WO2003090431A1

WO2003090431A1 - Telephone apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2003090431A1
Application number: PCT/JP2002/003963
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hiroyuki Ito; Jun Futakawa
Original assignee: Crypton Future Media, Inc.
Priority date: 2002-04-19
Filing date: 2002-04-19
Publication date: 2003-10-30
Also published as: AU2002251505A1

Abstract

A telephone apparatus technique to naturally insert a digital sampling audio data reproduction sound or various MIDI data reproduction sound at the beginning of a communication. In a conventional telephone apparatus, a sound data reproduction sound to be inserted into the communication is uniquely decided in accordance with the condition when called and the called person cannot rapidly decide and reproduce sound data to be reproduced by himself/herself in accordance with the condition at a specific moment. To solve this problem, the present invention provides a plurality of off-hook operation blocks and sound data is related to these off-hook operation blocks when stored in the storage means. When one of the off-hook operation blocks is operated and a communication path is connected, the sound data reproduction means reads out and reproduces sound data corresponding to the operation of the off-hook operation block and the sound data reproduction sound reproduced is transmitted to the calling person. Thus, it is possible to add to a closed space of voice communication a new value such as a dramatic representation of enterprise image full of amusements, production of originality of a called person, space production, and the like.

Description

Specification

Telephone equipment and programming technology field

The present invention relates to a technology relating to a telephone device. This technology relates to telephone equipment suitable for transmitting MIDI data playback sounds or mixed playback sounds (hereinafter referred to as “sound data playback sounds”) to callers. Background technology

Conventionally, answering machines, telephone services, and the like are well known as techniques for transmitting a playback sound of a recorded data message prepared from a called party to a calling party.

The answering machine automatically sends a voice recorded in advance to a tape recorder or IC memory as a response message to the calling party when the called party is absent.

The telephone service is a service for sending a fixed message to an unspecified number of callers. For example, a switchboard automatically sends a pre-recorded voice such as a weather forecast or a time signal to the callers. Or automatically respond to calls from callers by using a CTI system (Computer l'elephony Integration System), such as a guidance message in an automatic ticket reservation system. .

However, in the answering machine and telephone service mentioned above, The system presupposes that the call is automatically answered without the presence of the called party or the absence of the called party. If the called party exists and is available, the call with the calling party is started and only the real voice is exchanged.

Therefore, it is not assumed that there is a called party and that a sound data message is automatically sent to the calling party upon a normal response by the called party. Focusing on the new added value generated by sending sound data / messages in response to a normal response, it is possible to realize a unique image effect and space effect with amusement in a closed space between parties involved in a call Such telephone equipment did not exist.

On the other hand, in response to an incoming call from the caller, the called telephone selects a voice message or BGM in accordance with pre-defined conditions, and automatically sends the playback sound to the caller when off-hook. Telephone devices have also been proposed.

However, in these telephone devices, the sound of the sound data to be reproduced is uniquely determined according to the conditions at the time of the incoming call, and the called party determines the sound data to be reproduced instantaneously according to the situation at that time. It is not possible to make a decision and flow. Disclosure of the invention

The telephone device according to the present invention includes: an off-hook operation unit including a plurality of off-hook operation units for closing a communication path for an incoming call from a caller; and sound data corresponding to each of the off-hook operation units. Sound data reproduction for reading and reproducing the sound data corresponding to the operation of the off-hook operation unit from the storage unit when the communication path is closed by the operation of the off-hook operation unit. Means for transmitting the sound data reproduced sound reproduced by the means to the caller side and after the transmission of the sound data reproduced sound is completed. Voice switching means for automatically switching to a state in which microphone input sound can be transmitted.

With such a configuration, when the called party receives an incoming call from the calling party, arbitrarily selects and operates one of the plurality of off-hook operating units, and closes the communication path, the sound data reproducing means is activated. The sound data corresponding to the off-hook operation unit is read out from the storage means and played back, and the voice switching means sends the sound data playback sound to the caller side, and automatically switches to a state where the microphone input sound can be sent after the end of the sending. Switch.

Therefore, according to the present invention, the called party can judge and determine which sound data is to be reproduced in accordance with the situation at the time of receiving a call, and can simply select and operate the corresponding off-hook operation unit arbitrarily. However, the sound data playback sound most suitable for the situation at that time can be automatically inserted at the beginning of the call in a very natural manner. In addition, the call can be started without any discomfort, and in addition to the conventional call that was only a real voice, it is possible to produce a variety of images with a lot of entertainment, as well as to produce a space and personality. New value can be created for the telephone device.

For example, when answering a call from a close friend, depending on the mood of the called party at that time, "Yes, XX is in great shape." Power, "Yes, XX. It's just blue now." A different message can be automatically inserted at the beginning. Or you can create a unique prologue at the beginning of the call, depending on your mood. In addition, when asked for the result of a call, if the result is good, a fanfare may be played at the beginning, and if the result is bad, a background music such as a funeral march may be played.

Also, the telephone device according to the present invention includes: an off-hook operation unit including a plurality of off-hook operation units for closing a communication path for an incoming call from a caller; and sound data corresponding to each of the off-hook operation units. Storage means attached and stored; Sound data reproducing means for reading and reproducing sound data corresponding to the operation of the off-hook operation unit from the storage means when the communication path is closed by operation of the off-hook operation unit, and reproduction by the sound data reproduction unit. Sound mixing means for mixing the sound data reproduction sound and the microphone input sound and sending the mixed sound to the caller.

With such a configuration, when the called party receives an incoming call from the calling party, arbitrarily selects and operates one of the plurality of off-hook operating units, and closes the communication path, the sound data reproducing means is activated. The sound data corresponding to the off-hook operation unit is read out from the storage means and reproduced, and the sound mixing means mixes the sound data reproduction sound and the microphone input sound and sends them to the caller.

Therefore, according to the present invention, the called party automatically determines the sound data to be reproduced instantaneously according to the situation at that time, and automatically selects the off-hook operation unit and operates the sound data automatically simply by operating it. The playback sound can be inserted very naturally at the beginning of the call, and the call with the caller can be started at any time without waiting for the sound data playback sound to end. For example, even if a longer sound data playback sound is inserted, it can be inserted in a natural flow from the beginning of the call, as in BGM, to achieve image effects and spatial effects.

Further, as one aspect of the present invention, the storage means stores a plurality of sound data in association with a specific off-hook operation unit among the off-hook operation units, and further stores one of the sound data. One of the conditions stores at least one of a predetermined caller number, a caller group, an incoming time zone, an incoming call place and an outgoing call place as conditions selected by the sound data reproducing means. It is preferable that predetermined sound data is selected and reproduced based on the selection condition. this According to the standard, the sound data is played back according to the calling number, the calling group, the receiving time zone, the receiving place or the calling place. When another sound data is to be inserted, the sound data corresponding to the predetermined off-hook operation section can be used, and the sound data can be selected in a wider range, and the originality can be improved. The reproduced sound data includes silent sound data.

Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, the storage means may include a specific caller number, a specific caller group, a specific reception time zone, a specific reception location, and a specific transmission location. At least one is stored as a reproduction prohibition condition, and when the specific off-hook operation section is operated in response to an incoming call from a caller and the reproduction prohibition condition is satisfied, the sound data reproduction means is stored. However, the sound data may not be reproduced. According to such a configuration, if the sound data playback sound should not be transmitted depending on the caller, time zone, receiving location, or calling location, for example, when a call is made from a supervisor or a phone during the closing hours, it is specified in advance. By simply registering the conditions in the storage means, it is possible to automatically avoid the trouble caused by transmitting the sound data reproduction sound.

In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-described telephone device. For example, a computer for inserting sound data at the beginning of a call, a plurality of off-hooks for closing a call path for an incoming call from a caller, Off-hook operation means having an operation unit; storage means for storing sound data in association with each of the off-hook operation units; and when the communication path is closed by operation of the off-hook operation unit, the off-hook operation is performed from the storage means. Sound data reproducing means for reading and reproducing sound data corresponding to the operation of the operation unit, and transmitting the reproduced sound data reproduction sound to the calling party and transmitting the sound data reproduction sound. A program that functions as an audio switching means for automatically switching to a state in which microphone input sound can be transmitted after output, or sound data reproduction reproduced by sound data reproduction means in place of the audio switching means in the configuration of the program. The present invention can also be applied to a program that functions so as to include a sound mixing unit that mixes a sound and a microphone input sound and sends the mixed sound to the caller, and similar effects can be obtained. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of an embodiment of a telephone device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a storage area of the data storage unit according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an example of a correspondence table area of the sound data and the arrival time zone stored in the data storage unit in the present embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an example of a correspondence table area of the sound data and the receiving location stored in the data storage unit in the present embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an example of a table area corresponding to sound data and a transmission place stored in the data storage unit in the present embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an example of a table area corresponding to sound data and operation keys stored in the data storage unit in the present embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an example of a correspondence table area of the sound data stored in the data storage unit and the incoming time zone and the caller number group in the present embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the telephone device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram showing another embodiment of the telephone device according to the present invention. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of a telephone device and a program according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

As shown in FIG. 1, the telephone device 1a of the present embodiment includes an operation key 2 including an off-hook operation means for receiving an off-hook instruction, a dial instruction and other instructions of a called party, a display 3, and various sound data. Data storage unit 4 as stored storage means, user interface control unit 5 that controls user interface functions such as off-hook operation and numeric keypad operation of the called party, and outgoing call for telephone communication A call control unit 6 for controlling incoming calls and controlling the reproduction timing of sound data; and reading and reproducing sound data from the data storage unit 4 when the communication path is closed by operating the operation keys 2. A sound data reproduction control unit 7 as sound data reproduction means, and the sound data reproduction sound reproduced thereby is transmitted to the caller side. And a sound switching control unit 8 as sound switching means for automatically switching to a state in which the microphone input sound can be transmitted after the transmission of the sound data reproduction sound, and various signals between the call control unit 6 and the public line network 9. A telephone line interface 10 such as a wireless antenna for transmitting and receiving data, a speed 11 for the caller to listen to the received voice and sound for reproducing the sound data, and a microphone for the caller to input the voice for transmission 1 and 2.

Each configuration of the telephone device 1a performs, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) power, a program stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory), and performs arithmetic processing and control processing. This is realized by reproducing the sound data recorded in the RAM (Randam Access Memory). The telephone device of the present embodiment is implemented. The program to be displayed may be stored in the ROM in advance, or may be a CD-ROM (Compact act D isc—Read Only Memory), a DV D (Digital Versatile D isc), a ROM card, or the like. Any other information storage medium may be used. Alternatively, the program may be supplied to the telephone device 1a via a communication network.

Further, the program of the present embodiment includes programs and data necessary for inserting sound data at the beginning of a call when an off-hook operation is performed.

Next, each component constituting the telephone device 1a of the present embodiment described above will be described more specifically.

The operation keys 2 in the present embodiment include an off-hook key, an on-hook key, a numeric key, and a function key. The numeric keypad and function keys have an off-hook function as an off-hook operation unit associated with sound data, in addition to a dial function for a call. In addition, one of the operation keys 2 of the operation keys 2 also has a playback interruption function, which is one of playback interruption means for interrupting the reproduction of sound data in the middle by an operation of a called party. Have been.

For example, if the caller is a person who should not send sound data playback sound or if it is urgent that sound data playback sound cannot be inserted at the beginning of the call, operate the operation key 2 with the playback interruption function If so, playback will be interrupted. The operation keys 2 described above include an operation key 2 for selecting a menu displayed on the display 3 and a touch panel. In the present embodiment, a specific function can be selected from the display menu on the display 3. For example, the reproduction enable / disable mode selection means includes a sound data reproduction execution mode for reproducing sound data, and a sound data reproduction prohibition mode for not reproducing sound data. And can be arbitrarily selected. This function allows the called party to select one of the modes in advance. If the sound data playback prohibition mode is set, no sound data playback sound will be transmitted even if the call path is closed. Further, the sound data reproduction inhibition mode may be set in association with a specific caller number or the like. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the sound data reproduction sound from being transmitted to a specific caller.

Next, the data storage unit 4 will be described. The data storage unit 4 uses an electrically rewritable memory such as a flash memory, and stores various sound data, control programs, and various sound correspondence tables. As shown in FIG. 2, the data storage unit 4 can be understood as a data storage area, at least a sound data storage area 13 in which various sound data are stored, and a telephone number of a caller. A caller group registration area 14 in which a caller number is registered in association with a predetermined group, and a caller group / sound correspondence table in which sound data is stored in association with the caller group Region 15 is formed.

Among these, the sound data file may be randomly stored in the sound data storage area 13 without any particular regularity. However, in consideration of the improvement of the readout speed and the convenience of changing the setting, it is preferable that the data be stored in an appropriate sound field such as a sound logo, a message, a sound effect, and a background music as shown in FIG. It is good to be able to arbitrarily change the setting of the sound field.

In the caller group registration area 14, callers are grouped, and the caller numbers and the groups are registered in association with each other. For example, each group is set to customer, employee, friend, relative, NO, etc. Of course, the type of each group can be arbitrarily changed. The “NO group” This is a group of caller ID numbers that should not transmit sound data playback sounds. People who dislike the sound data playback sound should be set to NO group. For the NO group, a setting may be made such that sound data playback sound is not transmitted, or silent sound data may be assigned.

The caller group sound correspondence table area 15 stores a caller group and sound data in association with each other. For example, a customer's group and an in-house group are associated with a sound logo of the company, a friend's group is associated with a sound expressing the emotion at that time, and a relative group is associated with the sound logo. It is associated to transmit seasonal BGM, and the sound data playback sound to be transmitted can be set arbitrarily according to each caller group.

Specifically, for a group of close friends, set emotional expression sounds such as "Yes, Hattori is in great shape." Power, "Yes, Ellen. It's a bit blue now." Or, when answering an inquiry about the result of a lottery, you may set Fanfare in the winning result and set a funeral march in the result. Note that sound data may be set not only in units of caller groups but also in units of caller numbers.

Also, for a group that should not transmit sound data playback sound, such as the NO group, set “X”, and the sound data playback control unit 7 does not execute playback or plays back silent sound data. It has become. Furthermore, when using in a company, if you associate a reception message with a customer group, you will always have a certain level of quality, such as “Good morning. It will be possible to produce a unified response efficiently.

On the other hand, in the above-described embodiment, each sound data is assigned to a caller group. As shown in the incoming time zone / sound correspondence table area 16 in FIG. 3, each sound data may be stored in association with the incoming time zone. For example, when the present invention is used in a company, if different reception messages are set in the morning, afternoon, and after work hours, an appropriate response can be made in each time zone and a detailed service can be provided. You can produce an image. Note that the incoming call time information may be obtained by the clock function of the telephone device 1a of the called party, or if the incoming message from the caller includes the outgoing call time information, the information may be obtained. It may be obtained and used as a substitute for the arrival time.

Further, as shown in the receiving location sound correspondence table area 17 in FIG. 4, each sound data may be stored in association with the receiving location. For example, when the present embodiment is used in a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone having a GPS (Global Positioning System) function (not shown), the location of a place where the called party usually spends, such as home, office, school, etc. Set information and corresponding sound data. A GPS controller (not shown) acquires this position information and outputs it to the sound data reproduction controller 7. This is convenient because the company's sound logo is played automatically when you are in the office, and the opening chime is automatically played when you are at home.

Further, as shown in the transmission location sound correspondence table area 18 in FIG. 5, each sound data may be stored in association with the transmission location of the caller. If the caller's telephone device has a GPS function, the call control unit 6 obtains the location information obtained by the GPS function via the exchange if the telephone device of the caller has a GPS function. The data is output to the sound data reproduction controller 7. Alternatively, extract the area code from the caller ID to identify the calling area. It may be. Thus, for example, when a call is received from Osaka and Paris, if the sound data that images the city or region is reproduced and sent to the caller, the caller can be entertained and have a conversation. Can be effectively directed at the beginning.

Further, as shown in an operation key / sound correspondence table area 19 in FIG. 6, each sound data may be stored in association with each operation key 2 having an off-hook function. For example, assign the number 1 numeric keypad to sound logo 1, assign number 3 numeric keypad the New Year's song BGM, and assign number 6 numeric keypad an explosive sound effect called Dokkan. Then, the called party can transmit a desired sound data reproduction sound by selecting and pressing a predetermined numeric keypad according to the mood or situation at that time.

On the other hand, as shown in the caller group.incoming time zone sound correspondence table area 20 in FIG. 7, each caller group and the incoming time zone are not individually associated with the sound data. You may make it correspond and correspond to sound data. For example, if the caller is a customer group, the customers arriving in the morning, afternoon, and closing hours will receive a reception (am), reception (pm), and reception (ending) Sound data reproduction sounds may be stored in association with each other. When the caller is a friend group, the sound effect may be transmitted in the morning, the sound logo may be transmitted in the day, and the background music may be transmitted in the night.

The sound data may be combined with the conditions of the operation keys 2 having the off-hook function in addition to the above-described conditions. For example, the sound data to be reproduced may be made different by distinguishing between a normal off-hook key and a numeric keypad having an off-hook function. More specifically, a normal off-hook key must have at least one of the specified caller ID, time of day, Sound data is stored in association with the keypad, and specific sound data is stored in association with a numeric keypad having an off-hook function. In this way, when the called party performs an off-hook operation, pressing a normal off-hook key will play the sound data corresponding to the incoming call time for a predetermined caller number, or the incoming call location or outgoing call The sound data corresponding to the location is reproduced. On the other hand, when the called party presses the numeric keypad having the off-hook function and goes off-hook, the specific sound data corresponding to the numeric keypad is played. When the sound data is associated with a plurality of conditions, it is possible to set in advance which condition should be prioritized to reproduce the sound data when an operation that conflicts with the condition is performed. For example, a setting that gives priority to the numeric keypad number over the caller group. Even if a call is received from a person assigned to a certain group, if the callee wants to play sound data that can express the place of stay and mood at that time, they can press the corresponding numeric keypad . For example, if a certain numeric keypad is assigned music that creates the power of affluence or the atmosphere of a travel destination such as Asia, when a called party presses the numeric keypad, the numeric keypad takes priority over the group or time zone of the caller. Can be reproduced. By associating a plurality of conditions with sound data as described above, the range of variations can be further expanded, and a space presentation with a rich originality can be realized. Next, the user interface control unit 5 will be described. The user interface control unit 5 mainly controls a user interface function such as the operation key 2 and the display 3 according to a predetermined program. If each sound data is stored in association with a plurality of numeric keys having an off-hook function, the corresponding information of the sound data assigned to the numeric keys and the setting information such as operation conditions for reproducing the sound data are described above. It is managed by the user interface control unit 5. Next, the call control unit 6 will be described. The call control section 6 controls outgoing and incoming calls for performing telephone communication. For example, when the called party presses the off-hook key in response to an incoming call, the call control unit 6 transmits a signal generated by the off-hook event to a switching center (not shown) via the telephone line interface 10. At the same time, it receives the line connection signal after line connection processing transmitted from the exchange.

When receiving the call path closing signal, the call control unit 6 instructs the sound data reproduction control unit 7 to start reproducing sound data. At this time, if the incoming message sent from the exchange includes caller number information and calling place information, the information is extracted and notified to the sound data reproduction control section 7. The call control unit 6 encodes the sound data reproduction sound and the microphone input sound, and decodes the signal received from the telephone line interface 10.

Further, the call control section 6 functions as one of the reproduction suspending means. In other words, when the DTMF signal is received from the caller while the sound data reproduction sound is being reproduced, the sound data reproduction control unit 7 is instructed to stop reproducing the sound data.

Next, the sound data reproduction control unit 7 will be described. When receiving the sound data reproduction command from the call control unit 6, the sound data reproduction control unit 7 accesses the data storage unit 4 and selects appropriate sound data according to the set sound data selection conditions. For example, if the sound data is set in association with the caller number, the caller group registration area 14 is accessed based on the caller number received from the call controller 6 and a predetermined Detect caller group. Subsequently, the caller group / sound correspondence table area 15 is accessed to select sound data corresponding to the caller group. If each sound data is stored in the data storage unit 4 in association with the arrival time zone, the sound data reproduction control unit 7 detects the arrival time and accesses the arrival time zone no sound correspondence table area 16. Then, select the sound data corresponding to the incoming time zone.

When each sound data is stored in the data storage unit 4 in association with the receiving location, the sound data control unit 7 detects the receiving location information from a GPS control unit (not shown) and detects the receiving location noise. Access the corresponding table area 17 and select the sound data corresponding to the destination.

If each sound data is stored in the data storage unit 4 in association with the transmission location, the sound data control unit 7 performs the transmission location / sound correspondence based on the transmission location information received from the call control unit 6. Access table area 18 and select the sound data corresponding to the place where the call originated.

Further, when each sound data is stored in the data storage unit 4 in association with the operation key 2 having the off-hook function, the sound data reproduction control unit 7 controls the information of the pressed operation key 2 by the user interface control. The sound data corresponding to the operation key 2 is selected by accessing the operation key noise corresponding table area 19 obtained through the section 5.

Further, when the sound data is associated with a plurality of conditions, the sound data reproduction control unit 7 selects and reproduces the sound data that meets each of the conditions. If the setting conditions conflict, select and play the sound data for which priority playback is set.

After acquiring sound data information that meets the conditions, the sound data reproduction control unit 7 accesses the sound data storage area 13 to read out the sound data. Then, the sound data is expanded and converted into an analog audio signal. After that, the sound data reproduction control unit 7 The sound data reproduced sound converted to the signal is sequentially transmitted to the audio switching control unit 8, and when the reproduction of the sound data is completed, a completion notification is transmitted to the audio switching control unit 8. The sound data reproduction control section 7 is provided with a sound source section (not shown) for reproducing MIDI data of the sound data.

Next, the sound switching control section 8 will be described. The voice switching control unit 8 receives the sound data reproduction sound from the sound data reproduction control unit 7 and sends the sound data reproduction sound to the call control unit 6. At this time, the input sound from the microphones 12 is controlled so as not to be transmitted to the call control unit 6. The voice switching control unit 8 also outputs the sound data reproduction sound to the receiving speaker 11 so that the called party can confirm the sound data reproduction sound. Upon receiving the reproduction end signal from the sound data reproduction control unit 7, the voice switching control unit 8 sets the microphone input sound to a state where it can be transmitted to the call control unit 6, and outputs the received voice from the caller to the speaker. 1 Automatically switches to monitor from 1.

Next, the operation of the telephone device 1a of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In the telephone device 1a of the present embodiment, first, an incoming call is made to the telephone device 1a of the called party due to an outgoing call from a certain caller, and the incoming call is ringing or the incoming call vibrator vibrates. Notify the called party that there is (step 1). At this time, the caller hears a ringback tone, which is a call confirmation tone, via the receiving speaker of the calling telephone device.

When the called party presses the off-hook key in response to the incoming call (step 2), an event of the off-hook key being pressed is transmitted to the call control unit 6 via the user interface control unit 5 (step 3). . The call control unit 6 transmits the off-hook event occurrence signal to the exchange via the telephone line interface 10. (Step 4). At the exchange, an appropriate line connection process is executed, a signal indicating that the communication path has been closed and the communication state has been changed is transmitted to the telephone device 1a, and the call control unit 6 receives this signal (step 5). . The call control unit 6 that has received the call path closing signal instructs the sound data reproduction control unit 7 to start reproduction of the sound data (step 6). At this time, if the incoming message includes caller number information and calling place information, the call control unit 6 extracts the information and transmits it to the sound data reproduction control unit 7.

Subsequently, the sound data reproduction control unit 7 receives the instruction to start the reproduction of the sound data and receives the data based on the incoming information for reproducing the sound data, for example, the caller number information, the incoming time information, the incoming location information and the outgoing location information. Access the storage unit 4 and caller group / sound correspondence table area 15, arrival time zone / sound correspondence table area 16, call place sound correspondence table area 17, call place no sound correspondence table area 18 or call User group · Select predetermined sound data from the incoming time zone / sound correspondence table area 20 (step 7). If the incoming information does not reproduce sound data, or corresponds to a specific caller number, incoming time information, incoming location or outgoing location information to which silent sound data should be transmitted, the sound data reproduction control unit 7 Do not execute playback, or select and play sound data with no sound.

Also, if the sound data is associated with the operation key 2 having the off-hook function, the sound data reproduction control unit 7 receives the press event of the operation key 2 from the user interface control unit 5 and performs the operation. The key / sound correspondence table area 19 is accessed to select the sound data corresponding to the operation key 2.

In addition, at least one condition of caller number information, caller group information, call time information, call location information and call location information corresponds to sound data. In the case where the condition is attached and the condition of the operation key 2 having the off-hook function is further associated, the sound data reproduction control unit 7 selects the sound data according to the pressing event of the operation key 2. For example, if the received press event is a normal off-hook key press event, the sound data corresponding to the caller number, caller group, call duration, call location information and call location information at that time is select. On the other hand, when the press event of the operation key 2 having the off-hook function is received, the press event takes precedence over the caller number, the caller group, the reception time, the reception location information and the transmission location information, and Select the specific sound data corresponding to 2.

Subsequently, the sound data reproduction control unit 7 accesses the sound data storage area 13, reads out and expands the selected sound data, converts it into an analog audio signal, reproduces it, and sends it to the audio switching control unit 8. Yes (step 8).

Then, the voice switching control unit 8 sends out the sound data reproduction sound converted into the analog voice signal to the call control unit 6 and the speaker 11 (step 9). The call control section 6 encodes the sound for reproducing the sound data and transmits the coded sound from the telephone line interface 10 to the caller (step 10). On the caller side, the ringback tone stops sounding when the call path is closed, and the sound data playback sound transmitted from the telephone device 1a on the caller side is heard. On the other hand, the called party can monitor the sound data reproduction sound through the speaker 11.

Thereafter, when the sound data reproduction control section 7 detects the end of the sound data reproduction sound, it transmits a reproduction end signal to the audio switching control section 8 (step 11). Then, the voice switching control unit 8 receives the reproduction end notification, and switches the received voice and the transmitted voice to the normal communication state (step 12). In other words, the microphone input sound can be transmitted, and the received voice from the public line Switch so that you can

Incidentally, if the operation key 2 having the reproduction interruption function is pressed during reproduction of the sound data reproduction sound, the sound data reproduction control unit 7 receives the operation event via the user interface control unit 5, and Stops playback of sound data playback sound. Then, the interruption signal is transmitted to the audio switching control unit 8, and the audio switching control unit 8 receives the reproduction interruption signal and switches the reception voice and the transmission voice to the normal communication state.

Alternatively, when the caller transmits a DTMF signal by operating a numeric keypad or the like, the call control unit 6 receives the signal and sends a reproduction stop command to the sound data reproduction control unit 7. Then, the sound data reproduction control section 7 receives the reproduction stop command and interrupts the reproduction of the sound data. Thereafter, the voice switching control unit 8 receives the interruption signal of the sound data reproduction, and switches the received voice and the transmitted voice to the normal communication state.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the caller simply performs the normal operation of off-hook operation, and the caller's number, the caller group, the arrival time zone, the incoming A desired sound data reproduction sound corresponding to the place, the calling place, the operation of each operation key 2, and the like can be automatically inserted at the beginning of the call in a very natural flow, and the call can be started without any uncomfortable feeling. In addition, the called party can determine which sound data is to be reproduced and determine it, and can reproduce the sound data reproduction sound most suitable for the situation at that time. As a result, it is possible to add new values such as creating a corporate image rich in amusement, creating the originality of the called party, and producing a space in a closed space where only the voice of the call is used.

For example, if the callee is at a beach and has a call from a friend, you can insert the sound of waves at the beginning of the call to create a beach resort feeling or feel good When you receive a call, you can insert hilarious music at the beginning of the call. Alternatively, if you insert a sound logo (such as "It 'sa S0NY" by Sony Corporation) at the beginning of a call that sounds like a very short piece of corporate image, you can create a natural image of your corporate image, It can realize low cost and efficient image advertisement.

Also, by automatically inserting a response message such as "Yes, this is XX Corporation" at the beginning of a call, it is possible to produce a consistent, consistent customer interface. It can also improve the corporate image and simplify customer service.

Further, according to the present embodiment, since the sound data reproduction prohibition mode can be selected, it can be used as a normal telephone device 1a that does not transmit sound data reproduction sound according to the situation of the called party. And it is becoming more and more useless.

Furthermore, the present embodiment is provided with a playback interrupting means for interrupting the playback of sound data by operating the operation key 2 having a playback interrupting function by the called party or receiving a DTMF signal from the calling party. Therefore, when it is not preferable to transmit the sound data reproduction sound at the beginning of the call or in the case of an emergency call, the called party and the caller can take measures to immediately stop the reproduction.

Next, another embodiment of the telephone device and the program according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Note that among the configurations of the present embodiment, the same or corresponding components as those of the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

A feature of the telephone device 1b and the program according to another embodiment of the present invention lies in that a voice mixing control unit 21 as a voice mixing unit is employed instead of the voice switching control unit 8 in the above-described embodiment. This sound mixing control unit 21 An analog audio signal of sound data reproduced by the data reproduction control unit 7 and a microphone input sound are mixed and transmitted to the call control unit 6 and the speaker 11.

Then, when the called party performs an off-hook operation on the incoming call from the calling party and closes the communication path, the telephone device 1 b of the present embodiment transmits the sound data in the data storage unit 4 to the sound data reproduction control unit 7. A predetermined sound data is read out from the storage area 13, decompressed, converted into an analog audio signal, and transmitted to the audio mixing control section 21. The voice mixing control section 21 mixes the analog voice signal with the microphone input sound input from the microphone 12 and sends it to the call control section 6 and the speaker 11 as transmission voice. The speaker 11 can monitor the transmitted voice by the called party, and the call controller 6 performs an encoding process and transmits the transmitted voice signal from the telephone line interface 10. This transmission voice signal is subjected to decryption processing in the telephone device of the caller, so that the caller can simultaneously hear the sound data reproduction sound and the microphone input sound.

When the telephone device 1b of the present embodiment receives a received voice signal during reproduction of sound data, the call control unit 6 decodes the received voice signal to perform a voice mixing control unit 21. To send to. The voice mixing control section 21 mixes the received voice and the reproduced sound of the sound data and sends them to the speaker 11 so that the called party can listen to them at the same time.

Therefore, according to another embodiment of the present invention, a desired sound data reproduction sound is automatically generated at the beginning of a call simply by a called party operating a predetermined off-hook key or numeric keypad to answer a call. Can be inserted. In addition, a call can be started at the same time without waiting for the end of the sound for reproducing the sound data.

With this, sound effects and messages can be added at the beginning of the call without discomfort. Various space effects can be realized by inserting. Alternatively, by inserting a longer sound data playback sound as BGM from the beginning of the call, a unique space effect can be performed in a closed space called a call, and the originality of the telephone device 1b can be enhanced.

Note that the configuration of each embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the above-described configuration, and can be changed as appropriate.

For example, various control units in the present embodiment may be configured by one control unit to control the entire system, or conversely, may be divided into more subdivided control units and controlled.

Further, the data storage unit 4 in the present embodiment is not limited to a storage medium for storing digital data, but also includes an analog storage medium for magnetically storing sound data such as a cassette tape. Further, the present invention includes not only a storage medium fixed inside but also an external storage medium such as an IC memory card.

Furthermore, the data storage unit 4 in the present embodiment stores a sound logo, a response message, and the like, but is not limited thereto, and stores sound of corporate commercials and product commercials and useful information according to customers. You can also insert it at the beginning of a call.

Further, it is not necessary that all of the off-hook key and the numeric keypad having the off-hook function of the present embodiment be associated with the sound data. .

Furthermore, the call control unit 6 in the present embodiment may recognize only a specific DTMF signal as a reproduction interruption signal among the DTMF signals used in the reproduction interruption means from the caller, All the received DTMF signals may be recognized as the reproduction interruption signal. In addition, the arrival time zone / sound correspondence table area 16 in the present embodiment is not necessarily limited to the time designation within one day. For example, “200 1 ~ 200 January 5, 0:00 until midnight, "and so on.

Note that the telephone devices 1a and 1b of the present embodiment include not only fixed telephones but also mobile telephones and IP (Internet Protocol 1) telephones that transfer data by a bucket exchange method, and personal computers having telephone functions. For example, the present invention can be applied to any device having a call function.

Claims

The scope of the claims

1) Off-hook operation means having a plurality of off-hook operation sections for closing a communication path for an incoming call from a caller; and storage means for storing sound data in association with each of the off-hook operation sections. Sound data reproducing means for reading and reproducing sound data corresponding to the operation of the off-hook operation unit from the storage means when the communication path is closed by the operation of the off-hook operation unit; A telephone switching means for transmitting the reproduced sound data reproduction sound to the caller side and automatically switching to a state in which the microphone input sound can be transmitted after the transmission of the sound data reproduction sound is completed.

2) Off-hook operation means including a plurality of off-hook operation sections for closing a communication path for an incoming call from a caller; and storage means for storing sound data in association with each of the off-hook operation sections. A sound data reproducing means for reading out and reproducing sound data corresponding to the operation of the off-hook operation unit from the storage means when the communication path is closed by the operation of the off-hook operation unit; A telephone apparatus comprising: sound mixing means for mixing sound data reproduced by the means and sound input from a microphone and transmitting the mixed sound to a caller.

3) The telephone device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the storage means stores a plurality of sound data in association with a specific one of the off-hook operation units, and further stores the sound data. One of the above sound data is a condition selected by the sound data reproducing means. And stores at least one of a predetermined caller number, a caller group, a reception time zone, a reception place and a transmission place, and the sound data reproducing means stores the predetermined sound data on the basis of the selection condition. A telephone device that selects and plays back data.

4) An off-hook operation unit having a computer for inserting sound data at the beginning of a call, a plurality of off-hook operation units for closing a call path for an incoming call from a caller, and each of the off-hook operation units Storage means for storing sound data in association with the sound data, and reading and reproducing the sound data corresponding to the operation of the off-hook operation unit from the storage means when the communication path is closed by the operation of the off-hook operation unit. Sound data reproducing means, and sound switching means for transmitting the sound data reproduced sound reproduced thereby to the caller side and automatically switching to a state in which the microphone input sound can be transmitted after the sound data reproduction sound is transmitted. A program characterized by functioning.

5) A computer for inserting sound data at the beginning of a call, an off-hook operation unit having a plurality of off-hook operation units for closing a call path for an incoming call from a caller, and each of the off-hook operation units Storage means for storing sound data in association with the sound data, and reading and reproducing the sound data corresponding to the operation of the off-hook operation unit from the storage means when the communication path is closed by the operation of the off-hook operation unit. A program for functioning as sound data reproducing means, and sound mixing means for mixing sound data reproduced sound reproduced by the sound data reproducing means and a microphone input sound and transmitting the mixed sound to a caller. 6) The program according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the storage means stores a plurality of sound data in association with a specific one of the off-hook operation units, and further stores the sound data. At least one of the predetermined caller number, caller group, call receiving time zone, call receiving place and call originating place is stored as a condition that one of the sound data is selected by the sound data reproducing means. A program for causing the computer to function so that the sound data reproducing means selects predetermined sound data based on the selection condition and reproduces the selected sound data.