SE470590B - Device for storing voice messages - Google Patents

Description

470 590 .KJ Today's technology and problems with this 1.

Today's storage equipment is based on two strictly different uses (archiving or short-term storage) and is not adapted to combined storage needs. Due to this mismatch, the customer must in some cases install dual equipment. like for example. in the aforementioned CoordCom. If only one type of equipment is installed, by e.g. economic or spatial reasons. cumbersome user routines can occur.

We can take a short-term storage system as an example. There, the magnetic tape is not normally replaced when it is Full, but it is replayed directly with new information. Thus, no archiving takes place. without the storage time being equal to the band's total playing time. But if an archiving need suddenly arises For a certain recording, the current magnetic tape must be picked out manually, To be saved and replaced with a new one. This must be done before the specified storage time (i.e. tape playing time) ends and automatic dubbing takes place. Since it is basically a short-term storage system, that time may be short on the user. as is often the case. does not have direct access to the tape recorder. 2.

When the recorded information is retrieved, there is often a need to know the exact time of the recording event. There are several solutions to this problem today. A known solution is to store time information in time code together with what is being recorded, by e.g. mix "Miss out" in the background of the recording. This solution obviously interferes with the realization of both the recording and the time code, when the two simply "talk to each other". Having a continuously connected telephone line to "Miss out" is also expensive and in some cases not practically possible. There are also solutions where a digital time code is recorded in parallel with. But separate From, the information to be stored. During playback, the time code is displayed as a character Problems then arise because the user is often remote and does not have access to the SIGNER window for reading, if, for example, playback is sent via telephone lines.7 Magnetic tapes or magnetic disks (so-called hard disks) are used as storage media in the current situation. The information is stored in analogue or digitized form, both of which are based on moving mechanical systems which, due to their construction, have a limited service life.

Fl / U 37u Magnetic tape-based systems have a large continuous need for service and maintenance if operational reliability is to be high. This is due to the continuous soiling and wear when the magnetic tape is dragged with direct contact with the recording and playback mechanics (so-called tone heads).

Hard disks have a small air gap between the tone head and the magnetic disk, which eliminates wear and dirt there. Unfortunately, the precision of the air gap is sensitive as the disc & tone head are damaged if they come in contact with each other. This makes the hard disk shock sensitive and directly unsuitable in e.g. mobile environments. The service life is also limited by the magnetic disk spinning continuously during operation, whereby wear occurs on bearings and other built-in mechanics for the tone heads. 4.

Magnetic tape-based systems usually have very long access times because the tapes are very long and must be flushed between collecting coils to achieve the desired position. Slowness Complicates efficient search of recorded material.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION The object of the invention is to provide, based on observed needs, a device which does not have the disadvantages of the prior art and is useful for both short-term storage and long-term storage.

The Invention Transmitter Needle is achieved by a device of the type initially indicated which, according to the Invention, is cherished by a short-term memory of a semiconductor type. For short-term storage of received messages, an output to an archive memory. a delete / overwrite lock For a voice message stored in the short-term memory, and means For automatic or operator command-controlled transmission Transmission of a blocked voice message From the short-term memory to the archive memory.

BAD ORIGlNAL å 470 590 4 In a Preferred Embodiment of the invention, the short-term memory is an uncyclically operating internal memory with limited storage capacity, in which unsaved voice messages are automatically overwritten with new voice messages when the storage capacity is fully utilized, while the storage memory is external. blocked voice messages ¥ from short-term memories in ¥ voice voice message storage devices.

The invention enables long-term archiving of selected parts of the information in a system based on short-term storage for rapid controls in the emergency phase. By combining archiving internally in the audio repository by means of a dubbing interlock on the selected information and externally by automatic output to a multi-audio repository / archive memory shared by several audio repositories, a safe is provided. Remote controllable and economically Advantageous solution.

The use of semiconductor memories (without moving parts) as a storage medium ensures reliable operation and achieves maintenance freedom as well as superior operational reliability in all environments compared to currently applied magnetic storage technology.

In recent years, semiconductor memories have undergone continuous miniaturization, which means that the invention can now be realized on a simple circuit board with existing semiconductor technology, which also enables a clay-channel system in e.g. a single 19 "standard box.

The audio information is stored in digitized form in the semiconductor memory 2 according to Fig.l.

The audio input units 7 and output units 8.9 can, if necessary, convert analog audio signal to / From digital ditto at input / output.

The device according to the invention preferably comprises a special memory or memory space, which is separately controllable and searchable, and a controllable source code generator for generating said bar code for generating a bar code for a selected voice message. wherein the lock code is stored in a code list in the special memory or memory space. 5 470 590 This enables archiving, and later output, of important information by an order CI that a barring code For selected recordings is generated and stored in a code list 10, which prevents deletion even after the storage time has elapsed, i.e. when dubbing would have taken place. In order to prevent blocked areas from taking up a large amount of space in memory 2, blocked information in the semiconductor memory is emptied for archiving at another storage stage via the audio output ABA. This is done automatically or by a simple command C1, whereby the audio storage ¥ first via control signals CIA checks if the archiving recorder is free and ready (it can be common For Multiple audio storage arrays. Then a recording start signal COQ is given to the archiving recorder at the same time inFormation either in analogue or digital form.The lock code can of course be deactivated at any time.

To achieve fast and efficient access when searching in stored audio information, a storage structure with search codes is used. In combination with semiconductor memory as a storage medium, this provides in practice immediate access to all stored material.

A further exemplary embodiment of the invention is characterized by a search code / address generator for generating information about each voice message's storage location in the short-term memory, and a time code generator for generating information about each voice message arrival time, each voice message search code and associated time code said code list together with the Occurring bar code, while the arrival time verification and retrieval of a voice message takes place by searching the code list.

A built-in search code generator 6 generates a digital search code with information about the storage location of each recording in the digital memory 2, the code is stored in the above-mentioned code list 10. The stored search codes allow quick and easy searching and access of the stored information 2. can start playback directly from any storage location, and through the list of search codes quickly find the recording you want to play.

BAD ORIGINAL å 470 590 f, The system with search codes also prevents duplication of newly recorded information, even if a search or playback takes place in it when a recording command C1 arrives. This is done by checking the search codes of the most recent Previous recording in the code list 10 at the start of a new recording and storing the new recording in Sequence after Previous in the semiconductor memory 2.

When recording ends, the new search codes are added to the code list 10.

The sound memory 2 is thus always used circularly, i.e. only the oldest information is deleted and the storage time is at least equal to or longer than the total playing time of the memory. The storage time depends on whether the recording is continuous or intermittent, as the memory fills up more slowly if there are pauses between recordings.

The use of time codes provides a unique non-disruptive solution for time verification in remote use. To achieve this, another Preferred Embodiment of the Invention is characterized by a time code-to-speech converter for converting the time code of a voice message to a speech signal, whereby verification of arrival time is obtained by artificial speech. output via the short-term audio output of the short-term memory Before starting or during a pause in the reproduction of the current voice message. while time indication For the desired place in a voice message is obtained by automatically recalculating the time code For the arrival time.

By storing the time of the recording in the form of a digital code and communicating it to the user by means of artificial speech during verification, the function can easily be used remotely. The recovery of inFormation is not disturbed by the verification taking place before the start of or during a pause of playback.

The built-in time head generator 4 generates a digital time code with the arrival time of each recording, which is stored in said code list 10, in this way the time of recording at the time of request can be verified on later playback. If a request for verification is received via a control signal CI, the time code of the recording is first retrieved in the code list 10 by the control system 1. Using an algorithm in it, the time code is then calculated with any time difference between the start point of the recording and the current playback point. After that, the time code is converted into speech by the code-to-speech converter 3 and the "spoken" time verification is sent to the audio signal output QO via the output unit B. 7 47Û 59Û Drawing Description Fin.l shows a Functional Block diagram of the device according to the invention.

Fig. 2 shows a basic block diagram of a usage example.

Fig.3 shows a Function Flowchart For the application example in Fig.2.

Fig. 4 shows a Function block diagram of a microprocessor controlled device according to the invention.

Use example A practical example of how the sound storage is used in an alarm center is described below (see Fig.2 ~ 3).

An emergency caller 21 communicates with the 90 000 operator 22 via a telephone line TL. All calls are received by the audio store 23 For AI recording. This is activated via control signals CI From the operator's workplace. If necessary (e.g.

For control of what has been said) the operator with the control signals CI quickly searches Forward in the audio memory stored information and listens to it together with the spoken time verification during playback AO. Dm an important call must be saved, t.ew. For evidence in court, the operator can block the deletion of the selected recording via the control signals CI. The important call can then, if appropriate, be transferred manually or automatically to a single-channel archiving equipment common to several operators 24. If the archiving equipment emits a ready signal CIA and a control signal For start of transmission CDQ is given, the audio information is transmitted via QÜA. A majority of users can be connected at MU.

BAD ORIGINAL å 470 590 8 A Function Flow Diagram according to ¥ ig.3 t describes the event example of the user example as below.

Positive decisions are marked in the drawing with Y.

Negative decisions are marked in the drawing with N. 31: Start. 32: Should calls be recorded? Store sounds and codes in the short-term storage. 34: does the operator want to check previously stored audio? 35: The operator searches ¥ frame desired inFormation. s: The sound storage provides time variation to the operator. 37: Stored audio playback. 39: does the operator want playback to end? É9: does the operator want a new time verification? 40: does the operator want other barring codes? 41: The operator activates / deactivates selected barring codes. 42: Are there blocked messages For output to archive memory. 43: Is the archiving equipment available? 44: Output From the memory to the archive memory.

The described function flow diagram is realized e.g. by microcomputer programming according to the following description.

Exemplary Examples According to ¥ ig.4, the invention can be practiced e.g. by the use of a microprocessor 51 (of the type MCó8000, for example) with circuitry connected in the usual way to address, data control and supply voltage lines QB, DB, CB, Pl. The basic mode of operation of such a system is considered to be a general edge and is not described in more detail here.

Software with all instructions For the processor In order to through the ¥ ear ¥ function ¥ solder diagram according to Fig.3, it is suitably stored in a non-light so-called ROM 52 (for example, type 27128). Search, time and block codes are stored in the microprocessor's external write and readable so-called RAM 53 (eg eg ö2ó4LP-I). q 470 590 Etyr signals CI are received via an input unit 54 (so-called PIA of eg type MCö8230> which forwards incoming commands to the microprocessor 51 which determines what is to be done by means of the software stored in the Hü memory 52.

Indicator lights 61 provide status information by the processor using the software to send instructions for controlling the outputs on the indoor unit 54.

A large RAM memory 55 For storing input sound AI it is also controlled by the microprocessor 51, the memory consists of one or probably Several memory capsules (of eg type TC511000P-12) depending on the desired storage capacity. An input unit 57 (so-called A / D converter of eg type MAXl6OCPN) converts, according to current technology, incoming analog electrical audio waveforms AI into digital codes which the processor can pass on to the RAM 55 for storage during recording.

Exact position in audio memory 55 For each recording, enter a search code generated using the Previous recording's storage location. The search code is stored in the g code list 53. During playback, the processor 51 retrieves the audio information in the audio memory 55 using the search codes. It then sends out the audio information via the output unit 58 (of the NEÉOIBN type, for example), which converts the digitized signal back to analog Form QÜ.

Code list 53 also stores timesheets containing information about the time of arrival of each recording. These time codes are generated by a clock built into the software. As time base For the clock, the microprocessor's crystal oscillator 52 is used, which provides a Fixed Frequency.

The spoken time verification can be performed by storing speech information consisting of read-out digits in non-volatile ROM 56 (of type 27512, for example). During time verification, the microprocessor 51 can retrieve the time code and, based on its value, send out spoken digits in a suitable order to the audio output A0 via the output unit 58.

BAD OR | GINAL å 470 590 10 If a command is received that a recording should be archived, i.e. protected from deletion, the software generates a lock code in the code list 53 with information about which area of the audio memory 55 may not be dubbed. Later, the protected recording can be automatically output via the output unit 58 to the archiving output AGA by closing the archiving gate 60 (so-called analog gate of eg type 4066) by means of the archiving output unit 59 (so-called PIA of eg type MCbB230). This also detects if the receiving archiving equipment is ready CIA and starts recording on the same Cüâ at the same time as the audio output.

The software should be structured so that incoming control signals are sensed in a Vontinuerlict spinning nuvudarocram line. Depending on which command J _ is received, the software jumps to an e.k. subroutine initiating appropriate actions. After completing the suhr routine, a return to the novud program takes place.

Claims (5)

470 590 11 Patent claims Device for storing voice messages at an operator-operable receiving station, Lea-r. an alarm center, comprising digital memory means for storing the voice messages and the time of arrival of each voice message, means with, where applicable, AID and DfA converters for the input / output of said voice messages, and means for searching and retrieving the stored information, known by. a semiconductor-type short-term memory for short-term storage of received messages, - an output to an archive memory for long-term storage archiving of voice messages transmitted from the short-term memory, - operator means for selectively establishing an erasure overwrite lock for a blocked voice message from the short-term memory to the archive memory. Device according to claim 1, characterized by, - a special memory or memory space, which is separately controllable and searchable, and - a bar code generator controllable by said operator means for generating a bar code for a selected voice message, the bar code being stored in a code list in the special memory or memory space. Device according to claim 2, characterized by, - a search code address generator for generating information about the storage location of each voice message in the short-term memory, and - a time code generator for generating information about the arrival time of each voice message, each voice message search code and associated time code law together with the existing barring code, while arrival time verification and retrieval of a voice message takes place by searching the code list. BAD oRlcnNAL 3)) 470 590 12 4. A device according to claim 3, characterized by, - a time code-to-speech converter for converting the time code of a voice message into a speech signal, wherein verification of arrival time is obtained by artificial speech, which is output via the short-term memory audio output before starting of or during a pause in the display of the current voice message, while the time indication for the desired location in a voice message is obtained by automatically recalculating the time code for the arrival time. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the short-term memory is a cyclically operating internal memory with limited storage capacity, in which unobstructed voice messages are automatically overwritten with new voice messages when the storage capacity is fully utilized, and - that the archive memory is a : tern memory with larger storage capacity for storing blocked voice messages from the short-term memories in several voice message storage devices. S. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by - a microprocessor-based control unit for controlling the device's storage, search and recovery functions in dependence on stored control programs and received operator commands.