JPS61147641A - Voice message type telephone set - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To simplify the mechanism to make the access control easy by dividing a recording track to many successively allocated recording blocks to use it and forming the mechanism as one body together with a telephone set so that no only the voice input from line but also the direct input from a microphone are recorded on recording blocks. CONSTITUTION:On a recording tape 1, an recording area is divided to many blocks successively, and a response area for recording response messages and business areas for recording business messages are allocated to one recording tape. A button 'response', 'specific', or 'general' of a function key 21 is depressed to designate the response area, the specific business area, or the general business area, and one or two desired number buttons of a dial circuit 11 are depressed to select one of display addresses of said recording blocks. Display address information selected in this manner is set to a register for block address in a microcomputer 20.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION (Technical Field of the Invention) The present invention relates to a telephone equipped with a recording/playback function.

(Prior art and its problems) An answering machine with a recording and playback function attached to a telephone set, which has the function of recording a message from a caller when an incoming call is received while the user is away, and playing back the recorded content at a desired time. is widely used.

However, with conventional answering machines, there is a response tape that records the response message issued to the other party when a call is received, and a message recorder that records the message from the other party that comes in response to this response message. Since the tape is provided separately, two systems of recording and reproducing mechanisms are required, making the device large and uneconomical. To overcome this drawback,
A configuration has already been proposed in which a recording tape having two recording tracks is used, one recording track being used for recording the response message and the other recording track being used for recording the business. However, even in this latter case, since a plurality of tracks are provided, the recording/reproducing mechanism needs to have a complicated configuration suitable for the plurality of tracks.

Furthermore, since the recording tapes of conventional answering machines are used without any particular division within the recording area of a series of recording tapes, the importance of the recorded information is not particularly relevant when reproducing the message contents. The disadvantage is that unless you replay all of the information, you will not be able to understand the outline of the information. This is a particularly serious drawback when listening to the contents of a message by remote control from an outside line.

In addition, conventional answering machines are used only to record the message of the other party when receiving a call from an outside line, and if the answering machine has multiple owners, There are no plans to use this answering machine for communication between owners.

(Object of the Invention) In view of the above drawbacks of the prior art, the present invention records a response message and a message on a single recording track, and has a plurality of recording blocks to which the recording tracks are sequentially assigned. Furthermore, the recording block is integrally formed with the telephone so that it records not only voice input from the line but also direct human input from the microphone, and the playback operation of the recording block can be efficiently executed. The present invention provides a voice message type telephone that is capable of transmitting voice messages.

(Structure and operation of the invention) The present invention will be explained in detail below with reference to the drawings.

First, the allocation format of the recording tape recording area used in the present invention will be explained. Figure 1 shows an example of this recording area allocation.
One of the features is that the recording area is sequentially divided into a large number of blocks, and furthermore, the recording area G and S are divided into one recording area for recording response messages and message areas G and S for recording message messages. Another feature is that it is assigned to a tape. The response area AM& is arranged at an intermediate position between the start end ST and the end ED of the recording tape, and consists of a response recorded message block AM and a response-only message block AMt. Response-only message block static,
is a response-only message that does not involve recording the message (for example, "
This is a recording block for recording messages such as "We are closed today", "I am currently out of town", etc., and is assigned a time length of, for example, 60 seconds. The response recording message block AM records a response recording message that includes recording of the message (for example, "I'm not home right now. I'll record your message, so please speak when the beep sounds. Please go ahead.") For example, AMb
The same time length of <60 seconds is assigned.

After the response area 8H, there is a general business area G for each block G,, Gt-, G,. For example, recording blocks G, G2, . G3.・−・
G. Record the contents of the call during your absence in the empty blocks in this order. Recording block G+, Gz of general business area G
, --- Outside of 9G+++, there are recording blocks S+, Sz, S3. One of the features of the present invention is that S4 is provided, and the recording block S of this specific task area S
1, '-'S a records messages for specific matters instead of so-called "memos" for mutual communication among a plurality of parties using this telephone. In this case, recording is performed using the microphone at the desired recording block SI+ of the device.
This can be done by directly sending a message to SZ, S3 or S4, or it can be accessed by remote control using a password etc. after connecting the line from the subscriber line, and the predetermined recording block S+, St, Sz or You can record your business on G4. The time length of the recording blocks Sl+S2゜Sx, Sa is, for example, the general purpose recording blocks G, G! ,-+G,.

<40 seconds, which is the same as the time length of .

The recording tape 1 is stopped so that the first waiting point P corresponding to the head of the response recording message block AM of the normal response area AM faces the head, and when a call is received, the message of the response recording message block AM is recorded. After playing and sending out the recording block G,,G! of the general use area G. ,-・・
Oppose the empty block that is the first among G111, and record the message at the time of the incoming call in that empty block. Recording block G, with similar operation.

Gt+ '----'+Gl. When all messages have been recorded, the recording tape 1 has stopped so that the head faces the second waiting point P2 corresponding to the beginning of the response-only message block AMb, and the recording tape 1 is stopped so that the head faces the second waiting point P2 corresponding to the beginning of the response-only message block AMb. Controls to play and send a response-only message. Recording block S++ - of specific task area S
-34 can be accessed when controlled by the control button or by remote control when a call is received using a PIN code, and is controlled so that it is possible to record a specific message or playback the recorded content. Ru.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, 1 is a magnetic tape housed in a cassette, 2 is a magnetic head for recording and playback, 3 is a servo for driving the magnetic tape 1, and 4 is for controlling the driving direction and on/off of the drive of the magnetic tape 1. 5a and 5b are motors for driving the magnetic tape 1, 5c is a supply reel for the tape L, and 5d is a circuit that sends, for example, 8 pulses to a photoreflector or the like for each revolution of the shaft of the reel 5c. A reel rotation detection circuit 6 is a plunger that controls whether the magnetic head 2 comes into contact with the tape 1 or not.

The telephone circuit 10 includes a dial circuit 11, a line 12,
A transmitter 13, a receiver 14, and a sounder 15 are attached. The microcomputer 20, which forms the center of the control circuit system, includes a function key 21, a read-only memory 22.34, a button signal receiver 23, an input circuit 24.32, a selection circuit 25, and a launch 26.27.28°30a. , 30b, light emitting element 29.7 segment circuit 3
1a, 31b - A speech synthesizer 33 is attached.

The output of the speech synthesizer 33 is applied to an amplifier 43 via a filter 40. The 800H2 oscillator 41 is applied to the input of an amplifier 43 via an inhibit gate 42.

44 is a PB signal amplifier that amplifies the button signal (PB double signal and other line signals) applied via the line 12 and the telephone circuit 10; 45 is a line amplifier that amplifies the line signal; 46 is an audio switch; 47 is a A silence detection circuit, 48 a speaker amplifier, 49 a speaker, and VR a volume for volume adjustment.

51 is a microphone, 52 is a recording preamplifier, 53 is a reproduction preamplifier, 54 is a recording/reproduction changeover switch, 55 is a recording amplifier, and 56 is a bias oscillator for generating a bias signal.

ASI, AS2. AS3. AS4. ASS,
Ash, Ass, ASI 0+ Asl I+ A
sl z is a switch element controlled by latch 26, and AS? , AS9 is microcomputer 2
This is a switch element controlled by 0.

The designation of a recording block, the recording to the recording block, and the reproduction of the recorded contents, which are the main features of the present invention, will be explained with reference to FIG.

In the present invention, the number of rotations of the reel of the recording tape 1 is determined on the recording tape 1 as described above based on the count value calculated from the start end ST or end HD of the recording tape 1 using pulses from the reel rotation detection circuit 5d. A plurality of recording blocks St, St, h are sequentially allocated.

Ss, AMb, AM,, G+, Gt, Gs,'-,
Addressing means is used to sequentially indicate display addresses of Glo. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, rotation information of the reel axis is supplied to the input "rotation detection" of the microcomputer 20,
If a predetermined number of pulses are generated each time the shaft rotates as described above, by counting these pulses from the start end ST or end end ED of the recording tape with a counter, each recording block can be displayed based on the counted value. The address can be determined in advance.

"Response" and "Specific" in the function keys 21.

- By pressing one of the "General"buttons;
By specifying either the response area static, specific task area S, or general use area G, and pressing the desired one or two number buttons on the dial circuit 11, the display address of each of the above-mentioned recording blocks can be changed. One is selected. The display address information selected in this way is set in the block address register within the microcomputer 20. Therefore,
When the display address information set here matches the display address displayed by the address means, a predetermined recording block is selected by controlling the plunger 6 and forward/reverse speed control circuit 4 via the latch 27. This means that it is possible to stop recording tape 1 while cueing up.

Due to the above configuration, specific operations can be performed as follows.

First, in the case of recording a response message, the display address of the response recording message block AM can be set immediately when the "Response" button of the function key 21 is pressed. As a result, the plunger 6 and the forward/reverse speed control circuit 4 are connected to each other via the latch 27 as described above.
operates, and the motor 5a.

5b is driven at high speed and the response recording message block AM
When the magnetic head 2 faces the leading position of , the drive is stopped, and the drive of the magnetic tape 1 is temporarily stopped. Now, by pressing the "record" button of the function key 21, the switch element AS+
, ASt, and AS+z are turned on, the recording/playback selector switch 54 is switched to the recording preamplifier 52 side, and the plunger 6 and forward/reverse speed control circuit 4 are operated to drive the motors 5a, 5b at normal low speed. . Here, by issuing the guidance signal GD, the signal of 800H2 is transmitted to the oscillator 4.
1 to [in upper bit gate 42→amplifier 43→switch element ^S8→volume VR-amplifier 48], the sound can be heard from the speaker 49, and at this time, by speaking a response recording message into the microphone 51, [Microphone 51 - switch element AS, → recording preamplifier 52 → recording/playback selector switch 54 - switch element AS? - Switch element AS+z → Recording amplifier 55]
A desired response message can be recorded. An example of a recorded response message is: [Yes, this is Kobayashi, but I am currently on a business trip and will be away until the 00th. We apologize for the inconvenience, but please follow the female voice guidance and record your request.

Thank you. ``Now, I will guide you through the recording.The recording time is approximately 40 seconds.

Please tell us your name, phone number, and your business. "Here you go" (voice guidance).

Here, the voice guidance is sent to the line 12 from the voice synthesizer 33 after the recorded response message via the filter 40 - amplifier 43 - line amplifier 45 - switch element ASS - telephone circuit 10.

By pressing the ``record'' button again, a silent part is automatically created on the tape for a predetermined time following the recorded message, and the end of recording can be detected by detecting silence during playback. This will enter the automatic playback mode of the recorded response message, and [Magnetic head 2-
Switch element ASz - playback preamplifier 53 - recording playback selector switch 54 -> switch element AS? →Switch element A
The content can be confirmed by the reproduced sound via [S8-Volume VR→Speaker amplifier 48→Speaker 49].

Also, since the line amplifier 45 applies power to the audio switch 46, when the recorded response message is normally reproduced, the output O1 is supplied to the microcomputer 20, which then enables setting to the absentee mode.

In addition, by pressing the "Play" button after playing the response recorded message, the response-only message block AM is specified as described above, and by pressing the "Record" button here, the response-only message can be recorded in the same manner as above. can be recorded via the microphone 51. An example of a response-only message is ``Yes, this is Kobayashi.
I'm currently away. We apologize for the inconvenience, but please try again later. ].

This response-only message is also handled in the same way as the response recorded message, and is configured so that it is automatically played back and the transition to the away mode is possible only when the playback output is obtained as the output OI by the audio switch 46. can do.

Each recording block G in general business area G,,G,,...
-G1° is accessed via the subscriber line 12.

In the absence mode, when the recording tape is at the first standby point p, there is an incoming call from the subscriber line 12, and the incoming call detection output I
When R is detected by the microcomputer 20 and the line is closed by the L' relay, switch elements AS and □AS are activated to send out a recorded response message.
? , ASS is turned on, the recording/playback selector switch 54 is switched to the playback preamplifier 53 side, and the plunger 6 and the forward/reverse speed control circuit 4 are operated via the latch 27, so that the response recorded message is Head 2 - Switch element AS++ -> Playback preamplifier 53 - Recording/playback selection switch 54 - Switch element AS? -Line amplifier 45-
The voice synthesizer 33 is made by the selection circuit 25 in response to the detection output 02 which is sent to the line 12 via the path of the response recording message (Sui Nochi element ASs - telephone circuit 10) and the silence detection circuit 47 detects the end of the response recording message. According to the selection of the read-only memory 34, the voice guidance is sent from the voice synthesizer 33 to the subscriber line 12 via the path [filter 40-amplifier 43-line amplifier 45-switch element AS,-telephone circuit 10].

After the recorded response message and voice guidance are sent out, the servo is controlled by the address designation of the microcomputer 20 so that the magnetic head 2 faces the leading position of the magnetic block (for example, C+) in the nearest empty general business area G. The magnetic tape 1 is driven by the operation of the magnetic tape 3 and the motors 5a and 5b. When the completion of this operation is detected by matching the display address of the recording block as described above, the guidance GD
The guidance signal is sent to the other party via the route [oscillator 41 -> inhibit circuit 42 - amplifier 43 -> line amplifier 45 -> switch element ASs - telephone circuit 10 -> line 12], and at the end of the transmission, the recording and playback system is The recording mode is set, and the magnetic tape 1 starts running at a normal speed. Therefore, at this time, if the person on the other end of the call speaks the matter, the matter is [line 12-telephone circuit 10-
Switch element 452 -> Recording preamplifier 52 - Recording/playback selector switch 54 - Switch element ASW -> Switch element A
Slz→recording amplifier 55], the signal is applied to the magnetic head 2 and recorded in its recording block G1.

After this recording is completed, it is registered in the recording block register in the microcomputer 20 that this recording block Gl has been recorded and is not empty.

By pressing the "General" and "Play" buttons of the function key 21, the contents of the registered recording blocks are displayed in the recording tape drive means ( 2
7+ 6+ 4+ 5a, 5b, 3), the reproduction circuit system (2, AS,, 53, 54. AS?,
ASll, VR.

48, 49) can be played back and listened to.

In the case of playback by remote control from the local line 12, the remote control signal is transmitted to the microcomputer via the path [local line 12 - telephone circuit 10 - switch element AS3 - amplifier 44 - PB signal receiver 23 - microcomputer 20]. The information is transmitted to the computer 20 and decoded, and is transmitted to the computer 20 and is decoded by another reproduction circuit system (2, ASll, 53, 54) in addition to the recording tape drive means.
．． AS7,45. The content of the reproduced recording block is sent to the subscriber line 12 via the ASs, 10).

Also, during such a playback operation, for example (1) if the content of the matter is not so important that it must be listened to now,
(2) If you can fully understand the outline or all of the message while playing back the message, or (3) If you have already listened to the message, you can listen to the recorded content. There may be no need to do so.

At this time, a predetermined control signal sent by the function key 21 of this device or a predetermined control signal [for example #0#] transmitted by remote control from the subscriber line 12 is transmitted to the microcomputer 20.
is determined, and the drive of the tape 1 is temporarily stopped by the recording tape drive means.

Here, the microcomputer 20 determines whether a registered recording block exists or not by referring to the contents of the register, and if a registered recording block exists, the recording tape driving means drives the tape 1 in the forward direction or It is driven in the opposite direction at high speed and performs a so-called cueing operation by a normal playback operation at the starting end of the most recently registered recording block, and reproduces the contents of the recording block. In this way, it is possible to efficiently reproduce recorded matters in a short and efficient reproduction time.

Furthermore, if there is a silent period longer than a certain period of time during such a playback operation, it is determined that there is no longer a record of business in that recording block, and the silence detection circuit 47 detects the output of the line amplifier 45. Detect this and the detection output is 0.
．． issue. This detection output 02 is the microcomputer 2
0, the recording tape driving means temporarily stops driving the tape 1, and the microcomputer 20 refers to the contents of the register to determine whether or not a registered recording block exists. If there is a recording block that has been recorded, the recording tape drive means
is driven at high speed in the forward or reverse direction to perform a so-called cue, which is a normal playback operation, at the starting end of the most recently registered recording block, and reproduce the contents of that recording block. In this way, by using the above-mentioned reset operation by the dial circuit 11 in combination, it is possible to efficiently reproduce recorded matters in a short reproduction time with no waste.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the apparatus of the present invention. Since the operation described above is simply summarized, detailed explanation will be omitted.

As explained in detail above, the present invention allows recording tape (
1) A plurality of recording blocks (Sl.

Sz, Sx, G+, Gz, -・+GI. ) Recording block address means (5G, 5d,
20'), and block designation means (11, 20, 2
1), the reel of the recording tape is moved at high speed so that the display number of the desired one recording block specified by the block specifying means and the display number of the recording block specified by the recording block address means match. recording tape drive means (27, 6,
4, 5a, 5b, 3), and a recording and playback function (51
, ASI, 52.54. ^St, AS+ z.

55.56.2.12,10. ASl, ASl 1,5
3. ASI, VR, 48, 49), and a silence detection means (AS) which outputs a silence detection output when detecting a silence period of a predetermined length or longer than 1'I: during playback by the recording and playback function.
s, 45.47), and a reset means (
21) When the registration of the block being played back is erased by the reset means during playback by the recording and playback function, or when the silence detection means outputs the silence detection output, skipping is performed by the block designation means. It is possible to realize a voice message type telephone equipped with skip cue means (20, 27, 6, 5a, 5b, 3.4) for cueing the next designated recording block.

(Effects of the Invention) As explained in detail above, since the present invention uses a single recording track, the recording/playback drive mechanism is simplified, and the recording track is divided into a number of sequentially allocated recording blocks. Due to the partitioned nature, access control is easy and quick to perform. Therefore, by sequentially specifying unlistened recording blocks, it is possible to extract, reproduce, and listen to only the most urgent and important recording contents in an extremely short period of time. Furthermore, when a plurality of owners share the same, it is possible to easily and reliably communicate with each other.

Furthermore, by simplifying the configuration as described above, it becomes easy to adopt a structure in which the above-mentioned functions are integrated with a telephone set, which has an extremely large practical effect.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining the recording format of the recording tape used in the present invention, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the present invention. Patent applicant: Iwasaki Tsushinki Co., Ltd. Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Public Corporation Toshiba Corporation

Claims (1)

[Claims] Recording block address means for sequentially instructing display numbers of a plurality of recording blocks sequentially allocated on the recording tape based on a count value of the number of rotations of a reel of the recording tape from the beginning or end of the tape; block designating means for specifying a display number of a desired one of the recording blocks of the recording blocks in the order of pre-registered blocks; a display number of the desired one recording block designated by the block designating means; A recording tape in which the reel of the recording tape is driven at high speed so that the display number of the recording block specified by the recording block address means matches, and the high-speed driving of the reel of the recording tape is stopped so that both display numbers match. a driving means, a recording and playback function for recording audio input from a line or microphone to the recording block at the stop position or playing back from the recording block, and a predetermined length during playback by the recording and playback function. Silence detection means that outputs a silence detection output when detecting the above-mentioned silent period; reset means that erases the registration of a desired block among the pre-registered blocks; and said reset means during playback by said playback function. When the registration of the block being played back is erased by , or when the silence detection means outputs the silence detection output, the skip is skipped and the next recording block designated by the block designation means is skipped. A voice message type telephone equipped with means.