CA1325660C - Telephone answering machine for use with mobile telephone - Google Patents
Telephone answering machine for use with mobile telephoneInfo
- Publication number
- CA1325660C CA1325660C CA000603094A CA603094A CA1325660C CA 1325660 C CA1325660 C CA 1325660C CA 000603094 A CA000603094 A CA 000603094A CA 603094 A CA603094 A CA 603094A CA 1325660 C CA1325660 C CA 1325660C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- answering
- telephone
- answering apparatus
- user
- mode
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
- H04M1/64—Automatic arrangements for answering calls; Automatic arrangements for recording messages for absent subscribers; Arrangements for recording conversations
- H04M1/65—Recording arrangements for recording a message from the calling party
- H04M1/6505—Recording arrangements for recording a message from the calling party storing speech in digital form
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
- H04M1/72—Mobile telephones; Cordless telephones, i.e. devices for establishing wireless links to base stations without route selection
- H04M1/725—Cordless telephones
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Signal Processing (AREA)
- Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
- Mobile Radio Communication Systems (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
A telephone answering apparatus for use with a mobile telephone system having a base set, a radio transceiver and interface interposed between the base set and the radio transceiver, the interface including selector circuitry for selecting a mode of operation for the interface whereby the mobile telephone system is operatively connectable to the telephone answering apparatus. The interface further includes a receiver for receiving input, output and control signals passing between the base set and the transceiver, the receiver including switching circuitry operating under command of the selector circuitry for connecting the system to the telephone answering apparatus. Buffer circuitry is connectable between the switching circuitry and the telephone answering apparatus for buffering the signals therebetween associated with the selected mode. The telephone answering apparatus includes answering circuitry, recording and playback circuitry, and circuitry responsive to control circuitry associated with the telephone answering apparatus for controlling operation of the telephone answering apparatus.
A telephone answering apparatus for use with a mobile telephone system having a base set, a radio transceiver and interface interposed between the base set and the radio transceiver, the interface including selector circuitry for selecting a mode of operation for the interface whereby the mobile telephone system is operatively connectable to the telephone answering apparatus. The interface further includes a receiver for receiving input, output and control signals passing between the base set and the transceiver, the receiver including switching circuitry operating under command of the selector circuitry for connecting the system to the telephone answering apparatus. Buffer circuitry is connectable between the switching circuitry and the telephone answering apparatus for buffering the signals therebetween associated with the selected mode. The telephone answering apparatus includes answering circuitry, recording and playback circuitry, and circuitry responsive to control circuitry associated with the telephone answering apparatus for controlling operation of the telephone answering apparatus.
Description
~ 132~660 TELEPHONE ANSWERING APPARATUS
The present invention relates to telephone answering apparatus. In particular the present invention relates to - 5 an~wering apparatus for mobile telephone systems such as vehicle mounted cellular telephone systems.
The answaring apparatus is adap~ed to suit the needs ;~ of a user in a vehicular environment as well as being -~ adapted to cope with the harsh electrical and temperature environment associated with an automobile.
Although telephone answering apparatus suitable for use with stationary telephone handsets utilizing the conventional two wire connection are well known, such apparatus has not previously been used with mobile telephone systems due to the different manner of connection of a mobile telephone system. Further the conventional `~ telephone answering apparatus requires that an operator pay close att~ntion to the status of the apparatus during many ` of the opDrations. In the environment of a motor vehicle, such a requirement is most inconvenient and may be ~` dangerous. Further, with present telephone answering apparatus, it is difficult to find a particular message recorded on the message tape.
It is an o~ject of an aspect of the present invention to provide a telephone answering apparatus suitable for use ~I with mobile telephone systems which overcomes the ,~ aforementioned disadvantages.
Aspeats of the present invention are as follows:
. A telephone answering apparatus when used with a ;,~` 30 mobile telephone system having a base set and a radio ~' transceiver and input, output and control signals passing between said base set and said transceiver, said apparatus i~ comprising:
,~' answering means; and interface means interposed between said ~cKe~set and ~' said radio transceiver, said interface means including mode ~i means for selesting a mode of operation for said interface means and means for interacting with said signals whereby . .
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said interacting means including switching means ~:5 operating under command of said mode means for connecting :at least some of said signals to said answering means, and ..buffer means for bufferi~g at least some of said signals connected by said interacting means between said system and : said answering means;
. 10said answering means including recording means and .-. playback means, and means responsive to control mean~
provided with said apparatus or said system for controlling operation of said telephone answering apparatus includ.ing said mode means, said answering means further including means for playing back digitally recorded message phrases, ~: said message phrases instructing a user on operational . i :~: aspscts of said telephone answering apparatus.
...A telephone answering apparatus for use with a mobile ...telephone system having a base set and a radio transceiver and input, output and control signals passing b~tween said base set and said transceiver, said apparatus comprising:
answering m~ans; and ~ interface means for interposing between said base set " and said radio transceiver, said interface means including .~- 2S mode means for selecting a mode of operation for said . ~, ~j interface means and means for interacting with said signals ` i whereby said mobile telephone system is operatively ::: connectable to said answering means;
said interacting means including switching means operable under colNmand of said mode means for connecting at least some of said signals to said answering means, and buffer means adapted to buffer at least some of said ~ signals connectable by said interacting means between said ,'.;,j.! system and said answering means;
, 35said answering means including recording means and : playback means, and means responsive to control means .S provided with said apparatus or said system for controlling . operation o~ said telephone answering apparatus including .
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~ 132~60 said mode means, said answering means further including means for playing back digitally recorded message phrases, said message phrases being adapted for instructing a user on operational aspects of said telephone answering apparatus.
The answering apparatu~ of the present invention may include a recorder unit, a control means, connector means to an interface unit and interconnecting cables. As various brands of mobile phone systems differ with respect to connections between transceiver unit and handset/baseset, an interface unit is adapted to provide a ; common standard of interconnections to the recorder unit.
The interface unit may be inserted in line between the transceiver unit and the handset/baseset of the mobile phone. The interface unit may provide a set of audio, control and logic signals which are independent of the type of mobile phone being used with the answering apparatus.
~ Australian patent 577709, the patentee of which is the -~ 20 applicant of the present invention, describes a suitable interface unit for use in conjunction with the present ; invention. The signal levels and logic/control signals and connections correspond to a protocol standard (CC-15) defined by the applicant for the purpose of the present ~` 25 invention. The recorder unit may connect to the interfacP
unit via a plugtsoc~et configured to the defined protocol standard CC-15. Optionally, the interface unit may be integrated with the recorder unit.
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-~ ~ 4 ~ 132~60 The recorder unit may be mounted in use adjacent the phone transceiver, e.g. under the front seat of a vehicle or in the vehicle trunk. The functions of the recorder unit may be controlled by the control unit which is typically mounted on the dash panel or on the center console of a vehicle. The control unit may be removable so that it can be used for remotely accessing messages from the answering apparatus when the user is not in the vehicle.
The answering apparatus preferably is arranged such th~t i~ appears transparent to the mobile phone when the answering apparatus is not in use i.e. the answering apparatus should not alter operation of the mobile phone from a user's perspective~ When the answering apparatus is in "answer mode" an incoming call may be automatically answered by the answering apparatus and an "out-going message" (OGM) may be played back to the person on the incoming call. The caller may then have the opportunity to leave a message up to e.g. three (3) minutes in length. In one form the answering apparatus may be adapted to terminate the call if one of the following conditions occur:
1. The caller hangs up.
The present invention relates to telephone answering apparatus. In particular the present invention relates to - 5 an~wering apparatus for mobile telephone systems such as vehicle mounted cellular telephone systems.
The answaring apparatus is adap~ed to suit the needs ;~ of a user in a vehicular environment as well as being -~ adapted to cope with the harsh electrical and temperature environment associated with an automobile.
Although telephone answering apparatus suitable for use with stationary telephone handsets utilizing the conventional two wire connection are well known, such apparatus has not previously been used with mobile telephone systems due to the different manner of connection of a mobile telephone system. Further the conventional `~ telephone answering apparatus requires that an operator pay close att~ntion to the status of the apparatus during many ` of the opDrations. In the environment of a motor vehicle, such a requirement is most inconvenient and may be ~` dangerous. Further, with present telephone answering apparatus, it is difficult to find a particular message recorded on the message tape.
It is an o~ject of an aspect of the present invention to provide a telephone answering apparatus suitable for use ~I with mobile telephone systems which overcomes the ,~ aforementioned disadvantages.
Aspeats of the present invention are as follows:
. A telephone answering apparatus when used with a ;,~` 30 mobile telephone system having a base set and a radio ~' transceiver and input, output and control signals passing between said base set and said transceiver, said apparatus i~ comprising:
,~' answering means; and interface means interposed between said ~cKe~set and ~' said radio transceiver, said interface means including mode ~i means for selesting a mode of operation for said interface means and means for interacting with said signals whereby . .
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said interacting means including switching means ~:5 operating under command of said mode means for connecting :at least some of said signals to said answering means, and ..buffer means for bufferi~g at least some of said signals connected by said interacting means between said system and : said answering means;
. 10said answering means including recording means and .-. playback means, and means responsive to control mean~
provided with said apparatus or said system for controlling operation of said telephone answering apparatus includ.ing said mode means, said answering means further including means for playing back digitally recorded message phrases, ~: said message phrases instructing a user on operational . i :~: aspscts of said telephone answering apparatus.
...A telephone answering apparatus for use with a mobile ...telephone system having a base set and a radio transceiver and input, output and control signals passing b~tween said base set and said transceiver, said apparatus comprising:
answering m~ans; and ~ interface means for interposing between said base set " and said radio transceiver, said interface means including .~- 2S mode means for selecting a mode of operation for said . ~, ~j interface means and means for interacting with said signals ` i whereby said mobile telephone system is operatively ::: connectable to said answering means;
said interacting means including switching means operable under colNmand of said mode means for connecting at least some of said signals to said answering means, and buffer means adapted to buffer at least some of said ~ signals connectable by said interacting means between said ,'.;,j.! system and said answering means;
, 35said answering means including recording means and : playback means, and means responsive to control means .S provided with said apparatus or said system for controlling . operation o~ said telephone answering apparatus including .
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~ 132~60 said mode means, said answering means further including means for playing back digitally recorded message phrases, said message phrases being adapted for instructing a user on operational aspects of said telephone answering apparatus.
The answering apparatu~ of the present invention may include a recorder unit, a control means, connector means to an interface unit and interconnecting cables. As various brands of mobile phone systems differ with respect to connections between transceiver unit and handset/baseset, an interface unit is adapted to provide a ; common standard of interconnections to the recorder unit.
The interface unit may be inserted in line between the transceiver unit and the handset/baseset of the mobile phone. The interface unit may provide a set of audio, control and logic signals which are independent of the type of mobile phone being used with the answering apparatus.
~ Australian patent 577709, the patentee of which is the -~ 20 applicant of the present invention, describes a suitable interface unit for use in conjunction with the present ; invention. The signal levels and logic/control signals and connections correspond to a protocol standard (CC-15) defined by the applicant for the purpose of the present ~` 25 invention. The recorder unit may connect to the interfacP
unit via a plugtsoc~et configured to the defined protocol standard CC-15. Optionally, the interface unit may be integrated with the recorder unit.
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-~ ~ 4 ~ 132~60 The recorder unit may be mounted in use adjacent the phone transceiver, e.g. under the front seat of a vehicle or in the vehicle trunk. The functions of the recorder unit may be controlled by the control unit which is typically mounted on the dash panel or on the center console of a vehicle. The control unit may be removable so that it can be used for remotely accessing messages from the answering apparatus when the user is not in the vehicle.
The answering apparatus preferably is arranged such th~t i~ appears transparent to the mobile phone when the answering apparatus is not in use i.e. the answering apparatus should not alter operation of the mobile phone from a user's perspective~ When the answering apparatus is in "answer mode" an incoming call may be automatically answered by the answering apparatus and an "out-going message" (OGM) may be played back to the person on the incoming call. The caller may then have the opportunity to leave a message up to e.g. three (3) minutes in length. In one form the answering apparatus may be adapted to terminate the call if one of the following conditions occur:
1. The caller hangs up.
2. The caller is silent for more than a predetermined period, say 10 seconds.
3. The three minute limit is reached.
The answering apparatus may be arranged such that messages can be played back to the user at any time by pressing the "playback" button on the control unit.
The answering apparatus may preferably incorporate a cue and review function. The cue and review function permits the message to be monitored at a faster speed than that at which recording occurred (cuing playback) and automatically stop at the start of each message and announce the number of the message (i.e. "message six"). If the operator wishes to listen to that particular message, then all he/she needs to do is press the "play" button and playback may continue from that point. Otherwise the tape may continue to cue or review to the start or end of the tape. With existing answering machine systems the user must ~:
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132~660 continually stop and start the tape to find out which message it is at. The cue and review function of the answering machine of the present invention provides a significant improvement over existing systems in that the user knows exactly what message number the tape is at.
The answering apparatus of the present invention may incorporate a detachable control unit. The detachable control unit may enable a user to operate the answering ~pparatus when he/she is not in the vehicle. By callinq into the mobile phone, from another phone, all of the standard functions of the answering apparatus may be performed.
In an alternative embodiment~ control of the answering apparatus may be attained by selecting a series of digits located on the telephone keypad. The function of interpreting the code selected as being directed to control of the answering apparatus in this embodiment is provided by the interface unit. Interpretation of key strokes and trnaslation into control o~ the answering apparatus may be achieved by microprocessor within the interface unit. In a preferred embodiment, a message indicating the command selected is displayed upon display means associated with the keypad.
The answering apparatus may be arranged such that a user changeable three digit personal identiication number (PIN) should be correctly entered before access is allowed into the answering appara~us. E~isting answering machines that untilize PIN code security do not include a user changeable PI~ code. In this respect the answering apparatus of the present invention represents a unique and significant` improvement over existing answering machine technology.
A preferred embodiment of the answering apparatus of the present invention incudes, a Voice RPcorded Words System (VRW) to assist the user in operation of the system. VRW
may comprise digitally recorded phrases which instruct the operator on various operational aspects of the systemO
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Status of answering apparatus, i.e. recording, rewinding, waiting, ready, etc.
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; The VRW systern represents a significant improvement in operation of answering ~achines because it has the ability to in~orm, by means or spoken pre-recorded messages the current status of the telephone answering apparatus.
This may be of particular benefit in a vehicle mounted answering machine as its operation may be simplified to avoid undue distraction to the user while he/she may be driving the vehicle. The VRW system may provide a ~; significant advantage over conventional answering machines when in the "Remote Access Mode". When using conventional answering machines in the remote mode, it is difficult to know e~actly what function is being performed at any one moment. With the answering apparatus of the present invention, the VRW may inform the user of the e~act status and operation of the machine, thus greatly simplifying use of the system.
The out-going message (OGM) may be digitally recorded, 1 as distinct from magnetic tape recording. In one form `1 maximum length of the OGM may be approximately 20 seconds and it may be recorded via the microphone in the control unit.
The answering apparatus may be adapted to provide conversation record as well a memo or dictation recording.
Dictation recording also may be performed via the microphone in the control unit.
~' A pre~erred embodiment of the answering system of the `l present invention will now be described with reference to . ,~
^~ the accompanying drawings wherein.
. ~i Fig.l shows a block diagram of major components of an ~i answering apparatus according to the present invention, . Fig. 2 shows a hlock diagram of the interface (I/F) ~, unit used with to the present invention;
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_ 7 _ ~32~660 Fig. 3 shown a schematic diagram of the interface unit shown in Fig. 2;
- Fig. 4 shows a block diagram of the recorder unit according to the present invention; and Fig. 5 shows a block diagram of the control unit according to the present invention.
Referring to Fig. 1 the telephone answering apparatus according to the present invention comprises an interface ; ~I/F) unit 10, a recorder unit 11 and a control unit 12.
~he li~ unit 10 is interposed between the existing mobile telephone transceiver 13 and existing mobile telephone `~ handset 14 of a mobile telephone system.
~ Referring to Fig. 2 which shows a block diagram of the sj~ I/F unit 10, Aux-l is used to provide the incoming signal i~,; from the mobile telephone. Au~-l is tapped off the earpiece . . .
, signal passing between the mobile phone transceiver 13 and ; the mobile phone handset 14, via op-amp 20. The earpiece }~ signal may be either a single unbalanced line or a balanced ' ` differential signal. The earpiece signal is also used to derive, via filter~signal conditioning circuit 21, a ring ,-` trigger signal (Au~-5). A tone decoder and conditioning ~ circuit is used to detect the presence of an incoming call.
i'~', Each ring that occurs at the phone will cause a 5 volt logic .; , ~
i signal at Au~-5.
- The Aux-2 signal (line-out) is used for playing the out going message (OGM) or replaying messages to an incoming call~ The line-out signal is buffered via op-amp 22. To enable the line-out signal it is necessary to isolate the ,~ existing handset microphone via switching device 23 ,-;` controlled via Au~-9, the handset isQlation control. The ~ switching device 23 can be implemented by either relay or 'i.. ,,;,~.i~, electronic switching means.
;~i To facilitate recording of conversations op-amp 24 is used to tap off the handset microphone line(s). The handset ~'`2''`'~ microphone signal can be implemented in either an unbalanced - ~ signal or by a balanced differential signal.
Au~-4 input is fed onto the hand-set speaker line via "~ op-amp 25 and switching device 26 for replay of messages, OGM and VRW responses. To facilitate this input the ..;.~i' ~.
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handset/baseset speaker control line must be enabled, thus disabling the transceiver from using the handset/baseset speaker. Switching device 26 may comprise relay means or electronic switch rneans.
The hook circuitry 27 is usually in series with the hook sign~l of the phone. This circuitry provides a 5 volt logic signal to th~ recorded unit indicating whether the handset is on or off hook, and also provides a facility for the recorder unit to answer an incoming call automatically.
This circui~ry is dependent on the type of phone being interfaced to, and thus takes many different forms.
The power control circuit (Aux-10) provides an open collector signal to the recorder unit indicating whether the phone is switched on or off. This is implemented by connecting an npn transistor 28 to the switched power supply of the phone.
Au~-7, Au~-14 and Aux-15 provides the earthering required for the answering system. Aux-7, audio ground provides a low current ground reference for all audio signals. Aux-14, power ground provides a high current earth for all logic circuits and relays etc. thus minimising noise in sensitive audio circuits. Auz-15, phone ground, is the earth reference for the audio and logic circuits from the mobile phone. To correctly reference audio sign~ls passing between the phone and recorder unit, audio isolation . ~
- transformers may be used.
Fig. 3 shows a schematic diagram of the I/F unit shown ` in Fig. 2. Like numerals in Fig. 3 designate corresponding parts of the I/F unit shown in Fig. 2.
Referring to Fi~. 4, the recorder unit ~RU) comprises : ~;
; ~ an intelligent microprocessor (TMP 47C96) controlled device. The RU varies from conventional answering machines in that all its audio signals and controls are via the I~F
unit and control unit connections, rather than via a 2-wire ~` connection to a telephone.
;`. The RU is operated via user inputs from the control unit (CU) which is plugged into the RU via a small stereo socket. One of these signals, the CU control line is input ,~ into the TC35301AP dual tone multi-frequency (DTMF) decoder '~`~ "` ' ~ RB
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9 ~32~660 circuit 40 which interprets the tone signals from the CU
DTMF generator 51 (refer Fig. 5). The DTMF decoder 40 signals to the microprocessor 41 and the appropriate responses are generated to perform the function as indicated by the user. The local/remote circuit 42 which is also connected to the CU control line, detects whether the DTMF
tone had been generated locally (CU connected to RU), or remotely via the line in audio.
The audio-in circuit 43 mixes the three audio input signals, line-in (Aux-l), control unit mic. and handset mic.
(AU~-3) as required by microprocessor 41 by means of electronic audio switches (e.g. CMOS 4066~. That signal is then applied to the 7137 auto gain control circuit (A~C) 44. The AGC signal is muted when the RU is recording a message. The output from AGC circuit 44 can be switched to the play/record head circuit 45 when a message is required to be recorded on the microcassette, i.e. memo, conversation or message record. The play/record circuit also acts as an output to either the monitor (Aux-4) or line-out (Aux-2) during playback of messages. The output of voice recorded (VRW) circuit 46, which incorporates an NEC 7756 chip is mi~ed to the AGC signal. The VRW chip has a pre-masked vocabulary which is controlled by microprocessor 41.
Microprocessor 41 will combine the necessary VRWs to form the correct phrases and then output the audio signal onto either the line-out (Au~-2) or the handset/baseset speaker monitor (Au~4) as required. ~t is possible to mute the moni~or line via amp mute circuit 47. The out-going message ,, ^~ - .
circuit (OGM) 48 is also mi~ed with the output of the AGC.
When required, (by pressing the OGM button or by receiving an incoming call) OGM circuit 48 will output the digitally stored message to both the monitor and line-out.
To facilitate auto cut out after a predetermined period during a message record, a VOX circuit 49 is incorporated. VOX circuit 49 will provide a logic signal to microprocessor 41 which indicates the presence of an input signal above a certain threshold level. If the VOX signal is not active for more than a predetermined period (e.g. 10 ' ': !' j~ R8 :.~ : - - i , , . - ~ , - lo- ~32~6~
- seconds) during a message recording microprocessor 41 will ~ terminate that recording.
i~ Referring to Fig. 5, the control unit (CU) is the principal means of operating the answering system, either in , j the local mode or in the remote mode. The CU incorporates a ; standard membrane style telephone keypad 50, a DTMF
generator 51, microphone 52, LED status indicator 53, mini speaker 54 and 3 volt battery 55 for use in the remote mode '~ (the CU is powered from the RU when in the local mode).
~ he microphone 52 is used for recording of OGM and dictation/memo messages. This signal is input into the RU
-~ AGC via circuit 44 of Fig. 5. This is the case only for ., local operation.
The keypad 50 is used to control the RU by means of T~F signals generated by the M761A DTMF generator 51. If the CU is being operated in the local mode the DTMF signals ~' will be sent to the AGC circuitry of the RU, but if operated in the remote mode they will be sent to the CU mini speaker 54 for transmission along the normal telephon~ system.
;~, The red LED s~atus indicator 53 is used to provide a ~-~ visual indication of the status of the answering machin0, ; ' e.g. recording mode, ready mode, answering mode, playback ~`~, mode, etc.
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, It will be appreciated that various alterations, . modifications and/or additions may be introduced into the contructions and arrangements of parts previously described ~^, without departing from the spirit or ambit of the invention.
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The answering apparatus may be arranged such that messages can be played back to the user at any time by pressing the "playback" button on the control unit.
The answering apparatus may preferably incorporate a cue and review function. The cue and review function permits the message to be monitored at a faster speed than that at which recording occurred (cuing playback) and automatically stop at the start of each message and announce the number of the message (i.e. "message six"). If the operator wishes to listen to that particular message, then all he/she needs to do is press the "play" button and playback may continue from that point. Otherwise the tape may continue to cue or review to the start or end of the tape. With existing answering machine systems the user must ~:
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132~660 continually stop and start the tape to find out which message it is at. The cue and review function of the answering machine of the present invention provides a significant improvement over existing systems in that the user knows exactly what message number the tape is at.
The answering apparatus of the present invention may incorporate a detachable control unit. The detachable control unit may enable a user to operate the answering ~pparatus when he/she is not in the vehicle. By callinq into the mobile phone, from another phone, all of the standard functions of the answering apparatus may be performed.
In an alternative embodiment~ control of the answering apparatus may be attained by selecting a series of digits located on the telephone keypad. The function of interpreting the code selected as being directed to control of the answering apparatus in this embodiment is provided by the interface unit. Interpretation of key strokes and trnaslation into control o~ the answering apparatus may be achieved by microprocessor within the interface unit. In a preferred embodiment, a message indicating the command selected is displayed upon display means associated with the keypad.
The answering apparatus may be arranged such that a user changeable three digit personal identiication number (PIN) should be correctly entered before access is allowed into the answering appara~us. E~isting answering machines that untilize PIN code security do not include a user changeable PI~ code. In this respect the answering apparatus of the present invention represents a unique and significant` improvement over existing answering machine technology.
A preferred embodiment of the answering apparatus of the present invention incudes, a Voice RPcorded Words System (VRW) to assist the user in operation of the system. VRW
may comprise digitally recorded phrases which instruct the operator on various operational aspects of the systemO
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Status of answering apparatus, i.e. recording, rewinding, waiting, ready, etc.
; Prompting for entry of information, i.e. entry of PIN code, etc., Indication of message number during playback, ` etc.
. .
; The VRW systern represents a significant improvement in operation of answering ~achines because it has the ability to in~orm, by means or spoken pre-recorded messages the current status of the telephone answering apparatus.
This may be of particular benefit in a vehicle mounted answering machine as its operation may be simplified to avoid undue distraction to the user while he/she may be driving the vehicle. The VRW system may provide a ~; significant advantage over conventional answering machines when in the "Remote Access Mode". When using conventional answering machines in the remote mode, it is difficult to know e~actly what function is being performed at any one moment. With the answering apparatus of the present invention, the VRW may inform the user of the e~act status and operation of the machine, thus greatly simplifying use of the system.
The out-going message (OGM) may be digitally recorded, 1 as distinct from magnetic tape recording. In one form `1 maximum length of the OGM may be approximately 20 seconds and it may be recorded via the microphone in the control unit.
The answering apparatus may be adapted to provide conversation record as well a memo or dictation recording.
Dictation recording also may be performed via the microphone in the control unit.
~' A pre~erred embodiment of the answering system of the `l present invention will now be described with reference to . ,~
^~ the accompanying drawings wherein.
. ~i Fig.l shows a block diagram of major components of an ~i answering apparatus according to the present invention, . Fig. 2 shows a hlock diagram of the interface (I/F) ~, unit used with to the present invention;
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_ 7 _ ~32~660 Fig. 3 shown a schematic diagram of the interface unit shown in Fig. 2;
- Fig. 4 shows a block diagram of the recorder unit according to the present invention; and Fig. 5 shows a block diagram of the control unit according to the present invention.
Referring to Fig. 1 the telephone answering apparatus according to the present invention comprises an interface ; ~I/F) unit 10, a recorder unit 11 and a control unit 12.
~he li~ unit 10 is interposed between the existing mobile telephone transceiver 13 and existing mobile telephone `~ handset 14 of a mobile telephone system.
~ Referring to Fig. 2 which shows a block diagram of the sj~ I/F unit 10, Aux-l is used to provide the incoming signal i~,; from the mobile telephone. Au~-l is tapped off the earpiece . . .
, signal passing between the mobile phone transceiver 13 and ; the mobile phone handset 14, via op-amp 20. The earpiece }~ signal may be either a single unbalanced line or a balanced ' ` differential signal. The earpiece signal is also used to derive, via filter~signal conditioning circuit 21, a ring ,-` trigger signal (Au~-5). A tone decoder and conditioning ~ circuit is used to detect the presence of an incoming call.
i'~', Each ring that occurs at the phone will cause a 5 volt logic .; , ~
i signal at Au~-5.
- The Aux-2 signal (line-out) is used for playing the out going message (OGM) or replaying messages to an incoming call~ The line-out signal is buffered via op-amp 22. To enable the line-out signal it is necessary to isolate the ,~ existing handset microphone via switching device 23 ,-;` controlled via Au~-9, the handset isQlation control. The ~ switching device 23 can be implemented by either relay or 'i.. ,,;,~.i~, electronic switching means.
;~i To facilitate recording of conversations op-amp 24 is used to tap off the handset microphone line(s). The handset ~'`2''`'~ microphone signal can be implemented in either an unbalanced - ~ signal or by a balanced differential signal.
Au~-4 input is fed onto the hand-set speaker line via "~ op-amp 25 and switching device 26 for replay of messages, OGM and VRW responses. To facilitate this input the ..;.~i' ~.
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handset/baseset speaker control line must be enabled, thus disabling the transceiver from using the handset/baseset speaker. Switching device 26 may comprise relay means or electronic switch rneans.
The hook circuitry 27 is usually in series with the hook sign~l of the phone. This circuitry provides a 5 volt logic signal to th~ recorded unit indicating whether the handset is on or off hook, and also provides a facility for the recorder unit to answer an incoming call automatically.
This circui~ry is dependent on the type of phone being interfaced to, and thus takes many different forms.
The power control circuit (Aux-10) provides an open collector signal to the recorder unit indicating whether the phone is switched on or off. This is implemented by connecting an npn transistor 28 to the switched power supply of the phone.
Au~-7, Au~-14 and Aux-15 provides the earthering required for the answering system. Aux-7, audio ground provides a low current ground reference for all audio signals. Aux-14, power ground provides a high current earth for all logic circuits and relays etc. thus minimising noise in sensitive audio circuits. Auz-15, phone ground, is the earth reference for the audio and logic circuits from the mobile phone. To correctly reference audio sign~ls passing between the phone and recorder unit, audio isolation . ~
- transformers may be used.
Fig. 3 shows a schematic diagram of the I/F unit shown ` in Fig. 2. Like numerals in Fig. 3 designate corresponding parts of the I/F unit shown in Fig. 2.
Referring to Fi~. 4, the recorder unit ~RU) comprises : ~;
; ~ an intelligent microprocessor (TMP 47C96) controlled device. The RU varies from conventional answering machines in that all its audio signals and controls are via the I~F
unit and control unit connections, rather than via a 2-wire ~` connection to a telephone.
;`. The RU is operated via user inputs from the control unit (CU) which is plugged into the RU via a small stereo socket. One of these signals, the CU control line is input ,~ into the TC35301AP dual tone multi-frequency (DTMF) decoder '~`~ "` ' ~ RB
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9 ~32~660 circuit 40 which interprets the tone signals from the CU
DTMF generator 51 (refer Fig. 5). The DTMF decoder 40 signals to the microprocessor 41 and the appropriate responses are generated to perform the function as indicated by the user. The local/remote circuit 42 which is also connected to the CU control line, detects whether the DTMF
tone had been generated locally (CU connected to RU), or remotely via the line in audio.
The audio-in circuit 43 mixes the three audio input signals, line-in (Aux-l), control unit mic. and handset mic.
(AU~-3) as required by microprocessor 41 by means of electronic audio switches (e.g. CMOS 4066~. That signal is then applied to the 7137 auto gain control circuit (A~C) 44. The AGC signal is muted when the RU is recording a message. The output from AGC circuit 44 can be switched to the play/record head circuit 45 when a message is required to be recorded on the microcassette, i.e. memo, conversation or message record. The play/record circuit also acts as an output to either the monitor (Aux-4) or line-out (Aux-2) during playback of messages. The output of voice recorded (VRW) circuit 46, which incorporates an NEC 7756 chip is mi~ed to the AGC signal. The VRW chip has a pre-masked vocabulary which is controlled by microprocessor 41.
Microprocessor 41 will combine the necessary VRWs to form the correct phrases and then output the audio signal onto either the line-out (Au~-2) or the handset/baseset speaker monitor (Au~4) as required. ~t is possible to mute the moni~or line via amp mute circuit 47. The out-going message ,, ^~ - .
circuit (OGM) 48 is also mi~ed with the output of the AGC.
When required, (by pressing the OGM button or by receiving an incoming call) OGM circuit 48 will output the digitally stored message to both the monitor and line-out.
To facilitate auto cut out after a predetermined period during a message record, a VOX circuit 49 is incorporated. VOX circuit 49 will provide a logic signal to microprocessor 41 which indicates the presence of an input signal above a certain threshold level. If the VOX signal is not active for more than a predetermined period (e.g. 10 ' ': !' j~ R8 :.~ : - - i , , . - ~ , - lo- ~32~6~
- seconds) during a message recording microprocessor 41 will ~ terminate that recording.
i~ Referring to Fig. 5, the control unit (CU) is the principal means of operating the answering system, either in , j the local mode or in the remote mode. The CU incorporates a ; standard membrane style telephone keypad 50, a DTMF
generator 51, microphone 52, LED status indicator 53, mini speaker 54 and 3 volt battery 55 for use in the remote mode '~ (the CU is powered from the RU when in the local mode).
~ he microphone 52 is used for recording of OGM and dictation/memo messages. This signal is input into the RU
-~ AGC via circuit 44 of Fig. 5. This is the case only for ., local operation.
The keypad 50 is used to control the RU by means of T~F signals generated by the M761A DTMF generator 51. If the CU is being operated in the local mode the DTMF signals ~' will be sent to the AGC circuitry of the RU, but if operated in the remote mode they will be sent to the CU mini speaker 54 for transmission along the normal telephon~ system.
;~, The red LED s~atus indicator 53 is used to provide a ~-~ visual indication of the status of the answering machin0, ; ' e.g. recording mode, ready mode, answering mode, playback ~`~, mode, etc.
.....
, It will be appreciated that various alterations, . modifications and/or additions may be introduced into the contructions and arrangements of parts previously described ~^, without departing from the spirit or ambit of the invention.
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Claims (10)
1. A telephone answering apparatus when used with a mobile telephone system having a base set and a radio transceiver and input, output and control signals passing between said base set and said transceiver, said apparatus comprising:
answering means; and interface means interposed between said base set and said radio transceiver, said interface means including mode means for selecting a mode of operation for said interface means and means for interacting with said signals whereby aid mobile telephone system is operatively connected to said answering means;
said interacting means including switching means operating under command of said mode means for connecting at least some of said signals to said answering means, and buffer means for buffering at least some of said signals connected by said interacting means between said system and said answering means;
said answering means including recording means and playback means, and means responsive to control means provided with said apparatus or said system for controlling operation of said telephone answering apparatus including said mode means, said answering means further including means for playing back digitally recorded message phrases, said message phrases instructing a user on operational aspects of said telephone answering apparatus.
answering means; and interface means interposed between said base set and said radio transceiver, said interface means including mode means for selecting a mode of operation for said interface means and means for interacting with said signals whereby aid mobile telephone system is operatively connected to said answering means;
said interacting means including switching means operating under command of said mode means for connecting at least some of said signals to said answering means, and buffer means for buffering at least some of said signals connected by said interacting means between said system and said answering means;
said answering means including recording means and playback means, and means responsive to control means provided with said apparatus or said system for controlling operation of said telephone answering apparatus including said mode means, said answering means further including means for playing back digitally recorded message phrases, said message phrases instructing a user on operational aspects of said telephone answering apparatus.
2. A telephone answering apparatus for use with a mobile telephone system having a base set and a radio transceiver and input, output and control signals passing between said base set and said transceiver, said apparatus comprising:
answering means; and interface means for interposing between said base set and said radio transceiver, said interface means including mode means for selecting a mode of operation for said interface means and means for interacting with said signals whereby said mobile telephone system is operatively connectable to said answering means;
said interacting means including switching means operable under command of said mode means for connecting at least some of said signals to said answering means, and buffer means adapted to buffer at least some of said signals connectable by said interacting means between said system and said answering means;
said answering means including recording means and playback means, and means responsive to control means provided with said apparatus or said system for controlling operation of said telephone answering apparatus including said mode means, said answering means further including means for playing back digitally recorded message phrases, said message phrases being adapted for instructing a user on operational aspects of said telephone answering apparatus.
answering means; and interface means for interposing between said base set and said radio transceiver, said interface means including mode means for selecting a mode of operation for said interface means and means for interacting with said signals whereby said mobile telephone system is operatively connectable to said answering means;
said interacting means including switching means operable under command of said mode means for connecting at least some of said signals to said answering means, and buffer means adapted to buffer at least some of said signals connectable by said interacting means between said system and said answering means;
said answering means including recording means and playback means, and means responsive to control means provided with said apparatus or said system for controlling operation of said telephone answering apparatus including said mode means, said answering means further including means for playing back digitally recorded message phrases, said message phrases being adapted for instructing a user on operational aspects of said telephone answering apparatus.
3. A telephone answering apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said playback means includes cue and review means whereby during cueing, playback at a speed faster than recording is performed, the cue and review means being adapted to automatically stop the answering means at the start of each separate message and give an indication of the number of the message at which the answering apparatus has stopped.
4. A telephone answering apparatus as claimed in claim 1 and further including means for restricting user access to the answering apparatus, said restricting means including code means actuable by a user for entering a predefined user identification code as a prerequisite for user access to at least some answering apparatus operations, and wherein said user may change said code means to alter the identification code.
5. A telephone answering apparatus as claimed in claim 3 and further including means for restricting user access to the answering apparatus, said restricting means including code means actuable by a user for entering a predefined user identification code as a prerequisite for user access to at least some answering apparatus operations, and wherein said user may change said code means to alter the identification code.
6. A telephone answering apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein said playback means includes cue and review means whereby during cueing, playback at a speed faster than recording is performed, the cue and review means being adapted to automatically stop the answering means at the start of each separate message and give an indication of the number of the message at which the answering apparatus has stopped.
7. A telephone answering apparatus as claimed in claim 2 and further including means for restricting user access to the answering apparatus, said restricting means including code means actuable by a user for entering a predefined user identification code as a prerequisite for user access to at least some answering apparatus operations, and wherein said user may change said code means to alter the identification code.
8. A telephone answering apparatus as claimed in claim 6 and further including means for restricting user access to the answering apparatus, said restricting means including code means actuable by a user for entering a predefined user identification code as a prerequisite for user access to at least some answering apparatus operations, and wherein said user may change said code means to alter the identification code.
9. A telephone answering apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 wherein said control means is effected by entering predefined control codes via a telephone keypad associated with said base set.
10. A telephone answering apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 wherein said control means is effected by entering predefined control codes via a keypad associated with a remote control unit.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUPI878488 | 1988-06-16 | ||
| AUPI8784 | 1988-06-16 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1325660C true CA1325660C (en) | 1993-12-28 |
Family
ID=3773148
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000603094A Expired - Fee Related CA1325660C (en) | 1988-06-16 | 1989-06-16 | Telephone answering machine for use with mobile telephone |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1325660C (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1989012937A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPH0646124A (en) * | 1992-04-23 | 1994-02-18 | Nec Corp | Telephone set with automatic responding function |
| JPH07203012A (en) * | 1993-12-28 | 1995-08-04 | Hashimoto Corp | Attachment device for car telephone having automatic answering function |
| NL1002210C2 (en) * | 1996-01-30 | 1997-07-31 | Peter Joergen Eugene Weber | Interface unit for peripheral units used with telephone |
| EP0823808A3 (en) * | 1996-08-09 | 2002-09-18 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Telephone answering machine |
| DE19911797A1 (en) * | 1999-03-17 | 2000-09-28 | Bosch Gmbh Robert | Telecommunication device with means for automatically accepting incoming calls |
Family Cites Families (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2909618A (en) * | 1952-12-15 | 1959-10-20 | Electronic Secretary Ind Inc | Message recording and reproducing device for a mobile radio-telephone receiver |
| FR2303429A1 (en) * | 1975-03-04 | 1976-10-01 | Labo Cent Telecommunicat | Radiotelephone equipment using stationary main station - has secondary stations with recording and logic units to set periods of transmission |
| DE3008103A1 (en) * | 1980-03-03 | 1981-09-10 | Robert Bosch Gmbh, 7000 Stuttgart | VEHICLE RADIO |
| JPS58209257A (en) * | 1982-05-31 | 1983-12-06 | Hitachi Ltd | Remote control device |
| DE3428887A1 (en) * | 1984-08-04 | 1986-02-13 | Hans 6800 Mannheim Beuthling | Car telephone for use in conjunction with a telephone answering machine with call recording and remote interrogation |
| AU577709B2 (en) * | 1985-07-19 | 1988-09-29 | Celcom Cellular Pty. Ltd. | Interface for mobile telephone system |
| GB8521699D0 (en) * | 1985-08-31 | 1985-10-02 | Elcom Systems Ltd | Mobile telephone answering & recording apparatus |
| JPS6486739A (en) * | 1987-09-29 | 1989-03-31 | Toshiba Corp | Car telephone equipment |
-
1989
- 1989-06-16 WO PCT/AU1989/000258 patent/WO1989012937A1/en unknown
- 1989-06-16 CA CA000603094A patent/CA1325660C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO1989012937A1 (en) | 1989-12-28 |
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