KR20030037316A - Method and Apparatus for Outputting Voice of Short Message - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A device for outputting a voice of a short message is provided to receive a text message to convert the text message into a voice signal, when the text message has to be transmitted to a mobile terminal, and to output the voice signal, thereby enabling a user to listen to the received text message. CONSTITUTION: The second interface(410) is reciprocally connected to the first interface(330) of a mobile terminal(300), exchanges various data with the mobile terminal(300) according to serial communication methods, and conforms protocols according to standard communication rules. A CPU(420) is reciprocally connected to the second interface(410), periodically inquires of whether a text message is received by building a timer therein, and receives the text message transmitted through the second interface(410), then outputs the text message as a voice. A TTS(Text To Speech) module(430) is connected to the CPU(420), converts the text message applied from the CPU(420) into a voice signal, and outputs the voice signal to outside through a speaker(440).

Description

Voice output device and method of short message {Method and Apparatus for Outputting Voice of Short Message}

The present invention relates to a voice output device and a method of a short message, and more particularly, to periodically receive a text message received by the mobile communication terminal to receive a text message stored in the mobile communication terminal through the communication port, The present invention relates to a voice output device and a method for outputting a text message through a text to speech (TTS) module.

In general, a mobile communication system has a short message service (hereinafter referred to as SMS) and wireless data transmission technology due to the increase in the number of mobile phone subscribers and the development of a mobile phone system. The transmission of messages is now possible. Therefore, the development of this technology provides a basis for the user to conveniently access the mobile communication system. In addition, operators of mobile communication systems have expanded to provide various types of services in order to meet the needs of mobile subscribers, and in particular, various services are created and provided to subscribers using SMS capable of simple message transmission.

SMS enables message communication between mobile communication terminals such as GSM (Grobal System for Mobile communication), CDMA, PCS, etc., or accumulates a message from a fixed network into a processing device in a mobile network and then converts it into a digital message. Refers to a service transmitted to a mobile communication terminal. That is, it is desirable to implement an SMS to provide an environment for sending and receiving messages regardless of the state of the mobile communication terminal, and to ensure the use efficiency of the network to the communication service provider.

1 is a flowchart illustrating a transmission and reception process of a conventional SMS.

A user of a sending mobile terminal who wants to send a text message writes a text message to be transmitted using a keypad of his terminal, and transmits the text message by pressing a send button (S110). The text message transmitted from the transmitting mobile terminal is transmitted to the short message center (hereinafter referred to as 'SMC') via the base station and the switching center. The SMC stores the transmitted text messages in digital form and serves to send text messages to other mobile stations. That is, the text message is transmitted to the receiving mobile terminal through the switching center and the base station by the SMC (S120). The receiving mobile terminal stores the received text message in a specific area (eg, EEPROM) (S130) and notifies the user that the text message has arrived (S140). Next, the receiving mobile terminal determines whether the user who has received the text message arrival notification has selected the text message confirmation menu (S150), and if the menu is not selected, proceeds to step S130 to continue storing the text message. When the user selects a text message confirmation menu, the corresponding text message is displayed on the LCD of the mobile terminal (S160).

However, such a conventional SMS has various problems. First, when a text message arrives, the user has no choice but to select the menu and display the text message on the display window of the mobile terminal. Therefore, there is a problem in that the received text message cannot be accurately confirmed in a situation in which it is difficult to visually check the display window such as when the user is driving. In addition, there is a problem that can cause unexpected accidents while checking the text by force. Second, since only a certain number of characters can be displayed on the display window of the mobile terminal, it is inconvenient for the user to scroll the screen using a key button to check a text message longer than the display window. In general, the conventional SMS can be serviced up to 50 characters in Hangul, but because these characters cannot be displayed on one screen, only a predetermined number of characters are displayed per screen, the remaining characters when the user's specific key button is entered Follow the way of displaying. Therefore, in order to check all the transmitted text messages, there is an inconvenience in that there is a separate key operation by the user.

Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned general problems, an object of the present invention is to connect to the communication port of the mobile terminal of the short message that outputs a text message received by the mobile terminal by voice It is to provide a voice output device and method.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a voice output device and method for receiving a short message from a mobile terminal using a polling method that periodically inquires whether the mobile terminal receives a text message.

1 is a flowchart illustrating a transmission and reception process of a conventional SMS;

2 is a block diagram showing an external configuration and a connection relationship between a voice output device and a mobile terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

3 is a block diagram showing an external configuration and a connection relationship between a voice output device and a mobile terminal according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

4 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a mobile terminal and a voice output device of the first embodiment;

5 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a mobile terminal and a voice output device for additional options of the first embodiment;

6 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a mobile terminal and a voice output device for additional options of the second embodiment;

7 is a flowchart illustrating the overall operation of the audio output apparatus according to the present invention.

♣ Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawing ♣

100, 300: mobile terminal 200, 400: voice output device

410: second interface unit 420: CPU

430: TTS module unit 440: speaker

450: second message storage unit 460: power unit

470: key input unit 480: display unit

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention receives and stores a text message transmitted from an SMS center, and controls the overall operation to display the text message at the request of the user. A voice message output device for a short message connected to a mobile terminal including a message storage unit for storing a message and a difference between a representational form and electrical characteristics of data and a first interface unit for adjusting an operation timing, and outputting a text message as a voice. A second interface unit interconnected with the first interface unit of the terminal, exchanging various data with the mobile terminal according to a serial communication method, and matching protocols according to a standard communication standard; A CPU which is interconnected with the second interface unit and has a built-in timer to inquire whether the text message is received periodically, and collectively control to receive the text message transmitted through the second interface unit and output the voice message; And a TTS module unit connected to the CPU and converting a text message applied from the CPU into a voice signal and outputting the voice message to the outside through a speaker.

In addition, the present invention receives and stores the text message delivered from the SMS center, and the microcomputer for the overall control to control the overall operation to display the text message at the request of the user, and the message storage for storing the text message delivered through the microcomputer A voice message output method of a short message connected to a mobile terminal including a first interface unit for adjusting a difference between an expression and an electrical characteristic of a part and data and an operation timing to output a text message as a voice, the voice connected to a first interface Performing serial communication through a second interface unit of the output device and inquiring whether the mobile terminal receives a text message; Checking whether a text message has been received and delivering the result to the voice output device; And if there is a text message received in the mobile terminal, requesting and receiving a text message, converting the received text message into a voice signal, and outputting the voice signal.

Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of a voice output device and method of a short message according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

2 is a block diagram showing an external configuration and a connection relationship between the voice output device 200 and the mobile terminal 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

The voice output device 200 combines the voice output device 200 with the communication port 110 of the mobile terminal 100 and outputs the received text message with the port connection unit 210 for exchanging data with each other. It consists of a speaker 220 for. In addition, when various options are added to the voice output apparatus 200, a display window 230 for displaying the number of stored text messages to the user, and a key signal for instructing to output the stored text messages as voice or messages. It may include an output button 240 for generating and a delete button 250 for generating a key signal instructing to delete the stored text message.

3 is a block diagram illustrating an external configuration and a connection relationship between the voice output device 200 and the mobile terminal 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, wherein the mobile terminal 100 and the voice output device 200 are wireless. Is connected. Since the voice output device 200 (in FIG. 3) of the second embodiment is wirelessly connected to the mobile terminal 100, the port connection unit 210 of the voice output device (200 in FIG. 2) of the first embodiment is not required. Except for the connection part 210, all configurations are the same as the audio output device of the first embodiment.

4 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the mobile terminal 300 and the voice output device 400 according to the first embodiment. The mobile terminal 300 includes a microcomputer 310, a message storage unit 320, and a first interface unit. The voice output device 400 includes a second interface unit 410, a CPU 420, a TTS module unit 430, and a speaker 440.

The microcomputer 310 collectively controls the overall operation of the mobile terminal 300. In particular, the microcomputer 310 controls to receive and store a text message transmitted from the outside (SMS center) and display the text message at the user's request. Play a role. In addition, when the text message request signal of the voice output device 400 is input, it extracts and delivers the text message.

The message storage unit 320 is connected to the microcomputer 310, stores the text message transmitted through the microcomputer 310, and extracts and transmits the text message according to the text message extraction command of the microcomputer 310 Play a role. In general, the message storage unit 320 uses a flash memory or an EEPROM.

The first interface unit 330 is connected to the microcomputer 310 and adjusts the difference in data representation format, electrical characteristics, and operation timing. The first interface unit 330 includes data and control lines as well as a address decoding circuit of an external device (eg, an audio output device). Since the mobile terminal 300 and the voice output device 400 have different data formats, the mobile terminal 300 and the voice output apparatus 400 must be converted into a protocol format that the microcomputer 310 can process.

The second interface unit 410 of the voice output device 400 is interconnected with the first interface unit 330, and adjusts the difference in data representation format, electrical characteristics, and operation timing like the first interface unit 330. To exchange data between the mobile terminal 300 and the voice output device 400 according to the standard.

The first interface unit 330 and the second interface unit 410 communicate according to a serial communication method, and when a data is transmitted and received, a transmitting side (eg, the voice output device 400) and a receiving side (eg, a mobile terminal). 300, it is preferable to transmit data while checking the state of each other. In the present invention, the voice output device 400 periodically queries the mobile terminal 300 whether to receive a text message, and the mobile terminal 300 permits connection with the voice output device 400 when the text message is received. Use polling method.

In general, since the pin arrangement and structure of the communication port are different according to the type of each mobile terminal, data exchange through the communication port should be mutually coupled to meet the specifications of the corresponding terminal. As a data communication protocol between the mobile terminal 300 and an external device (eg, the voice output device 400), IS-99, IS-707, IS-657, and IS-658, which are recommended by the EIA / TIA, may be applied. In the present invention, IS-707A.3 is used. The physical coupling method between the mobile terminal 300 and the voice output device uses a UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter) method, and the pin arrangement of the communication port is different for each terminal model. RS-232C, RS-422 or RS-485 may be used for the serial communication method used in the present invention, and the serial port is generally composed of 9 pins or 25 pins. When the communication port of the mobile terminal 300 is 25 pins, and the communication port of the voice output device 400 is 9 pins, the pin combinations are as follows. The table below is merely exemplary, and may be configured differently according to the model of each terminal.

9-pin connector 25-pin connector function One 8 Data Carrier Detect (DCD) 2 3 RD (Receive Data) = Rx 3 2 TD (Transmit Data) = Tx 4 20 Data Terminal Ready (DTR) 5 7 SG (Signal Ground) 6 6 Data Set Ready (DSR) 7 4 Request To Send (RTS) 8 5 Clear To Send (CTS) 9 22 Ring Indicator (RI)

The CPU 420 is interconnected with the second interface unit 410, has a built-in timer, and periodically inquires whether a text message is received, and receives the text message transmitted through the second interface unit 410. It performs overall control to output voice.

The TTS module unit 430 is connected to the CPU 420, and converts a text message applied from the CPU 420 into a voice signal and outputs the voice signal to the outside through the speaker 400. The TTS module is a microchip using voice synthesis technology that converts text information or symbols into human voices and has a function of automatically generating voice waveforms through a mechanical device such as a computer. Speech synthesis technology includes a limited vocabulary synthesis or automatic speech response system (ARS) that synthesizes only a limited vocabulary number and syntax structure sentences, and an unlimited lexical synthesis or document / voice conversion (TTS: Text-). to-Speech) system. The Text To Speech (TTS) method requires the construction of a pronunciation database for all phonemes in Korean and the concatenation of them to generate a continuous speech. Natural language processing techniques are included. Since the description of the TTS is well known to those skilled in the art, the detailed configuration and operation are not described in detail.

5 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the mobile terminal 300 and the voice output device 400 for the additional option of the first embodiment, the text in addition to the ability to immediately output the received text message (that is, the default option) The voice output device 400 includes a function of storing a message and outputting a text message by voice at the request of a user. The second message storage unit 450, the power supply unit 460, the key input unit 470, and the display unit 480 may be further configured to implement these additional options. While the voice output device of FIG. 4 outputs the text message once every time the received text message is delivered, the voice output device of FIG. 5 stores the text message as well as the voice output of the received text message. If the user requests it later, the stored text message can be output as a voice. Thus, when the user does not hear the received text message, the user can listen to the text message again when desired. In addition, since the voice output device of FIG. 5 operates by its own power source, the voice output device may be spaced apart from the mobile terminal 300 to listen to an independently stored text message anytime and anywhere.

The second message storage unit 450 is connected to the CPU 420, stores the text message transmitted through the CPU 420, and extracts the text message according to the text message extracting command of the CPU 420. It serves to transmit. In general, the second message storage unit 450 uses a flash memory or an EEPROM.

The power supply unit 460 serves to supply power required for the operation of the voice output device 400. The key input unit 470 includes an output button 240 for generating a key signal for outputting a stored text message as a voice or a message, and a delete button 250 for generating a key signal for deleting a stored text message. . Therefore, the stored text message can be listened to using the output button 240, and if the delete button 250 is pressed during the listening, the text message is deleted from the second message storage 450. In addition, the key input unit 470 may further include a function button (not shown) for designating a voice output mode and a message output mode, so that the user may receive a text message and voice in a desired mode.

The display unit 480 is connected to the CPU 420 and serves to display the number of text messages, the current mode, and the like stored under the control of the CPU 420. In general, the display unit 480 uses an LCD.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the mobile terminal 300 and the voice output device 400 for the additional option of the second embodiment, and wirelessly communicates data between the mobile terminal 300 and the voice output device 400. For example, RF communication, infrared communication, Bluetooth communication, etc.). To this end, the voice output device 400 includes a second wireless communication unit 490. The second wireless communication unit 490 includes a wireless transmitting unit and a wireless receiving unit for data communication with the mobile terminal 300, and the wireless communication unit 490 is well known to those skilled in the art, and thus detailed description thereof will be omitted. The voice output device 400 of FIG. 6 has the same configuration and operation as the voice output device 400 of FIG. 5 except for the second wireless communication unit 490.

Hereinafter, the operation relationship of the voice output device and method of the short message according to the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

7 is a flowchart illustrating the overall operation of the voice output apparatus according to the present invention, which is a description of the operation of the wired voice output apparatus implemented as an additional option. Herein, when the mobile terminal receives the text message from the SMS center, the mobile terminal stores the text message in the message storage unit.

First, the user connects the wired voice output device to the communication port of the mobile terminal. At the same time, the voice output device starts operation, and the CPU starts its own timer to count the time. The CPU inquires whether there is a text message received by the mobile terminal through the second interface unit every set period (S710). At this time, the microcomputer of the mobile terminal determines whether there is a text message stored in the first message storage unit and transmits a response signal for the corresponding result to the voice output device through the first interface unit.

The CPU determines whether there is a text message received in the mobile terminal according to the response signal transmitted from the mobile terminal (S720). As a result of the determination, if there is no received text message, the process proceeds to step S710 to query whether a text message is received at a set period, and if there is a received text message, requests for delivery of the corresponding text message to receive a text message (S730). . Here, data exchange between the mobile terminal and the wired voice output device is performed by a serial communication method through a communication port, and in the case of the wireless voice output device, data is exchanged with the mobile terminal through the wireless communication unit.

The CPU instructs the received text message to the TTS module unit and simultaneously stores the text message in the second message storage unit, and the TTS module converts the authorized text message into voice and outputs it to the outside through a speaker (S740). ). The storing of the text message in the second message storage unit corresponds to a case in which the voice output device is provided with additional options, and the voice output device having only basic options outputs the text message as voice. All processing is terminated. All subsequent steps are operational descriptions of the audio output device with additional options.

Next, the CPU displays information (eg, the number of text messages) on the LCD about the text message stored in the second message storage unit (S750). Here, the CPU may determine whether the current mode of the voice output device is the voice output mode or the message output mode and display the corresponding mode (when the key input unit is provided with a function button for mode selection). The user can check the information displayed on the LCD to know the information of the currently stored text message. Accordingly, the user may output a desired text message as a voice or a message or delete any text message according to a set mode (eg, a voice output mode or a message output mode). This operation may be performed using an output button and a delete button of the key input unit. That is, the CPU determines whether an output button is input (S760), when the output button is input, outputs the corresponding text message as a voice or message (S770), and determines whether the delete button is input (S780). The text message is deleted from the second message storage unit (S790).

Embodiments of the present invention are largely divided into a wired method and a wireless method, and each method is further divided into a basic output option and an additional option voice output device. By using the present invention, it is possible to listen to a text message received by a mobile terminal by voice. Therefore, by using the location tracking function possessed by the mobile terminal, it is possible to listen to traffic information near the user's location or traffic information of a desired area in real time. That is, the traffic information can be listened to by voice, so that efficient traffic information can be used even while driving. In addition, by immediately listening to an urgent or important message, the user can immediately check the importance of the text message to respond quickly. In addition, by implementing the user to select the voice output mode and the message output mode, it is possible to receive a service suitable for the current state of the user.

The above description is only for explaining one embodiment, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and can be variously changed within the scope of the appended claims. For example, the shape and structure of each component specifically shown in the embodiments of the present invention may be modified.

As described above, according to the voice output device and method of the short message according to the present invention, the mobile terminal periodically queries whether the text message is received, and if the text message is delivered to the mobile terminal, the text message is received and received. By converting the signal into a signal and outputting the signal, the received text message can be listened to without a separate operation.

In addition, by having a separate additional option for storing the forwarded text message to output the text message by voice at the user's request, the voice output device can be separated from the mobile terminal to listen to the text message anytime, anywhere It has an effect.

In addition, by implementing the voice output mode and the message output mode so that the user can choose arbitrarily, there is an effect that can receive the service output the voice or text message in a mode suitable for the current state of the user.

Claims (9)

Receives and stores the text message received from the SMS center, and the overall control to control the overall operation to display the text message at the request of the user, the message storage unit and the data storage unit for storing the text message transmitted through the micom A voice message output device for a short message connected to a mobile terminal including a first interface unit for adjusting a difference in expression format, electrical characteristics, and operation timing to output the text message as a voice. A second interface unit interconnected with the first interface unit of the mobile terminal, exchanging various data with the mobile terminal according to a serial communication method, and matching protocols according to a standard communication standard; A CPU which is interconnected with the second interface unit and has a built-in timer to periodically query whether to receive a text message, and to collectively control to receive and output the text message transmitted through the second interface unit as voice; And And a TTS module unit connected to the CPU and configured to convert the text message applied from the CPU into a voice signal and output the voice message to the outside through a speaker. The method of claim 1, A second message storage unit interconnected with the CPU, storing the text message transmitted through the CPU, and extracting and transmitting the text message according to a text message extraction command of the CPU; A power supply unit supplying power required for operation; A key input unit configured to apply a corresponding key signal to the CPU, including an output button for generating a key signal for outputting a stored text message as a voice or a message, and a delete button for generating a key signal for deleting a stored text message; And And a display unit connected to the CPU and displaying information on a text message stored under the control of the CPU. The voice output apparatus of claim 2, wherein the key input unit further comprises a function button for designating a voice output mode and a message output mode. The method according to claim 1 or 2, And a wireless communication unit for exchanging data wirelessly with the mobile terminal. The method according to claim 1 or 2, The first interface unit and the second interface unit are coupled through a communication port, and periodically polls whether or not to receive a text message to the mobile terminal using a polling method for receiving a text message received by the mobile terminal. Voice output device for short messages. Receives and stores the text message received from the SMS center, and the overall control to control the overall operation to display the text message at the request of the user, the message storage unit and the data storage unit for storing the text message transmitted through the micom In the voice output method of a short message connected to a mobile terminal including a first interface unit for adjusting the difference in expression format, electrical characteristics, operation timing to output the text message as a voice, Performing serial communication through a second interface of a voice output device connected to the first interface, and querying the mobile terminal whether a text message is received; Checking whether a text message has been received and delivering the result to the voice output device; And And if the text message is received by the mobile terminal, requesting and receiving the text message, converting the received text message into a voice signal, and outputting the text message. The method of claim 6, Storing the text message transmitted from the mobile terminal and displaying information on the text message; If the output button is input, outputting the stored text message as a voice or a message according to a set mode; And If the delete button is input, the voice output method of the short message characterized in that it further comprises the step of deleting the text message. The method according to claim 6 or 7, And the mobile terminal and the voice output device exchange data wirelessly. The method according to claim 6 or 7, The mobile terminal and the voice output device may be coupled through a communication port, and a polling method may be used to periodically receive a text message received by the mobile terminal by querying the mobile terminal whether to receive a text message. Voice output of the message.