JPH027218B2 - - 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 an answering machine is provided with a remote control function that allows the user to make a call from outside and control the answering machine via a telephone line. However, in the past, the remote control operator had the disadvantage that he could not know what operating state the answering machine was in until the tape playback sound was sent, making him anxious.

(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 recording mode, and audio data for uttering a preset message. and an audio data memory in which at least audio data for uttering a plurality of operations of the tape recorder instructed by the remote control signal is stored;
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; an audio data memory storing audio data for decoding the operation instructed by the remote control signal and uttering the operation when the remote control signal detecting means detects the remote control signal in the recording mode; After specifying the address of the phone and transmitting the synthesized voice to the telephone line, the instructed operation is performed.

(E) Effect According to the above means, when the remote control operator operates the answering machine via the telephone line, the answering machine decodes the operation instructed by the remote control signal and before executing the operation. , which uses voice synthesis to convey words indicating the operation to the operator via the telephone line, thereby allowing the operator to know what state the answering machine is currently in.

(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 device 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 provided with a number of switches for operating the answering machine, including numeric keys from 0 to 9, a space key for creating spaces between numbers, and for operating the tape recorder 5. play key, FFWD key, REW key, REC key, and function keys for specifying the mode, such as the AUTO key for entering auto answer mode, which automatically answers incoming calls, and the AUTO key for entering a phone number. An S/E key for setting the memory mode or a STOP key for setting the standby mode from all modes are provided, and the closing of these key switches is detected by the key input means 6 and corresponds to the closed key. The code is key input means 6
stored within. 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. Playback of recorder 5,
There is a teleco control mode for fast forwarding, rewinding, etc., and 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. Alternatively, it is pronounced at the end of an action such as a function. 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 where the . 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, the operation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 will be explained with reference to the flowcharts in FIGS. 3 and 4. Third
In the figure, first, when the answering machine is turned on, it enters the initial mode, and the function control means 7 clears the telephone number memory 14, the instruction flag 15, and the number of incoming calls memory 16, and also controls each means. Set to initial state. After that, the function control means 7
In order to check each means, the address numbers of the second area of the voice data memory 13 are specified in a predetermined order and combination, and the amplifier 8 is controlled to output a predetermined sentence synthesized by the speech synthesis means 9.
For example, following the greeting, a sentence to the effect that a message will be recorded is uttered from the speaker 10, and a check run is performed by instructing the mechanism control means 12 to run the tape recorder 5 in a reproducing state for a predetermined period of time, for example, about 8 seconds. During this voice synthesis and check run operation, it is detected whether the key input means 6 has detected the closing of the STOP key, and it is also checked whether there is any abnormality in the rotation of the tape recorder 5. If the STOP key is not closed and the rotation is normal, it enters the standby mode in the auto answer mode shown in Figure 4, and if an abnormality in the STOP key closing or rotation is detected, the system is executed at that time. stop working,
It enters standby mode, which does not perform any operations and only detects key inputs. When the operation of a predetermined key is detected in standby mode, the function control means 7
The mode or operation specified by the operated key is performed.

On the other hand, in standby mode, keyboard 4
In the phone number memory mode, which is executed when the AUTO key is closed, or when the S/E key is closed in standby mode and standby mode, enter the phone number using the numeric keys and enter the phone number memory 14. If it is stored in , the auto answer mode shown in FIG. 4 is entered. When the automatic answer mode is entered, the function control means 7 instructs the mechanism control means 12 to control the tape recorder 5, and performs a check run by running the tape for about 8 seconds in the playback state. The check run is performed to check whether there is any abnormality in the tape running, to eliminate slack in the tape, or 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, when the incoming call and disconnection detection means 3 detects that an incoming signal has arrived a predetermined number of times, for example four times, the function control means 7 controls the line interface 2 to close the line. Performs speech synthesis. In voice synthesis, 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 voice data memory 13 are specified in a predetermined order and combination. Only a predetermined sentence, ie, a 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. and,
The amplifier 8 is controlled to amplify the sentence uttered by the voice synthesizing means 9 and transmit it to the caller via the line interface 2. On the other hand, if the instruction flag 15 is set, the audio data memory 1
The address numbers in the second area of 3 are specified in a predetermined order and combination, and the speech synthesis means 9 synthesizes a predetermined sentence, that is, a sentence to announce the recipient's telephone number following a greeting. . 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. A sound is made by means 9. 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 designated 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.

Once the voice synthesis is complete, the next step is to enter recording mode. 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, furthermore, the remote control signal detection means 11
At the same time, it is determined whether or not a voice signal has been continuously applied to the input of the amplifier 8 for a predetermined period of time, for example, 8 seconds. Therefore, if a remote control signal instructing playback is detected in the recording mode, the remote control mode shown in FIG. 5
If the line is disconnected after an audio signal has been input and recorded, 1 is added to the incoming call count memory 6 and the result is displayed on the display means 17. After that, it goes into standby mode.

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 number of the audio data memory 13 corresponding to that number. For example, if the number of incoming calls is "3", the remote control operator is notified of "Message San". When the voice synthesis is completed, if the incoming call circuit 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
After specifying the address "20" of the voice data memory 13 and having the voice synthesis means 9 utter "rewind" and transmitting it to the telephone line, the mechanism control means 1
2 to put the tape recorder 5 into the rewind state. 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 playback 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 audio data memory 13 are designated in succession, 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 rewinding has arrived. If no remote control signal is detected for 10 seconds, the address number "16" in 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 After notifying the operator that the remote control mode has ended and the line will be disconnected, the line interface 2 is controlled to open the line and enter the 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 play has arrived. here,
When the arrival of a remote control signal instructing playback is detected, the above-mentioned play mode is entered, and when no remote control signal is detected and rewinding is completed, that is, the tape counter reaches "0", the mechanism control means 1
2 to stop the tape recorder 5. Then, the remote control signal detection means 11 is operated, and 10
Detects whether a remote control signal instructing playback or fast forwarding has arrived for a second. Here, when a remote control signal instructing playback is detected, the mode is set to the play mode described above, and when a remote control signal instructing fast forward is detected, the mode is set to FF mode.On the other hand, if no remote control signal is detected for 10 seconds, the mode is set to the play mode described above. As I did,
It will beep for 1.5 seconds to open the line and then 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, opens the phone line, and then goes into standby mode.

(G) Effects of the Invention As described above, according to the present invention, when an answering machine is controlled via a telephone line, before an operation instructed by the remote control is performed, words indicating the operation are voiced. Since the combined information is transmitted to the remote control operator via the telephone line, the remote control operator can accurately grasp the current state of the answering machine.

[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, 4, and 5 are similar to FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of the illustrated embodiment. 1...Terminal, 2...Line interface, 3
...Incoming call and disconnection detection means, 4...Keyboard,
5...Tape recorder, 6...Key input means, 7
... Function control means, 8 ... Amplifier, 9 ... Voice synthesis means, 10 ... Speaker, 11 ... Remote control signal detection means, 12 ... Mechanism control means, 13
...Voice data memory, 14...Telephone number memory, 15...Indication flag, 16...Number of incoming calls 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. and a remote control detection means for detecting a remote control signal sent from a telephone line, audio data for uttering the preset message, and a plurality of operations of the tape recorder instructed by the remote control signal. a voice data memory storing at least voice data; and 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. ,
function control means for controlling the operations of each of the means, and when the remote control signal detecting means detects a remote control signal in a recording mode, a voice for decoding the operation instructed by the remote control signal and uttering the operation; The answering machine is characterized in that the address of the voice data memory in which data is stored is specified, the synthesized voice is sent to the telephone line, and then the instructed operation is performed.