, and the S/E key is closed.
The operator is notified of the key input, and by closing the S/E key, the telephone number input so far is validated and the instruction flag 15 is set. Then, the automatic answer mode shown in FIG. 4 is entered. On the other hand, if the STOP key is closed while inputting a telephone number, the address number "16" of the audio data memory 13 is specified and a beep sound is emitted from the speaker 10, but when the STOP key is closed, This invalidates the telephone number input so far, and the telephone number memory 14 is cleared, returning to the standby mode described above.

The auto answer mode shown in FIG. 4 is entered when the AUTO key is closed in standby mode or from the telephone number memory mode shown in FIG. When you enter auto answer mode, first,
The function control means 7 instructs the mechanism control means 12 to control the tape recorder 5 so as to control the tape recorder 5 in the playback state.
Run the tape for about a second and perform a check run.
The check run is performed to check whether there is any abnormality in the tape running, to eliminate slack in the tape, and to wind up the leader tape portion. When Check Clan ends, it will go into standby mode. The standby mode can also be automatically entered from the initial mode. In the standby mode, it is determined whether or not there is an incoming call based on the output of the incoming and disconnection detecting means 3, and the keys for operating the tape recorder 5 or the function keys are activated based on the output of the key inputting means 6. This is a mode for determining whether or not the door is closed. When a key is operated in this standby mode, the mode corresponding to that key is entered. On the other hand, the incoming call and disconnection detection means 3 detects the arrival of the incoming signal a predetermined number of times.
For example, when it is detected that there have been four occurrences, the function control means 7 controls the line interface 2 to close the line. Then, it is determined whether or not the instruction flag 15 is set, and if it is not set, the address numbers of the second area of the audio data memory 13 are specified in a predetermined order and combination. Only the sentence, ie, the sentence to the effect that a message from the caller is to be recorded following the greeting, is uttered by the voice synthesizing means 9. Then, by controlling the amplifier 8, the sentences uttered by the speech synthesis means 9 are amplified and sent to the line interface 2.
will be communicated to the caller via On the other hand, when the instruction flag 15 is set, the address numbers in the second area of the audio data memory 13 are specified in a predetermined order and combination, and a predetermined sentence, that is, a greeting followed by a A sentence to tell the phone number is synthesized by the speech synthesis means 9. Next, the numeric code stored in the telephone number memory 14 is read in order from the first digit, the address number of the first area of the voice data memory 13 for uttering the digit is specified, and the digit is synthesized into speech. Means 9
make the sound uttered by At this time, if the read code is a code indicating a space, by specifying the address number "15" in the second area of the audio data memory 13, the speech synthesis means 9 will output 0.5 seconds of silence. It will be output. Therefore, the delimitation of area codes in telephone numbers becomes clear. When the voice synthesis of the telephone number is completed, the address numbers in the second area are specified in a predetermined order and combination, and the voice synthesis means 9 synthesizes a sentence to the effect that a message from the caller is to be recorded. The sentences thus synthesized are amplified by the amplifier 8 controlled by the function control means 7 and transmitted to the caller via the line interface 2.

If the instruction flag 15 is not set or if it is set, when the voice synthesis is completed, the recording mode is entered. In the recording mode, the function control means 7 instructs the mechanism control means 12 to put the tape recorder 5 into a recording state, and then specifies the address number "16" of the audio data memory 13 to amplify the synthesized beep sound. 8 and line interface 2 to the caller. Then, the amplifier 8 is controlled to amplify the caller's message sent from the line and output it to the tape recorder 5. In this recording mode, the remote control signal detection means 11 and the call reception/disconnection detection means 3 are further operated, and it is determined whether or not an audio signal has been continuously applied to the input of the amplifier 8 for a predetermined period of time, for example, 8 seconds. Ru. Therefore, when a remote control signal is detected in the recording mode, the remote control mode is set to perform the operation instructed by the remote control signal, and if no audio signal is applied and the line is disconnected, If the tape recorder 5 is stopped and enters standby mode, but the line is disconnected after an audio signal is applied and recording is made, 1 is added to the number of incoming calls memory 16 and the number of calls is recorded. After displaying the results on the display means 17, the system enters a standby mode.

As shown in the above operations, especially in the flowchart of FIG. 3, when a designated function key is operated in the telephone number memory mode and the operation is captured, a beep sound is synthesized into speech and notified.
On the other hand, when a number key is operated and the operation is captured, the number is synthesized into voice and uttered.

(G) Effects of the Invention As described above, the present invention has the advantage that the operated key can be identified by the voice-synthesized beep sound and the utterance of numbers, thereby improving the operability of the key. Since it utilizes the voice synthesis means used to respond to incoming calls, it has the advantage of eliminating the need for a beep sound circuit and reducing the number of parts.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a layout diagram of the audio data memory shown in FIG. 1, and FIGS. 3 and 4 are block diagrams of the block diagram shown in FIG. 1. It is a flow diagram showing operation. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1...Terminal, 2...Line interface, 3...Incoming and disconnection detection means, 4...Keyboard, 5...Tape recorder, 6...Key input means, 7...Function control means, 8...Amplifier, 9...Speech synthesis means, 10 ... Speaker, 11 ... Remote control signal detection means, 12 ... Mechanism control means, 13 ... Audio data memory, 14
...Telephone number memory, 15...Instruction flag, 16...
Incoming call count memory, 17...Display means.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. In an answering machine that detects an incoming call and responds to the caller with a predetermined message, the answering machine is set to a standby mode for detecting the incoming call, and a standby mode that stops operating until instructed to do so. Mode switching key to switch to phone number memory mode that allows number entry;
a keyboard having control keys for instructing the operation of the tape recorder, numeric keys from 0 to 9 and a space key; voice data for uttering the preset message; and voice data for uttering the numbers 0 to 9; an audio data memory that stores audio data and audio data for emitting a beep sound of a predetermined frequency for a predetermined period of time, and synthesizes audio based on the audio data retrieved from the audio data memory, and synthesizes the synthesized audio. voice synthesis means for sending out to a telephone line or a speaker,
When the space key on the keyboard is operated, the voice data memory is addressed by the address signal generated by the function control means, the beep sound data is retrieved, the beep sound is synthesized by the voice synthesis means, and the beep sound is emitted from the speaker, and the auto answer is performed. mode, the function control means operates when activated by a paging signal from the caller, specifies each address in the voice data memory, retrieves the message data, and sends the message voice signal synthesized by the voice synthesis means to the caller. When the message voice signal is transmitted to the caller and switched to the recording state, the voice data is addressed by the address signal generated by the function control means, the beam sound data is extracted, and the voice synthesis means generates the voice. 1. An answering machine characterized in that a data memory is addressed, beam sound data is extracted, a beep sound is synthesized by a sound synthesizing means, the sound is emitted from a speaker, and the sound is transmitted to a caller.