JP2008048341A - Communication equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide communication equipment which improves convenience for a user by providing other communication equipment with information showing the date and time of receiving an incoming message along with the recorded incoming message. <P>SOLUTION: An MFP (Multi Function Product) synthesizes the voice of the date of reception and records the voice (S125) on receipt of a call from other telephone set. When transmission source information is contained, it is synthesized by voice and recorded (S130 and S135), the incoming message (S140) is recorded, and the voice data is stored in a storage part (S145). Moreover, the MFP prepares image data for displaying the date of reception and the transmission source information, and stores them in the storage part (S150). When data transmission is requested from DLNA (R) equipment having a displaying function, the MFP transmits the voice data and the image data and when data transmission is requested from the DLNA (R) equipment having no displaying function, the MFP transmits only the voice data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication device.

  Conventionally, a system has been proposed in which a server capable of providing content such as moving images, still images, and music and a client capable of reproducing such content are connected via a network (see, for example, Patent Document 1). ).

If this type of system is used, the content provided from the server side can be reproduced on the client side.
JP 2004-128597 A

  By the way, a telephone having a so-called answering machine function is configured to record an incoming message (ICM; InComing Message) transmitted from a calling side device when an incoming call is received when a user is absent.

  However, when an incoming message recorded by this type of telephone is to be reproduced on the client side using the technology described in Patent Document 1, even if only the recorded incoming message is reproduced, the message I don't know until the reception date.

  Therefore, if you want to know the date and time of receiving the message, you will eventually have to check the recording time of the incoming message, the incoming call history, etc. by operating the telephone, which is convenient for the user. There was a problem of not improving.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and its purpose is to provide information indicating the reception date and time of a recorded incoming message to other communication devices, thereby improving the convenience for the user. It is an object of the present invention to provide a communication apparatus that can improve the performance.

Hereinafter, the configuration employed in the present invention will be described.
The communication device of the present invention is configured to be able to communicate with a first communication device having a telephone function via a first network and to be able to communicate with a second communication device having a sound reproduction function via a second network. A communication device for obtaining a reception time when receiving an incoming message transmitted from the first communication device, and for notifying the reception time acquired by the time acquisition device by voice Voice conversion means for converting to time notification voice data; storage means for storing the time notification voice data converted by the voice conversion means; and incoming voice data related to the incoming message; and the storage Data transmitting means for transmitting the time notification voice data and the incoming voice data stored in the means to the second communication device.

  According to the communication device configured as described above, incoming voice data related to the incoming message transmitted from the first communication device and time notification for notifying the reception time when the incoming message is received by voice. The voice data for use is transmitted to the second communication device. Therefore, the second communication device can reproduce the incoming voice data and the time notification voice data, and can thereby notify the reception time when the incoming message is received by voice.

  By the way, in the communication device of the present invention, the image conversion means for converting the reception time acquired by the time acquisition means into image data for time notification for notification by an image, and the second communication device include the time notification. And a determination unit that determines whether or not the display unit can display an image based on the image data for use. In this case, the determination unit determines that the display unit is included. The data transmission means may further transmit the time notification image data.

  According to the communication device configured as described above, when the second communication device has the display unit, the time notification image data for notifying the reception time when the incoming message is received by the image is the second communication. Sent to the device. Therefore, the second communication device can display an image based on the image data for time notification, and can thereby notify the reception time when the incoming message is received by the image. Therefore, it is possible for the user to know the reception time when the incoming message is received visually and audibly, thereby further improving convenience.

  In the communication device of the present invention, on the condition that the determination unit determines that the display unit is not included, the data transmission unit further includes text data including a character string indicating the reception time. It is good to be comprised so that it may transmit to the said 2nd communication apparatus.

  According to the communication device configured as described above, when the second communication device does not have the display unit, the text data including the character string indicating the reception time when the incoming message is received is transmitted to the second communication device. Is sent. Therefore, the second communication device can display the character string included in the text data, and can thereby notify the reception time when the incoming message is received by the character string. Therefore, it is possible for the user to know the reception time when the incoming message is received visually and audibly, thereby further improving convenience.

  Further, in the communication device of the present invention, the voice conversion unit is configured to convert source information related to a source of the incoming message into source-notification voice data for notification by voice, and the data The transmission means may be configured to further transmit the transmission source notification voice data.

  According to the communication apparatus configured as described above, the transmission source notification voice data for transmitting the transmission source information related to the transmission source of the incoming message by voice is transmitted to the second communication apparatus. Therefore, the second communication device can also reproduce the transmission source notification voice data, and can thereby notify the transmission source information about the transmission source of the incoming message by voice. Therefore, the convenience can be further improved for the user.

  Alternatively, the communication device of the present invention can communicate with the first communication device having the telephone function via the first network, and with the second communication device having the sound reproduction function and the image display function via the second network. A communication device configured to be communicable, wherein a time acquisition unit that acquires a reception time when an incoming message transmitted from the first communication device is received, and the reception time acquired by the time acquisition unit, Image conversion means for converting to time notification image data for notification by an image, the time notification image data converted by the image conversion means, and incoming voice data relating to the incoming message are stored. Storage means and data transmission means for transmitting the time notification image data and the incoming voice data stored in the storage means to the second communication device Characterized in that it comprises a.

  According to the communication device configured as described above, incoming voice data related to the incoming message transmitted from the first communication device and time notification for notifying the reception time when the incoming message is received by an image. The image data is transmitted to the second communication device. Therefore, the second communication device can reproduce the incoming voice data and display an image based on the time notification image data, thereby notifying the reception time when the incoming message is received by the image. . Therefore, the reception time can be visually confirmed and the incoming voice data can be visually confirmed, so that convenience for the user can be improved.

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with some specific examples.
(1) First Embodiment First, a first embodiment will be described.

[Entire system configuration]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a network system including an MFP (Multi Function Product) corresponding to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The network system shown in FIG. 1 includes an MFP 1, a router 2, a television 3, an audio device 4, and the like, and these devices can communicate with each other via a LAN (Local Area Network) 5. The MFP 1 can be connected to the Internet line 6 via the LAN 5 and the router 2, and is further connected to a PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Networks) line 7.

  The MFP 1 is a multifunction machine having a scanner function, a printer function, a copy function, a facsimile function, a telephone function, a network communication function, and the like. The telephone function provided in the MFP 1 includes an IP telephone function using the Internet line 6 and an analog telephone function using the PSTN line 7. It should be noted that the IP telephone function and the analog telephone function may be provided with only one of them, and when only the IP telephone function is provided, the configuration may not be connected to the PSTN line 7.

  The router 2 is a device having a function of relaying data from one network connected through the router 2 to the other network. In this embodiment, the router 2 is connected between the LAN 5 side and the Internet line 6 side. Relaying data exchanged by.

The television 3 is a device having a video output function, an audio output function, a network communication function, and the like, and corresponds to an example of a second communication device in the present invention.
The audio device 4 is a device having an audio output function, a network communication function, and the like, and this audio device 4 also corresponds to an example of the second communication device referred to in the present invention.

  LAN5 is a wired network device group (router, hub, cable, etc.) compliant with IEEE802.3 standard (IEEE802.3 / IEEE802.3u, etc.), or IEEE802.11 standard (IEEE802.11a / IEEE802.11). 11b / IEEE802.11g), etc., and a wireless network device group (so-called wireless LAN compatible device). Either one of the wired network device group and the wireless network device group may be employed, or if there is a device that relays between the wireless network and the wired network, both may be employed in a mixed manner. .

  The Internet line 6 and the PSTN line 7 are connected to an IP telephone set 8 and an analog telephone set 9 as communication destination devices, respectively, so that the MFP 1 can communicate with the IP telephone set 8 and the analog telephone set 9. The IP telephone 8 and the analog telephone 9 are devices corresponding to an example of the first communication device referred to in the present invention.

  In addition, the Internet line 6 and the PSTN line 7 are connected to each other via a gateway, so that even when the MFP 1 uses the IP telephone function, the Internet line 6 and the PSTN line 7 are connected to the PSTN line 7 via the Internet line 6 and connected to the analog telephone 9. Communication is now possible. Even when the MFP 1 uses the analog telephone function, it can communicate with the IP telephone 8 by connecting to the Internet line 6 via the PSTN line 7. Therefore, even when the MFP 1 has only one of the IP telephone function and the analog telephone function, the MFP 1 can communicate with either the IP telephone 8 or the analog telephone 9.

  Although not shown in FIG. 1, each of the Internet line 6 and the PSTN line 7 is also connected to other lines such as a cellular phone network via a gateway. As a result, the MFP 1 can communicate with a telephone (for example, a mobile phone) connected to another line via the Internet line 6 or the PSTN line 7. In this case, a telephone (for example, a mobile phone) connected to another line is also a device corresponding to an example of the first communication device in the present invention.

  Among the devices described above, the MFP 1, the television 3, and the audio device 4 are all configured as DLNA (registered trademark) guideline compliant devices (hereinafter referred to as DLNA (registered trademark) devices). DLNA (registered trademark) devices include a device that functions as a server and a device that functions as a player. The player transmits video content such as videos and still images and audio content such as music from the server side to the player side. It can be played on the side.

  In order to realize such a function, each DLNA (registered trademark) device has a network communication function for performing communication via the LAN 5. More specifically, when exchanging information and transmitting information between a server and a player, TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) is used as a communication protocol, and HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) is used. It is designed to exchange control messages and transfer files.

  Information exchanged or transmitted between devices is described in XML (eXtensible Markup Language), and based on this information, for example, a still image and audio are synchronized and reproduced on the player side, or a text message and audio are transmitted. Controls such as synchronizing and playing on the player side can be implemented.

  Furthermore, each DLNA (registered trademark) device has a UPnP (registered trademark) (Universal Plug and Play) function. When a DLNA (registered trademark) device is connected to the LAN 5, the devices are automatically connected to each other. Configured to recognize.

Note that the communication protocol specifications and UPnP (registered trademark) specifications adopted in these DLNA (registered trademark) are well known, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.
In the present embodiment, the MFP 1 is configured as a device having both a server function and a player function compliant with DLNA (registered trademark) guidelines. Further, the television 3 and the audio device 4 are configured as devices having a player function conforming to the DLNA (registered trademark) guidelines. Therefore, the television 3 corresponding to the player can reproduce the video and audio distributed from the MFP 1 corresponding to the server. Further, the audio device 4 corresponding to the player can reproduce the sound distributed from the MFP 1 corresponding to the server.

  Unlike the television 3, the audio device 4 does not have a function of reproducing the video distributed from the MFP 1, but has a display function of displaying text data. This display function is used when a text message is delivered together with voice from the MFP 1, and the delivered text message can be displayed on the audio device 4.

[Internal configuration of MFP]
Next, the internal configuration of the MFP 1 will be described.
The MFP 1 includes a CPU 11, ROM 12, RAM 13, panel unit 14, reading unit 15, printing unit 16, LAN control unit 17, NCU 18, FAX MODEM / voice CODEC 19, handset 20, main body speaker 21, and storage unit 22. .

The CPU 11 is a device that executes control and various calculations for each part of the MFP 1 in accordance with a program stored in the ROM 12.
The ROM 12 is a read-only storage device that stores programs and data necessary for controlling the MFP 1.

The RAM 13 is a storage device that stores various types of data that are generated mainly by the calculation performed by the CPU 11.
The panel unit 14 includes an input device configured by keys and a touch panel operated by the user to give various commands to the MFP 1, and a display device such as a liquid crystal display provided for presenting various information to the user. And is composed of.

The reading unit 15 is a device that operates when reading an image using a scanner function, reading a transmission image using a facsimile function, and the like.
The printing unit 16 is an apparatus that operates when printing an image using a printer function, printing a received image using a facsimile function, printing a copy image using a copy function, and the like.

  The LAN control unit 17 performs data communication with other devices (the television 3 and the audio device 4) via the LAN 5, or a device existing on the Internet line 6 side via the LAN 5, the router 2, and the Internet line 6. And a device for performing data communication.

  The NCU 18 is a device for performing communication with other telephones via the PSTN line 7. Note that when the MFP 1 has only the IP telephone function and does not have the analog telephone function, the NCU 18 is unnecessary.

  The FAX MODEM / voice CODEC 19 is a device for performing transmission / reception of facsimile images and voice communication via the PSTN line 7. A voice CODEC provided in the MODEM / voice CODEC 19 (hereinafter referred to as a built-in voice CODEC) is provided corresponding to the telephone function provided in the MFP 1. Specifically, when the MFP 1 has an IP phone function, a μ-Law or A-Law voice CODEC or the like is employed as the built-in voice CODEC. When the MFP 1 has an analog telephone function, an ADPCM voice CODEC or the like is employed as the built-in voice CODEC.

  In this embodiment, since the MFP 1 processes the audio data in the MP3 (MPEG Audio Layer-3) format, the MFP 1 includes the MP3 CODEC of software in addition to the FAX MODEM / audio CODEC 19. However, this MP3CODEC may be configured as hardware as in the FAX MODEM / audio CODEC19.

  The handset 20 is a handset that is used by a user when holding a call using the telephone function of the MFP 1. The handset 20 includes a microphone used for sending a speech and a speaker used for receiving the call. It has been incorporated.

The main body speaker 21 is used when it is desired to listen to the received voice without using the handset 20.
The storage unit 22 is configured by a hard disk device or the like, and stores data of a relatively large size that cannot be stored by the RAM 13 alone, data that is not to be lost even when the power supply is cut off, and the like. When it comes to use. If the storage capacity of the RAM 13 is sufficiently large and the RAM itself is backed up by a battery, the RAM 13 may be stored in the RAM 13 without providing the storage unit 22.

[Outline of processing executed by MFP]
Next, an outline of processing executed by the MFP 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of processing executed by the MFP 1. This process is executed immediately after the MFP 1 is activated, and thereafter is repeatedly executed.

  When this process is started, the MFP 1 first determines whether there is an incoming call (S10). Here, if there is an incoming call from another telephone (corresponding to the first communication device in the present invention), it is determined that there is an incoming telephone call (S10: YES). In this case, the incoming telephone call process is executed. (S15). Details of the incoming call processing will be described later. When the incoming call process is completed, the process returns to S10, and the processes after S10 are repeated.

  If it is determined in S10 that there is no incoming call (S10: NO), the MFP 1 determines whether there is a file list transfer request (S30). Here, if a file list transfer request is transmitted from the TV 3 or the audio device 4 to the MFP 1 by performing a predetermined operation on the TV 3 or the audio device 4, it is determined that there is a file list transfer request. (S30: YES), in this case, a file list transfer process is executed (S35). Details of the file list transfer process will be described later. When the file list transfer process is completed, the process returns to S10, and the processes after S10 are repeated.

  If it is determined in the process of S30 that there is no file list transfer request (S30: NO), the MFP 1 determines whether there is a file transmission request (S40). Here, if a user performs a predetermined operation on the television 3 or the audio device 4 and a file transmission request is transmitted from the television 3 or the audio device 4 to the MFP 1, it is determined that there is a file transmission request. (S40: YES), in that case, a file transmission process is executed (S45). Details of this file transmission processing will be described later. When the file transmission process is completed, the process returns to S10, and the processes after S10 are repeated.

  Further, in the process of S40, if it is determined that there is no file transmission request (S40: NO), the MFP 1 executes other processes (S50). As other processing, processing corresponding to various functions provided in the MFP 1, for example, processing related to the scanner function or processing related to the printer function can be considered, but these processing are not directly related to the main part of the present invention. Therefore, further detailed description will be omitted. When the other processes are finished, the process returns to S10, and the processes after S10 are repeated again.

  Note that the processing described above is a flowchart in which determination processing such as S10, S30, and S40 is periodically repeated for the sake of illustration, but equivalent processing may be realized by other methods. . For example, when an event for which an affirmative determination is made in each process of S10, S30, and S40 occurs, each process of S15, S35, and S45 is executed as an interrupt process corresponding to the event. In addition, a process equivalent to the process shown in FIG. 2 can be realized.

[Incoming call processing]
Next, an incoming call process corresponding to the process of S15 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the incoming call process executed by the MFP 1.

  When the incoming call process is started, the MFP 1 first determines whether or not the user answers the telephone (S110). Specifically, the handset 20 provided in the MFP 1 is lifted by the user until a predetermined number of ringing sounds (or until a predetermined time elapses) after an incoming call from another telephone is set. If it is detected by a hook switch that is turned on / off depending on the presence or absence of 20 (or if it is detected that a switch operation has been performed to start a call without lifting the handset 20), in step S110, the user calls the phone. Judgment to go out is made. On the contrary, if a predetermined number of ringing sounds are heard after receiving an incoming call from another telephone without performing an operation for making such a determination (or when a predetermined time has elapsed), in the process of S110, It is determined that the user does not answer the phone.

  If it is determined in the process of S110 that the telephone is answered (S110: YES), the MFP 1 executes a process for making a normal call (S115). In the process of S115, a process for stopping a ringing tone, a process for connecting a line with another telephone, a process for disconnecting a line with another telephone when a call termination operation is detected, and the like are executed. Since this process is a well-known process that is also executed by a general telephone, further detailed description thereof is omitted. Then, when the process of S115 is finished, the telephone call process shown in FIG. 3 is finished.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S110 that the telephone is not answered (S110: NO), the MFP 1 reproduces a response message (S120). This response message is sent to another telephone set as a communication destination.

  When the process of S120 is completed, the MFP 1 records the reception date and time (S125). As for the reception date and time, the date and time are obtained from the clock built in the MFP 1, and the voice that reads the date and time is synthesized. The synthesized voice data is stored in the RAM 13, and the reception date and time is recorded.

  Subsequently, the MFP 1 determines whether there is a destination telephone number (S130). In the case of analog telephones, the other party's telephone number is subscribed to a calling number notification service provided by the telephone company (for example, “Number Display (registered trademark)” provided by East Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation or West Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation). If so, the other party's telephone number can be acquired. In the case of an IP phone, the destination telephone number can be acquired from a URI (Uniform Resource Identifier).

  In the process of S130, when there is a destination telephone number (S130: YES), the MFP 1 records the transmission source information (the destination telephone number or the name of the other party) (S135). Specifically, in the case of recording a destination telephone number as transmission source information, a voice that reads out the destination telephone number notified from the transmission source is synthesized. If the name of the other party is to be recorded as the sender information, it is registered in the address book by searching the address book stored in the MFP 1 using the destination phone number notified from the sender as a key. The name is detected and a voice is read out. Then, the synthesized voice data is stored in the RAM 13, whereby the transmission source information is recorded.

  When the process of S135 is completed in this way, the process proceeds to S140. If there is no destination telephone number in the process of S130 (S130: NO), the process of S135 is skipped and the process proceeds to S140.

  In the process of S140, an incoming message transmitted from another telephone as a communication destination is recorded (S140). Then, the reception date and time recorded in the process of S125, the transmission source information recorded in the process of S135, and the incoming message recorded in the process of S140 are stored in the storage unit 22 as one message (S145). ).

  In the case of an analog telephone, the message stored in the storage unit 22 by the process of S145 stores voice data encoded by the ADPCM method in the MFC1. In the case of an IP phone, since voice data encoded by the μ-Law method or A-Law method is transmitted from another telephone as a communication destination, the voice data is stored as it is.

  When the process of S145 is completed, the MFP 1 creates display image data for the reception date and time and transmission source information, stores it in the storage unit 22 (S150), and ends the incoming call process shown in FIG. The image data created in the process of S150 is displayed on the screen of the television 3, so that the user can see the reception date and time and the transmission source information (the destination telephone number or the name of the other party) on the screen of the television 3. Still image data that can be used.

  Note that the message stored in the storage unit 22 by the process of S145 and the image data stored in the storage unit 22 by the process of S150 are the files in the “recorded message data folder” provided in the storage unit 22 of the MFP 1. Saved as

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the storage unit 22 of the MFP 1 is provided with a folder group such as “Audio folder”, “Image folder”, “Video folder”, and the like in the “Audio folder”. , “MUSIC data folder”, “recorded message data folder”, and the like.

  Then, in this “recording message data folder”, the message stored in the storage unit 22 by the process of S145 with the file name of the form “character string“ TEL ”+ serial number.extension” and the process of S150 above. Image data to be saved is stored.

  In the case of the file illustrated in FIG. 4, the extensions are “ADPCM” and “JPEG”, which are audio data encoded by the ADPCM system from this extension and still image data encoded by the JPEG system. Can be identified. In addition, it is possible to identify which audio data and still image data are a set in the portion of “character string“ TEL ”+ serial number” in the file name.

  The “MUSIC data folder”, “Image folder”, and “Video folder” store music files in MP3 format, still image files in JPEG format, moving image files in MPEG format, and the like. These files are prepared for transmission to the player (the television 3 or the audio device 4) when the MFP 1 functions as a server.

[File list transfer process]
Next, the file list transfer process corresponding to the process of S35 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing file list transfer processing executed by MFP 1.
When the file list transfer process is started, the MFP 1 transmits a recording message list to the DLNA (registered trademark) device (S210).

  That is, in the process of S210, the file name list in the “recorded message data folder” shown in FIG. 4 is transferred to the DLNA (registered trademark) device. The DLNA (registered trademark) device (in this embodiment, the television 3 or the audio device 4) that has received this file list recognizes the file in the “recorded message data folder” as the content that is the target of the transmission request. Become.

When the process of S210 as described above is completed, the file list transfer process is terminated.
[File transmission processing]
Next, the file transmission process corresponding to the process of S45 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing file transmission processing executed by the MFP 1.
When the file transmission process is started, the MFP 1 first determines whether or not the DLNA (registered trademark) device requested to transmit has a display function (S310). Whether or not there is a display function can be determined based on information transmitted from the television 3 or the audio device 4 that is the request source. In the case of the present embodiment, if the DLNA (registered trademark) device for which a transmission request has been made is the television 3, it is determined that there is a display function. In addition, if the DLNA (registered trademark) device requested to transmit is the audio device 4, it is determined that there is no display function.

  In the process of S310, when it is determined that there is a display function (S310: YES), the MFP 1 transmits image data for displaying the reception date / time and transmission source information (S315). In the example shown in FIG. 4, the file having the file name “character string“ TEL ”+ serial number.JPEG” in the “recording message data folder” is transmitted in the process of S315. Further, the portion of “character string“ TEL ”+ serial number” in the file name is designated by the DLNA (registered trademark) device. If it is determined that there is no display function in the process of S310 (S310: NO), the process of S315 is skipped.

  After executing or skipping the process of S315 in this way, the MFP 1 transmits audio data including the reception date / time and the transmission source information (S320). In the example shown in FIG. 4, the file having the file name “character string“ TEL ”+ serial number. ADPCM” in the “recorded message data folder” is transmitted in the process of S320. Further, the portion of “character string“ TEL ”+ serial number” in the file name is designated by the DLNA (registered trademark) device, and is the same character string in the processing of S315 and S320.

  When the process of S320 is thus completed, the file transmission process is terminated. In the process described above, for the convenience of illustration, the audio data is transmitted after the display image data is transmitted. However, the transmission order is not particularly limited.

  Also, on the DLNA (registered trademark) device side that receives each data in some order, each data can be displayed and reproduced at a timing that does not depend on the order in which each data is received. For example, on the DLNA (registered trademark) device side, control can be performed so that both are simultaneously displayed and reproduced regardless of the reception order of the display image data and the audio data. In addition, the display and playback timing of each data can be controlled from the MFP 1 side. For example, in addition to display image data and audio data, a control message described in XML is transmitted from the MFP 1 side to the DLNA (registered trademark) device side, so that the display and playback can be performed at the timing as intended on the MFP 1 side. It is possible to control a DLNA (registered trademark) device so that

  Note that, by the file transmission process described above, the television 3 that has received the reception date / transmission source information display image data displays an image based on the received image data. In this image, the recording date and time and who the other party is calling are indicated by text, file name, icon, etc. If the user sees the text, file name, icon, etc., the user will see the recording date and time. It is an image that can be easily associated with the other party.

  As a more specific example, an image including “date” and “the other party's telephone number” is displayed on the screen of the television 3 in the form of “There is a telephone message, Aug. 8, 2006, 05212341234”. Alternatively, an image including “date” and “the name of the partner detected from the address book based on the phone number of the other party” is displayed in the form of “There is a telephone message, August 8, 2006 Mr. Ito”.

[Effect of the first embodiment]
As described above, according to the MFP 1, the incoming voice data related to the incoming message transmitted from the IP telephone 8 or the analog telephone 9 and the incoming message are processed by the processes of S125, S140, and S145. Time-notification voice data for notifying the received reception time by voice is stored, and the voice data is transmitted to the television 3 or the audio device 4 in response to a request from the television 3 or the audio device 4 by the process of S320. can do.

  Therefore, the television 3 and the audio device 4 can reproduce the time notification sound data, and thereby can notify the reception time when the incoming message is received by sound. Therefore, the user can know the reception time when the incoming message is received without performing troublesome operations on the MFP 1 side to confirm the recording time of the incoming message, the incoming call history, and the like. improves.

  Further, the MFP 1 converts the reception time into image data for time notification for notification by an image by the process of S150, and the television 3 or the audio device 4 displays an image based on the image data for time notification by the process of S310. It is determined whether or not a display unit capable of displaying is displayed. Then, on the condition that it is determined that the display unit is included (that is, on the condition that it is the television 3 in the case of the present embodiment), the time notification image data is transmitted by the process of S315.

  Therefore, the television 3 can display an image based on the image data for time notification, and can thereby notify the reception time when the incoming message is received by the image. Therefore, the user can know the reception time when the incoming message is received visually.

  Further, the MFP 1 converts the transmission source information related to the transmission source of the incoming message into the transmission source notification voice data for notification by voice through the processing of S130 and S135, and the transmission source notification voice data through the processing of S320. Audio data is being transmitted.

Therefore, the television 3 and the audio device 4 can reproduce the transmission source notification voice data, and can thereby notify the transmission source information about the transmission source of the incoming message by voice.
(2) Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described. Although the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the content of processing executed in the MFP 1, the hardware configuration and the network configuration are the same as in the first embodiment. Differences from the first embodiment will be described in detail, and descriptions of configurations that are not different from the first embodiment will be omitted.

[Data stored in the storage unit]
In the second embodiment described below, the MFP 1 includes a DLNA (registered trademark) device (for example, a television 3) that can display an image, and a DLNA (registered trademark) device (for example, an audio device 4) that cannot display an image. Are configured to deliver audio data having different file names and contents. In the first embodiment described above, the same audio data is distributed regardless of whether the television 3 or the audio device 4 is used. In this respect, the first embodiment and the second embodiment are different. To do.

  A more specific example will be described. Also in the second embodiment, the storage unit 22 of the MFP 1 is provided with the same folder group as in the first embodiment as shown in FIG. However, unlike the first embodiment, in the “recording message data folder”, the first voice having the file name “character string“ TEL ”+ serial number. ADPCM” is stored as voice data having the extension “ADPCM”. Two types of files, a second audio file having a file name of “character string“ TEL ”+ serial number + date“ DATE ”+ time“ TIME ”+ phone number“ NUMBER ”.ADPCM”, are stored. ing. Among the character strings constituting the file name, the date “DATE” and the time “TIME” are numeric strings indicating the reception date and time, and the telephone number “NUMBER” is a numeric string indicating the destination telephone number.

  In addition to these two types of audio data, image data similar to the first embodiment (still image data encoded by the JPEG method) is also saved, so there are three files corresponding to one incoming message. A file will be created. These three files can identify which audio data and still image data are a set in the portion of “character string“ TEL ”+ serial number” in the file name.

  Among the data as described above, the first audio file is prepared for a DLNA (registered trademark) device (for example, the television 3) capable of displaying an image, and is recorded by the process of S140. Only messages are stored.

  On the other hand, the second audio file is prepared for a DLNA (registered trademark) device (for example, the audio device 4) that cannot display an image, and the reception date and time recorded by the process of S125 and the process of S135. The recorded transmission source information and all of the incoming messages recorded by the process of S140 are stored.

  That is, when the voice data is stored in the storage unit 22 by the process of S145, the reception date and time, the transmission source information, and the incoming message are not simply saved in a single voice file, but the incoming voice data is stored. While storing only the message in the first audio file, the reception date and time, the transmission source information, and the incoming message are all stored in the second audio file, and two types of audio files are stored in the storage unit 22.

[File transmission processing]
Next, the file transmission process will be described with reference to FIG. The file transmission process described below is a process corresponding to the process of S45 described in the first embodiment.

  When the file transmission process is started, the MFP 1 first determines whether or not the DLNA (registered trademark) device requested to transmit has a display function (S410). The process of S410 is the same process as the process of S310 in the first embodiment.

  In the process of S410, when it is determined that there is a display function (S410: YES), the MFP 1 transmits image data for displaying the reception date / time and transmission source information (S415). The process of S415 is the same process as the process of S315 in the first embodiment.

  Subsequently, the MFP 1 transmits the first audio file described above (S420). As described above, the first audio file transmitted in the process of S420 is “character string“ TEL ”+ serial number. ADPCM” in the “recorded message data folder” in the example shown in FIG. The file has a file name. Further, in this first audio file, only incoming messages are stored as audio data. The “character string“ TEL ”+ serial number” part in the file name is designated by the DLNA (registered trademark) device.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S410 that there is no display function (S410: NO), the MFP 1 transmits the second audio file described above (S425). As described above, the second audio file transmitted in the process of S425 is “character string“ TEL ”+ serial number + date” “DATE” in the “recorded message data folder” in the example shown in FIG. The file has a file name of “+ time“ TIME ”+ phone number“ NUMBER ”.ADPCM”. Alternatively, for the part of the telephone number “NUMBER”, by searching the address book stored in the MFP 1 using the telephone number as a key, the name corresponding to the telephone number is detected, thereby “character string“ TEL ”. The file name may be + serial number + date “DATE” + time “TIME” + name “NAME” .ADPCM ”.

  The second audio file stores all of the reception date and time, the transmission source information, and the incoming message as audio data. Further, the portion of “character string“ TEL ”+ serial number” in the file name is designated by the DLNA (registered trademark) device.

  In the process of S420 or S425, when the first audio file or the second audio file is transmitted to the television 3 or the audio device 4, the file name of each file is also converted into text data together with the audio data stored in each file. It is transmitted to the television 3 or the audio device 4. As described above, the file name of the second audio file includes a numeric string indicating the reception date and time and the destination telephone number (= sender information), and the file name of the second audio file is sent to the audio device 4. By transmitting, the text data including the character string indicating the reception date / time and the transmission source information is transmitted to the audio device 4.

When the process of S420 or S425 is completed as described above, the file transmission process is terminated.
Note that, on the side of the television 3 that has received the reception date / time / source information display image data by the file transmission process described above, an image based on the received image data is displayed as in the case of the first embodiment.

  On the other hand, the audio device 4 that has received the second audio file through the file transmission process described above reproduces the reception date / time and the transmission source information by voice and displays the file name on the display unit that can display the text. The information corresponding to the reception date / time and the transmission source information is displayed.

  As a more specific example, a file name including “date” and “the other party's telephone number” is displayed on the display unit of the audio device 4 in the form of “TEL-20060808-05212341234.ADPCM”. Alternatively, in the form of “TEL-20060808-ITOU.ADPCM”, a file name including “date” and “name of the partner detected from the address book based on the phone number of the partner” is displayed.

[Effects of Second Embodiment]
As described above, according to the MFP 1, when the transmission destination is the television 3, the reception date / time / source information display image data is transmitted by the process of S 415, and the incoming message is processed by the process of S 420. Audio data including only can be transmitted.

  Therefore, the television 3 can reproduce the incoming message and display an image based on the time notification image data. Further, unlike the first embodiment, when the reception date and time and the transmission source information are displayed as images, the reception date and time and the transmission source information are not reproduced by voice, so the voice can be heard in a shorter time than the first embodiment. Can be completed.

  Further, according to the MFP 1, when the transmission destination is the audio device 4, the voice data including all of the reception date / time, the transmission source information, and the incoming message can be transmitted by the process of S 425.

Therefore, the audio device 4 can confirm the reception date and time and the transmission source information by voice even if the image cannot be displayed. Unlike the first embodiment, since the reception date and time and the transmission source information are transmitted to the audio device 4 as a character string constituting a part of the file name, the audio device 4 uses only by displaying the file name. The reception date / time and the transmission source information can be notified to the user.
(3) Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, the contents of the processing executed in the MFP 1 are different from those in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, but the hardware configuration and the network configuration are the same as those in the first embodiment. In the description, differences from the first embodiment and the second embodiment will be described in detail, and descriptions of configurations that are not different from the first embodiment and the second embodiment are omitted.

[Incoming call processing]
The telephone incoming call process described below is a process corresponding to the process of S15 described in the first embodiment, and is a process adopted instead of the telephone incoming call process shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an incoming call process executed by the MFP 1 in the third embodiment.
Of the processes described below, the processes of S510 to S540 are the same as those of S110 to S140, and will be described briefly.

  That is, when the incoming call process is started, the MFP 1 first determines whether or not the user answers the telephone (S510). If it is determined in the process of S510 that the call is answered (S510: YES), the MFP 1 executes a process for making a normal call (S515), and ends the incoming call process shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S510 that the call is not answered (S510: NO), the MFP 1 reproduces a response message (S520). Then, the reception date and time is recorded (S525), it is determined whether or not there is a destination telephone number (S530). If there is a destination telephone number (S530: YES), the sender information is recorded (S535). , The process proceeds to S540. If there is no destination telephone number in the process of S530 (S530: NO), the process of S535 is skipped and the process proceeds to S540.

  In the process of S540, an incoming message transmitted from another telephone as a communication destination is recorded (S540). The reception date and time recorded in the process of S525, the transmission source information recorded in the process of S535, and the incoming message recorded in the process of S540 are stored in the storage unit 22 as one message (S545). ).

  When the process of S545 is completed in this way, the MFP 1 subsequently receives the reception date and time recorded in the process of S525, the transmission source information recorded in the process of S535, and the voice data of the incoming message recorded in the process of S540. The audio part is used, and the display date data of the reception date and transmission source information is used as a video part. The audio part and the video part are combined into moving picture (MPEG) data and stored in the storage part (S550).

  The audio part of the moving image (MPEG) data created by the process of S550 is equivalent to the one message stored in the storage unit 22 by the process of S145 in the first embodiment. In addition, the video portion of the moving image (MPEG) data created by the processing of S550 is the moving image data having the same content as the display image data (still image) stored in the storage unit 22 by the processing of S150 in the first embodiment. (That is, moving image data in which a still image is displayed for a predetermined time). Then, these audio part and video part are multiplexed into one moving picture data, and this moving picture data is stored in the storage unit 22 as a file.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, the storage unit 22 of the MFP 1 is provided with a folder group such as “Audio folder”, “Image folder”, “Video folder”, and the like in the “Video folder”. "Recording message Video data folder", "TV phone data folder", etc. are provided.

  The file created by the processing of S550 is a character string “TEL” + serial number. The file name has the extension “MPEG” and is stored in the “recorded message Video data folder”.

  When the MFP 1 has a TV phone function and the incoming message transmitted from another telephone is a message by a TV phone (that is, when an image and sound are transmitted), The incoming message is recorded, and the recorded videophone data and the video data combined with the display date data of the reception date / time and transmission source information are stored in the “TVphone data folder” of the storage unit 22. Also good.

[File transmission processing]
Next, the file transmission process will be described with reference to FIG. The file transmission process described below is a process corresponding to the process of S45 described in the first embodiment.

  When the file transmission process is started, the MFP 1 first determines whether or not the DLNA (registered trademark) device requested to transmit has a display function (S610). The process of S610 is the same as the process of S310 in the first embodiment and the process of S410 in the second embodiment.

  If it is determined in step S610 that there is a display function (S610: YES), the MFP 1 transmits the reception date and time, transmission source information, and MPEG data of the incoming message (S620). That is, the MPEG data created by the process of S550 is transmitted to a DLNA (registered trademark) device having a display function (in the present embodiment, the television 3).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S610 that there is no display function (S610: NO), the MFP 1 transmits the reception date and time, the transmission source information, and the voice data of the incoming message (S625). The audio data transmitted by the process of S625 is created by the process of S545, and is the same as in the case of the first embodiment.

When the process of S620 or S625 is completed as described above, the file transmission process is terminated.
By the file transmission process described above, the television 3 that has received the MPEG data displays and reproduces a moving image (video and audio) based on the received MPEG data.

On the other hand, by the file transmission process described above, the audio device 4 that receives the audio file reproduces the reception date / time and the transmission source information by audio.
[Effect of the third embodiment]
As described above, according to the MFP 1, when the transmission destination is the television 3, the MPEG data can be transmitted by the process of S615.

Therefore, the television 3 can reproduce the incoming message by voice while displaying the reception date and time and the transmission source information as video.
(4) Modifications The embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiment described above, and can be implemented in various other forms.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the MFP 1 is illustrated as the communication apparatus of the present invention. However, it is optional whether or not a scanner function, a printer function, a copy function, a facsimile function, and the like are provided.
In the above embodiment, the MFP 1, the television 3, and the audio device 4 perform transmission / reception of data serving as contents by a communication method compliant with the DLNA (registered trademark) guidelines, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, as long as data transmission / reception similar to that in the above embodiment can be realized, whether or not the communication method itself is a communication method compliant with the DLNA (registered trademark) guidelines is arbitrary.

  In the above embodiment, in the “call incoming call processing”, it has been described that the response message reproduction, reception date recording, transmission source information recording, and incoming message recording are performed in this order. Not limited to. For example, the reception date and time and sender information may be recorded in parallel with the response message playback, or the reception date and time and sender information may be recorded after the incoming message is recorded. Can be changed.

  Although not mentioned in the above embodiment, the recording of the reception date and time, the recording of the sender information, and the recording of the incoming message are performed in this order, and a single file in which all of these are recorded is generated. May be. Alternatively, it may be performed in an appropriate order to generate a plurality of temporary files each recorded, and then combine the plurality of temporary files to complete one file.

  Although not mentioned in the above embodiment, the recorded message may be stored in the MFP 1 as audio data in the ADPCM format as in the above embodiment, or audio data having a data format other than the ADPCM format (for example, MP3 format audio data) may be stored. In addition, when saved as ADPCM format audio data, the ADPCM format audio data may be transmitted as it is to the DLNA (registered trademark) device, or audio data having a data format other than the ADPCM format (for example, MP3 format audio data) Data) and then transmitted to a DLNA (registered trademark) device. In any case, it is necessary to provide a decoder corresponding to the data format of the audio data finally received by the DLNA (registered trademark) device on the DLNA (registered trademark) device side. Incidentally, in the DLNA (registered trademark) guidelines, the data format of the audio data that the device should support as a standard is defined. Therefore, if the voice data is transmitted from the MFP 1 side to the DLNA (registered trademark) device side in a data format in accordance with this rule, a decoder dedicated to recording messages that a standard DLNA (registered trademark) device does not have May not be separately added to the DLNA (registered trademark) device side.

  In addition, each of the above embodiments has been described assuming a different MFP 1, but a configuration that switches to any of the above embodiments by switching the setting of a single MFP may be employed. .

  In the above embodiment, the phone number and the name of the other party are displayed as the transmission source information in the still image data or video data to be displayed on the television side. If various information to be registered is registered in the address book of the MFP 1, still image data or moving image data that can display such various information may be used. For example, if illustrations, photos, and background image color settings corresponding to individual phone numbers are registered in the address book of the MFP 1, still image data or moving image data for displaying illustrations or photos can be set. Still image data or moving image data on which a background image of a different color is displayed can be obtained.

In the second embodiment, the first audio file in which only the incoming message is stored;
Although the example which preserve | saves in the memory | storage part 22 the 2nd audio | voice file in which all the reception date and time, transmission origin information, and the incoming message were stored was shown, the method of implement | achieving an equivalent function can also be considered. For example, a file A in which only the reception date and time are stored, a file B in which only transmission source information is stored, and a file C in which only incoming messages are stored are stored in the storage unit 22 and have an image display function. In this case, only the file C may be transmitted as sound, while all the files A, B, and C may be transmitted as sound when there is no image display function.

1 is a block diagram showing a network system provided with an MFP. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of processing executed by the MFP according to the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing an incoming call process executed by the MFP according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a data structure in a storage unit included in the MFP according to the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing file list transfer processing executed by the MFP of the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating file transmission processing executed by the MFP according to the first embodiment. Explanatory drawing which shows the data structure in the memory | storage part with which MFP of 2nd Embodiment is provided. 9 is a flowchart illustrating file transmission processing executed by the MFP according to the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating incoming call processing executed by the MFP according to the third embodiment. Explanatory drawing which shows the data structure in the memory | storage part with which MFP of 3rd Embodiment is provided. 10 is a flowchart illustrating file transmission processing executed by the MFP according to the third embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... MFP, 2 ... Router, 3 ... Television, 4 ... Audio equipment, 5 ... LAN, 6 ... Internet line, 7 ... PSTN line, 8 ... IP Telephone, 9 ... Analog telephone, 11 ... CPU, 12 ... ROM, 13 ... RAM, 14 ... Panel section, 15 ... Reading section, 16 ... Printing section, 17. ..LAN control unit, 18 ... NCU, 19 ... MODEM / voice CODEC, 20 ... handset, 21 ... main body speaker, 22 ... storage unit.

Claims (5)

A communication device configured to be able to communicate with a first communication device having a telephone function via a first network, and a second communication device having a sound reproduction function to be able to communicate via a second network,
Time acquisition means for acquiring a reception time of receiving an incoming message transmitted from the first communication device;
Voice conversion means for converting the reception time acquired by the time acquisition means into voice data for time notification for notification by voice;
Storage means for storing the time notification voice data converted by the voice conversion means, and the incoming voice data related to the incoming message;
A communication apparatus comprising: data transmission means for transmitting the time notification voice data and the incoming voice data stored in the storage means to the second communication apparatus. Image conversion means for converting the reception time acquired by the time acquisition means into time notification image data for notification by an image;
Determining means for determining whether or not the second communication device has a display unit capable of displaying an image based on the image data for time notification;
The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the data transmission unit further transmits the time notification image data on condition that the determination unit determines that the display unit is included. On the condition that the determination unit determines that the display unit is not provided, the data transmission unit further transmits text data including a character string indicating the reception time to the second communication device. It is comprised as follows. The communication apparatus of Claim 2 characterized by the above-mentioned. The voice conversion means is configured to convert source information related to a source of the incoming message into voice data for source notification for notification by voice,
The communication apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the data transmission unit is further configured to transmit the transmission source notification voice data. A communication device configured to be able to communicate with a first communication device having a telephone function via a first network, and to be capable of communicating with a second communication device having a sound reproduction function and an image display function via a second network. There,
Time acquisition means for acquiring a reception time of receiving an incoming message transmitted from the first communication device;
Image conversion means for converting the reception time acquired by the time acquisition means into time notification image data for notification by an image;
Storage means for storing the time notification image data converted by the image conversion means and the incoming voice data relating to the incoming message;
A communication apparatus comprising: data transmission means for transmitting the time notification image data and the incoming voice data stored in the storage means to the second communication apparatus.

Images