EP1038383A2

EP1038383A2 - Personal post office box system using telephone line

Info

Publication number: EP1038383A2
Application number: EP99928217A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Hyung Sik Park
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1998-06-30
Filing date: 1999-06-30
Publication date: 2000-09-27
Also published as: CN1273734A; ID24189A; CA2302519A1; WO2000001107A2; AU4532299A; BR9906565A; KR20000004095A; JP2002519938A; WO2000001107A3

Abstract

A personal post office box system using a telephone line is disclosed. The system according to the present invention includes a post office box connected with a telephone line jack for receiving a certain telephone call, switch-controlling a load in accordance with a signal inputted via the telephone line jack, storing a certain telephone number from a caller, recording a certain voice message by the caller and informing a message arrival to a subscriber, and a switching unit for switching an input power supplied to a plurality of loads in accordance with a control of the post office box, for thereby remotely controlling an ON/OFF operation of a switch with respect to a certain load via a telephone line, automatically answering a call from a certain caller, automatically informing a recorded message to a subscriber and performing a voice post office box service which is generally provided by a telephone service provider.

Description

PERSONAL POST OFFICE BOX SYSTEM USING TELEPHONE LINE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a personal post office box system using a telephone line, and in particular to a personal post office box system using a telephone line which is capable of providing various value-added services by controlling a communication load using one set via a telephone connection at home or working place, automatically informing any information such as a voice message from a caller, recording and preserving the messages from the caller and automatically answering a call from a certain caller.

BACKGROUND ART

Recently, the use of a HA(Home Automation) system which provides a user with a convenience is increased by combining various instruments. As the HA system, there are known an accident and bugler prevention system which is capable of preventing any accident using a temperature sensor, gas leakage sensor, bugler detection system, etc. and a tele-control system which is capable of remotely controlling the ON/OFF operations of various home appliances such as a rice cooker. Therefore, with an increasing need for the above-described functions, an expansion of the above-described functions is needed. For example, Korea Patent Application No. 1997-3469 filed on Febuary 5, 1997 by the same inventor as the present invention discloses a switching system. In this switching system, a switch is installed for remotely controlling an ON/OFF operation of indoor and outdoor light and various appliances. If a user is in a remote area, the user can remotely control the ON/OFF operations of various systems using a telephone line.

In the case that there is nobody in a house, a caller may record a message into a telephone set. When a receiver comes back home, the receiver checks the message. In this case, the caller can't have a direct communication with the receiver.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a personal post office box system using a telephone line which is capable of remotely controlling an ON/OFF operation of a switch with respect to a certain load via a telephone line, automatically answering a call from a certain caller, automatically informing a recorded message to a subscriber and performing a voice post office box service which is generally provided by a telephone service provider.

To achieve the above objects, there is provided a personal post office box system using a telephone line which includes a post office box connected with a telephone line jack for receiving a certain telephone call, switch- controlling a load in accordance with a signal inputted via the telephone line jack, storing a certain telephone number from a caller, recording a certain voice message by the caller and informing a message arrival to a subscriber, and a switching unit for switching an input power supplied to a plurality of loads in accordance with a control of the post office box.

Additional advantages, objects and features of the invention will become more apparent from the description which follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention, and wherein:

Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a personal post office box system using a telephone line according to the present invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view illustrating a post office box of the system of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed post office box of the system of Figure 1 ; and

Figure 4 is a view illustrating a part of the construction of a post office box of Figure 3.

MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Figure 1 illustrates a personal post office box system using a telephone line according to the present invention which includes telephone sets 100 and 500 and a pager 600 which are installed at an indoor and outdoor places, a switch 400 installed at a telephone service provider for connecting the telephone sets 100 and 500 and the pager 600, a switching unit 200 for switching the ON/OFF operations with respect to a certain load, and a post office box 300 connected between the switch 400 and the switching unit 200 for controlling a switching operation with respect to the load connected with the switching unit 200 using a telephone line and performing various value-added functions. Figures 2 through 4 illustrate the detailed construction of the post office box 300.

Figure 2 illustrates the post office box 300 of the system of Figure 1. The post office box 300 connected with a telephone line jack is capable of answering a call from a certain caller and informing a message recorded by a caller of a receiver. In order to implement the above-described functions, there are provided a plurality of numeral buttons 0-9 line a key-pad of a telephone set and a plurality of setting buttons A~D for receiving a message from a caller or setting the number of another telephone set or a pager. In addition, there are provided a display unit 322 formed of a LED(Light Emitting Device) for indicating a certain number of numbers by a keyboard 321 , and a timer display unit 326 for indicating the current time. The post office box 300 is connected with the switching unit 200.

As shown in Figure 3, in the post office box 300, the keyboard 321 , the display unit 322 and the timer display unit 326 are connected with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 320. There are provided a memory 323 for storing a number set via the keyboard 321 and a call number of the call, and a human body detection unit 327 for detecting a motion of a human body. Here, the CPU 320 includes a time ot shown) for counting the current time. In the embodiment of the present invention, the memory 323 uses an EEPROM. In addition, a telephone call unit 324 is connected between the CPU 320 and a line connection unit 382 for informing a message input based on a number set by a subscriber. Figure 4 illustrates a detailed circuit construction with respect to each block. In the embodiment of the present invention, a voice message output unit 310 may be formed of one chip. In addition, a sub voice recording unit 317 may be provided for recording a voice of a caller. The construction block of Figure 3 according to the present invention, which has the same reference number as the embodiment of Figure 3 performs the same function as the block corresponding to the embodiment of Figure 3. Therefore, the description of the same will be omitted.

In the case when a call is not received by a receiver when the receiver is out, a subscriber sets a certain number or a pager number for being connected to another phone unit using the keyboard 321. Namely, when the subscriber pushes a button "1 " and "#", the CPU 320 controls the voice message output unit 310 for thereby outputting a guide message such as "Press "#" after inputting a first connection number" via the speaker 325. The subscriber inputs a certain number corresponding to a pager, a cellular phone, a general telephone set, etc. by selectively pressing the numeral buttons 0 through 9 on the keyboard 321. For example, if a subscriber wishes to input "539-3980", the numeral buttons "5, 3, 9, 3, 9, 8 and 0" on the keyboard 321 are sequentially pushed, and then the button"#" is pushed. At this time, the CPU 320 controls the voice message output unit 310 and provides a guide message via the speaker so that a subscriber can recognize the telephone number inputted. The maximum 4 recording numbers may be inputted in the above-described manner. The number of the recording numbers may be extended. The CPU 320 stores the number inputted via the keyboard 321 into the memory 323. The subscriber sets a number among the numbers inputted. Namely, when the subscriber wishes to be connected to the first inputted telephone number, the subscriber pushes one of the setting buttons A through D on the keyboard 321 , the system is set to ON, and upon pressing the same button once more, the system is set to OFF for thereby releasing the set information. Here, the maximum four sets are available. The sets may be extended. At this time, the CPU 320 drives the display unit 322 and indicates the set state on the LED. When the subscriber wishes to check the recorded number, the subscriber pushes one button corresponding to the buttons 1 through 4 and then pushes the button "*". The CPU 320 which receives a button input of the keyboard 321 controls the voice message output unit 310 and provides a guide message via the speaker 325 for confirming the inputted number corresponding to the pushed buttons. When the subscriber pushes the set number at a certain time interval (about 5 seconds), it is possible to test whether the set number is connected.

In the thusly set state, the CPU 320 checks whether there is a ring tone via the connected telephone line. If there is call ring tone, the CPU 320 judges whether the call ring is lasted for a certain time. If the call ring is lasted for a certain time, the CPU 320 judges that a receives does not receive the call or the receiver is out, so that the automatic answering mode is set. The CPU 320 operates the voice message output unit 310 and outputs the guide message data to the voice signal processing unit 380. Next, the CPU 320 becomes a ready state for judging whether a DTMF(Dual Tone Multi Frequency) is received from the caller's telephone set. The voice signal processing unit 380 processes the signal into a certain format so that a guide message data from the CPU 320 is transmitted via the telephone line, and the processed signal is transmitted to the caller's telephone set 500 via the connected telephone line and the switch 400. Therefore, the caller can hear a message "This is a post office box, and if you wish a switching control, press "1 ", and if you wish to input a recorded number, press "2", and if you wish a vice recording, press "3".

Upon hearing the above-described guide message, when the caller pushes one among the numeral buttons "1 ", "2" and "3", the dual tone multiple frequency(DTMF) signal is transmitted to the tone signal processing unit 386 of the post office box 300 via the switch 400. The tone signal processing unit 386 detects a number corresponding to the signal and transfers to the CPU 320.

The dual tone multiple frequency signal is judged to be a signal which is generated by pressing the button "1 " for a system connection. The CPU 320 connects with the switching set via the switching set connection unit 360 for thereby implementing a switching control. Since the switching control via the telephone connection is well described in the specification, the detailed description of the same is omitted. If the dual tone multiple frequency signal is judged to be a signal generated by pressing the button "2" for recording a number, the CPU 320 operates the voice message output unit 310 and transmits a voice message so that the caller inputs a recording number. Therefore, the caller can hear a message "Input a recording number, and then press "*". At this time, the caller pushes a numeral button of the telephone set corresponding to the recorded number upon hearing the above-described guide message and then pushes the button "*". The CPU 320 checks the tone signal processing unit 386 to check whether there is a button input from the caller and operates the voice message output unit 310 so as to confirm whether the caller correctly inputs the number to be connected. The voice message from the voice message output unit 310 is transferred to the opponent via the voice signal processing unit 380. The caller hears a message "Recorded number is 5393980. If correct, press "1 ", and if incorrect, press "2". At this time, the caller pushes "1 " if the number is correctly inputted, and the caller pushes "2", if the number is incorrectly inputted. When the caller pushes the button "1 ", the CPU 320 stores the recorded number into the memory 323 together with the called time and operates the voice message output unit 310, so that the subscriber hears a message "The number is inputted. Thank you". Thereafter, the CPU 320 waits until the caller disconnects the call for about 10 seconds, and then the call is automatically disconnected. If the subscriber pushes the button "2", the CPU 320 operates the voice message output unit 310 so that the subscriber correctly inputs the number to be connected, for thereby informing the subscriber of the guide message.

If the dual tone multiple frequency signal is judged to be a signal generated by pressing the button "3", the CPU 320 controls the voice message output unit 310 and the voice signal processing unit 380 for recording the voice signal transmitted from the transmission subscriber side together with the dual tone multiple frequency signal into the voice message output unit. The voice message output unit 310 transmits a certain beep sound to the caller's telephone set so that the caller starts recording the message. The caller transmits a voice message for maximum 20 seconds after the beep sound from the telephone set. The voice signal processing unit 380 processes the transmitted voice signal in a recordable signal and records into the voice message output unit 310. At this time, the CPU 320 stores a call time into the memory 323. The memory 323 stores a pass word, a recorded number, etc therein, and the voice message output unit 310 stores a voice signal. The CPU 320 checks the tone signal processing unit 386. When the caller pushes the button "#" during the recording operation, the CPU 320 recognizes that the recording operation is finished and controls the voice message output unit 310 for thereby providing a guide message, via the telephone set of the caller, that "Recorded. Thank you". In addition, the CPU 320 checks whether the caller disconnected the call. If the call is not disconnected in a certain time(about 10 seconds), and the called is automatically disconnected in a certain time(about 1 minute).

When the call is disconnected, the CPU 320 reads the number set in the memory 323 and generates a dial signal corresponding to the number via the telephone call unit 324. The generated dial signal is outputted to the switch 400 via the line connection unit 382. The message for informing the arrival of a message is outputted to the subscriber based on the connection with a telephone set of the number corresponding to the dial signal generated by the switch 400, and the pager. When the subscriber is connected via the line connection unit 382, the CPU 320 controls the voice message output unit 310 and provides a guide message for informing the subscriber of the post office box. If the subscriber holds the pager, namely, the pager number is set, the recorded number to be connection and the call time stored in the memory 323 are displayed on the screen of the pager. In the case of other cellular phones or a common telephone, the voice message is provided to the subscriber via the telephone connection. Therefore, The subscriber can hear a message "This is the post office box. XX messages are received. Press "1 " for the last message and press "2" for the entire messages". Upon hearing the above- described message, when the subscriber pushes the button "1" or "2", the CPU 320 checks the tone signal processing unit 386 and judges which button is pushed by the subscriber. The CPU 320 confirms the contents of the message of the caller. In the case of recording a certain number, the CPU 320 reads the numbers corresponding to the recorded number from the memory 323 and converts the numbers into a voice via the voice message output unit 310 and transmits to the line connection unit 382. In the case of the recorded message, the CPU 320 applies the address to the voice message output unit 310 and transmits the voice, which is recorded at a portion corresponding to the address, to the line connection unit 382. If the subscriber does not push the button, and a certain time(about 3 seconds) is elapsed, the CPU 320 automatically outputs the last message. In addition, after the last message is outputted, a guide message that "Press "1 " for hearing the message once more" is outputted to the subscriber.

In the case of checking the message based on the direct call by the subscriber, if the call ring is continued for a certain time, and the auto answering mode is set, the CPU 320 outputs a guide message. At this time, the subscriber pushes the button "4" irrespective of the guide message. The CPU 320 operates the voice message output unit 310 in order to confirm the subscriber when the signal corresponding to the button 4 is inputted and outputs a guide message for inputting a password. Upon hearing a guide message that "After inputting the password, press "*", the subscriber pushes the password. In addition, the password is initially set when fabricating the system, and the set password may be changed by the subscriber. The CPU 320 judges whether the inputted password is an authorized password and, as a result of the judgement, outputs a certain control signal to the voice message output unit 310 for outputting a corresponding guide message. The voice signal outputted from the voice message output unit 310 is transferred to the subscriber side via the voice signal processing unit 380. If the password is wrong, a guide message for requesting the subscriber to input a correct password is outputted about three times. After the password is tried three times, if the password is wrong, the call is disconnected. When the subscriber inputs a correct password, the CPU 320 controls the voice message output unit 310 for thereby outputting a guide message that "Press "1 " for the last message, and press "2" for the entire messages." A guide message that "Press "1 " for the message once more" is outputted in one second after the guide message is outputted. The CPU 320 outputs the recorded message or the entire message in accordance with the input button of the subscriber. For example, if the total number of the recorded messages is 3, a guide message that "Three messages are inputted. First is

5393980, and second is " is outputted to the subscriber. When the subscriber comes back home, and wishes to delete the recorded message, if the button "8" is pushed for three seconds(more than three seconds), the CPU 320 controls the voice message output unit 310 and outputs a guide message that "To delete the recorded number, press "1 ", and to delete the voice message, press "2". When the subscriber pushes the button "1 " or button "2" on the keyboard in accordance with the guide message, the CPU 320 deletes the recorded numbers stored in the memory 323 with respect to the number "1 " and controls the voice message output unit 310 to output a guide message that "The messages are deleted". If the button 2 is selected, the CPU 320 controls the voice message output unit 310 and deletes the voice portions and outputs a guide message, via the speaker, that "The recorded message is deleted". When the subscriber comes back home and wishes to check the message, the subscriber pushes the button "#" for three seconds(more than three seconds). The CPU 320 controls the voice message output unit 310 and outputs a guide message that "Press "1 " for the recorded number, and press "2" for the voice message". When the subscriber pushes the button "1 " or "2" on the keyboard 321 in accordance with the guide message, the CPU 320 reads the messages stored in the memory 323 with respect the pushed button "1 " and converts the recorded number signal into a voice message via the voice message output unit 310 and outputs through the speaker 325. The CPU 320 outputs the recorded voice to the speaker 325 by controlling the voice message output unit 310.

In addition, When the human body detection unit 327 operates in accordance with a control of the CPU 320, the human body detection unit 327 detects a motion of the human body of a visitor or a bugler when the subscriber is out and informs the detected information to the CPU 320. Here, the human body detection unit 327 represents a device such as a known infrared ray sensor, camera, etc. At this time, the CPU 320 may inform the subscriber on the truth that a person visited at a certain time by connecting with the pager or telephone number set in the memory via the telephone call unit 324.

As described above, in the personal post office box system using a telephone line according to the present invention, it is possible to remotely control a certain load at home or a working place and to automatically receive a telephone call for thereby checking a recorded telephone number or message by a caller. Namely, in the present invention, the post office box which is conventionally provided by the telephone service company or the subscriber base station is easily implemented. Therefore, it is possible to provide various value added services without an additional apparatus and further service charges for thereby increasing a communication application and convenience. Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as recited in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. In a system for providing various value added services via a telephone line at home or working place in which a telephone set is installed, a personal post office box system using a telephone line, comprising: a post office box connected with a telephone line jack for receiving a certain telephone call, switch-controlling a load in accordance with a signal inputted via the telephone line jack, storing a certain telephone number from a caller, recording a certain voice message by the caller and informing a message arrival to a subscriber; and a switching unit for switching an input power supplied to a plurality of loads in accordance with a control of the post office box.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein said post office box includes: a keyboard for setting a telephone set or a pager number to be called; a display unit for displaying a set state based on the keyboard; a CPU (Central Processing Unit) for controlling an operation of the system in accordance with a signal inputted; a memory for storing a certain telephone number set by the keyboard and a certain telephone number by a caller in accordance with a control of the CPU; a voice message output unit for storing various voice guide messages, outputting a voice signal corresponding to a corresponding voice guide message in accordance with a control of the CPU and storing and outputting a voice of a caller; a voice signal processing unit for processing a voice signal from the voice message output unit, transmitting the processed voice signal via the telephone line jack and detecting a tone signal received from the telephone line jack; a dial signal detection unit for detecting a dial signal received via the telephone line jack; and a telephone call unit for connecting a telephone set or a pager corresponding to the number set in the memory in accordance with a control of the CPU.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein said CPU includes: a timer for counting the current time; and a timer display unit for displaying the current time.

4. The system of claim 2, wherein said CPU judges a detection signal from the voice signal processing unit, outputs a control signal for turning ON/OFF a certain load in the case of a system connection as a result of the judgement, controls the voice message output unit to output a guide message in the case of inputting a certain telephone number, stores a certain telephone number recorded by a caller, controls the voice message output unit to output a guide message in the case of the voice recording as a result of the judgement, and records a voice signal of a caller into the voice message output unit.

5. The system of claim 3, wherein said CPU stores a call time at which a caller makes a telephone call when a caller stores a certain telephone number into the memory and records a voice signal by a caller into the voice message output unit.

6. The system of claim 4, wherein said CPU receives and records a call message, connects with a subscriber using a set number stored in the memory via the telephone call unit in order to inform to the subscriber, controls the voice message output unit to output a guide message, and transmits the recorded message in accordance with a selection by the subscriber.

7. The system of claim 4, wherein said CPU judges whether a certain password is authorized when a detection signal from the voice signal processing unit is a recorded message confirmation signal of a subscriber and transmits the recorded last message in accordance with a selection of the subscriber in the case of the authorized password.

8. The system of claim 4, wherein said CPU controls the voice message output unit to output a guide message in accordance with a message deletion or confirmation when a message selection or confirmation is selected by the keyboard, deletes a certain telephone number stored in the memory or a voice recorded in the voice message output unit based on a numeral key pad of the keyboard in accordance with a selection of the subscriber for the subscriber to here the message.

9. The system of claim 6, further comprising a human body detection unit installed at a certain portion of a house for detecting a certain motion of a visitor or other persons like a bugler, wherein said CPU connects a set number stored in the memory via the telephone call unit for thereby automatically informing the detected state to a subscriber when the human body detection unit detects the motion.