JPH0239149B2 - - 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. Such telephone answering machines are provided with a remote control function that allows a user to control the telephone answering machine from the outside via a telephone line. However, in the past, remote control operators were not sure when the telephone line would be disconnected after the operation instructed by the remote control was completed, and it was also unclear whether the instructed operation had actually been completed. Ta.

(d) Means for solving the problems The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned points, and includes a remote control signal detection means that operates in the recording mode, and a voice for uttering a preset message. A voice data memory that stores at least voice data for emitting data and a beep sound for a predetermined time; and a voice is synthesized based on the voice data read from the voice data memory, and the synthesized voice is transmitted to a telephone line or a speaker. and a function control means that controls the operation of each means to realize a predetermined function, and when a remote control signal is detected by the remote control signal detection means, After completion, the remote control signal detection operation is executed again for a predetermined period of time, and if no remote control signal is detected during that time, audio data for emitting a beep sound is specified multiple times in succession, and then the telephone line is disconnected. .

(E) Effect According to the above-mentioned means, when the remote control operator operates the answering machine via the telephone line, the answering machine operates again within a predetermined time after completing the operation instructed by the remote control signal. If a remote control signal is not detected, a beep sound is emitted for a longer time than the output time during operation to inform the remote control operator of the end of the operation and disconnection of the telephone line, and the telephone line is disconnected.

(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 play 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 a tape mode. Teleco control mode for playback, fast forwarding, rewinding, etc. of the recorder 5;
There is also a remote control mode when a remote control signal is detected.

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
When it 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
Memory that permanently stores audio data such as parameters, pitch, amplitude, 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 include sentences or phrases suitable for notifying the caller of the recipient's telephone number, in addition to sentences and phrases that respond to the caller when a call arrives. In addition, address number "15" stores silent data, address number "16" stores beep sound data, and address numbers "18" to "23" store "message",
"End", "Rewind", "Playback", "Skip", and "Repeat" are stored. Silent data with address number "15" has a period of 0.5 seconds,
It is inserted between words or between sentences. Further, the beep sound of the address number "16" is used as a notification sound when a key on the keyboard 4 is closed, indicating that the key has been input, and is further used as a mode control sound controlled by the function control means 7. Or 0.5 at the separation of functions etc.
pronounced for seconds. On the other hand, the phrases stored in address numbers "18" 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 an incoming call count memory 16 are connected. Phone number memory 14
has the 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 the 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 a number key is closed when the memory mode is entered by key operation, the number code corresponding to the closed number 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 arrives from the caller in the recording mode after an incoming call is detected and a voice is uttered in response to the incoming call. Further, 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, FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of the operation in remote control mode, and the operation will be explained. First, the remote control mode is activated when an incoming call is detected, the line is closed, a preset sentence or phrase is uttered by the voice synthesis means 9 and sent to the caller, and then the call is sent to the tape recorder 5. This is a case where the remote control signal detecting means 11 detects a remote control signal instructing reproduction in a recording mode in which a message from a person is recorded.

When the remote control mode shown in FIG.
is specified, a "message" is synthesized by the speech synthesis means 9 and sent to the telephone line, and then the incoming call count memory 16
, and designate the address in the audio data memory 13 that corresponds to the number. For example, if the number of incoming calls is "3", the remote control operator is notified of "message sun". When the voice synthesis is completed, if the number of incoming calls is "0", nothing has been recorded even if the tape is played back, so the system goes into standby mode. On the other hand, if the number of incoming calls is "1" or more, the function control means 7 specifies the address number "20" of the voice data memory 13, causes the voice synthesis means 9 to utter "rewind", and then sends it to the telephone line. , mechanism control means 12
is instructed to put the tape recorder 5 into rewind mode. When the rewinding is completed, that is, the tape counter reaches "0", the mechanism control means 12 is instructed to stop the tape recorder 5. Then, after specifying the address number "21" of the voice data memory 13 and having the voice synthesis means 9 utter "PLAYBACK" and transmitting it to the telephone line, the mechanism control means 12
The operator instructs the user to put the tape recorder 5 into a playback state, and controls the amplifier 8 to send the playback sound to the telephone line. In this reproduction state, the remote control signal detection means 11 is operated to detect whether a remote control signal instructing fast forward (FF) or a remote control signal instructing rewind (REW) has arrived. Here, if the remote control signal is not detected and the tape reproduction ends, that is, the tape counter advances to the value before rewinding the tape (stored in advance by the function control means 7), the mechanism control means 12 to stop the tape recorder 5, the address numbers ``18'' and ``19'' of the voice data memory 13 are successively specified, and the voice synthesizing means 9 is made to utter ``message end'' to the telephone line. Send. In this state, the remote control signal detection means 11 is operated again to detect for 10 seconds whether a remote control signal indicating rewind has arrived. If no remote control signal is detected for 10 seconds, the address number "16" of the audio data memory 13 is specified three times in succession, a 1.5 second beep is emitted and sent to the telephone line, and the remote control is operated. After informing the user that the remote control mode has ended and the line will be disconnected, the line interface 2
control to open the line and enter standby mode.

On the other hand, remote control signal detection during the playback state of the tape recorder 5 or after playback is completed.
During remote control signal detection for 10 seconds, if a remote control signal indicating rewind is detected, it will enter REW mode,
The function control means 7 specifies the address number "23" of the voice data memory 13, causes the voice synthesis means 9 to utter "repeat" and sends it to the telephone line, and then instructs the mechanism control means 13 to output the word "repeat" to the tape recorder 5.
At the same time, the remote control signal detecting means 11 is operated again to detect whether a remote control signal instructing playback has arrived. Here, when the arrival of a remote control signal instructing playback is detected, the above-mentioned play mode is entered, and when the remote control signal is not detected and rewinding is completed, that is, the tape counter reaches "0", the mechanism control The means 12 is instructed to stop the tape recorder 5. Then, the remote control signal detection means 11 is operated to detect whether a remote control signal instructing playback or fast forwarding has arrived for 10 seconds. Here, as mentioned above, when a remote control signal instructing playback is detected.
When the play mode is detected and a remote control signal instructing fast forwarding is detected, the mode is changed to FF mode.If no remote control signal is detected for 10 seconds, a beep is emitted for 1.5 seconds and the line is opened as described above. After that, it will go into standby mode.

Furthermore, when a remote control signal instructing fast forwarding is detected when a remote control signal is detected in the above-mentioned playback state or at the end of the REW mode, the FF mode is entered, and the function control means 7 controls the audio data memory. After specifying the address number ``22'' of 13 and having the voice synthesis means 9 say ``skip'' and transmitting this to the telephone line,
The mechanism control means 12 is instructed to fast-forward the tape recorder 5, and the remote control signal detection means 11 is operated again to detect whether a remote control signal instructing playback has arrived. here,
When a remote control signal instructing playback is detected, the above-mentioned play mode is entered, and when fast forwarding is completed, that is, when the value of the tape counter reaches the value before rewinding, an instruction is given to the mechanism control means 12 to stop the tape recorder 5. let Then, the remote control signal detection means 11 is operated to detect whether a remote control signal instructing playback or rewinding has arrived for 10 seconds.
When a remote control signal instructing playback is detected, the above-mentioned play mode is entered, when a remote control signal instructing rewind is detected, the above-mentioned REW mode is entered, and if no remote control signal is detected for 10 seconds, the above-mentioned play mode is entered. As you can see, it emits a 1.5 second beep and opens the phone line, then goes into standby mode.

(G) Effects of the Invention As described above, according to the present invention, when controlling an answering machine via a telephone line, the address address of the voice data memory is addressed every time a remote control signal is sent, and the voice synthesis means Since the operation status is announced and uttered, each operator can understand and
In addition, the present application specifies the audio data memory multiple times when the remote control finishes playing, rather than when it is in the operating state.
Since the beep sound is generated for a longer period of time, the beep sound used to notify other operation states can also be used, without the need to provide a separate memory for ending the sound in the audio data memory. Notification using voice synthesis can compensate for the lack of voice data memory.

[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 Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the embodiment shown in Fig. 1. It is a diagram. 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 with a preset message to the caller, it operates in a recording mode to record the message from the caller on a tape recorder after detecting the incoming call. At least a remote control signal detection means for detecting a remote control signal sent from a telephone line, audio data for uttering the predetermined message, and audio data for uttering a beep sound for a predetermined period of time are stored. a voice data memory, a voice synthesis means for synthesizing voice based on the voice data read from the voice data memory, and transmitting the synthesized voice to a telephone line or a speaker; When the remote control signal detecting means detects a remote control signal instructing playback and a message from the caller is recorded, the address address of the voice data memory is addressed and the voice synthesizing means controls the rewind function. At the same time as generating and transmitting an audio signal, the tape recorder is put into a rewinding state, and when the tape rewinding counter reaches 0, the address address of the audio data memory is addressed and a playback audio signal is generated from the audio synthesizing means. If the remote control signal is not sent out within a predetermined time after the playback mode is set to the playback state and the remote control signal is not sent out within a predetermined time after the playback is performed to the start point of rewinding, after specifying the audio data for emitting the beam sound multiple times in succession, An answering machine that disconnects the telephone line.