AU635210B2 - Telephone answering apparatus for mobile telephone systems - Google Patents

Description

OPI DATE 12/01/90 AOJP DATE 15/02/90 APPLN. ID 37740 89

PCT

PCT NUMBER PCT/AU89/00>' INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PUBLISHED UNDER THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY (PCT) (51) International Patent Classification 4 (11) International Publication Number: WO 89/12937 H4M 1/64 Al (43) International Publication Date: 28 December 1989 (28.12.89) (21) International Application Number: PCT/AU89/00258 (81) Designated States: AT (European patent), AU, BE (European patent), BR, CH (European patent), DE (European (22) International Filing Date: 16 June 1989 (16.06.89) patent), DK, FI, FR (European patent), GB (European patent), IT (European patent), JP, KP, KR, LU (European patent), NL (European patent), NO, SE (European Priority data: patent), US.

PI 8784 16 June 1988 (16.06.88) AU Published (9p)-Aliiant (for all designated-States except i S- CI COM With international search report.

AUSTRAL4A-.PT LTD. [AU./AU] Suit. 6, 10 .Hoddl Street, Abbotsfordt, WIC 3067 (AU).

(72) Inventor; and Inventor/Applicant (for US only) FREEMAN, Anthony [AU/AU]; 16 Barbara Street, Moorabin, VIC 3067 (All). 6 3 (74)Agent: PHILLIPS ORMONDE FITZPATRICK; 367 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000 (AU).

l54 Te T 'E P rI PboPr, tiLO, PH tL TC O C S (A T R I (54) Title: TELEPHONE ANSWERING APPARATUS FOR MOBILE TELEPHONE SYSTEMS (57) Abstract A telephone answering apparatus is disclosed which is suitable for use with mobile telephone systems such as vehicle mounted cellular telephone systems. The telephone answering apparatus comprises an interface unit a recorder unit (11) and a control unit The interface unit (10) is interposed between the transceiver (13) and handset (14) of an existing mobile telephone system. The recorder unit (11) includes answering means, recording and playback means and operates in response to commands from the control unit Also disclosed are the recording and playing back of digitally recorded instructional message phrases, automatic message number finding and indication, and restriction of access to the answering apparatus using a predefined user identification code.

WO 89/12937 PCY/AU89/00258 1 TELEPB3E ANSWE3N APPARATUS FOR HDBILE TELEPHONE SYSTE3S The present invention relates to telephone answering apparatus. In particular the present invention relates to answering apparatus for mobile telephone systems such as vehicle mounted cellular telephone systems.

The answering apparatus is adapted to suit the needs of a user in a vehicular environment as well as being adapted to cope with the harsh electrical and temperature environment associated with an automobile.

Although telephone answering apparatus suitable for use with stationary telephone handsets utilizing the conventional two wire connection are well known, such apparatus has not previously been utilized with mobile telephone systems due to the different manner of connection of a mobile telephone system. Further the conventional telephone answering apparatus requires that an operator pay close attention to the status of the apparatus during many of the operations. In the environment of a motor vehicle, such a requirement is most inconvenient and may be dangerous. Further, with present telephoi.e answering apparatus, it is difficult to find a particular message recorded on the message tape.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a telephone answering apparatus suitable for use with mobile telephone systems which overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages.

In accordance with the present invention ere is provided a telephone answering apparatus sul le for use with a mobile telephone system includi a base set and a radio transceiver by connection toi erface apparatus interposed between said base et and said radio transceiver apparatus whererein sai interface apparatus comprises means for selecting a ode of operation for said interface apparatus ereby said mobile telephone system is connectatle to said telephone answering apparatus, According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a telephone answering apparatus when used with-a mobile telephone system having a base set and a radio transceiver and input, output and control signals passing between said base set and said transceiver, said apparatus comprising: answering means; and interface means interposed between said base set and said radio transceiver, said interface means including mode means for selecting a mode of operation for said interface means and means for interacting with said signals whereby said mobile telephone system is operatively connected to said answering means; said interacting means including switching means operating under command of said mode means for connecting at least some of said signals to said answering means, and buffer means for buffering at least some of said signals connected by said interacting means between said system and said answering means; said answering means including recording means and playback means, and means responsive to control means provided with said apparatus or said system for controlling operation of said telephone answering apparatus including said mode means, said answering means further including means for playing back digitally recorded message phrases, said message phrases instructing a user on operational aspects of said telephone answering apparatus.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a telephone answering apparatus for use with a mobile telephone system having a base set and a radio transceiver and input, output and control signals passing between said base set and said transceiver, said apparatus comprising: 35 answering means; and interface means for interposing between said base set and said radio transceiver, said interface means including mode means for selecting a mode of operation for la said interface means and means for interacting with said signals whereby said mobile telephone system is operatively connectable to said answering means; said interacting means including switching means operable under command of said mode means for connecting at least some of said signals to said answering means, and buffer means adapted to buffer at least some of said signals connectable by said interacting means between said system and said answering means; said answering means including recording means and playback means, and means responsive to control means provided with said apparatus or said system for controlling operation of said telephone answering apparatus including said mode means, said answering means further including means for playing back digitally recorded message phrases, said message phrases being adapted for instructing a user on operational aspects of said telephone answering apparatus.

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-lb IMJR WO 89/12937 PCT/AU89/00258 2 means for receiving input, output and control gnals passing between said base set and said transceiver said receiving means including swi hing means operating under command of said selecting m as for connecting said system to said telephon answering apparatus and buffer means connectable ween said switching means and said telephone answerin apparatus for buffering said signals between said swit ing means and said telephone answering apparatus a ciated with said sel.ected mode.

wherein sai telephone answering apparatus incudes answering mean and recording and play back means and means responsive fo control means associated with said telephone answeri apparatus for controlling operation of said tel hone answering apparatus.

The answering apparatus of the present invention may include a recorder unit, a control means, connector means to an interface unit and interconnecting cables. As various brands of mobile phone systems differ with respect to connections between transceiver unit and handset/baseset, an interface unit is adapted to provide a common standard of interconnections to the recorder unit. The interface unit may be inserted in line between the transceiver unit and the handset/baseset of the mobile phone. The interface unit may provide a set of audio, control and logic signals which are independent of the type of mobile phone being used with the answering apparatus. Australian patent 577709, the patentee of which is the applicant of the present invention, describes a suitable interface unit for use in conjunction with the present invention and Australian patent 577709 is hereby incorporated by reference into the present invention. The signal levels and logic/control signals and connections correspond to a protocol standard defined by the applicant for the purpose of the present invention. The recorder unit may connect 'to the interface unit via a plug/socket configured to the 'defined protocol standard CC-15. Optionally, the interface unit may be integrated with the recorder unit.

WO 89/12937 PCT/AU89/00258 3 The recorder unit may be mounted in use adjacent the phone transceiver, e.g. under the front seat of a vehicle or in the vehicle trunk. The functions of the recorder unit may be controlled by the control unit which is typically mounted on the dash panel or on the center console of a vehicle. The control unit may be removable so that it can be used for remotely accessing messages from the answering apparatus when the user is not in the vehicle.

The answering apparatus preferably is arranged such that it appears transparent to the mobile phone when the answering apparatus is not in use i.e. the answering apparatus should not alter operation of the mobile phone from a user's perspective. When the answering apparatus is in "answer mode" an incoming call may be automatically answered by the answering apparatus and an "out-going message" (OGM) may be played back to the person on the incoming call. The caller may then have the opportunity to leave a message up to e.g. three minutes in length. In one form the answering apparatus may be adapted to terminate the call if one of the following conditions occur: 1. The cpller hangs up.

2. The caller is silent for more than a predetermined period, say 10 seconds.

3. The three minute limit is reached.

The answering apparatus may be arranged such that messages can be played back to the user at any time by pressing the "playback" button on the control unit.

The answering apparatus may preferably incorporate a cue and review function. The cue and review function permits the message to be monitored at a faster speed than that at which recording occurred (cuing playback) and automatically stop at the start of each message and announce the number of the message "message six"). If the operator wishes to listen to that particular message, theh all he/she needs to do is press the "play" button and playback may continue from that point. Otherwise the tape may continue to cue or review to the start or end of the tape. With existing answering machine systems the user must WO 89/12937 PCT/AU89/00258 4 continually stop and start the tape to find out which message it is at. The cue and review function of the answering machine of the present invention provides a significant improvement over existing systems in that the user knows exactly what message number the tape is at.

The answering apparatus of the present invention may incorporate a detachable control unit. The detachable control unit may enable a user to operate the answering apparatus when he/she is not in the vehicle. By calling into the mobile phone, from another phone, all of the standard functions of the answering apparatus may be performed.

In an alternative embodiment, control of the answering apparatus may be attained by selecting a series of digits located on the telephone keypad. The function of interpreting the code selected as being directed to control of the answering apparatus in this embodiment is provided by the interface unit. Interpretation of key strokes and translation into control of the answering apparatus may be achieved by microprocessor within the interface unit. In a preferred embodiment, a message indicating the command selected is displayed upon display means associated with the keypad.

The answering apparatus may be arranged such that a user changeable three digit personal identification number (PIN) should be correctly entered before access is allowed into the answering apparatus. Existing answering machines that untilize PIN code security do not include a user changeable PIN code. In this respect the answering apparatus of the present invention represents a unique and significant improvement over existing answering machine technology.

A preferred embodiment of the answering apparatus of the present invention incudes, a Voice Recorded Words System (VRW) to assist the user in operation of the system. VRW may comprise digitally recorded phrases which instruct the operator on various operational aspects of the system.

WO 89/12937 PCT/AU89/00258 5 e.g. No. of messages on tape.

Status of answering apparatus, i.e. recording, rewinding, waiting, ready, etc.

Prompting for entry of information, i.e. entry of PIN code, etc., Indication of message number during playback, etc.

The VRW system represents a significant improvement in operation of answering machines because it has the ability to inform, by means of spoken pre-recorded messages the current status of the telephone answering apparatus.

This may be of particular benefit in a vehicle mounted answering machine as its operation may be simplified to avoid undue distraction to the user while he/she may be driving the vehicle. The VRW system may provide a significant advantage over conventional answering machines when in the "Remote Access Mode". When using conventional answering machines in the remote mode, it is difficult to know exactly what function is being performed at any one moment. With the answering apparatus of the present invention, the VRW may inform the user of the exact status and operation of the machine, thus greatly simplifying use of the system.

The out-going message (OGM) may be digitally recorded, as distinct from magnetic tape recording. In one form maximum length of the OGM may be approximately 20 seconds and it may be recorded via the microphone in the control unit.

The answering apparatus may be adapted to provide conversation record as well a memo or dictation recording.

Dictation recording also may be performed via the microphone in the control unit. A preferred embodiment of the answering system of the present invention will now be described with reference to.

the accompanying drawings wherein.

Fig.l shows a block diagram of major components of an answering apparatus according to the present invention; Fig. 2 shows a block diagram of the interface (I/F) unit used with be the present invention; WO 89/12937 PCT/AAU89/00258 6 Fig. 3 shown a schematic diagram of the interface unit shown in Fig. 2; Fig. 4 shows a block diagram of the recorder unit according to the present invention; and Fig. 5 shows a block diagram of the control unit according to the present invention.

Referring to Fig. 1 the telephone answering apparatus according to the present invention comprises an interface unit 10, a recorder unit 11 and a control unit 12.

The I/F unit 10 is interposed between the existing mobile telephone transceiver 13 and existing mobile telephone handset 14 of a mobile telephone system.

Referring to Fig. 2 which shows a block diagram of the I/F unit 10, Aux-1 is used to provide the incoming signal from the mobile telephone. Aux-l is tapped off the earpiece signal passing between the mobile phone transceiver 13 and the mobile phone handset 14, via/op-amp 20. The earpiece signal may be either a single unbalanced line or a balanced differential signal. The earpiece signal is also used to derive, via filter/signal conditioning circuit 21, a ring trigger signal (Aux-5). A tone decoder and conditioning circuit is used to detect the presence of an incoming call.

Each ring that occurs at the phone will cause a 5 volt logic signal at The Aux-2 signal (line-out) is used for playing the out going message (OGM) or replaying messages to an incoming call. The line-out signal is buffered via op-amp 22. To enable the line-out signal it is necessary to isolate the existing handset microphone via switching device 23 controlled via Aux-9, the handset isolation control. The switching device 23 can be implemented by either relay or electronic switching means.

To facilitate recording of conversations op-amp 24 is used to tap off the handset microphone line(s). The hand:set microphone signal can be implemented in either an unbalanced signal or by a balanced differential signal.

Aux-4 input is fed onto the hand-set speaker line via /op-amp 25 and switching device 26 for replay of messages, OGM and VRW responses. To facilitate this input the WO 89/12937 PCY/AU89/0058 7 handset/baseset speaker control line must be enabled, thus disabling the transceiver from using the handset/baseset speaker. Switching device 26 may comprise relay means or electronic switch means.

The hook circuitry 27 is usually in series with the hook signal of the phone. This circuitry provides a 5 volt logic signal to the recorded unit indicating whether the handset is on or off hook, and also provides a facility for the recorder unit to answer an incoming call automatically.

This circuitry is dependent on the type of phone being interfaced to, and thus takes many different forms.

The power control circuit (Aux-10) provides an open collector signal to the recorder unit indicating whether the phone is switched on or off. This is implemented by connecting an npn transistor 28 to the switched power supply of the phone.

Aux-7, Aux-14 and Aux-15 provides the earthering required for the answering system. Aux-7, audio ground provides a low current ground reference for all audio signals. Aux-14, power ground provides a high current earth for all logic circuits and relays etc. thus minimising noise in sensitive audio circuits. Aux-15, phone ground, is the earth reference for the audio and logic circuits from the mobile phone. To correctly reference audio signals passing between the phone and recorder unit, audio isolation transformers may be used.

Fig. 3 shows a schematic diagram of the I/F unit shown in Fig. 2. Like numerals in Fig. 3 designate corresponding parts of the I/F unit shown in Fig. 2.

Referring to Fig. 4, the recorder unit (RU) comprises an intelligent microprocessor (TMP 47C96) controlled device. The RU varies from conventional answering machines in that all its audio signals and controls are via the I/F unit and control unit connections, rather than via a 2-wiTe connection to a telephone.

The RU is operated via user inputs from the control unit (CU) which is plugged into the RU via a small stereo socket. One of these signals, the CU control line is input into the TC35301AP dual tone multi-frequency (DTMF) decoder WO 89/12937 PC~/AU89/00258 8 circuit 40 which interprets the tone signals from the CU DTMF generator 51 (refer Fig. The DTMF decoder signals to the microprocessor 41 and the appropriate responses are generated to perform the function as indicated by the user. The local/remote circuit 42 which is also connected to the CU cont:col line, detects whether the DTMF tone had been generated locally (CU connected to RU), or remotely via the line in audio.

The audio-in circuit 43 mixes the three audio input signals, line-in (Aux-l), control unit mic. and handset mic.

(Aux-3) as required by microprocessor 41 by means of electronic audio switches CMOS 4066). That signal is then applied to the 7137 auto gain control circuit (AGC) 44. The AGC signal is muted when the RU is recording a message. The output from AGC circuit 44 can be switched to the play/record head circuit 45 when a message is required to be recorded on the microcassette, i,e. memo, conversation or message record. The play/record circuit also acts as an output to either the monitor (Aux-4) or line-out (Aux-2) during playback of messages. The output of voice recorded (VRW) circuit 46, which incorporates an NEC 7756 chip is mixed to the AGC signal. The VRW chip has a pre-masked vocabulary which is controlled by microprocessor 41.

Microprocessor 41 will combine the necessary VRWs to form the correct phrases and then output the audio signal onto either the line-out (Aux-2) or the handset/baseset speaker monitor (Aux-4) as required. It is possible to mute the monitor line via amp mute circuit 47. The out-going message circuit (OGM) 48 is also mixed with the output of the AGC.

When required, (by pressing the OGM button or by receiving an incoming call) OGM circuit 48 will output the digitally stored message to both the monitor and line-out.

To facilitate auto cut out after a predetermined period during a message record, a VOX circuit 49 is incorporated. VOX circuit 49 will provide a logic signal to microprocessor 41 which indicates the presence of an input signal above a certain threshold level. If the VOX signal is not active for more than a predetermined period WO 89/12937 PC~/AU9/00258 9 seconds) during a message recording microprocessor 41 will terminate that recording.

Referring to Fig. 5, the control unit (CU) is the principal means of operating the answering system, either in the local mode or in the remote mode. The CU incorporates a standard membrane style telephone keypad 50, a DTMF generator 51, microphone 52, LED status indicator 53, mini speaker 54 and 3 volt battery 55 for use in the remote mode (the CU is powered from the RU when in the local mode).

The microphone 52 is used for recording of OGM and dictation/memo messages. This signal is input into the RU AGC via circuit 44 of Fig. 5. This is the case only for local operation.

The keypad 50 is used to control the RU by means of DTMF signals generated by the M761A DTMF generator 51. If the CU is being operated in the local mode the DTMF signals will be sent to the AGC circuitry of the RU, but if operated in the remote mode they will be sent to the CU mini speaker 54 for transmission along the normal telephone system.

The red LLD status indicator 53 is used to provide a visual indication of the status of the answering machine, e.g. recording mode, ready mode, answering mode, playback mode, etc.

It will be appreciated that various alterations, n lifications and/or additions may be introduced into the contructions and arrangements of parts previously described without departing from the spirit or ambit of the invention.

Claims (7)

1. A telephone answering apparatus when used with a mobile telephone system having a base set and a radio transceiver and input, output and control signals passing between said base set and said transceiver, said apparatus comprising: answering means; and interface means interposed between said base set and said radio transceiver, said interface means including mode means for selecting a mode of operation for said interface means and means for interacting with said signals whereby said mobile telephone system is operatively connected to said answering means; said interacting means including switching means operating under command of said mode means for connecting at least some of said signals to said answering means, and buffer means for buffering at least some of said signals connected by said interacting means between said system and said answering means; said answering means including recording means and playback means, and mean; reFoonsive to control means provided with said apparatus or said system for controlling operation of said telephone answering 25 apparatus including said mode m.:ans, said answering means further including means for playing back digitally i. recorded message phrases, said message phrases instructing a user on operational aspects of said telephone answering apparatus.

2. A telephone answering apparatus for use with a o mobile telephone system having a base set and a radio transceiver and inpu:, output and control signals passing between said base set and said transceiver, said apparatus comprising: answering means; and interface means for interposing between said base set and said radio transceiver, said interface means including mode means for selecting a mode of operation for Ssaid interface means and means for interacting with said 11 signals whereby said mobile telephone system is operatively connectable to said answering means; said interacting means including switching means operable under command of said mode means for connecting at least some of said signals to said answering means, and buffer means adapted to buffer at least some of said signals connectable by said interacting means between said system and said answering means; said answering means including recording means and playback means, and means responsive to control means provided with said apparatus or said system for controlling operation of said telephone answering apparatus including said mode means, said answering means further including means for playing back digitally recorded message phrases, said message phrases being adapted for instructing a user on operational aspects of said telephone answering apparatus.

3. A telephone answering apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein said playback means includes cue and review means whereby during cueing, playback at a speed faster than recording is performed, the cue and review means being adapted to automatically stop the answering means at the start of each separate message and give an indication of the number of the message at which the S 25 answering means has stopped.

4. A telephone answering apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims and further including means for restricting user access to the answering apparatus, said restricting means including code means actuable by a user for entering a predefined user identification code as a prerequisite for user access to at least some answering apparatus operations, and wherein said user may change said code means to alter the identification code. S.

5. A telephone answering apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said control means is effected by entering predefined control codes via the telephone keypad associated with said base set.

S6. A telephone answering apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein said control means is 12 effected by entering predefined control codes via a keypad associated with a remote control unit.

7. A telephone answering apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. DATED: 18 January, 1993. PHILLIPS ORMONDE FITZPATRICK Attorneys for: CELCOM CELLULAR PTY. LTD. 4016u M